Rig Covers

[Jim n Vicki]

We are thinking about buying a cover for our rig for when it is in storage. I know there have been some discussions, but am unable to find the thread. Any comments or suggestions regarding buying a cover for your rig?

Thanks!

Jim

[GreatWhite]

Can't point to a thread.. but, i do know that the billowing of the light covers.. maybe even the heavier ones.. will eventually rub the clear coat and finish off the corners of the rv. On the upside.. they help keep the sun and dirt off the rig. During the winter when they get wet in our part of the country, some of the heavier types tend to tear.

[Art-n-Marge]

The tradeoffs are numerous:

For example, while a cover may preserve the graphics and weather exposure is minimized, the fit is critical so that it does not rub corners, or flap against the surface from wind and in turn damage the rig. It is great protection if parking around trees, saps, birds, etc. The bad news is that while protecting your rig, these can suffer their own damage while doing their job so it's not unusual to spend extra money replacing or repairing these as they get damaged. Another item about fit is you might want to make sure that you can get inside the rig through some zipper access in the cover.

In my case I was a foot too long for a cover and the next size up meant an extra 6 or so feet of extra length to worry about wrapping tight. Therefore I do not use a cover and must wash and wax (ugh, lotsa effort), especially the rubber roof more often than not. On the other hand, there are a couple of covered rigs around my area (lots of wind all year and very hot sun six months out of the year) that show rips and tears and the hassle of installing and removing the covers.

This is very much one of those love them or don't love them features with very few opinions in the middle. Consider me on the don't love them.

[Hooker]

We never had one. Too many negatives, such as how will you get it on the roof and when travelling where will you store it? IMHO, the best solution is covered storage. Sure, it's expensive, but worth every penny.

[timandsusan]

Next to covered storage = big bucks. We just had a complete wash, wax and roof treatment for $238. This is the first time in 6 years that we have had someone else do it. Next year--Someone else will do it! The rig looks brand new. And we store it about 200 yards off IH-10! So no cover and we are usually on the road 3-5 months.

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by timandsusan

Next to covered storage = big bucks. We just had a complete wash, wax and roof treatment for $238. This is the first time in 6 years that we have had someone else do it. Next year--Someone else will do it! The rig looks brand new. And we store it about 200 yards off IH-10! So no cover and we are usually on the road 3-5 months.

If I could get all that done for that price, I'd be all over it! Around here, they charge $xxx per foot to wash, and $yyy per foot to wax, and by the time you add them up, it's over $600!

[1retired06]

Almost all we know who purchased one, found them to not hold up well, and did not purchase replacements.

[maximo]

Another negative, you may have a section you can unzip to get in the door but you can not open slides to work on any thing or get to all areas of the RV. They can also be a real bitch to put on and off.
I bought one a couple of years ago at Camping World for SOB 28 ft 5th wheel I had. Never opened the box, its still in the box in the storage room in the barn.
Frank

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by maximo

Another negative, you may have a section you can unzip to get in the door but you can not open slides to work on any thing or get to all areas of the RV. They can also be a real bitch to put on and off.
I bought one a couple of years ago at Camping World for SOB 28 ft 5th wheel I had. Never opened the box, its still in the box in the storage room in the barn.
Frank

You should get some PVC pipe and construct a frame, then put the cover over it and voila: an instant shed!

[sambam]

I used one on my TT for 8 years. I never had an issue with the finish rubbing off from the wind whipping the cover around. I made sure it was tied down well and checked it ofter thru the winter. I found the trailer accessible when I needed to get in there (which was pretty much never). I covered up in the fall and opened up in the spring. It does protect the roof and finish from the winter horrors we have up here. Yes, they do wear out and I would have had to replace it this year. I liked having it and intend to get one for this camper as well.

[maximo]

Tom,

I did better than that. Poured a 24 ft x 70 ft pad and put a 24' W x 50' L x 14' H metal roof and sides on it.

Frank

[timandsusan]

Tom S.--Sounds like you need a trip to South Texas. The Next Step wash service works the Kerrville, Frederickburg, and Boerne area and stays busy! I recommend Alamo Fiesta RV Park in Boerne--that will get you a great price, nice small town, and a very good park. The weather is great so "come on down!"