Many avid travelers have their own RVs. It’s practical to have one, especially if you’re on the road a lot. They’re not that pricey but they’re also not that cheap. If you have an RV, do your best to take care of it so it would last longer. Don’t be cheap about it. Get the best accessories and equipment you can give it.
First and foremost, get a cover. This accessory should be high on your priority list. Get it almost as soon as you get your RV. It can keep your ride in pristine quality even if you keep it in the garage for months. There’re so many different types of covers so don’t just go and pick the cheapest one you can find.
Let this article guide you on how to choose your cover and the things to consider when choosing the right RV cover.
2019’s Best RV Covers
Leader Accessories Travel Trailer RV Cover
- Fits RV 27'-30',Size:366"L*102"W*104"H,Attention： This normal RV cover is not include Assist Steel poles
- Durable Material: Thick, triple-ply top and single-ply sides protect against rain, snow, dirt, mildew, birds droppings and scratches for all-weather protection. Reduces premature aging of RV and helps...
Leader accessories’ RV cover possesses the same features that many top RV covers do. It’s a great cover to use, especially during harsh winters. It doesn’t have a size for every RVs. Only those around 27 ft. to 30 ft. It’s best to check if they offer a size for your ride before making plans to buy it.
Leader’s cover has adjustable panels on both the front and the back where you can easily access your RV even if your cover is on. You can easily open and close both the panels with their zipper. This product is thick. It’s thicker than many items on this who boast about being lightweight. Don’t worry, it’s not that thick. It’s just thick enough to make you really feel it’s durability, and it doesn’t weigh differently from the lightweight covers. You can still lift it up with ease by yourself.
Other great features include protection from UV rays, waterproof fabric, and side panels. The last feature is not very common among RV covers. Panels are usually only located in front and at the back of the vehicle but this one also has them on both sides. This makes accessing your RV really easy. The UV protection feature can help make sure your RV last longer. It can help slow down deterioration. That’ll come in handy when it’s time for you to buy a new RV, and you’re planning to sell your current one. This feature can keep that value high.
Leader’s accessories’ cover works well with any RV. It protects efficiently against any season and is not stressful to install. You can do it by yourself in under 20 minutes. The fabric is also reflective. This will keep your RV visible at night and avoid other drivers from colliding their ride with yours. It comes in a lot of sizes so don’t worry about finding one that fits you ride. There’s a great chance that they have it. This product comes in three colors where you can choose from.
This cover also has elastic hems. This prevents any of its parts from awkwardly dangling once it’s already on your RV unit. The elastic hem ensures this product is a perfect fit on your vehicle no matter what size it is.
This is definitely a great choice for a cover. It also comes with a storage bag so just fold it and put it in there when you’re not using it.
Of course, there will always be a downside to everything. This product has very little built-in attachments. If you use it during stormy weather, you need to be creative and reinforce it yourself. It doesn’t have much capability to hold on in its own. But that’s the only downside to it. Everything else is good. If you can look past that, this could be the best cover you can get your RV.
Advantages:
- It offers a great variety of sizes. It even offers sizes for extremely large RVs.
- Great ventilation system
- More than two panels
- Two year-long warranty
- Weatherproof
- Three colors to choose from
Disadvantages:
- You need to provide your own clips and all to secure the corners.
Classic Accessories OverDrive PermaPRO Deluxe Travel Trailer Cover
- TRAVEL TRAILER COVER: Fits travel trailers 20' - 22' long, 118" high from ground to roof
- RV ACCESSORIES: Adjustable front and rear tension panels and elasticized hem corners provide a custom fit, air vent system and quick drying PermaPRO fabric combine to reduce wind stress and vent...
This product is from a familiar brand. PermaPRO breathes the same superior quality that made its manufacturer a familiar name among RVers. It’s really a no-brainer why it made this list. Its features, its quality, and its durability make it a great choice for any RVs.
The PermaPRO is water-proof. It’s a great cover, especially if you expect to encounter really bad weather on your trip. It efficiently keeps your RV dry and clean from rain. It’s also very effective against snow, which is not a very common feature for RV covers. They really focus on just filtering out the rain. PermaPRO really gives you more than your money’s worth.
