How to Use an RV Cover

Many RVs cost more than the typical home, so protecting them from the elements is important.

Because RVs are both homes and vehicles, the level of environmental protection they require is often conspicuous. Unexpected problems after a period of storage can result in a delayed or cancelled vacation, in addition to the cost penalties of rectifying the problem. An RV cover exists only to protect your RV; being decorative or attractive is a secondary consideration. Choosing an RV cover that is convenient both to install and remove is vital, because -- if using it is a difficult, irritating or lengthy process -- the chances are good that you will not use it to protect your investment as regularly as you should.

Things You'll Need

• RV cover and fasteners

Instructions

1. Purchase a motorhome cover designed and patterned exactly for your RV type and size. A cover designed for a C-Class RV will not fit neatly around an A-Class, even if their footprint dimensions are the same. A poor fit will reduce effectiveness and increase the likelihood that the cover will flap in high winds. A cover that flaps will disintegrate more quickly than one that is properly fitted. Further, if the cover can move, even slight breezes can eventually cause it to abrade the paint underneath, or wear away seams such as where roof and sides join, possibly creating leaks.

2. Choose a cover that is appropriate to the environment. A cover designed to protect an RV from the snows of a Michigan winter may not be as resistant to the sun's ultraviolet rays as one made for the intense sun of South Florida. As well as keeping debris from blocking gutters and guarding against atmospheric dust and contaminants, the cover should also be resistant to the chemicals in tree sap, bird droppings and acid rain.

3. Choose a breathable cover to discourage condensation buildup and the growth of mold and mildew inside and outside the vehicle. Any fasteners must be corrosion resistant, and zippers should be made of nylon, not metal. Purchase a unit that is fully warranted against degradation as well as failure; such guarantees should cover at least three years of normal use, and ideally more.

4. Ensure the cover's hatch panel matches the location of your primary door. Many covers on the market have detachable hatch panels or panels that can be unzipped to allow entry to the vehicle without entirely removing the cover; the panel must align with your door.

5. Learn how to install and adjust the cover. Do not try to install a cover that requires two people if you are alone when doing the job.

6. Check that the vehicle itself is storage-ready before installing the cover. Entirely drain the water systems to protect the pipes and equipment from freeze damage. Wash and wax the exterior. Drop all blinds and close all curtains; this minimizes the chance that UV rays could damage fabrics and surfaces. Check that the roof vents are closed, the tire shields are in place and the awning is secure in its rolled-away configuration. Plug in a dehumidifier that drains to the outside if possible; this measure makes an enormous difference to the smell and serviceability of an RV that has been stored long-term.

7. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when actually deploying the cover. Typically this involves gaining safe access to the RV roof, dropping the front part of the cover over the nose of the RV, then unfurling the cover while moving toward the back of the vehicle. When all four curtains are draped precisely in place, use all provided fasteners and elasticized straps to minimize wind movement.

8. Check the integrity of the cover during the deployment process. If the fabric has turned brittle or powdery, it is unlikely to still provide the level of protection you need. Check ties and bindings for wear.

Tips & Warnings

• Specialist companies provide immersion encapsulation services, whereby a UV-, moisture- and dust-proof barrier is installed within a sealed outer barrier. For long-term storage, this process provides the ultimate in protection.

• Keep a patch kit handy, and familiarize yourself with its instructions. If a rip or tear is quickly repaired, it can save having to buy a brand new cover.

• Never use a cover when driving or transporting the RV; covers are not designed to resist the high-speed winds of road movement, and will almost certainly tear and disintegrate.

References

• RV Covers Direct:
• My RV Site: Protect Your Investment with an RV Cover