See full version: Should You Cover Your Camper Trailer With a Tarp
By throwing a blue tarp over your RV, you may not be getting the protection it needs from the elements. By investing in an RV cover that protects your investment, you’re doing everything you can to keep your recreational vehicle in working condition. more
It’s worth pointing out that investing in proper RV storage throughout the year is beneficial for any motorhome or trailer. RV storage offers security and protection that can’t be matched by covering it in your backyard. While covering your recreational vehicle can help, if you want to protect your investment to the best of your ability, invest in RV storage to keep it safe from the elements. [links]
Is using a tarp advisable or should you steer clear of covering an RV that way? Let’s explore why you should cover your camper or trailer and the most efficient materials for doing it.
Covering your RV will help keep it from aging from the sun’s rays. The sun’s UV radiation can harm your ride by fading color, peeling paint, cracking components and more. Make sure your covering of choice will block out UV radiation, just because something blocks light does not mean that it blocks ultraviolet radiation. If your roof begins to buckle or crack, this not only looks bad, but it can cause issues with vents, AC units, and more on the top of your RV. here
The ice buildup can be the worst damage your RV could endure. If the snow is not removed, the snow acts like an insulator and starts to melt the ice under the snow. The water can start to open up seams on your roof. It then can migrate throughout your RV, causing serious structural and cosmetic damage. If you don’t take care of the buildup snow during the winter, you could have a big surprise waiting for you in the Spring! more
3. If your RV will be stored outside during the winter, make sure to cover it. Buy an RV cover to cover the entire trailer or use a breathable tarp to cover the roof. A well fitted breathable RV cover is recommended. Whichever cover you decide to use, make sure it is secure, especially if the wind picks up. If you choose a tarp to cover your roof, make sure you purchase wheel covers for your tires. When putting on your wheel covers, make sure the covers are secure from the winter elements. [links]
Today, many RVs are constructed with lightweight materials, especially the materials used for the roof. When 12″ to
2. Unplug all the batteries and propane bottles from your RV. If you have a garage, store your RV batteries and your propane tanks in there during the winter months. Just make sure both the RV batteries and the propane tanks are secure and away from moisture. here
If you are experiencing wet soil under your home, consider adding a ground cover. Installation is simple, and can be done even years later. Cover 100% of the ground under the home with 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Sealing the joints is not necessary, as an overlap of 12-inches is sufficient.
To learn more ways of controlling moisture in your manufactured home, we suggest clicking the link below to download and read a guide prepared by the Manufactured Home Research Alliance, entitled “Moisture Problems in Manufactured Homes - Understanding Their Causes and Finding Solutions.”
Moist ground and standing water under a mobile home generate water vapor that accumulates in the crawlspace and can rise up into the home, slowly damaging the structure over time. The single most important part of installing a home to avoid moisture problems is grading the site so that water drains away from the home on all sides. here
Also, it is not necessary to seal the ground cover around each pier if you are retrofitting it under an existing home. Just place the edges of the sheeting up against the pier base and cut back to fit. The work does not have to be perfect. It just needs to minimize the surface area of soil under the home that is emitting water vapor. [links]
Beyond sunlight, tree sap, bird droppings, acidic rain and even simple dust build-up can cause deterioration of an RV’s surfaces if left unchecked. Without a cover, owners are likely to spend considerably more time washing their vehicles to keep them their best. here
Similarly, exposed fiberglass oxidizes over time, making the RV’s surface much more dull. Without the paint acting as a protective exterior layer, sunlight and other elements are more likely to damage and cause problems for the important metal and plastic pieces that make up the RV’s hull.
In addition to an RV cover, it may be worth investing in covers for your tires as well to protect the metal rims and rubber tires from element build-up. Even if the RV cover your purchase hangs low to cover the tires, individual tire covers ensure you don’t have to have your wheels replaced too regularly, thereby saving you money in the long-run. But that’s a topic for another article. [links]
It’s difficult to know if the price is really worth it, but the internet makes the process much easier. Make good use of sites like Amazon.com, where most products are extensively reviewed by users, so you can read what previous buyers have to say about its effectiveness and value. It’s an easy way to conduct more specific research on the durability of one specific cover, or to simply put your mind at ease about a purchase you’ve already made.