RV Maintenance: Undercover Operation
Top Reasons to Keep Your RV Under Wraps
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Scott Russell
Is it really worth it to cover your RV? The question has long been a matter of debate among owners. Put this article firmly on one side of the discussion: RV covers are actually necessary to extend the life of your chosen ride. Here’s why:
UV vs. RV: The Ultimate Showdown
One of the biggest benefits of covering your RV is the protection it provides from the elements. Intense heat, UV rays, snow, ice, and rain can take their toll on your RV’s surfaces over time. An RV cover minimizes the risk of leaks and wear and tear on seals and components. RV covers can also minimize fading and cracking of graphics, trim, and exterior RV paint, allowing your RV to stay looking new longer. Covering your RV doesn’t just protect the exterior of your RV. It can also reduce the effects of heat on your RV’s interior. Excessive heat can damage RV components over time. Deflecting the direct sunlight can help keep temps lower inside your RV, which provides additional protection both inside and out.
In addition to blocking the elements, covers can help reduce the build-up of dirt and debris on your recreation vehicle. This means fewer black streaks and less frequent washings, waxings, and roof treatments. By keeping your RV clean and well-protected with a cover, you can save both time and money while your RV remains looking as good as new.
RV covers not only help preserve your RV’s appearance, but this layer of protection can also help you to avoid more costly repairs down the road. Keeping your RV roof and all exterior seals in top condition helps to avoid leaks and expensive damage over time. This simple step can go a long way in helping you save money while preserving your RV’s life and resale value.
Photo Credit: Scott Russell
Win the Wrap Battle
When it comes to protecting your RV, finding the right cover is essential. With so many options available, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Here are a few important factors to consider when shopping for RV covers.
RV Type and Size: Covers are specific to each type of RV. The features are different for towables versus motorhomes and Class C RVs, so you want to select a cover for your RV type. You also want to measure your RV’s length and get the correct size for a snug fit to prevent wind damage.
Cover Material: RV covers come in different varieties of materials. Look for high-quality water-resistant materials to get the best protection from the elements. Choosing a cover with UV protection further minimizes fading and cracking of your RV’s exterior. You also want to select a breathable or vented cover to help prevent moisture build-up and mildew under the cover.
Storage Climate: Don’t forget to take into account what type of climate your RV will be stored in. If you live in an area with heavy snow or excessive rain, a water-resistant cover with reinforced seams will best meet your needs. If your RV will be kept in hot climates, a cover that features ventilation and UV protective fabric is the best choice.
Photo Credit: ADCO
Material World
The material an RV cover is made of plays an important role in protecting your camper from UV rays and the elements. Let’s dive into a few common RV cover materials. Polypropylene is a popular RV cover material choice because it provides water resistance while still providing breathability. This material helps to prevent condensation from forming, which limits mold and mildew. You can also look for features like zipper doors to provide access to the RV while it’s in storage.
Choosing a cover with ripstop fabric is a great choice for windy areas. This material is made to resist tearing and provides increased durability. RV covers that rip could end up exposing your camper to debris, moisture, and harmful UV rays.
Another excellent choice is a cover made from acrylic material such as Sunbrella fabric. This material won’t scratch the RV surface while still providing water resistance, UV protection, and breathability to avoid mold.
Looking for a quality cover for your RV? Here is an excellent choice for each style of RV:
Class A Motorhomes: Check out the ADCO Designer Series UV Hydro Class A RV Cover. This 4-layer UV and moisture-resistant fabric has bottom corner wind channels for a snug, secure fit.
Class B Camper Vans: Consider the Classic Accessories PolyPRO Class B RV Cover. The elastic corners and adjustable front and rear tension panels create a custom fit.
Class C RVs: Take a look at the Eevelle S2 Expedition Class C Cover. The material has a Durapel rain-repellant coating as well as a mold and UV inhibitor for complete protection while still maintaining breathability.
Travel Trailers: Camco’s Pro-Shield Travel Trailer RV Cover is a great choice. The 3-layer highly breathable material blocks UV rays and features air vents to reduce heat.
Fifth-Wheels: Camco is also a great choice for fifth-wheels. Check out Camco’s Pro-Shield 5th Wheel RV Cover.
Truck Campers: A great choice is the Eevelle Goldline Truck Camper Cover. Eevelle’s Marinex marine-grade fabric also features Endurance Roof Straps to better support the weight of the cover’s sidewalls which results in a longer cover lifespan.
Pop-Up Campers: Consider the Classic Accessories Perma-Pro Heavy Duty Folding Camper Trailer Cover. The ripstop material repels water while still providing zippered access to RV doors and storage compartments.
Photo Credit: Camco
Security Situation
Loose covers can get caught in the wind, which can result in tearing and exposing your RV or rubbing your RV’s exterior. Look for a cover with adjustable features such as tension panels, straps, or buckles to help you properly secure it on your RV.
When installing your RV cover, make sure there are no loose areas in the cover or gaps. Attach straps securely around your RV with a tight fit to reduce the chance of wind moving the cover. It also helps to check the straps often on your RV cover after it has been installed. Weather can loosen the straps over time, and regularly adjusting and tightening the straps can help maintain your RV cover’s protection. The goal of any RV cover is to fit as snugly as possible.
In conclusion, investing in an RV cover is a simple way to protect and preserve the condition of your recreation vehicle. Choosing a high-quality tight-fitting RV cover can protect your RV from rain, snow, ice, wind, and intense UV rays. By covering your RV when it isn’t in use, you not only keep it clean and in good condition, but you also prevent more costly future repairs.
With so many great cover options, it’s easy to find the perfect cover to protect your rig.
Photo Credit: Eevelle
RV Cover Brands Roundup
ADCO
ADCO offers universal covers and custom covers to fit every type of RV. The UV Hydro series offers four layers of fabric with UV protection.
Eevelle
Eevelle’s Goldline covers are available for Class A, Class B, Class C, travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth-wheel RVs.
Camco
Camco has budget-friendly covers for all styles. Camco’s Pro-Shield offers breathable all-weather and UV protection.
Classic Accessories
Classic Accessories make covers for all styles of RVs. Perma-PRO RV covers are made of a quick-drying ripstop fabric.
CalMark
CalMark sells made-to-order custom-fit covers for all styles and sizes of RVs. The Sunbrella fabric is non-abrasive to exterior finishes.
Photo Credit: Dometic
Covers for RV Components
When it comes to protecting your RV, remember to cover individual RV components such as the tires, air conditioners, and the spare tire.
Tire Covers: Exposure to the sun and weather can cause your RV tires to wear. Using tire covers whenever your vehicle is parked can ward off harmful UV rays, rain, and snow, helping to prevent blowouts and prolonging tire life. When we arrive and set up at a campsite, we add our Explore Land Tire Covers to protect our fifth-wheel tires. They are easy to install and remove, and the snug-fitting elastic allows them to stay put even during heavy wind.
Spare Tire Covers: Don’t forget about your RV’s spare tire. Like your regular tires, it should be protected from the elements, especially if it’s mounted on the exterior of your vehicle. Some RV spare tire covers are available in fun styles including Happy Camper prints. Check out the Elements Spare Tire Cover, available in a United States flag pattern.
Air Conditioner Covers: If you use an RV cover, your air conditioners are already protected. However, for shorter periods of non-use or if you aren’t using an RV cover, consider an RV air conditioner cover to help prevent frost, snow, and debris from causing mechanical issues. Choose a cover that matches your RV air conditioner brand, such as the Dometic Air Conditioner Cover.