This cover is unbelievably lighter than the majority of its competitors. It also uses nylon ripstop fabric. You’ve probably heard of ripstop fabrics before, they’re everywhere these days. It’s a fabric that’s very durable that it’s tear-proof. It can effectively protect your RV from rain, snow, fire, dust, and even UV from the sun. It’s really durable and is guaranteed to last a long time. You’re not going to need to replace this cover for a really long time.
The PermaPRO is very easy to install and pack up. It comes with an expandable bag where you can just shove it in after using. Of course, you should roll up the cover nicely before storing it to avoid damages. This cover also allows easy access to your RV even while it’s covering it. It has two panels, located on the back and the front. If you need anything on your RV while it’s covered, just unzip either of those two panels. The cover also has little air vents than prevents too much moisture from building up in the RV.
A great thing about this product is its easy maintenance. Of course, when you buy an RV cover, just by looking at the size of it, you could really expect maintenance and cleaning to be a hassle. Not with this one, it’s waterproof and that means it repels water. Don’t worry about cleaning it, just spray it water, wait a couple of minutes, and roll it up for storing. It’s that easy. No need to stress yourself over it.
If this product has any disadvantage, it’s that it’s thinner than most covers. But that’s why it’s lighter, and it doesn’t really make it any less efficient.
Advantages:
- Comes with an expandable bag for storing
- Weatherproof
- Fabric that can’t be torn or ripped apart
- Weighs less than most covers
Disadvantages:
- Vents that prevent moisture are all located on a single side, not evenly distributed.
Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPRO 3 Deluxe Travel Trailer Cover
- TRAVEL TRAILER COVER: Fits travel trailers & toy haulers up to 18' - 20' long, 118" high from ground to roof
- RV ACCESSORIES: Adjustable front and rear tension panels and elasticized hem corners provide a custom fit, air vent reduces wind lofting and inside moisture
The product is from the same manufacturer as PermaPRO. Given the company’s reputation for quality covers, it’s no surprise that many of their products made the list for the top RV covers. This product shares many great features with PermaPRO. They’re both light and weatherproof. The only difference is that this product has even better waterproof features. It can effectively keep your RV dry even during heavy rainfall.
The PolyPRO 3 comes with a number of sizes to choose from. They have sizes for regular-sized trailers and even for the unusually large of small vehicles.
Even if it’s lighter than other products, it’s made of strong material. PolyPRO 3 has three layers of polypropylene stack up together. It’s thicker and more durable than many other covers on this list. It’s also more efficient in blocking out the elements. The PolyPRO 3 can filter out dust, rain, and snow. It can even protect your RV from scratches. It’s a great cover no matter what the weather is and wherever you’re going.
It also helps maintain your RVs value. This cover protects your RV from the harmful rays of the sun that often speeds up your vehicle’s deterioration. It also provides easy entry to the vehicle with adjustable panels. It’s easy to maintain and easy to store. Plus, it comes with a three-year-long warranty.
Sadly, one has a pretty big downside. You need help putting it around your RV. If you’re into traveling alone, this is probably not the best choice for you.
Advantages:
- Manages moisture really well
- Efficient waterproof fabric
- Weatherproof
- Three year-long warranty
Disadvantages:
- Installation hassle. You’ll need help to install it.
- Some stitches look poorly made.
Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPRO 3 Deluxe Class C RV Cover
- CLASS C MOTORHOME COVER: Fits 29' - 32' long and up to 122" from ground to roof
- RV ACCESSORIES: Adjustable front and rear tension panels and elasticized hem corners provide a custom fit, integrated air vent system combined with quick drying PolyPRO 1 sides reduce wind stress and...
Here’s another great cover from Classic Accessories. Don’t be surprised to see so many of this product on top ranking lists of products for RVs. They’re very good at their craft. They have established themselves as a leader in this industry and their products have never failed to deliver. They have their own specialty and advantage over others. This particular product, the Deluxe C, is best used against extreme weather and damages.
