WHY DO I NEED AN RV COVER?
In most cases today’s Recreational Vehicle (RV) is considered a 2nd home.
Unfortunately that 2nd home must be stored for extended periods of time exposed to Mother Nature’s wear and tear. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun, air pollutants, snow, dirt, and dust all take their toll. The damage will be easy to see. Ugly black streaks, almost impossible to remove, will mar the painted surface. The beautiful exterior surface will fade quickly and you can expect some serious roof repairs after about the second year.
Covering your RV is the best investment you will ever make
If it is just to keep it clean and ready to go for your next outing, a cover is the only way to go. More importantly, a good cover will prevent all of the damage mentioned above and many years down the road, the RV will look as nice as the day you bought it.
PLASTIC TARPAULIN RV COVER
NEVER use a plastic tarpaulin to cover your RV. REMEMBER heat rises. RV’s have to breathe. Blue plastic tarps ARE NOT BREATHABLE and will cause severe damage to the inside of your RV. You would be much better off not covering it at all. RV’s have walls and if the foul air or condensation has nowhere to go it remains within the walls and eventually you will experience dry rot and black mildew.
Always make sure your cover is made with a breathable fabric.
ARE RV COVERS HARD TO PUT ON?
If you are able to walk on the top of your RV, we suggest the following method. Tie a rope around the rolled up cover while it is on the ground and throw the rope over the RV. Get up on top and pull the cover up and sit it on the rear of the RV. Unroll the cover toward the front and then unfold it as you work your way back to the ladder. Do not try to adjust the position until you are back on the ground. NEVER try to carry the cover on your shoulder as you climb the ladder.
If you cannot walk on top, give us a call. We will guide you through a couple of other easy methods of installation.
TAKING THE COVER OFF
If you take the cover off as follows, it will be that much easier to install the next time.
- Unhook all your friction reducer ties straps and tie downs.
- Push the rear of the cover up and over the top of the ladder.
- Once on top, pull up all the sides and lay the entire cover in the center of the RV just like a long sleeping bag.
- Starting from the front of the RV, roll the cover up towards the rear.
- Drop the rolled up cover on the ground and store until the next use.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WEIGHT OF A COVER
Depending on what fabric you select the weight will vary. Non-woven fabrics are the lightest in weight however they have the shortest life span.
The weight of most non-woven fabrics is approximately 1.25 pounds per linear foot of your RV. For example a cover for a 30′ RV will weigh 37 lbs.
Woven fabrics like Sunbrella® average approximately 1.75 lbs per linear foot. So if you have a 30′ RV the weight of your cover will be approximately 50-55 pounds.
