Should I cover the A/C unit for winter?

[Finally Able]

Hi all, our new SLX 287BHS was winterized at the dealer several weeks ago (I'll do my own in the future.) It's now stored outdoors, no cover. I've seen some TTs parked in people's yards with just the AC unit covered: is this helpful or just feel-goody?
The guy who winterized ours said that TTs are built to handle seasonal conditions, and just to gently push snow off the roof -- no cover of any kind needed.

Thanks for any replies.

[Woodworker]

Ours hasn't been covered for the 3+ yrs we've owned it. Only downside is the over hanging trees makes the roof dirtier quicker an the gutters are like a magnate to the leaves but neither that big a deal

[Pops184]

Any cover can only help keep things in good condition for a little longer. Question is, is it really worth the effort? I don't cover my A/C unit, but I do cover my awning when rolled up. I took a tip from another RV'r at the storage lot and bought a length of plastic rain gutter. Simply turn upside down and place over the awning! I tied ends down with velcro strips just to keep the wind from blowing it off. The awning is one item that will fade and crack when left in the heat long term (i.e. TX, AZ, NM, etc.).

[Jagiven]

You really do not need a cover. If I stored my TT at home in the winter, there is no way I would put one on. They are big, and heavy. Surprised, not to hear of people getting injured, putting them on and taking them off.

I would raise or lower the tongue, to encourage snow melt to run off a little quicker. Keep the stabilizers up.

I would check your bolts that secure your AC to the roof. They should be just snug, NOT tight. Over time they loosen up, the AC seal compresses. Once it is fully compressed you need to replace it.

I would be very apprehensive of removing any snow. RV dealerships do not remove the snow at all over the winter in their back lots. The roof structure is strong, and the rubber roof membranes are extremely thin, and are easily torn. If you choose to remove some snow, I would leave at least 6" to ensure no accidental tears.

[Tunce the traveler]

[QUOTE=Jagiven;919516

I would raise or lower the tongue, to encourage snow melt to run off a little quicker. Keep the stabilizers up.

I would check your bolts that secure your AC to the roof. They should be just snug, NOT tight. Over time they loosen up, the AC seal compresses. Once it is fully compressed you need to replace it.
.[/QUOTE]

X2 on that and I feel the gasket is good for about 4years.

[NVGun40]

The use of a cover is merely a matter of personal decision. I have been around using and camping RVs of all types since the late 70s. I have used covers and gone without covers. I have used expensive form made 'breathable' covers and utilized cheap tarps. My takeaways on this over time and observation?
Many people say NOT to use tarps because they can trap moisture. Come to find out from actual use and observation; even expensive breathable covers can trap moisture and promote growth of mold and mildew. Sometimes moisture trapped in a breathable cover simply will not evaporate quick enough, and once mold and/or mildew starts to form....
Whether you use a cheap tarp or an expensive cover, if you put them on when conditions are dry, you will not get AS MUCH moisture build up.
Loosely fitting or poorly strapped down covers and/or tarps can cause rub spots and damage the finish. They both can also be torn to shreds in high winds.
Regardless of whether you cover your rig or not, you still have to clean and apply a protectant to the finish both walls and the roof at least twice per year (recommended timeframe). You still have to get on the roof and inspect the seals periodically.

To give an opinion more directly related to the OPs statement.
We are in Alaska. Extreme cold temperatures and lots of snow load are a regular seasonal thing for us. We do not cover our trailers.
We do put a cover on the AC unit. The reasons we cover the AC are: In the fall we get pretty good winds and with the change of seasons and leaves falling from the trees, putting a cover on the AC helps keeps leaves from getting in. It's amazing how much leaves and debris the wind manage to blow into the AC unit. Also, a cover on the AC keeps snow and ice accumulation out. When you get large amounts of snow blown into the AC and then get a warmish day wherein some of the snow melts and turns to water in the right places... What happens when water freezes? it expands. If it should happen to get into the right place and expand, it could damage something. I am not saying it will, or it has, I am merely saying it could.
That's my two cents. Happy camping.

[Finally Able]

Thank you! Good advice!

[Finally Able]

Originally Posted by Woodworker

Ours hasn't been covered for the 3+ yrs we've owned it. Only downside is the over hanging trees makes the roof dirtier quicker an the gutters are like a magnate to the leaves but neither that big a deal

Thanks -- have heard the same thing. I appreciate your reply.

[Finally Able]

Originally Posted by Pops184

Any cover can only help keep things in good condition for a little longer. Question is, is it really worth the effort? I don't cover my A/C unit, but I do cover my awning when rolled up. I took a tip from another RV'r at the storage lot and bought a length of plastic rain gutter. Simply turn upside down and place over the awning! I tied ends down with velcro strips just to keep the wind from blowing it off. The awning is one item that will fade and crack when left in the heat long term (i.e. TX, AZ, NM, etc.).

Thanks!

[Finally Able]

I like your reply-- I guess I won't worry about snow on roof then. Trailer isn't stored level, and stabilizers have been in raised position. thank you!

[skids]

I use a cover on the AC unit. We are at 8800 ft elevation and the solar rays are brutal even in winter. Who needs brittle plastic?