Cover roof for snow & ice?

[Alpineskier]

New TT owner. What kind of winter roof covering (if any) do I need for my TT here in VT? I need to use something that allows for periodic snow removal.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Alpineskier

I need to use something that allows for periodic snow removal.

Then definitely don't cover it if it's wet it freezes to the roof. In the 40 yr's we've owned a TT/FW or MH I never covered one.

I had a plastic roof snow rake to remove the snow so we could head out on a trip.

[33 RLDS]

We had 42 inches in a day and half this past winters blizzard. My TT was buried. No problems at all.

[DocBrown]

In 24 years of owning 3 different trailers we've never covered them. I do cover my AC unit to keep water from freezing in there. And I cover my wheels to minimize them from rusting (steel wheels painted white).

[Sundancer330]

I see many TT on dealer lots all winter not covered with 20 plus inches of snow on the roof and they never clean them. Just make sure to check over your roof and touchup any areas that need attention to stop leaks.

[Griswald One]

This tends to be one of the most contentious issues on the Forum... My humble opinion is a good quality cover is a must. My preference is the ADCO brand. I see three reasons to cover:

1) Reduce sun damage - you just spent thousands of dollars on an item that you want to look fantastic for as long as possible whether for your own pleasure or for future resale

2) Prevent ice damage - it comes in two forms. First, Ice sliding down your RV will damage at least the stickers if not the finish. I had the stickers on one of my units destroyed when the RV spent the winter outside on the dealers lot waiting for warranty work. Second, damage from Freeze/Thaw cycles. Water gets into crevices and expands when it freezes. When the ice thaws the water then fills the new, larger, cavity and the cycle repeats. Over the long term this cycle can do major damage.

3) Prevent spring water damage - In my case my cover saved me big time. My last unit developed several cracks in the skylight during the winter freeze. I discovered them in the spring when I took the cover off. If the roof had not been covered I would have had major water damage.

To me this is a simple and relatively cheap insurance policy. It also means that the exterior is clean and ready to go in the spring and I can leave my roof vent open so the rig smells fresh and ready to go.

[Force]

I agree 100x over with Griswald One. A $300 cover to protect a $30K++ investment is a no brainer IMHO

[ALJO]

Different people different opinions. Live in a Snowbelt but do not cover my TT and neither I cover the roof of my house. Yes have to clean the roof a few times during the winter season. Maintenance on either is part of life.

Covers get wet too and will fill the cracks with water and then freeze.

[Marcm157]

I am definitely in the cover my investment camp. Don't have much more to add than Griswald already said...

[Tunce the traveler]

I cover my roof to keep the ice from coming in contact with the AC and all the seams around the perimeter and the awnings. The reason the dealers don't cover them is because your the new owner and that's your problem, and your money is now in his bank.

[Force]

The ONE year I uncovered my TT to soon it snowed, froze, and caused roof damage. So...yeah, not really an opinion at that point.

[EV4D]

If for no other reason, I cover my TT to keep it clean during the off-season. I would imagine keeping the sun off of it doesn't hurt either. If you cover your tires in the offseason then it would seem strange not to cover your TT

[spoon059]

Originally Posted by Alpineskier

New TT owner. What kind of winter roof covering (if any) do I need for my TT here in VT? I need to use something that allows for periodic snow removal.

Look into a metal carport if you are able. I bought a Carolina Carport for about $2400 installed. It keeps the snow, rain, leaves, pine needles, sun, bird poop, acorns, etc off my roof. I hook up and go when I'm ready to leave and back it under the carport when I'm home. I can leave my windows open year round to prevent damp air from creating mold/mildew. No snow on my roof so when we leave for Florida every February I don't have to worry about removing snow (last 2 years it snowed the night before we left...).

A little more expensive, but WAY easier and more convenient.

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

The reason the dealers don't cover them is because your the new owner and that's your problem, and your money is now in his bank.

Or that the cost to put a cover each unit would be astronomical not to mention they'd have to uncover each unit to show it to potential buyers. I'm in the cover camp and very little water makes it through the cover roof and in spring, my TT comes out looking great.

[Atlee]

I'm beginning to look into a metal roof RV cover. I've got to go to a local place that has metal roof RV ports.

I just think it would do a lot of good to keep a metal roof over my new 23RB. Rain, snow, debris plus sun are good things to keep off the new roof.

[vcbice]

If you want to protect it, get a carport. A cover will not protect the roof from the weight of heavy snow. It will protect it from some of the ice and 'sticking' issues.

I've left our RVs out in the open for all the years we have owned them. Never had a roof issue. Our old, really cheap fiver was left out with 3ft of snowfall on it and no structural issues. Went through hundreds of freeze/thaw cycles. No issues.

They are designed to be lived in during winter weather.

Can they get damaged? Yes. Normally they will not.

PS and no, never cover my tires either. They last at least 5 years, even in high altitude desert where UV is horrible.

[RAurand]

Originally Posted by Force

I agree 100x over with Griswald One. A $300 cover to protect a $30K++ investment is a no brainer IMHO

I agree as well. I have been covering my last 2 trailers, the 26BH and now the 28BHBE and when I uncover my trailer in the spring it looks as good as when I covered it in November. (No, I didn't cover mine yet this year. 2 more campouts planned.)