Is a cover necessary ?

[CavemanCharlie]

I keep my TT inside a shed but, a friend recently bought a used TT and has no place inside to store it. I recommend a cover and told him to read up on here to choose a good one .

Today has asked me "What is I just store it outside over the winter without a cover" ?

I really didn't have a answer for him. I told him that it would probably be harder on his rubber roof but, truth be told, his TT sets outside all summer with nothing over the roof. Would over winter be any worse ?

He just bought the TT for $3500 and it ;including the roof; are in great shape. Is it really worth it for him to spend the money on a cover ? Wouldn't a 1995 $3500 TT last just about as long without it ?

Give me some reasons to tell him as to why he needs one.

Thank-You

[TurnThePage]

I paid under $10k for my trailer brand new in 2004. I maintained it and enjoyed it for years, but I never covered it. I can share photos of it under several feet of snow, and relate tales of the freeze/thaw cycles it's been through, etc. It's never leaked or let me down in that regard.

I've been planning on replacing it for a few years now, but just haven't gotten around to it. It still suits my needs nicely. However, the rubber roof was shedding the protective white coating, and showing its age. I re-coated it a couple years ago, and am now in the practice of covering it in the winter.

As far as I am concerned, even if I purchase a new cover every year, it's a good, even frugal, decision.

[CavemanCharlie]

dodge guy wrote:

TurnThePage wrote:

ScottG wrote:
As I indicated before, I am pro-cover but I wouldn't spend $400+ on a cover for a $3500 trailer.

Why not?

I agree. If it’s a trailer in really good shape. I would prolong its life as long as possible. $400 for 5 years of use is well worth it.

But,,, Because it is going to set outside all summer long uncovered is 400 dollars going to gain him 5 years when it is only covered during the winter ?

[dodge_guy]

TurnThePage wrote:

ScottG wrote:
As I indicated before, I am pro-cover but I wouldn't spend $400+ on a cover for a $3500 trailer.

Why not?

I agree. If it’s a trailer in really good shape. I would prolong its life as long as possible. $400 for 5 years of use is well worth it.

[TurnThePage]

ScottG wrote:
As I indicated before, I am pro-cover but I wouldn't spend $400+ on a cover for a $3500 trailer.

Why not?

[trailer_newbe]

In Southern Arizona you MUST cover. Otherwise it will be destroyed in just a few years. Spent a good chunk of change building a steel trailer cover 17’ high, 14’ wide and 40’ long (room for a larger TT) to insure Mother Nature is held at bay.

[Snomas]

I had a DP stored outside for 14 years in Denver and just did yearly roof maintenance w/ no real problems. In the 12th year we got hit w/ a bad Hail storm and I had to replace the rubber roof complete including 2 new A/C's. Also repainted 2/ side of the MH.

[ScottG]

As I indicated before, I am pro-cover but I wouldn't spend $400+ on a cover for a $3500 trailer.

[ScottG]

As I indicated before, I am pro-cover but I wouldn't spend $400+ on a cover for a $3500 trailer.

[MFL]

Since the OP is from MN, his friend asking, likely is too. IMO, using a cover for Winter, but not Summer, is doing it backward. The Summer sun is more harmful than Winter cold and snow. On a $3,500 trailer, I'd just do the proper maintenance prior to Winter, park it, wash it in the Spring and use it. In a few years you'll still get most of your money back, when you sell it and upgrade.

Jerry

[Dick_B]

and after reading these posts for additional information search this Forum for `RV cover' and read on and on....

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

Been using covers since we bought our rv in 2002. We get intense sun here in central California. I have found the best covers that last the longest are the ones that use the white Tyvek as the top material. Our rubber roof is still in good shape and all of our decals still look great!

[LibertyMan]

Grit dog wrote:
Heard all the arguments in another thread about how covers are stupid.
They’re not. They will preserve the RV better than uncovered but the owner mustn’t be stupid about the cover and it will last a long time and serve the purpose it was intended to.

Unless the full Alabama sun hits it all day. After about 4-5 years the cover becomes so brittle from the UV rays that you can easily poke a hole through it with your finger without much effort. Which, lets me know that it is doing its job by being a barrier to the camper from the damaging UV rays. But yes, when placing a cover on a camper, you must not get in a rush and yank and pull on it. And you must ensure all sharp corners are covered/cushioned to prevent premature tears and rips and the cover is tightened properly.

[Grit_dog]

Heard all the arguments in another thread about how covers are stupid.
They’re not. They will preserve the RV better than uncovered but the owner mustn’t be stupid about the cover and it will last a long time and serve the purpose it was intended to.

[CFerguson]

I've done both. I don't bother with a cover any more. I do, however, religiously clean and caulk(that spreading kind) every year at least. If it looks like **** in between cleanings, who cares? Only a trucker is going to see the roof anyway, at best.