Does anyone use a cover on their pop up?

[Mike91]

Years ago I used a cover on my pop up but it was a bit longer than it should had been. Anyhow it rubbed the paint off the side of my roof in a small place even when properly tightened down with all the straps.

Glad I found it where fixing it was easy but never used one since and have heard of the same happening on other owners pop ups and travel trailers.

I was thinking about getting an Adco cover mainly to keep the water off of the camper because if it leaks from the roof, it may be a while before I find it. My previous 2019 pop up camper had 2 major leaks in the roof (at different times) that I didn't find until the next time opening it up which may have be over a month.

Of course there was plenty of water damage.

I obviously don't want that happening on this new camper, where I don't find a leak for a long time because it's been closed. I rather find the leak when it's open where I can see when it starts before water damage happens on the bottom end of the camper.

A cover would obviously keep the water off of it while closed but I'm concerned the cover will cause it's own damage to the camper by it rubbing paint off from the winds blowing the cover back and forth even when properly tightened down like my previous camper and others I've talked with.

Obviously this time I would get the exact and precise size for the camper and strap it down as it should be.

I just was wanting to see how other's experience went when using a pop up camper cover.

Thanks!

[007matman]

I did for a long time.

I had the Tyvek Adco and never had an issue with wear on the camper. I used some extra ratchet straps over the top behind and in front of the AC unit.

I also cinched up the bottom well so it was pretty secure on there and didn't move a lot.

I lived in SoDak at the time.

[dtptrson]

The Adco cover fits my hw296 like a glove, I;ve never had an issue with it.

[Mike91]

Thanks guys, you are helping me to change my mind and get one. I'm gun shy after my previous issue and a coworker had the same paint rub issue. Glad to see some positives.

[Amartin453]

I keep my pop up covered in Florida with a Classic Accessories cover. Only con so far was the first one deteriorated in a year and a half. I was able to get it replaced under the warranty. Second one is holding up! No paint has rubbed off but I also secure the tie-downs well, good investment!

[rsdata]

buy come cheap pool noodles or pipe insulation, split it and tape it with Gorilla tape over the camper roof edges before covering. Cover the AC with a sturdy cardboard box or something of that nature. Use a rope to go around the bottom edges of the camper to keep it from moving in the wind.

Use a cheap tarp to cover initially then cover that tarp with another larger tougher tarp. I use the white tarps from Tractor Supply as they are heavier then most and a little tougher and still a good price. I can get 3 years. I use one on a modified tarp garage using longer than stock legs. See picture... Of course I live in the country.

Properly prepared I do not know how a tarp can move other than ripping in the middle of the winter.

[Bluepill]

I just used large swim noodles as stand-offs around the perimeter and center of the roof, then covered with a cheap HF tarp secured with a combo of tie-down straps and bungee cords to keep tension. Worked great.

[tonys]

Had pop ups for years, only bought one new, the rest were used. Never covered any of them. The only one that leaked was the new one. Washed them when needed, waxed them if in the mood. Always parked them (when stored) with the roof angled.

[Harvey9]

I have a Classic Assessories cover on my A Frame and used it the past three winters. I covered the four corners with a cloth material and taped it in place, put the cover on top of that. Also added two extra straps. This cover is still in good shape after three years and cost less than $200. I live in Nova Scotia so the winters can be rough. Good luck.

Harvey

[Mike91]

Thanks again everyone for the help!

[TomInOntario]

Originally Posted by Harvey9

I have a Classic Assessories cover on my A Frame and used it the past three winters. I covered the four corners with a cloth material and taped it in place, put the cover on top of that. Also added two extra straps. This cover is still in good shape after three years and cost less than $200. I live in Nova Scotia so the winters can be rough. Good luck.

Harvey

can you please link me to which cover you use? I am preparing to store my new Rockwood Premier tent trailer for Canadian winter so your experience of three years with the same cover is heartening!


Thanks,
Tom

[Harvey9]

Originally Posted by TomInOntario

can you please link me to which cover you use? I am preparing to store my new Rockwood Premier tent trailer for Canadian winter so your experience of three years with the same cover is heartening!


Thanks,
Tom

Tom

The cover is a Classic Accesssories, I bought it through my local Forest River dealer, so I don't have a link. You may find them cheaper on line.

Harvey

[jimmoore13]

I cover mine. It's an Elements brand cover...probably from Camping World.

The sun is brutal in Colorado, and the cover primarily shields it from sun damage. I cover the tire on the South side, too.
It takes about 10 minutes to install the cover. I have solar on the roof and an AC unit, so, between the vent holes on the sides of the cover and the lift off the roof, there is good air circulation.

It is VERY windy at times here, and the Elements cover has held up extremely well. I don't do anything to protect the cover from roof corners and so on. It's still in nearly new condition after about 3 years of use. I bought it after I saw how badly the sun attacked my bag awning (and had to replace the bag).

[Eric Hoffmeyer]

Originally Posted by dtptrson

The Adco cover fits my hw296 like a glove, I;ve never had an issue with it.

We just bought a new HW 296. Which model of the ADCO cover fits it correctly?

Eric

[007matman]

Originally Posted by Eric Hoffmeyer

We just bought a new HW 296. Which model of the ADCO cover fits it correctly?

Eric

Measure how long the box is from front to back. You don't typically measure including the hitch or bumper.

[dtptrson]

Originally Posted by Eric Hoffmeyer

We just bought a new HW 296. Which model of the ADCO cover fits it correctly?

Eric

It's the biggest one they make for a pop up 16ft to 18ft, their website is easy to navigate

[Eric Hoffmeyer]

Thank you!!

[Amartin453]

Originally Posted by Amartin453

I keep my pop up covered in Florida with a Classic Accessories cover. Only con so far was the first one deteriorated in a year and a half. I was able to get it replaced under the warranty. Second one is holding up! No paint has rubbed off but I also secure the tie-downs well, good investment!

UPDATE: The replacement cover deteriorated in leas than a year over (specifically over the AC unit) which dis not happen on the last cover. The material is turning to dust. I think the Florida sun is too much for the material to handle. I’ve sent another request for a replacement. I’ll be looking and for a cover that is more durable!

[FR27]

No. I store mine in my heated garage. I used to use covers when I owned TT and it was a pain to cover the camper and protect areas from rubbing due to the wind moving the cover back and forth against the camper. Food for thought when you decide.

[Mike91]

Originally Posted by FR27

No. I store mine in my heated garage. I used to use covers when I owned TT and it was a pain to cover the camper and protect areas from rubbing due to the wind moving the cover back and forth against the camper. Food for thought when you decide.

Thats why I stopped covering. When the wind blew, it wore the paint off the roof of my starcraft camper but I just used some paint to fix it.

I haven't used a cover since on any of my TTs or pop ups because of that issue. I don't want a tarp car port so I may just go without one as I did for years before.

Thanks!