Cover or no Cover in the Winter?

[Goin 4 Broke]

What are your thoughts and experiences in covering your Monty? For my previous TT we had a very nice, semi custom cover. It was a pain to put on and take off, however I think it helped keep the trailer in better condition.

Does any one put a cover their Monty? If so, what brands or sources have you used for a good cover?

I have a parking slab next to my garage - I hate to think about what indoor storage would cost but I am willing to listen to the voices of experience here on that option as well.

[Mike117]

Don't know anything about the pros and cons of a cover. I have a pole building I kept my travel trailer in. When I sold it I got top dollar because it was out of the rain and cold. Looked virtually new. I retro fitted to get my new High Country in but think in the long run it keeps it nicer. If you can build a roof or buy one of those metal garages to keep it out of the weather you won't regret it. Just my opinion but I am good at spending others money. Lol

[racerjoe]

I used one for a couple years, PIA, hard to install and remove without tearing corners. Dealer once told me that why bother, they are built and made to withstand the weather(hopefully) and the factory or dealers never store them inside. The roofs are made to withstand years of weather. We have had ours 10 years now, roof looks good, wash it every year,see no problems, just my opinion...

[scattershot]

I've seen as many cons as pros on those covers. So, considering the expense and the possibility of denting my 69 year old body, I give 'em a pass.

[Eagleback]

When we lived in Michigan's UP I always used a cover, I had a system that I made where I could put the cover on and take it off in about a couple of hours. the dealer said that you should always try to keep the water from freezing on the roof because he said that water penetrates very tiny areas (seams) and when it freezes it opens them up to an eventual leak so we covered every year. I bought the Expedition semi fit cover for around 300 dollars and it worked well and lasted for years. The only issue with the cover is storing it in the summers make sure the mice cant get to it.

[Happycamperscolorado]

I always cover for winter. Believe it will help with decal problems to. Plus if I am waxing it like I do Ibefore winter time. I prefer to cover it. I cover the roof drains with the swimming noodles so the corners don't rip plus I use the noodles around the step area or anyplace where there may be something sharp to rip at the cover.

[1retired06]

Years ago we tried. Caused more damage and headaches than it was worth.

[sambam]

I use an Adco cover. It's not custom, so not a perfect fit. Used one for years on my TT. I think it helps keep the trailer looking good. I spend a great deal of time cleaning and winterizing before it goes on. It is a process, but worth it to me. Slide it off in the spring and it's nice to see everything still the way it looked when I covered it. Winters can be nasty up here, and whether it's true or not, I feel the Montana is more protected from the elements.

[DQDick]

We take ours south for the winter, works better for us and the rig Sorry, couldn't resist. When ours was new and sat all winter we just left it out. Had a cover damage a former TT. This year our rig was appraised for more than it's original factory pricing so it didn't seem to hurt it any.

[Goin 4 Broke]

Thank you all for the great advice. I am working on the "drive it south" method of protection
If I cannot get that method approved I will most likely cover and use the many great suggestions posted above like the noodles on the drains and step corners. Those are what ripped my old cover.