Winterizing (tarp or no)

[Pabailor]

I was told not to put a tarp on my hybrid for winter storage.... Is this true?

[Triguy]

To answer your question quickly - OK to use a cover but do not use a tarp!!

You'll find lots of good information in various threads about covers. The topic seems to start right about this time of year for the good reason that people are winding down their season.

Here are my thoughts. Covers are one of the big debates on each of the trailer forums that I frequent. Ask 10 people if they cover and half say yes and half say no.

In full disclosure, I would store in a barn if I had easy access to one, but I don't so I use an ADCO cover.

Those who use a cover typically say that it needs to be a good fitted cover that will breathe. The two keys are "fitted" and "breathe". Fitted covers will reduce or eliminate the problem with wind blowing the cover and causing the finish to rub off in areas. Breatheability is important to let the moisture out.

The nice thing about these covers is that you have a clean trailer when Spring comes around.

ADCO is a popular but expensive brand of cover. CalMark is a very good and very pricey brand.

Whatever you do, do not use a plastic tarp! A plastic tarp does not breathe effectively and may cause mildew and mold. Many people have reported rubbing issues on their trailer; especially if you are in a windy area.

Now, for those who don't believe in the covers.

Those who have used a cover and don't any more say that the cover was a PITA to install and take off and sometimes ripped or broke off pieces of their trailer like the rain spouts. We use tennis balls on our downspouts. Easy on and off and no tears.

They will say that a trailer is meant to be outside and they typically point to the trailers sitting all winter on the dealer's lot as proof. Take that for what it is. Dealer's store outside because the alternative is expensive. They would store indoors if possible.

More importantly, these campers say that cold, snow and rain should not cause problems if, and this is important, we do a good job cleaning and maintaining the roof. Every time you clean the roof you need to inspect the sealants around all of the openings and the seams on the roof. You need to thoroughly inspect the roof sealants for potential leaks and reseal any areas of the seams and around openings where you suspect a leak. It also helps to tilt your trailer so that water can drain off as much as possible and not pool any more than necessary.

So, there's no right answer. Actually, the right answer would be to store in a covered area, but not everyone can do that so you can choose to cover or not. Just take the proper precautions with either method and you'll be fine.

[Pabailor]

Thank you.

[MotocrossCamper]

I have the means to store mine inside but I still choose to leave it outside with a good cover. The main reason, mice don't like big road rock and farm cats! Outside means no mice problems, inside means mice for me. The cover works excellent keeping snow and Ice from sitting on the roof all winter.

[capucine]

Dont use a tarp. You will be sorry to go this way at the end of the winter. The results are. Gloss gone on the finish of the trailer and decals replacement because of the flapping in the wind from the tarp. Idont use nothing on the outside. In the inside cover all the windows with dark paper to prevent the sun damages on the curtains and sofa etc. You can add a AC cover on the roof and tires covers also.

We covered one winter and no leaks the next winter we didn't since it was so new and we had major leaks. I would definitely cover it but use the tarp or cover like a tent so that all areas around the bunk doors are covered.

[Pabailor]

Any clue where to find a cover that is made for a hybrid? I have a 19' shamrock with a/c.

[Triguy]

A cover in the appropriate size for a regular travel trailer will work with a hybrid. ADCO has a good website showing how to properly measure your trailer and a phone number to call them with questions.

[miatared]

I have an ADCO. It's a bit too long - they do not make one that small - it does protect very well.

Put tennis balls on your gutter extensions to prevent holes in your cover.

Will be covering ours for 3rd winter soon.

[Herk7769]

For those of us with rubber roofs that roll down over the sides and are fastened to the side walls with a strip of metal, I believe movement all winter of the cover on the edges will cause more damage to the roof than snow.

Just my opinion, though. I have an AC cover and cover the wheels only.
I also have the luxury of having it in the driveway and open it up every few weeks to air it out and inspect for trouble.

[kingranch]

I tarped my pup last winter tight as I could be it to keep from flapping. Still rubbed on shell took off glaze of fiberglass.

[cmcct]

I use a tarp, I always have. However, I do not wrap my trailer with a tarp. I am forunate enough to be able to use a variety of bungee cords to hold it up and off of the trailer so it can breathe. It stays under the tarp whenever it is not out on the road. When you have as many Fir, Pine, Hemlock trees in your yard as I do, you need to protect your investment from sap and tree dirt. Funny enough, when it gets windy, the tarp lifts off of the trailer slightly so it doesn't actually rub on anything.

[Herk7769]

As you can see there are many ways to do things on the forum.
Your job is to decide which one will work for you.

[caper]

If you have the room I would look at a portable garage. You will not have any rubbing of the tarp plus is you get one large enough you might have room for all your other camping "gear".