Tarp or no tarp?

[Gregad]

We were on the edge of buying a good cover until another owner showed us their trailer. The cover rubbed the sides and now there are dull marks all over the shiny fiberglass walls. They also used tarps before and now have rope rubs all over the finish. I just keep mine waxed and if the snow gets real heavy, will use a floor broom to pull some off the roof. I also use a air conditioner cover and learned to cover the refrigerator vent to keep snow out of it. I had a issue on a trailer where the snow blew inside through the fridge vent and melted then froze again causing some major damage to the back side controls of the fridge.

[bodzcampers]

This is how I look at it: Moisture, and water is extremely damaging to a camper. For wood and alumininum, it causes rot. For fiberglass and aluminum, it cause delamination. The problem of rot costs Thousands to repair. It is very heartbreaking. What is several hundred for a good breakthable RV cover compared to thousands in rotting roof, walls, or floor (regardless of type of RV). Also, what is a little dulling or scatching of surface on the outside compared to rotting structure? I vote a huge NO on tarp...it traps moisture. I vote a huge YES to RV breathable cover. Of course, more fundamentally, I vote a huge YES to waxing and checking and repairing seems almost fanatically. Keep in mind that RVs are not constructed like homes. I also vote a huge YES to putting moisture absorbing beads, crystals and the like on the inside during storage to absorb excess moisture as rotting can occur from the inside. You have to refill these every month. In conclusion, YES to protecting your camper in every possible way from wetness and moisture. Yes, protect your camper from scratches and dulling, but not as critical as protecting it from moisture damage. It is a matter of priorities and what do you want to spend now compared to later?