This cover is easy to place on your RV. It can efficiently protect your RV from snow, rain, scratches, and dirt. Its sides are made of sing-ply PolyPRO, which makes them very durable and prevents bulks. This cover is built to withstand extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Like most covers on this list, this also has a ventilation system but Deluxe C has a more enhanced system. You can look forward to reduced or no moisture when your RV is surrounded by this cover. The cover also has adjustable tension on its panels and elastic hem on its corners to make sure no part of it will be dangling once you put it on your RV. It will be a tight and perfect fit.
The product is waterproof. It’s also quick to dry so cleaning shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. Just douse it with water and wait a couple of minutes before folding it and packing it up.
There’s so much to love about this product. If there is something you might not like about it, it’s the bottom straps of the cover. They seem to be made of just regular string. Classic Accessories has done a fine job with the rest of the cover that this little detail really brought the entire thing down. It’s not really going to mess your experience with it big time but given Classic accessories’ long record of great products. It’s a real let down. But there’s no problem with the rest of the cover. It’s very durable, and it comes with a three-year-long warranty. If you think you can look past the bottom string, then this is a good product for you.
Advantages:
- It offers a great variety of sizes. It even offers sizes for extremely large RVs.
- The panels on the front and the back are zippered.
- Blocks out snow and rainfall effectively
- Three year-long warranty
- Weatherproof
Disadvantages:
- Straps look cheaply made
Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPRO 1 Travel Trailer RV Cover
- TRAVEL TRAILER COVER: Fits travel trailers 30' - 33' long, 118" high from ground to roof
- RV STORAGE COVER: Light but strong, PolyPRO 1 fabric repels water and will not scratch paint. It protects against dirt and scratches and is perfect for storage and moderate weather protection
And yet another one from the RV accessory giant, Classic Accessories. They really lead the race for the best RV products available today Their cover, PolyPRO 1, is very durable and reliable. It’s a great RV cover especially if you don’t intend to go out a lot.
It provides the same weatherproof protection as many others on this list. The difference is that this product is made with PolyPRO 1. It’s thin and lightweight but incredibly efficient. It protects your RV from various types of degrees without risking damage to the paint job on your RV. This isn’t a travel-specific cover. It’s best used when your RV isn’t in use and is stuck in the garage for months. This doesn’t mean that it’s not durable. It’s just as strong and efficient as many other items here. It works best in quelling damage and slowing down deterioration from aging.
Advantages:
- It offers a great variety of sizes. It even offers sizes for extremely large RVs.
- Great ventilation system
- Two year-long warranty (but limited)
- Waterproof
Disadvantages:
- Not that great against extreme weather conditions.
ADCO Designer Series DuPont Tyvek Class C Motorhome Cover
- Slip-Seam strapping system cinches at the top and bottom for a perfectly snug fit and prevents cover from wind damage; Reinforcements throughout bottom and top of side panels
- Water resistant but breathable; Tyvek RV top panel reflects sunlight, keeping RV cooler; Designer polypropylene sides
The Dupont Class C from ADCO is not your typical cover. Its main target market is people living in less wintery areas. It’s a cover made for rainier climates rather than winters. It promises to have superior water-resistant fabric that would protect RVs even from the harmful effects of acid rain. A bold claim but that makes this a very useful product if it’s true.
This unit is lightweight. It’s lighter than many of the items on this list. Of course, that doesn’t make it any less efficient. It has superior water-resistance and is a great cover during heavy rainfall. Even if it’s best to use on milder climates, it’s still good to use it in winters. The product has great fabric that can block out even snow. It’s also breathable inside. It can slow down(sometimes even prevent) high levels of moisture from building up on the RV. Without it, mildews and molds won’t be able to form inside the vehicle.
The cover’s roof is layered with triple Tyvek, and the side panels are layered with three stacks of polypropylene. This is what makes it effective against different weather conditions. It also makes the fit around your RV, tight without bulks.
The Dupont Class C’s panels can be opened and close with its zipper. Like most RVs, there one panel at the front and another at the back. You’ll have easy access of your RV from both sides. The cover can also block out the sun. This feature isn’t something that many RV covers could boast. This will keep the temperature inside your RV cool and non-sticky.
This cover is easy to install. You can do it by yourself without any help. It shouldn’t take you half an hour to finish it.
