RV Storage: To use a Cover… or not?
Susan J
Storage season for your RV is officially upon us. I am sure you will have a few questions. One important question is, should you use a cover or not? Let’s review a few key factors. I want to ensure that we are on the same page and that you are protecting your RV to the maximum. I would guess that about 90% of RV’s are stored outside. Not everyone has a garage built for an RV. Anything that is outdoors will be exposed to the elements such as rain, snow, heat, and UV rays.
During winter storage, the rain and snow will pound on your RV. Do you know what is in the rain and snow? Rain passes through the atmosphere through a cycle. By the time the water hits the ground (or your RV), it could contain levels of pollution, pollen, mold and other contaminants. Of course this doesn’t hurt us, but outside it can do some damage from repetitive precipitation. During the winter, it isn’t very often that we go outside to wash our RV. Let’s face it, it is cold! The elements tend to hurt the paint, get into the roof units and could cause serious damage/leaks.
When the sun is shining bright, UV rays could damage an RV. RV’s that are covered tend to stay a lot cooler and repel the strong UV rays. Our bodies need protection while outdoors for just a few hours, why not cover your RV that sits outside every day? Anything that is left in the sun is at risk for fading, drying out and cracking. The tires are important to think about in terms of drying out/cracking. Tires in most cases spend more time sitting than rolling down the road. Covering the tires will lengthen the time between new tires. UV rays are damaging in many ways. It is important to protect against them all year around.
I hope at this point, you are considering covering your RV! If so, I would like to include a couple of important things to think about when selecting a cover. Don’t be fooled when you see an advertisement for a waterproof cover. Waterproof covers will trap in moisture and put you at risk for mold/mildew. That would be a nightmare in itself! We recommend using a breathable material. Any moisture or condensation with a breathable cover will evaporate back out. It is also important to select the correct size. Measure the unit yourself to obtain an exact length. Your unit’s paperwork may not include the ladder, spare or bumpers in the stated specs.
Covering your RV will only take about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your unit. This is a minimal amount of time compared to repairing damage from an uncovered unit. Covers can be used year after year which will save you money in the long run. Covers by Adco have zippered accesses for easy entry without removing the cover. I hope that I have answered some questions that you may have been asking concerning covering your RV. Do you have more questions? Give us a call! Our team will be happy to answer further questions or select the best cover for your needs.