Tarp or no tarp?

Rhime · 09-20-2011, 09:02 AM

It's almost winterize time here and I was wondering if it's a good idea to put a full size tarp over my new TT for outside storage(no cover from mother nature) or better off not to cover it at all. I understand it has drawbacks on water/snow drainage etc.
Any thoughts?

tmmar · 09-20-2011, 09:12 AM

I would not use a tarp because it is not breathable and would trap moisture inside the camper. I would, howerver, buy a cover for it. I have a cover that I bought for my coach and it keeps the snow from directly sitting on the coach. I'm not worried as much about just the snow on the rig, it is when the snow melts and water gets into any seams or other areas and then freezes. Since water expands when it freezes, I worry that the expanding ice will cause more damage. JMHO.

Rugged Brown · 09-20-2011, 09:23 AM

I'm going to vote for no tarp, no cover, just a couple of good coats of wax.

Rhime · 09-20-2011, 10:35 AM

uh...wax??

Rugged Brown · 09-20-2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhime

uh...wax??

Wax will offer some protection to the exterior surface from environmental elements such as , snow, wind, rain, UV light. Tarps will blow in the wind, rub and damage exterior and trap moisture inside during fluctuations of temperatures, which cause condensation.

**Herk7769** · 09-20-2011, 05:04 PM

I vote "No Tarp"

A good coat of wax (sides) and a roof treatment with UV protectant will winter you just fine.

A tarp will trap moisture (leads to mold and rot) and wear holes in your roof (wind) leading to leaks and a new roof every year (not covered by warranty).

A good quality (several hundred dollar) breathable cover will eliminate (mostly) the mold and moisture trapping problem; but IMO there still is the excess wear on seams and edges.

Rhime · 09-20-2011, 06:03 PM

Ok, can I get an explanation as to what type of wax, where do we apply it exactly and what tool is best for applying it.
I've never heard of this application, but I'm not able to spring for a TT cover so other options might be needed..

Thanks guys!

rbarrieau · 09-20-2011, 06:25 PM

wax it like a car

Rugged Brown · 09-20-2011, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbarrieau

wax it like a car

Agree. I use Zip car wash and soap the RV down good. I apply a couple of coats of Meguiers NXT Tech Wax 2.0 the old fashion way, with a soft cloth applicator and buff off with a good quality microfibre cloth. I sometimes use Nufinish car polish whic repels water nicely. No tools, just elbow grease.

**Herk7769** · 09-20-2011, 06:47 PM

I use a good quality Wash & Wax Like Turtle Wax n' Wash and follow with a coat of NuFinish twice a year (Fall when I winterize and Spring when I get it out the first time; wash it and wax).

I DO put an AC cover over the air conditioner; mostly to keep the bugs out.

tentcamper1 · 09-20-2011, 07:04 PM

I use protect all wax- twice a year. I also clean the roof twice a year per the manufacturers instructions.

Jeep4Two · 09-22-2011, 10:27 AM

Has anyone here ever tried something like this:

I live in Kentucky, and while we typically have a snow or two each winter, rarely do we have very heavy snow.

I have an A126 and have been considering something like this, properly anchored to the ground, maybe even modified to have shorter height to keep it closer (but not touching) the closed camper while stored for winter.

Not sure about snow - the peak is pretty steep and wonder if some sort of silicone or Teflon type spray that would encourage accumulating snow to 'slide' off before getting too heavy

I see this as an option that relieves the camper of UV, (most) rain and snow exposure and doesn't rub - but costs way less than an actual storage building.

Rugged Brown · 09-22-2011, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeep4Two

Has anyone here ever tried something like this:

I live in Kentucky, and while we typically have a snow or two each winter, rarely do we have very heavy snow.

I have an A126 and have been considering something like this, properly anchored to the ground, maybe even modified to have shorter height to keep it closer (but not touching) the closed camper while stored for winter.

Not sure about snow - the peak is pretty steep and wonder if some sort of silicone or Teflon type spray that would encourage accumulating snow to 'slide' off before getting too heavy

I see this as an option that relieves the camper of UV, (most) rain and snow exposure and doesn't rub - but costs way less than an actual storage building.

I tried something similiar one year when I owned a hardtop. Didn't really work out for me. Damage to camper plus the tarp shed $3000.

Jeep4Two · 09-22-2011, 11:14 AM

Yikes! Thanks for the reply!

wfmdfm · 09-22-2011, 03:00 PM

Why not a quality cover? I understand the wax. I understand the tarp issues and moisture. But I am not sure why a nice cover is not a good idea. Is it because of damage from abrasion and rubbing from the wind? We had planned to get on this month before the leaves cover it.
Wally

Rustymax · 09-22-2011, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmmar

I would not use a tarp because it is not breathable and would trap moisture inside the camper. I would, howerver, buy a cover for it. I have a cover that I bought for my coach and it keeps the snow from directly sitting on the coach. I'm not worried as much about just the snow on the rig, it is when the snow melts and water gets into any seams or other areas and then freezes. Since water expands when it freezes, I worry that the expanding ice will cause more damage. JMHO.

Plp

lefaivre · 10-11-2011, 12:02 PM

I am thinking of purchasing a cover for my new Berkshire 390BH to protect it from the harsh Western Canadian winters. Has anyone used a cover? Are their any down sides ... excessive wear or scratching?

Rugged Brown · 10-11-2011, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lefaivre

I am thinking of purchasing a cover for my new Berkshire 390BH to protect it from the harsh Western Canadian winters. Has anyone used a cover? Are their any down sides ... excessive wear or scratching?

That's exactly what I would expect. excessive wear and scratching.

buckeyefan · 10-11-2011, 12:24 PM

The only cover I use is for the AC unit (~$25).
I leave the rest of the camper uncovered and wax it real good.

Triguy · 10-11-2011, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lefaivre

I am thinking of purchasing a cover for my new Berkshire 390BH to protect it from the harsh Western Canadian winters. Has anyone used a cover? Are their any down sides ... excessive wear or scratching?

If you do a search through all the posts here and on RV.net, you will find an almost equal split between those who do and those who don't.

The one item that seems to make the most difference for those who successfully use a cover is that a custom cover or, at least, a contour cover is necessary to help avoid the abrasion issues.

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