RV cover October 12, 2017, 07:23:00 pm Any discussion about RV covers? We are thinking about getting one to protect our 27MB which we store in a secure outside facility in Lynwood Wa., north of Seattle. I understand that they are a chore to put on, especially if you are not inclined to climb on the roof. I am 83 and tend to stay around ground level! Any suggestions, thoughts or comments would be appreciated. Weather in the winter here is not too bad, may get down to the mid 20's and 6 inches or so of snow.Ian Walker2015 27MB"The Silver Fox"
Re: RV cover Reply #1 – October 12, 2017, 07:40:18 pm Ian, here is a discussion on this topic. To cover or not to coverI have worn out a few covers on other RVs, and I would do anything to avoid using a cover. But if I could not put it under some structure for protection, I would definitely use a cover. And if I had to put on a cover, I would find someone to do so, or to help if it were not wise for me to get on the roof.My personal experience: We have a bit of wind here, and a cover lasted about one year. I spent a lot of energy tying and Re-tying it down to minimize flapping, but it was a losing battle, the cover invariably worn holes in itself, and abraded the RV in spots. I opened the cover up as much as I could periodically to allow the inside to air out and reduce moisture build up. We also put damp-rid inside, and thus had no mildew problems. When we lived in Dallas, the sun ate a cover each year. So it cost a couple of month’s storage fee to cover the RV each year. Is there any way to build a metal roof shelter where you live? Since you are already on storage how about upping the ante and popping for covered storage?
Re: RV cover Reply #2 – October 12, 2017, 08:35:53 pm I keep my LD covered at home in N.C. I would not even consider it if I was 83 or if it was at a storage lot. I put the cover on by rolling it up, throwing it over my shoulder, climbing the back ladder, and having one of the kids pull and tug things into place on the ground while I pull and tug on the roof. We can get it on or off in 5 min. I can’t imagine how you could get the cover on without climbing on the roof. If available, you can pay for a lot of months at a covered facility before approaching the cost of building a covered area. Rich ‘03 MB in NC
Re: RV cover Reply #3 – October 12, 2017, 08:42:30 pm I'm with Paul on the storage under a metal roof cover or covered storage. Is that a "Me Too"?I've had three ADCO covers on two campers and have been generally dissatisfied with the longevity, fit, and quality of the material. On top of that (no pun intended), they are quite heavy and it is a chore climbing up on top of the rig with the heavy rolled up cover over my shoulder, and then spreading it all out and making sure the top fits correctly first, or nothing will fit later. In addition, it is risky.One of our camping friends (about 50 years old and in good physical shape) was putting his cover on top of his Lance Camper two years ago, slipped and fell to the ground, and among his other injuries, broke his ankle so badly that he is permanently disabled and has developed chronic pain syndrome. That makes the cover REALLY expensive. We are still friends, but he can't camp with us anymore and has sold his camper.That's my .02.HD 2 Likes
Re: RV cover Reply #4 – October 13, 2017, 10:03:53 am I never covered our '85 TK but we were living on the Central Coast at that time where the winters are mild. Now living in the Tehachapi Mountains, our Hi-Lo trailer was covered during the winter months. Even with the trailer's ability to compress not much higher than the rooftop of a SUV, it was still a PITA to put on. I can't imagine putting a cover on a LD at 83 years of age, so I guess I'm in the "me too" category. Go with covered shelter if at all possible. 2 Likes
Re: RV cover Reply #5 – October 13, 2017, 10:41:51 am Hi Ian. I live in the West. PA area and we definately see winter. I don't put a cover on the LD. There are a couple of reasons, first we attempt to drive the rig every month, even if it is a short trip. Given that I don't like going up on the roof, it would be a burden to me to cover - uncover every month, especially if there is ice on the roof. Secondly, we are snowbirds. We head to Florida every January. And again, I don't want to go up on the roof of the LD if there is a chance of snow or ice on it. Keep in mind that a cover will be much heavier with 4 or more inches of snow on it. I have thought about putting up some type of shelter for the LD, but I don't know how much longer we will be in this house (almost 40 years) since we are in our 70s and considering a retirement community. Glad to see that you are continuing to RV in your LD! 4 Likes
Re: RV cover Reply #6 – October 13, 2017, 11:57:36 am We recently got RV cover from Empire Covers for our 2006 30ft and it is made well.
