Covering RV In Winter

[Mike & Molly]

We live in the Great White North. (Western NY)
Unfortunately , no access to a garage big enough to hold the RV.
The RV has to stay out in the winter. (storage site)
I've heard Pro's & Cons about installing a cover over
the RV. (full cover)
Anyone have any good or bad to report on full RV covers?

[garbonz]

Yes use a cover and tie so it don't flap AT ALL. The UV is the big problem. Make sure you get a well vented cover.

[KQ2N]

I don't think UV is a problem from October to May here in the cloudy lee of the Great Lakes areas of NY State. Wind blown rain, snow and sleet is our bane. I don't cover mine, but I make sure it is always waxed to act as a protectorant. I too am debating the merits of a cover.

[Mike & Molly]

I've been researching different types & prices.
The range is $200 - $450.
I know that sounds like a lot of cash.
But considering what we paid for the unit,
I think it will be money well spent.
A little protection from the elements can't hurt......

[lindy]

I'm in WNY too and have kept all my campers outside right beside the garage. The only thing I do before putting them away is a good coat of NuFinish wax. I tried covering 1 camper I had one winter and the next spring had a green roof.

[ATVer]

Although it may not seem so covering the unit as much as possible in the summer is more important than all winter. Summer sun and heat causes more damage than cold cloudy weather like you have in NY. Suggest a good breathable cover.

However if you have the room a pole building can usually be built for less than $10K which keeps the unit like new and it stays clean after washing until the next trip. Depending on the cost of your RV another $10K may only be an extra 10%. Every time I walk into my building on a stormy or hot sunny day and see my cool, dry, and clean RV I am so glad I sprung for the cost of the building.

[BigJohnD]

X2 what ATVer said. I won't own an RV without a fully enclosed shed / barn. Not everybody has that option though. In that case, I'd move where I could put a barn. RV takes priority in our household, more than the house. On a serious note, I'd cover it for sure if the barn isn't an option. Cheap insurance to spend $400. As long as it is pulled very tight. Heard too many stories of the covers moving around ever so slightly in the wind, and over time chaffing the finish.

[Geri]

From our boating past, sand bags hung strategically around the cover keep it tight. We tried tying and found that they always seemed to loosen over the winter. Concur that RV/boats/anything else left outside fare much better when covered or inside.