By Chris Dougherty
Chris Dougherty is a certified RV technician. Here is a question he received from several readers while he was serving as RVtravel.com’s technical editor.
To cover or not to cover? That is the question. I’m often asked if it’s a good idea to cover an RV during the winter.
There are a number of commercially available RV covers. Some are better than others, as the better ones allow for evaporation of moisture and are tear-resistant. Some even have zippered doors which allow entry to the coach while covered. In some cases, the cover is made specifically for the coach it is going to cover.
Pros and cons to covering an RV
There are pros and cons to covering an RV during the winter, and here are a few.
On the pro side, a cover will certainly keep environmental fallout from coming down on the coach. In the snowbelt, accumulated snow won’t have an opportunity to melt and come into seams on the coach. Leaves, pine needles, branches and so on won’t find their way onto the coach. When you remove the cover in the spring, the coach is, in theory, as clean as when you put it away.
On the opposite side of the scale, covers can be difficult and, indeed, dangerous to put on, requiring climbing all over the coach and on the roof. Tarps, especially, can hold moisture underneath them from condensation, which can lead to mildew if the cover is left on too long in the spring. Tarps can be difficult to keep on the rig through the winter: They often blow off, or shred, unless tied down very thoroughly.
Suggestions for using an RV cover
If you are going to use an RV cover, here are a couple of suggestions. First, make sure your coach is clean and dry before applying the cover, including the awning(s). Second, make sure the cover is secured properly. Protect the cover from any sharp corners, like from solar panels, brackets, etc. Put any antennas down flat against the roof. Keep roof vents open a crack to allow air exchange. I know some folks who use chemical dehumidifiers inside their RVs with good success.
If you’re using a commercial RV cover, be sure to follow their directions for securing the cover to the coach. Don’t leave the cover on too long, so mildew doesn’t form underneath. In the southern climes, I definitely recommend purchasing one of the commercial covers with breathable fabric to help eliminate the mildew factor. Perhaps even put an electric dehumidifier in the couch to help keep it clean and dry.
So, to cover or not to cover is basically up to you. Armed with a few facts, you’re sure to find the best way to protect your RV when you’re not using it.
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Not much on the “con” side. I’d say go for it!
And if you love the little wildlife a cover is a great way to provide them with winter shelter! They will climb the tires or dangling straps and get between the cover and the RV. Once they get to the roof they’ll be all snug in a “tent” next to your A/C, vent covers, etc, everything lifting the cover off the roof.
Of course, they also will use you roof as their toilet and enter through any openings such as fridge and furnace vents, chomping down on your wiring, but that’s a small price to pay for keeping the little fellows safe until Spring.
Absolutely right, J J. We have never used covers in over 25 years, and our coach sits outside next to our house. Plus, covers take away from the ability to “just go” when the whim hits.
We had bought a new one at Camping World and it only lasted one year in the Arizona sun.
One winter. Never again. Impossible to prevent even a little rubbing from wind and it marred the gel coat. Even though I added strapping in an attempt to keep it snug.
Yes, movement of the cover by the wind can also scratch plastic windows.
I’ve never seen damage with a properly installed real RV cover. Lousy tarps or other material? of course.
I prefer the ADCO Aqua Shed as it is well made and holds up to the weather good…for now.
CON: My experience with a cover in a ND winter is not good! Heavy snow accumulation is near impossible to remove; which is necessary to remove the weight. While good covers breath for moisture control, they don’t breath well under 2-3′ of snow! I quit using it after our lst 9′ h x 25′ Class A motor home, my current one is 11.6′ h and 34′! Long ways to the ground from a slippery roof. I do manage to shovel very carefully without the cover. Additionally, downspouts have to be removed and damage from hi winds flapping the fabric are always present. a minimum of two strong people required to put it on. (I have 2 for sale).
We have seen covers scratch the decals when they rub against them.
I once used a cover when I stored my motorhome at a friend’s country home. The cover was a deal at Camping World, $300. Mice used the cover like Marines used a cargo net to climb onto the roof and enter the A/C units and the interior ductwork. The following Summer when we first turned on both A/C’s chewed Styrofoam insulation and mice dropping blew out of all the ceiling vents. Also, some kind of critters, squirrels, raccoons, or whatever chewed up one corner of the cover. I never used it since.
Thank you, Chris! We do not cover our RV. Instead it is under a roof, but largely fully exposed on all sides. Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