If there’s one thing to hate about it, it’s the corners’ loose fitting. It doesn’t fit as well as other covers do. It doesn’t really affect the performance a lot so if you’re willing to let it go, this could be a great RV cover for you.
Advantages:
- Comes with tire covers.
- The panels on the front and the back are zippered.
- The fabric is stacked up thrice for maximum waterproofing and protection.
- Three year-long warranty
- Can take heavy rainfall without any problems
Disadvantages:
- You need to provide your own clips and all to secure the corners.
ADCO Designer Series SFS Aqua Shed Travel Trailer Cover
- Length 31'1" - 34' (34' x 106" x 120")
- Protect your Class A Motorhome with ADCO's Designer Series SFS AquaShed RV Cover.
Here’s another cover with a famous manufacturer. The Aqua Shed is a great product from ADCO RV covers. Given the company’s great reputation for quality RV covers before, the Aqua was well-received by the market when it came out. Of course, it had great predecessors to live up to, but it didn’t fail to deliver. This cover is considered as a leading cover available today.
The Aqua shed is weatherproof. It’s water resistant and is very effective in keeping your RV safe from the harmful rays of the sun. It’s a great cover to keep the moisture inside your vehicle in check. We know that high levels of moisture can damage your RV from the inside and make your journey in it extremely uncomfortable. Aqua shed is a reliable fix against that. And even with its many, many features, this cover is extremely light. At 25 pounds, it could be the lightest cover available today.
Aqua shed has evenly distributed vents all over it to keep the temperature inside your vehicle warm and the moisture low. It’s made of strong and durable materials. You won’t need to go shopping for a new cover for a really long time. It’s also designed for easy storing. The aqua comes with its own expandable bad. Just fold it nicely, shove it in there, and store it away.
The Aqua has a great strapping system that allows you to secure it on your vehicle. You can attach it to the top and the bottom of your RV. The strapping system ensures that the covers are tight around your vehicle and that it won’t slip off no matter how strong the wind is. This product is waterproof but surprisingly breathable so don’t worry about it raising your vehicle’s temperature. It’s a great cover if you think that you’re going to encounter a storm on your trip.
This cover is a great help in keeping your RV in pristine conditions. It slows down your RVs deterioration. It minimizes the damage that your RV might get from time and the changing weather. It’s also easy to clean. Just douse it with water and wait for it to dry before folding it and putting it away.
The Aqua is a superb choice for a cover. Although, you’ll be disappointed to know that it isn’t as strong as the other covers listed here.
Advantages:
- Manages moisture really well
- Has a great ventilation system
- Modern design
- Needs very little maintenance
- Blocks out many things, including UV rays
Disadvantages:
- It might not last very long
Camco Ultraguard Class C Travel Trailer Cover
- Ideal for cold, snowy regions
- Triple layer SFS top panel beads water on contact providing maximum resistance to rainfall and snow
The Camco is a great product to use if you looking to brave some extreme weather on your trip. It really works great against the elements, especially the cold climate. It’s not from a well-known maker, but it’s efficient. It’s a great and choice for a cover.
The Camco is extremely water resistant. It has triple SFS layers that allow it to filter out the rain effectively. This cover is designed mainly for areas that get a lot of snow. With this cover on, your RV is protected from both rainfall and heavy snow.
It’s made of polypropylene fabric. It’s not tear-proof like ripstop but it is durable and will also last a long time if you take good care of it. It’s also self-adjusting. It won’t take you 15 minutes to install it on your RV.
The Camco’s greatest advantage is its ability to block out the commotions outside. When you have the cover installed on your RV, you’ll barely hear or feel any of the things that happen outside. Even if there’s a raging snowstorm outside or extreme rainfall, you’ll be peaceful and quiet inside your RV, under the protection of Camco’s cover.
This cover also effectively keeps the moisture inside your vehicle low. Don’t worry about molds growing inside the vehicle or about moist destroying your RV’s paint. The Camco is breathable underneath. Your RV will still get the air it needs to prevent any damage.
This is a really great RV cover. The only downside to this is its short lifespan. It won’t last as long as most covers. But it can battle it out with them in terms of features and efficiency.
