Cover or Store Indoors for Winter?

[briancny]

We live in upstate NY and wanted some advice on what to do with our Jayco TT this winter. We used to store our pop up in a barn, and are exploring that type of option again. What about just covering it - we get a lot of snow. Also, I noticed covers range 15-18', then 18'1" -20 - ours measures right around 18' 3" - get the smaller or larger option? Thanks for any feedback.

[DrSmart]

If you get a lot of wind in your area during the winter, a cover will likely get tattered and torn. If you have the option, indoor storage might be better as long as rodents aren't an issue.

[Jagiven]

We had an old PU we stored out doors in the winter. Nose high. Lots of snow and ice would build up on it. We never had an issue. After a few years, winter. Built a shed, and it went in there for the winter. I liked that option. Never worried about it. TTs we have had have always been in a barn every winter. They all look new after 10 years. I never worry about snow or ice damage. It is really easy to damage an RV roof of you try to shovel it off.

I have never heard of dealer shoveling snow off of an RV roof that is in there lot.

I have paid between 80 and 200 dollars the last 4 years. 80 dollars in a farmers barn. 200 at the local fair grounds. I feel it is well worth it.

FYI, rv covers are a pain to install and take off. They are very large and heavy. Many people have commented on damage from them flapping in the breeze. So make sure it is on tight. And protectthe gutters with a tennis ball.

[JFlightRisk]

Storage in a barn would be good, as long as it doesn't look like that same snow will bring the roof in. We don't have the option to store it off our property, and we're just west of Syracuse about the same distance as you are east. We've always covered the TT for winter, and we can count on some lake effect storms to give us out fair share of the white stuff. Our last cover lasted for 8 years, and now there's a new one ready for this winter. No affiliation with them, but after reading reviews on multiple brands, we bought one from National RV Covers. I called them with the length from the front of the body to the back of the spare tire, and they gave me the size I needed to order. Great people to talk to.

[EA37TS]

Best option, head south and use the TT.

Second best, indoor storage. I spent one winter (1993 - 1994) in upstate NY. 274 inches of snow that year and a temp of -42 without wind chill. Notice I said done winter.

[JFlightRisk]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Second best, indoor storage. I spent one winter (1993 - 1994) in upstate NY. 274 inches of snow that year and a temp of -42 without wind chill. Notice I said done winter.

Yep, that was a GOOD year for snow. '77 was even MORE fun with the blizzard.

[cekkk]

I bought a cover for my first camper. It did not work well. We lived in the Rockies and the wind and the snow tore it up early in the winter even though it was a pretty expensive one. that is, not a cheapo. So for our next camper I built an open-ended Barn. stored it there for several years and when I sold it last week it was in great shape. So I would suggest keeping it undercover.

[SloPoke]

Originally Posted by briancny

We live in upstate NY and wanted some advice on what to do with our Jayco TT this winter. We used to store our pop up in a barn, and are exploring that type of option again. What about just covering it - we get a lot of snow. Also, I noticed covers range 15-18', then 18'1" -20 - ours measures right around 18' 3" - get the smaller or larger option? Thanks for any feedback.

No question about the answer... In a covered storage area.

[Sundancer330]

We store indoors year round on our property. Keeps it out of the sun, rain and snow and it still looks brand new after 5 years and hardly ever have to wash it. I would not own an RV if it had to be left outside, these things are not water tight and self destruct sitting outdoors.

[Hazman65]

When I am not using it in the summer it is stored with a cover on the trailer and the tires in my driveway. In the winter time it is stored covered at the county fairgrounds. Have done that every year and it has protected the trailer very well. Bad part is I cannot access the trailer while it is stored and they decide when take out occurs.

[Tad]

Or move to the Phoenix area. Sunny and warm all winter!

[CAG]

Originally Posted by Tad

Or move to the Phoenix area. Sunny and warm all winter!

Please don't! 5.7 million people trying to leave Phoenix for the mountains last Friday. This does not include the other traffic jam on I-17 trying to get to Flagstaff. Move to Florida!

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by CAG

Please don't! 5.7 million people trying to leave Phoenix for the mountains last Friday. This does not include the other traffic jam on I-17 trying to get to Flagstaff. Move to Florida!

Florida is getting 1000 newbies a day. Phoenix can share the load.

[CAG]

Or Texas. I am sure they will welcome you about as much as we do those from California. Don't mess with Texas (not including all the transplants who speak an eastern US dialect)

[CAG]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Florida is getting 1000 newbies a day. Phoenix can share the load.

Sorry dude we are Californicated beyond our limits and it is beginning to tell in the attitude of natives. Take a look at the population growth stats. We top the nation. Florida can't hold a candle to us.

[gypsmjim]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

I spent one winter (1993 - 1994) in upstate NY. 274 inches of snow that year and a temp of -42 without wind chill. Notice I said done winter.

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

Yep, that was a GOOD year for snow. '77 was even MORE fun with the blizzard.

When people talk about snow, Buffalo, NY often comes up with some disdain in the storytelling. It must be the snowiest place on earth....right?

Actually, Buffalo's average totals are 94 inches. The 274 must have come from Syracuse or north.

The other misconception is the blizzard of '77. Actually, only a few inches of snow came down. It was the high wind that caused the blizzard, and the snow actually came from what was already on the ground.

If you want to talk snow, talk about Colorado, or even northern California.

We have 2 Travel Trailers. One is a 2015 and the other a 1964. (Yes, 56 years old) Neither has ever been covered or stored indoors. They both reside in an area with about 100" of annual snow and both have survived just fine.

IMHO, a cover is not a good idea. If indoor storage makes you feel good, go for it. But it might be wasted expense.

[bluegill1]

You’ll hear opinions of all kinds.
Obviously a heated, indoor, rodent free environment would be awesome. Is it absolutely neccesary? No
A cover (18’ is fine) would help, just strap it tight to prevent wind from flapping it. An average cover should last you 5-6 years. A few minor tears won’t matter over the years.
No cover? Have you ever seen any dealer cover their units over the winter?

[rhouthoofd]

I live in Northern Michigan, which is comparable winter wise. I have covered my TT with an ADCO cover for 4 years without a problem.

[SAMM Kinder]

10 years or less in the weather and it will start leaking ... Storing it inside always extends the life by leaps and bounds !!! Plus retains the value ....... When buying used I always look for one that has been stored under hard cover or inside

[Udy2554]

Started with just a pavilion to keep the snow load off the solar panels! Watching the roof “breath” in the high winds prompted me to side it! Bird netting is installed to the rafters to deter the lines of pigeon and swallow poop every 4 feet!

Still deciding on what to do about front doors! It’ll be open this winter!