There are plenty of coverage options available for travel trailers, but finding the perfect one can be daunting. However, we hope to offer the best ways to narrow down the search. Read on to find out more about how to choose a perfect cover for your travel trailer.
Protecting Your Investment With an RV Cover
You have likely invested a lot in your RV, so it makes sense that you want to protect it from the elements when it’s not in use. Storing your RV can be one of the main challenges of RV ownership if an oversized garage or shed isn’t an option for storing your rig during the off-season.
A cover keeps your camper from being damaged by the sun, dust, animals, snow, and any other potentially harmful outdoor exposures. An RV cover is also an excellent deterrent to any would-be thieves since you can easily lock the zippers. Additionally, covers can take some time to remove, making it that much more of a challenge for a thief to gain access.
Aren’t RV Covers Just Overpriced Glorified Tarps?
NO! Unlike tarps, RV covers are constructed with breathability in mind. In fact, breathability is a top feature you should be looking for in travel trailer covers. Lack of ventilation can cause mildew or mold to build up beneath the surface of the cover and even inside the camper itself. Mold and mildew not only create unpleasant stains and smells, but they can also be hazardous to human health. A high-quality cover will be made of a breathable fabric to protect you and your camper from these hazards.
Take time to read through our top product recommendations. Our in-depth buying guides at Best RV Reviews will teach you all you need to know about choosing reliable RV covers, accessories, and other vital products that can help you protect your investment for years to come.
For example, a durable RV cover could be the best solution to extending the useful life of your rig, saving you money that you would otherwise spend on maintenance or costly repairs, and keeping your camper looking new.
Many covers are available for travel trailers; finding the perfect one can be an overwhelming job. However, the information presented on this site will help you narrow the search down to an achievable task. Read on to find out tips and more about choosing a cover that has the best fit and function to meet your storage needs.
Choosing the Perfect Cover for Your Travel Trailer
When deciding what cover to buy for your travel trailer, the first thing to do is determine what style of travel trailer you have. This information is where you will begin with your search for the best RV cover.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing a Cover for Your Trailer:
Type: There are many styles of campers available; knowing which type yours is will help you figure out what kind of cover will work best.
Size: Measuring your camper or RV is one of the most important determinations you’ll make in your search for a cover. A cover that is too large can allow moisture or pests to get underneath it and nest. However, a cover that is too small is not going to cover your RV adequately.
Color: When choosing a color for travel trailer or RV covers, you’ll want to consider both the storage climate and the color of the travel trailer. In warmer temperatures, a light-colored cover will deflect heat and reduce heat-related damages. But dark-colored covers may be a better choice for protection in colder climates.
Now that you’ve determined what factors you’re looking for in a travel trailer cover, you’re ready to start narrowing down your search.
How to Measure for an RV Cover
It’s always a good idea to physically measure your RV due to extended bumpers, ladders, spare tires, etc. Here’s how to go about it:
1. To determine the correct size, measure the total length from the front bumper back to the rear of the RV. You will include any spare tires or ladders in this measurement, but there’s no need to include the propane tanks or front hitch on trailers when taking your measurements.
2. Measure the height from the base of the RV to the top of the roof (exclude AC units, vents, satellites, etc.). Measuring the wheel wells to the ground will not net a proper fit. Instead, measure around the entire structure from top to bottom.
3. Measure your RV’s width from the outside wall to the opposite outer wall. From the front of the RV or trailer, measure the widest part. Just as with height and width, it’s unnecessary to include awnings or mirrors.
See Also: Top 10 Best RV Trailer Covers
What Are the Benefits of Covering Your RV?
Is an RV cover essential? That all depends on how much you value your hard-earned camper. While we’ve already discussed a few reasons to protect your RV with a cover, here are some other benefits you might not have considered.
Protection against the elements: If an RV is left unprotected, natural factors can cause wear and even damage over several years. For RVs not kept in an enclosed garage or barn, covers can provide valuable protection against environmental damage from rain, wind, and snow.
UV protection: Extended exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause the finish on an RV to fade and age prematurely and cause dry rotting of plastic and rubber components. UV light damage can damage the cosmetic aspects of an RV and cause mechanical damage to hoses and other mechanisms.
Moisture protection: As we previously discussed, one of the most significant benefits RV covers offer is moisture protection. Moisture can lead to mildew and mold growing on your RVs exterior surfaces. If your camper isn’t kept clean and dry during the off-season, water can eventually leak into the cabin and cause damage to electronics and fabrics.
Critter Protection: Another pesky problem that can ruin the exterior of your rig is wildlife. Depending on where you live, mice, squirrels, and other rodents will find your RV a welcome home during the winter months. While a cover won’t prevent them from getting in entirely, it may deter them somewhat. Bird droppings can also be a nuisance that can cause lasting damage to your RV’s exterior. Again, a cover will solve this issue.
For Resale Value: When you first get a new RV, you probably envision keeping it forever. But life sometimes happens. You may choose to sell it sometime in the future, or you may want to upgrade to a newer or different model. The first thing a potential buyer will see is your rig’s exterior. If it is worn and faded, it may not have as much resale value as if it had been kept sleek and polished.
Tips for Installing Your RV Cover Without Causing Potential Damage
Naturally, your RV cover is also an investment. There may be a bit of a learning curve associated with using one, so be sure you know how to best use the RV cover, too. Otherwise, it will just end up being a waste of your resources.
Clean the RV Cover Between Uses
If you keep your RV cover in storage and only install it on your rig during the off-season, be sure to clean and dry it carefully before folding and storing. It’s equally important to inspect your cover for mold and mildew that can form on the surface or between its folds and be transferred to the RV itself.
Take Your Time
Fold down all antennae and mirrors before placing the cover on your RV. It’s tempting to forget this prep work during the installation process, but a few additional moments of care can save you from having to replace hundreds of dollars worth of equipment on your RV.
Make Sure It Fits
Make sure that the RV cover fits appropriately and is secured tightly. Improperly fitted RV covers are the leading cause of damage in storage —this neglect allows moisture to get underneath the cover to cause harm. Wind will cause a too large cover to flap against the finish of the RV, causing scratches and wear.
What About RV Tire Covers?
Just like exterior RV covers, wheel covers can prevent a lot of wear and tear over time. UV light is a primary culprit—it causes tiny cracks in the sidewall. Over time, those cracks become slow leaks and could even lead to tire failure.
Additionally, tire covers can keep dirt and rust from collecting on your rims, and they will also keep out the elements. Snow, ice, and rain will cause wear and tear as well.
RV tires are not cheap, so prolonging the life of your wheels is a smart move, especially if you are parking your rig for any length of time.
Related Article: Top 10 Best RV Wheel Covers
Propane Tank Covers
Another consideration when protecting your RV from the elements is a propane tank cover. These covers will keep dirt and dust from the road off your tank, and they can also prevent ugly rust spots from forming.
You can purchase both hard and soft covers in a variety of styles. Hard propane tank covers provide some additional protection during traveling in case of flying debris. However, some people prefer soft covers, which can even come preprinted with sports logos and other designs. While probably not as crucial as an exterior cover or wheel covers, a propane cover can keep your camper looking its best.
You may also like: Top 10 Best RV Propane Tank Covers
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