Advantages:
- Best used in snowy areas
- Has a great ventilation system
- Made of durable material
- Blocks out rainfall and snow effectively
Disadvantages:
- It might not last very long
iiSPORT Travel Trailer Cover
- MATERIAL - 4-Ply top panel and single-ply sides with Polypropylene fabric cover offers all-weather protection against heavy rains, strong winds, snow, dirt and birds droppings and scratches.(Kind...
- SNUG-FIT ELASTIC EDGES & DOUBLE STITCHED SEAMS - With snug-fit elastic hem lines and double stitching seams, this deluxe travel trailer cover coulp hold up well under many rain, snow,and wind storms....
iiSPORT’s RV cover is packed with the best features that all the top RV covers have. It has vents to keep your RV’s internal moisture in check, it’s weatherproof, and it can help keep your vehicle in good condition. It’s made from quality materials that effectively block out rain, snow, and even dust. The material also protects your RV from scratches. It has an efficient attachment system that secures it on your vehicle even against strong winds.
iiSPORT’s cover piece comes with a bonus item- a free repair patch. You can use it to repair any damage or tearing that you can usually get from sharp rocks.
iiSPORT’s cover is made up of a panel with 4 ply polypropylene. It can filter our elements better than many products on this list who can only boast about having a 3-ply polypropylene. With this on, you’re better protected against extreme weather conditions. You never have to worry about anything while you’re on the road. This product is also very durable. It won’t deteriorate easily. You’ll really be able to get your money’s worth on this one before having the need to replace it.
Like many covers in this list, this one has evenly distributed vents that keep the temperature and the moisture inside your vehicle in check. That means you don’t have to worry about moisture destroying the insides of your RV and leaving a sticky and uncomfortable atmosphere. This cover also has entry panels in front and at the back for easy access to the vehicle even if it’s covered.
iiSPORT provides a bag with the cover. After you’re done using the cover, just fold it up nicely and put it inside the storage bag.
One great advantage that sets this one apart from the rest of the items on this list is its reflective design. It greatly improves your safety, especially at night when you’re parked somewhere on the road. Having this cover on helps ensure that other cars can see you clearly and avoid bumping their vehicle against yours.
The company provides a five-year-long warranty with this product. That’s a long time. In a way, it’s their way of proving the quality of their product. They’re certaine in its durability that despite the 5-year long warranty, you’re not going to need it. The cover will last, and you’ll rarely encounter problems when using it.
A great disadvantage of this product is that it’s not for every RV. It only comes in three sizes. So if you don’t fit in any of those, you can’t use this great cover.
Advantages:
- Manages moisture really well
- Five year-long warranty
- Has a free adhesive patch to help you repair any damage.
- Easy installation. Can be done by a single person.
- Reflective fabric makes it easier to spot at night.
Disadvantages:
- Limited sizes. Might not have one for your ride.
ADCO 34858 Designer Series DuPont Tyvek Fifth Wheel Trailer Cover
- Slip-Seam strapping system cinches at the top and bottom for a perfectly snug fit and prevents cover from wind damage; Reinforcements throughout bottom and top of side panels
- Water resistant but breathable; Tyvek RV top panel reflects sunlight, keeping RV cooler; Designer polypropylene sides
Dupont Tyvek is a great cover from ADCO. It’s almost like the ADCO’s Tyvek class cover(which also made this list) with only a couple of changes.
If you have an unusually large trailer, then this is a great choice for a cover. In fact, it might be your only choice. There aren’t many manufacturers to make covers for trailers that are around 43 feet. Luckily, ADCO released this product.
This cover offers the same standard protection as many items on this list. It’s weatherproof. It can withstand harsh winters and heavy rainfalls and even block out harmful UV rays. It also has the ventilation system that prevents too much moisture from building up inside your vehicle and causing molds to grow.
Its main difference from other covers and ADCO’s Tyvek class is their main function. The latter is made mostly for large RVs, specifically, fifth wheels. That’s why its design looks very different. It also has covers for your tires. It’s made of polypropylene, which makes it strong and durable.
Before buying, make sure to take your RV’s measurements. Don’t skip anything. Take into account the extra fifth wheel, bumpers, spare tires, ladders, toy haulers, etc. Just don’t bother with the items on top of the RV, this product is already designed to fit those it, so they don’t count anymore. This product has so many different sizes that you’d want to make sure to get one that’ll comfortably fit your RV.
