Cover Or Not Cover?

[80 Cruiser Rod]

I have a 2020 1943rb Spirit Ultralite with the Apex material exterior. I saw someone mention that covering a camper creates a mold issue which creates a cleaning issue. I have a very nice vented cover leftover from my previous camper and was interested in any opinions on to cover or not to cover a camper.

[RockDodger]

This kind of depends on what part of the country you live in. If you live in a damp climate such as Washington or Oregon, you may think the cold in winter would prevent mold from forming, but it doesn't really. Here in the midwest the winter winds and temps are cold enough to stem the formation of any mold in winter months, but I usually hold out until it is steady cold (below 40 degrees) before putting on the cover. Of course, I'm playing roulette with the weather and praying it doesn't snow or dump freezing rain on it before I get it covered. Gotta keep a sharp eye on the weather forecasts.

In the spring, uncover before the temps are steady over 50 degrees. You can always spray it down with any bio degradable mold and mildew cleaner, and then just give it a good wash job. You must remember the roof is the most important thing to maintain. She is your new girlfriend and you better treat her right. This method has worked for me for the past 10 years, so I'm sticking to it.

[Flybob]

I have mine covered when ever I am not using or packing it. I run a small compressor dehumidifier inside when temps are over 40 and have never had issues. Make sure the cover is breathable and not too loose. Eliminates decal and paint fade.

[hack522]

I X2 Rock. I'm also in the morning midwest and will be covering me be today. Spent good deal researching breathable covers. This is my second cover, as the first tore from one of the brackets on the slide out topper. BTW cover your drain spouts to protect the cover. I use slit tennis balls.

[aceinspp]

I have always covered my campers. I usually cover after my last trip of the year which is in Nov. Then it gets uncovered some time last of Feb. I wash and wax it and when the cover comes off Its still is nice and clean. It also help protect the roof. Later RJD

[80 Cruiser Rod]

Great info! Here in NJ the weather can be irregular and sometimes changing w/o any notice. We've had warm winters, wet winters, cold winters and a mix of all three.

[Chuck_S]

Cover won't last more than 2 years here in Richmond. Found the last one on the ground around the trailer like your sweat pants when the cord breaks.

We now store the Roo indoors all year round. About 10% more expensive than outdoor storage.

-- Chuck

[markb422]

I cover our class c with a ADCO cover with tyvek top and vents. It is on from Nov to at least the end of March in mid Michigan. I use a couple of damp rids inside to catch some of the moisture. About once a month I check the damp rid and there is very little water in the cup. The cover is on its third year and is still like new except for a couple spots where the sharp corners of the bumper made small holes.

[oxcamper]

I cover, never had problems with mold, mildew, or other things. If you decide to use a cover, get one that breaths and has vents. DON'T use a tarp.

[80 Cruiser Rod]

My camper is at the dealer at this time waiting on parts for repairs. When I get it back I'll post the name of the cover I have. It's folded up nicely and I can't tell who made it. It did come with the previous camper I owned and I used it for three years w/o any problems or tares.

[Splashes3]

I cover our 5th wheel with an ADCO cover with tyvek top and vents, also. This is the cover's 4th year of use - 3rd consecutive year. The cover is 12 or 13 years old, as it was used on our 2009 unit...then sat stored for a long time before we broke it out when we got our 2019.

We cover the gutter spouts with either tennis balls or the water pipe insulation you can buy at Lowes....both work well.

[oxcamper]

Originally Posted by oxcamper

I cover, never had problems with mold, mildew, or other things. If you decide to use a cover, get one that breaths and has vents. DON'T use a tarp.

And for info purposes; ours is also an ADCO cover

[PhilFromMaine]

Uncovered. Not sure why. I have gone both ways before and couldn't really see a substantial difference. However, I do broom off the snow from the top as needed. RVs are a lot of work and expensive even after the initial purchase. LOL!

[glsimms]

Originally Posted by PhilFromMaine

Uncovered. Not sure why. I have gone both ways before and couldn't really see a substantial difference. However, I do broom off the snow from the top as needed. RVs are a lot of work and expensive even after the initial purchase. LOL!

No truer words have been said......

[jay2703]

We cover ours from late October thru March or April in Eastern Washington. Mostly to keep the sun off of it. Never had any mold or moisture issues.

[PhilFromMaine]

I just passed the local RV Sales place and noticed that they apparently don't cover their Winter Stock of RVs and apparently don't shovel the snow off them either. To be fair,the majority of this past storm was ice rather than snow.


I wonder what other dealerships do? Paying nearly 400 dollars retail for a cover that lasts on average 2 years before the wind rips substantial holes in the fabric is pretty expensive.