Winter covers

Zeus1972 · 09-17-2020, 10:06 AM

We are getting ready to battin down the hatches for the winter are there any trailer covers that are recommended over others. Wish we could store in a garage but there is nothing around us and we have a permanent campsite. Any suggestions?

**Flybob** · 09-17-2020, 10:13 AM

I have tried expensive ones and inexpensive ones and for me the cost per season is roughly the same. The biggest enemy of my covers is the sun. I have had none of the rubbing issues people talk about and the TT looks as good as they day I brought it home ( except for a few stains on the roof from camping). I would get what is on sale as long as it is breathable.

**Iwritecode** · 09-17-2020, 10:46 AM

They are more trouble than what they are worth IMHO. I don't want the hassle of putting it on and taking it off every year. Plus the expensive of replacing it every 2-3 years because they never seem to last.

We've had our trailer for going on 6 years now and never had a cover on it. It looks just fine.

Zeus1972 · 09-21-2020, 08:49 AM

The prior owner still had the winter cover for it said it may only last one or two more years so for now we will use it and see what happens. I only want it covered because the one bed end has a leak that we will fix but probably not until spring

njfishing · 09-21-2020, 10:43 AM

Bought an Adco cover for mine. The straps that go under the trailer to secure it rubbed the paint off in a few spots on the bottom moldings so I no longer use it. Kind of a pain to put on a take off as well so I decided I'll just keep after the cleaning the roof and washing/waxing more often. Sun is not an issue here in NJ as it is out west. If I were out west I'd probably continue to use it.

**bikendan** · 09-21-2020, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus1972

The prior owner still had the winter cover for it said it may only last one or two more years so for now we will use it and see what happens. I only want it covered because the one bed end has a leak that we will fix but probably not until spring

A typical RV cover is not waterproof so it won't keep water out.

Zeus1972 · 09-21-2020, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

A typical RV cover is not waterproof so it won't keep water out.

Should I put a tarp over that bed door before we put the cover on it.

**bikendan** · 09-22-2020, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus1972

Should I put a tarp over that bed door before we put the cover on it.

Tarps are not good for extended periods. They are not breathable and can cause mold and mildew underneath.

njfishing · 10-01-2020, 09:01 AM

Tarp material in general is very abrasive and as the wind ruffles it, the tarp can act like sand paper rubbing against your camper and do more harm then good.

Zeus1972 · 10-01-2020, 09:03 AM

Thanks everyone we are going to use the cover from the prior owner and no tarp under it. We will be checking on it often so that should help too. Countdown begins soon for next camping season.

Chuck_S · 10-01-2020, 09:57 AM

Good choice. The typical blue or green tarps will abrade the finish and transfer the tarp color to the trailer body. Used one one time on an boat and it took hours to clean the white gel coat in the spring. The covers are waterproof enough in my experience.

-- Chuck

Zeus1972 · 10-01-2020, 10:27 AM

Thats why I really like this forum everyone gives advice without being judgemental. Thanks again.

Witch Doctor · 10-01-2020, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus1972

We are getting ready to battin down the hatches for the winter are there any trailer covers that are recommended over others. Wish we could store in a garage but there is nothing around us and we have a permanent campsite. Any suggestions?

I have never used a cover on any trailer, my Question is why? Do you ever see them covered at dealers , to me there just another pain and expense

BigLou80 · 11-15-2020, 05:20 PM

I have not covered my trailer for the 3 of the 4 years I have had it, one year it was in barn. That being said I don't trust the tent end seals to not leave me with a mess come spring. I am debating ordering a canvas ( breathable ) tarp big enough to cover the roof and the tops of the 3 tent ends. Is a breathable tarp really a necessity ? it would seem to me with the AC and the 2 fan domes on the roof there will be air under the tarp and it won't take a whole lot of wind to circulate said air so what's the point of a breathable tarp ?

**bikendan** · 11-15-2020, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigLou80

I have not covered my trailer for the 3 of the 4 years I have had it, one year it was in barn. That being said I don't trust the tent end seals to not leave me with a mess come spring. I am debating ordering a canvas ( breathable ) tarp big enough to cover the roof and the tops of the 3 tent ends. Is a breathable tarp really a necessity ? it would seem to me with the AC and the 2 fan domes on the roof there will be air under the tarp and it won't take a whole lot of wind to circulate said air so what's the point of a breathable tarp ?

Are you saying that you're leaving the tent ends deployed all winter?[emoji32]

BigLou80 · 11-15-2020, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

Are you saying that you're leaving the tent ends deployed all winter?[emoji32]

no I am saying I don't trust the foolish seals rockwood uses to not allow water to enter the closed tent end and fester or worse yet spread tot he framing for the next 6 plus months

**bikendan** · 11-15-2020, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigLou80

no I am saying I don't trust the foolish seals rockwood uses to not allow water to enter the closed tent end and fester or worse yet spread tot he framing for the next 6 plus months

Well, I thought you were because of this statement:

"cover the roof and the tops of the 3 tent ends".

Chuck_S · 11-16-2020, 08:49 AM

Non-breathable or non-vented covers set up a very nice mildew farm. Ventilation is vital to eliminate moisture and condensation under the cover.

-- Chuck

hobienick · 11-17-2020, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigLou80

no I am saying I don't trust the foolish seals rockwood uses to not allow water to enter the closed tent end and fester or worse yet spread tot he framing for the next 6 plus months

If you are worried about it, buy a cheap garden hose, cut a section long enough for the top seal, slit it, then place it over the lip. It will keep water from entering that seal and if you forget to take it off in the spring it will not cause any damage since it is soft.

The Evil Twin · 11-17-2020, 01:33 PM

We bought an Adco cover and it is on its 3rd deployment. So far the only damage it has suffered is from the 0 Turn tire that clipped the corner. A patch kit took care of it.
Not sure why anyone thinks they are a pain. They only take 30 minutes to put on or take off. Well, maybe 45 to take off and fold up neatly. It takes longer to winterize than cover.

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