RV Covers Yes or No?

SGT · 06-23-2014, 06:54 AM

I am considering buying a cover for my Eagle HT 5th wheel. My dealer (28 years in the business) suggested otherwise. He says even the best will chafe the exterior whenever the wind blows. That wasn't an issue with my previous popups. I'm concerned about UV exposure, especially with the new darker colors in the paint scheme. I might accept some chafing over cooking the finish. Anyone have any ideas pro or con? Thanks!

perfpix · 06-23-2014, 07:03 AM

I bought a 2005 Popup last year that had been covered since new. The exterior is in excellent condition. I know for sure that it would not have been nearly as nice sitting out in the harsh New England winters for 8 years without a cover. So when I take delivery of my 2015 X213 I'm going to get a good cover for it.

John

SGT · 06-23-2014, 07:14 AM

Thanks John. I agree that you would have a different opinion of the exterior if that popup had not been covered. I guess the issue that my dealer was pointing out is the difference in the vertical side wall height of the 5th wheel vs. a popup. Not very much area to chafe on the popup but an awful lot on the other. Still pondering.........

**WVDusty** · 06-23-2014, 08:48 AM

I have covered my last and my new TT for 3 years they look great the only place i saw a small problem was on the metal roof trim on one back corner. After 2 years the cover had started to rub the paint off. It could not be saw from the ground. I will continue to cover mine.

Bobx2 · 06-23-2014, 09:59 AM

I cover mine every winter. It sits covered up for five months out of the year. I haven't seen any damage caused by the cover, but I have seen some pretty weathered looking units in the storage yard that don't get covered. Buy a quality cover and make sure you install it properly. Check it periodically to make sure nothing has come loose. A small scuff would be preferable to a faded and weathered trailer.

Jeff61 · 06-23-2014, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGT

I am considering buying a cover for my Eagle HT 5th wheel. My dealer (28 years in the business) suggested otherwise. He says even the best will chafe the exterior whenever the wind blows. That wasn't an issue with my previous popups. I'm concerned about UV exposure, especially with the new darker colors in the paint scheme. I might accept some chafing over cooking the finish. Anyone have any ideas pro or con? Thanks!

I have covered mine since I've had it. There is some degree of paint chafing on the front corner piece where the diamond plate and aluminum siding meet, but it isn't a big deal to me. The rest of the TT looks good, and just like my DW she cleans up real good! The covers do take some care, patching and attention how you fold them up so they aren't a real chore to put them on. Hint: don't do it when its windy! It might want to get away from you

2014GMC 2500HD. CC, 4x4, 6.0L,4:10
2009Jay Flight 24RKS

Threebutchers · 06-23-2014, 10:45 AM

Here's what pushed me toward buying one....

UV protection - tires, roof, awning, shades / blinds, exterior finishes in general
Water, ice - penetration protection, freezing damage protection
Theft deterrent - reduces temptation
Stays clean / waxed longer

If you cant store it indoors....it's the next best thing IMHO

Tunce the traveler · 06-23-2014, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Threebutchers

Here's what pushed me toward buying one....

UV protection - tires, roof, awning, shades / blinds, exterior finishes in general
Water, ice - penetration protection, freezing damage protection
Theft deterrent - reduces temptation
Stays clean / waxed longer

If you cant store it indoors....it's the next best thing IMHO

X2

teevman · 06-23-2014, 04:44 PM

So where do you buy a quality cover?

TCNashville · 06-24-2014, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teevman

So where do you buy a quality cover?

Adco seems to be the cover of choice although there are several manufacturers out there. Available at your local Camping World or check online.

Threebutchers · 06-24-2014, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

Adco seems to be the cover of choice although there are several manufacturers out there. Available at your local Camping World or check online.

X2

**Crabman** · 06-25-2014, 02:10 AM

Do you cover your RV poll and discussion:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=15377

**WVDusty** · 06-25-2014, 06:24 AM

I think I posted once somewhere that I have a adco cover but after looking at it it is actually a Expedition brand bought from Ebay it is over 3 years old and still going strong.

lovinglife · 06-25-2014, 07:21 AM

This is an interesting discussion, beautiful looking covers. I just want to add that starting with the 2014 models, the new paint scheme has added in UV protection from my understanding. Now, I'll have to consider the other points expressed. Prior to seeing this, we were only planning to cover the tires.

Scott 101 · 08-04-2014, 07:01 PM

I really liked the cover on my old TT. However, we had a very wet spell and some destructive little creatures decided that the cover gave them a good place to live and stay dry. In the end, I ended up buying a new awning and had to patch many holes in the rubber roof.

I am currently contemplating one of those metal Carolina Carports for our fifth wheel. My in-laws bought one for the B+ and it has worked well for them. However, maybe a little tricky backing a fifth wheel into one from a 90 degree angle.

Just went to the BBB site and may look for a different manufacturer.

SmokerBill · 08-04-2014, 08:02 PM

I haven't covered my for 3 years, lived in it pretty much full time, and the skin is still shiny. I know covers can hold in humidity, which isn't good for RVs/TTs. My belief is that they were made to handle the elements. At least for the metal skinned TTs.

clubhouse · 08-04-2014, 08:19 PM

In my part of California the worry is Sun and UV much more than inclement weather. I don't cover, but I do wash and wax regularly. I believe the wax is just as effective in protecting paint as anything else. Not worried about the roof, those membranes have proven UV protection and it will last longer than I plan to own my TT...that is unless I neglect the caulking and develop a leak, but I stay pretty diligent with that too.

Kellys · 08-04-2014, 10:47 PM

Never used one , i have heard that you really need to keep it tied down tight but i do wish i had something to park it under

chrismoore701 · 08-05-2014, 05:48 AM

I just bought a 2010 297BHS and it came with a cover. Is there any tricks to installing it? I assume I will need two (2) people and two (2) ladders

Bobx2 · 08-05-2014, 03:38 PM

Two people will make the job easier, but I have done mine by myself before. Really not that difficult. Just roll it out on the roof and drape it down the sides and ends. Then it's just a matter of running the straps underneath and connecting the buckles, and securing the ends. Be sure to buy the right size for your camper, and the rest is easy. If you don't have a ladder on your rv, one is all that is needed. I do mine using just the ladder attached to the rear of my camper.

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