Re: RV cover Reply #7 – October 13, 2017, 04:49:16 pm Ian, Many few years ago here on Vashon WA we tried to tarp over our 84 itaska 21 foot, at the time I felt that it was to expensive to buy a cover. It was quite a task and in the wind it was always flapping. We tied and bunged it and it still was a mess. After two months we decided to find inside storage for it and fortunately we had access to a building so we made space and in it went. That camper is still in great shape because it was always stored when not in use. We have a 98 26MB which had always been stored indoors in California and also stored by us here on Vashon. The LD looks great and in a few instaces where the rules required a vehicle to be ten years or younger, we tell them that it is a 2010 and they believe us! I guess we are in the "Me Too" group too! Karen~Liam 26 ~ MB
Re: RV cover Reply #8 – October 13, 2017, 06:14:10 pm I have had a cover on my '08 24' RB for all of the 9 years I have owned it. In the constant Southern California sun where I live the sun can play havoc with the paint and plastics. I still get complements on how good it looks. That said, a cover has some serious drawbacks. Each of the first two Empire covers I owned lasted 2 years before they began to disintegrate. My third (and final) Carver cover is on its fourth year and still holding up, though it cost almost three times as much as the others. Removing the cover is not too much of a chore but putting it back on can be quite an ordeal. I am 65 and still fairly athletic but still need to be super careful when on the roof with it. Getting it up on the roof is no easy task either. The Carver cover is better made out of heavy duty material but too heavy to carry up on the back ladder. I have to place it on the inside bunk bed and then feed it through the escape hatch (which I believe L.D. no longer has?). Maybe some sort of portable winch system would work. If my property allowed a more permanent structure I would definitely go with that instead.
Re: RV cover Reply #9 – October 13, 2017, 06:39:33 pm Many years ago, when our LD was new, we had a cover...for short period.We live in a dusty, windy area and I noticed spots, on the LD's roof corners, that were being rubbed by either the cover itself, or dirt that's been blown under the cover. The cover was always tied down as tightly as possible.One afternoon, while putting the cover on, a wind gust came up and ballooned the cover, almost knocking me off the top.That was the last time it was used.A pristine paint job is not worth risking your life IMHO. I can always buy another RV or paint job, can't buy a new life or body.Larry 6 Likes
Re: RV cover Reply #10 – October 14, 2017, 02:56:43 am We have been using a Classic Accessories Perma Pro cover purchased from Walmart for 2 winters, about to be the 3rd, in Oregon. One winter was in our driveway in Portland, the other in Seaside (coast) where we stored our LD. This is a mid priced cover that cost about $300. Pretty decent with lots of adjustable straps. After much online research I didn't see how a much more expensive cover would do much better. So far the cover is in reasonable shape (minus a few wear spots of an inch or so). The wear spots seem reasonable given the occasional extreme winds (up to 90mph) the cover endured. Our rig was protected. It has done a good job protecting our LD. Even if we have to purchase one every 3 years - that's $100 per year cost for covering the LD and a good value from our perspective. Probably we will get 5 years out of it.Agreed, in a few more years I will not want to be on the roof for any reason. At that point I'll happily pay someone to get on the roof and do what needs to be done. A couple of Hundred $ each year will easily be worth it and cheaper than any medical deductible for sure!Safe Travels! Will be in Silver Falls SP Saturday ;-)Pete 2 Likes
Re: RV cover Reply #11 – October 14, 2017, 07:46:30 pm Ian,I would like to echo others' comments & sentiments...For all the before-mentioned reasons (and then some), PLEASE consider remaining on terra firma. I too have had friends in the past that have fallen from rooftop and lived to regret it.Gravity...it's not just a good idea...it's the LAW! 4 Likes
Re: RV cover Reply #12 – November 01, 2017, 02:59:41 pm Ditto all the comments on how difficult it is to deploy to cover.....I have a really nice custom cover for 25.5' rear bath if anyone wants it......Normalnorm
Re: RV cover Reply #13 – November 05, 2017, 01:00:07 pm Thanks all for your replies and good comments on RV covers! We have decided not to get a cover, at some point we may be able to find covered storage. Jean washes and waxes the rig twice a year, a 2-3 day job each time. We use the Finish Kare Ultra Polymer Sealer #2180 and have built up a good coating.\Ian, 27MB"Silver Fox", Seatttle
Re: RV cover Reply #14 – November 06, 2017, 07:06:09 am Any one had any experience with just using a roof cover to protect the roof structures and seams.? Would partially solve the weight and trapped moisture issues, but may be more of a problem with winds. Any thoughts or experience?
