Pro's and Con's of covering TT during storage

[TTnewbie]

Hi. New to the site. I'm picking up my new TT tomorrow and putting it in storage until the spring. I am curious to get some feedback on covers for TT during storage. It will be stored outside at a local RV dealer. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[oxcamper]

I would invest in a good cover, not a tarp.
Just my opinion. You've invested a lot of $$ in your camper, why not protect it best as possible.

this is a topic which will get a lot of comments on both sides.

[bergy]

The primary "con" that I'm aware of is trapping moisture in the trailer and all the resulting problems from that. However, all the decent covers breathe and allow moisture to escape. That's why you don't want to use a tarp, as it would trap moisture.

That said, I cover mine just to protect it from the elements, mainly UV light that tends to affect any plastics that are exposed. I live on the front range of Colorado. Moisture isn't a problem here.

[TTnewbie]

Now that you point out your location I think I will get a cover. Im in the North East and moisture is not a problem during the winter, which is when I would cover the TT.

[NJKris]

Pros: Keeping excess moisture from rain/snow, and most importantly the destructive UV rays from fading and aging it, baking the caulking and seals, rotting the rubber tires.


Cons: Getting up on roof to put it on, going through the trouble of taking it off when ready to use (have to make sure it's dry when you do). Access is not a problem if you get a cover with side zippers. Making sure it is washed clean before covering so wind on cover does not create an abrasive situation. Finally, if you rely on a solar roof panel to keep battery topped off, it will not put out enough when covered, so you will need to disconnect fully charged batteries, or remove batteries and keep them on a charger at home, assuming storage area does not let you plug in.

[TTnewbie]

Good point on the work involved in putting on a cover. I never thought about that. I'm used to putting on a cover on a car, not a TT.

[Brewhedd]

Originally Posted by TTnewbie

Good point on the work involved in putting on a cover. I never thought about that. I'm used to putting on a cover on a car, not a TT.

It does take some time to put it on, taking off is much quicker. Two people make it easier. I always used one, being in central FL I really had no choice. If you do decide to get one buy one that is made from Sunbrella material, it will last for years and dries quickly.

[glen1971]

How do they last in windy areas? Yesterday, for example, we had 60 mph wind gusts and around Christmas we were in the 80 mph range.

[hack522]

This is mine right now. Certainly not ready for camping, but protected none the less.

[Tapex]

I too cover, and I've had our cover going on 4yrs with no issues with damage to my ADCO brand. There's several other brand of covers on the market though, pick wisely. The most important advice I myself can say is, I'm happy with my decision to cover!

[NJKris]

Originally Posted by Brewhedd

It does take some time to put it on, taking off is much quicker. Two people make it easier. I always used one, being in central FL I really had no choice. If you do decide to get one buy one that is made from Sunbrella material, it will last for years and dries quickly.

I called the company that makes the Sunbrella one, for my little camper they wanted over a thousand dollars!!!! I got a premium cover from Classic Accessories for 314 bucks 3 years ago. 4 year warranty. It is coming up on 3 years of harsh NJ winters and still looks like new.

[Brewhedd]

Originally Posted by NJKris

I called the company that makes the Sunbrella one, for my little camper they wanted over a thousand dollars!!!! I got a premium cover from Classic Accessories for 314 bucks 3 years ago. 4 year warranty. It is coming up on 3 years of harsh NJ winters and still looks like new.

It just depends on what climate you live in. I bought a cheaper cover initially, after 2 summers in the FL sun it disintegrated. I then bought a CalMark which was in excellent condition after 3 years. Buy what works for you.

[Oaklevel]

Originally Posted by glen1971

How do they last in windy areas? Yesterday, for example, we had 60 mph wind gusts and around Christmas we were in the 80 mph range.

1-4 years depending on the cover, the wind and the protection from the wind.

[oxcamper]

One thing to watch out for are projections which may tear the cover when fastening it down, such as corner gutter spouts, antennas, etc.