Is a simple tarp cover ok ?

[Codematic]

Greetings,

New England area, looking to try and protect our camper roof and equipment. I use it quite a bit during the winter, usually just for a quiet working space, and occasional driveway camping with the kids.

Is it beneficial to to cover the top with a tarp to get some protection for the roof ? Or does it cause more problems ?

Thanks !

[dsherman26]

I covered up my popup while it was in my driveway, mainly because I have a lot of oak trees around that would stain the roof with honey dew. The tarp helped, but it still got condensation under the tarp so it still got some mildew stains. I was probably more concerned about the air conditioner gasket, it leaked once so I was a little paranoid the replacement gasket might leak after a few years.

[Codematic]

Originally Posted by dsherman26

I covered up my popup while it was in my driveway, mainly because I have a lot of oak trees around that would stain the roof with honey dew. The tarp helped, but it still got condensation under the tarp so it still got some mildew stains. I was probably more concerned about the air conditioner gasket, it leaked once so I was a little paranoid the replacement gasket might leak after a few years.

The mildew and other rust issues is my concern.
Not sure how a full cover does better ?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Codematic

The mildew and other rust issues is my concern.
Not sure how a full cover does better ?

I made the mistake of using a tarp on my RV. Mold and mildew were the result.
I got a breathable RV cover and never had any mold or mildew.
The only way to use a tarp, is to suspend it over the roof so there's no contact.

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[Ken-m]

Originally Posted by bikendan

I made the mistake of using a tarp on my RV. Mold and mildew were the result.
I got a breathable RV cover and never had any mold or mildew.
The only way to use a tarp, is to suspend it over the roof so there's no contact.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Forest River Forums mobile app

X2 Dan is correct

[Codematic]

Ok, that’s what I was afraid of.

Thanks everyone.

[PhilFromMaine]

Originally Posted by Codematic

Ok, that’s what I was afraid of.

Thanks everyone.

I agree with everyone else. In actuality, you are damned if you do damned if you don't. The two big issues are mold and UV light. Both are nasty to your roof, but given a choice, I will take the UV light any day.

A breathable cover is best, but they are expensive and, in my experience, only last about 2 years here in New England before ripping apart. The last few years we have been leaving our RVs uncovered. However, I do carefully remove snow from the roof after a storm.

[GravelRider]

I debated back and forth on whether to cover ours or not when we got into RVing. After reading through a bunch of threads here and elsewhere, I decided that the extra cost and extra work of a cover were not worth the potential benefits. So far so good... But we've only been doing it 3 years. Of course, YMMV.

[5picker]

If you want to cover it, buy a quality, breathable cover but never use tarps.

I have friends that cover and those that don't.
Those that cover complain about the cost of the cover and the effort to put it on/off.
Those that don't cover never indicated they had an issue because they didn't cover.

You need to check your roof and seams/sealant at least twice a year regardless.

[TitanMike]

My previous trailer went 22 years without a cover here in the Pacific NW.

Regular inspections, washing, and attention to seams or damage as necessary was all it got.

I won't cover my new one as I use it year round. I'd wear out a cover just unfolding to install and folding back up before going on another trip.

[Reverse_snowbird]

If you could elevate the tarp over the roof using trees or poles to create a 'canopy', that would help protect the roof from debris.
If not, don't cover it. Just use a cleaner/protectant made for rv roofs occasionally.