Re: RV cover Reply #15 – November 06, 2017, 04:00:55 pm Quote from: Thomas K Sawyer - November 06, 2017, 07:06:09 amAny one had any experience with just using a roof cover to protect the roof structures and seams.? Would partially solve the weight and trapped moisture issues, but may be more of a problem with winds. Any thoughts or experience?A major benefit of a cover is to protect the exterior paint, something a roof-only cover wouldn't help.The roof structure and seams are perfectly able to survive fine without a cover as long as the seam sealant is in good shape.If you want to protect the escape hatch, roof vent covers and the A/C cover from the sun, paint them white, using a good exterior enamel.Do install covers over the roof vents to protect the plastic vent covers from the sun damage and to allow leaving the vents open in foul weather conditionsLarry
Re: RV cover Reply #16 – November 07, 2017, 01:18:40 am I was thinking another solution would be the Costco Tent the one that is 10' x 20' with sidewalls. A small problem is that they are low in height but could be raised high enough with adding 1-3/4" EMT pipe. I was planning on making this kind of seasonal temporary storage for my 21' Itaska But Alas Costco has discontinued carrying these tents now after Twenty Years! Karen~Liam 26 ~ MB
Re: RV cover Reply #17 – November 07, 2017, 02:10:41 am Karen I have a Costco 10x20 garage cover but personally would not want to put my future LD inside of it, especially in windy/stormy weather as the wind whips it around sometimes allot and I would not want my motor home scratched or dented by the moving tent poles. It is shielded from high wind right next to my home on one side, and tall fence on the other, an have it tied off at the corners with sandbags too
Re: RV cover Reply #18 – November 24, 2017, 06:53:03 pm So I just completed my Costco tent for our itaska 21' and it fits. We raised the costco tent with 2" PVC 10 ft long. We removed the bottom cap feet on the 7' side polls, then we removed each poll at the four corners and raised the tent with the 10' PVC polls. When all were raised we would lift the tent off from each support and slide a poll down inside the PVC, then snapping the 7' metal pool into it's support on the tent frame. We used four people for best result but it could be done with two or three people. We then added an additional tarp at the bottom to make up the difference of the raised 4 feet. I then used rope to tie the tent down to the RV so it will stay secure. We laid a tarp as a vapor barrier on the ground before parking the itaska in. We shall see how this goes for our NW winter. I will heat it from time to time. One thing I forgot to do was winterize it so I will do it in the tent an lay pans to collect the water from the system drains which has worked for 20 years without using Air pressure. I think it could be modified to accommodate a 24 ft vehicle with the front cab sticking out but could be tented easily. Karen~Liam 26 ~ MB
Re: RV cover Reply #20 – November 24, 2017, 07:57:16 pm Been thinking along these lines too. Tractor Supply and Harbor Freight also have versions of these. Additional height is easier than additional length.Protecting coachwork from pipe frames could be done with foam slip-on pipe insulation (securely taped) or appropriate pool noodles... If you want a perfect fit, Jegs hot-rod company has foam rollbar padding, with larger center holes. Bracing side to side could happen in the back with the luggage rack, but gets more complicated as you move forward.Front and rear trailer hitches provide ample opportunity to tie the unit directly down to the chassis, so the tent won't go anywhere the LD doesn't.For a stock cover, large innertubes or an upside down liferaft or two could keep the cover up and off most of the corners, but it would still rub the sides. Three months inside would get me thru the nastiest weather -- maybe that's the best use of that money for awhile...Chip
Re: RV cover Reply #21 – November 24, 2017, 08:14:40 pm Quote from: Karen & Liam - November 24, 2017, 06:54:55 pmthe photoLiamHave you thought of providing some ventilation to the structure.Being sealed up would seem to provide an ideal place for mold.Maybe the cover's ends can be opened during your brief periods without water falling from the sky.You might want to run an electric heater inside the MH occasionally, to drive the moisture out.Hate to see that beautiful rig turn into compost.Larry 1 Likes
Re: RV cover Reply #22 – November 25, 2017, 12:07:11 pm Thanks Larry Good suggestion! Although this is our 84 itaska, it is in great shape since we have stored it indoors all of the time we have had it over 20 years when we were not using it. I will have a 600W ceramic heater in it now and put it on occasionally, I may heat the tent area with kerosene heater blower once and a while also. Fortunately the itaska is only 8 ft wide so there is at least 1 foot clearance from the support poles so it is unlikely there will not be any rubbing. Opening it up when the weather is dry is also a good idea. Alas we are selling this itaska since we have our 26 MB and do not need them both and the itaska has served us well, so I hope it will not be in there long. ~Liam
Re: RV cover Reply #23 – November 25, 2017, 01:30:30 pm I put a dehumidifier inside my LD when it's stored. I live in the generally humid Southeastern US. Of course you need power. I put it in the shower and run the condensate into the shower drain. I found that running a heater attracts rodents looking for a warmer place to live. It's something to thing about depending on where you live. Rich'03 MB in NC
Re: RV cover Reply #24 – November 25, 2017, 09:06:30 pm Quote from: Karen & Liam - November 25, 2017, 12:07:11 pmAlthough this is our 84 itaska, it is in great shape since we have stored it indoors all of the time we have had it over 20 years have own it. Alas we are selling this itaska since we have our 26 MB and do not need them both and the itaska has served us well, so I hope it will not be in there long. Will you take your LD to BRC, or do you have alternative plans?Please say you have an alternative.Your Itaska would sell quickly in SoCal. A small Class C, in good shape, is the hottest thing in City living.I already have a spot picked out nearby where we could full-time, in the LD, along with the other IFTs (Involuntary Full Timers).Larry 1 Likes
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