Advantages:
- Has waterproof fabric
- Great ventilation system.
- It offers a great variety of sizes. It even offers sizes for extremely large RVs.
- Strong enough to prevent damage from extreme winds.
- Easy installation. Can be done it minutes.
Disadvantages:
- The wind-resistant feature is not as great as advertised.
Things to consider when buying an RV cover
If you search the internet, there’re so many different companies offering RV covers with different features. So how do you know which one to get? There’s no greatest RV cover so the best we could do to help you out is to give you a list of what to consider when buying an RV cover. Here they are:
Type
This is a crucial thing to consider when buying a cover. RVs are used for many different things. Think of how you use your and the different weather conditions you put it in. There are so many covers available today. Some of them specialize in one thing more than others. It’s important that you pick the right cover for your needs.
There’s a section below that goes into more detail about this. Study it well before putting your foot down on any particular cover.
Size
This one is very important, and it’s a no-brainer why. Take exact measurements of your RV before heading down the store. Make it as accurate as possible. Do not estimate. If you buy from a famous brand, chances are the exact measurements of your RV is on the internet somewhere.
If it isn’t, here’s how to get it: to measure the length of your RV, start on one of the bumpers and measure it up to the end of the bumper on the other side. To get the width, measure the windshield and the back bumper. Compare them and make sure they match. To get the height, begin measuring from the middle of one of your tires and then to the top most point of the roof.
Some of the sizes are standard. The tire covers and windshield are almost always the same. If you have one of those unusually large RVs and they don’t seem to match the standard, get the size higher than what you measured. It’s better that it’s slightly bigger than too small.
Material
This factor is very important. In the list above, we mentioned various materials that make up different covers. If you’re not familiar with them, here’s a guide.
Polyester
This is not a very popular material for covers. It’s durable but not waterproof, not exactly. It just doesn’t absorb as much water as normal fabric. It can slow water down but not entirely keep it from getting through. The polyester itself can get wet and from there water could just soak through it.
- Can block out UV rays.
- It’s waterproof up to a certain degree. The fabric itself can still get wet. Water can still seep through it. Should still have a coating to be fully waterproof.
- Durable
Polypropylene
You’ve heard of this too many times when you read through the list. This fabric is so popular to RV covers and there’s a lot of reasons:
- It’s waterproof up to a certain degree. The fabric itself can still get wet. Water can still seep through it. Most of the items above have it in layers of two or three.
- It has natural ventilation inside of it.
- Tear-proof
- Resistant against acids
- Durable
Polyethylene
You’ve also encountered this a couple of times in the items above. It’s also known as Tyvek. That’s right, both of the ADCO products are made of this material. It’s really good-quality leather so it makes sense that a known manufacturer like ADCO prefers it for their products.
- Non-flammable.
- Totally waterproof.
- It has natural ventilation inside of it.
- Does great in any weather condition.
Treated Acrylic
We don’t have any item on the list that’s made from this, but it’s very common in the market, so we’ll mention it here. This fabric is more popularly known as sunbrella. You can order it online if you want some.
- Good protection against the sun.
- Waterproof.
- Not very resistant to damages.
Other factors to take into account
Note that these additional features aren’t that necessary. Sure, they’ll up your experience with the cover, but you’ll survive without them. Although, if you consider how long you’ll be using that cover before replacing it, it might be worth shelling out an extra small amount for them.
Air Vents
We discussed it a lot. All the items on the list above have them. This will affect the temperature in the RV when the cover’s on. It can also affect both your RV and your cover’s lifespan. Good, well-placed air vents prevent moisture from forming inside the vehicle. That will prevent molds, reduce mildew, and preserve your RV’s interior so it will last longer with little maintenance.
Zippered Panels
This one is not rare, but it’s not that common among RV covers. Even some items on the list above don’t have it, and those are considered to be the cream of the crop. It’s best to look out of items that have a zipper on their panels. It will provide easy access to your vehicle. It will also make checking the weather outside easier for you.
Why get a cover?
RVs are taken everywhere. Unlike most cars, they’re under the mercy of the sun for days while you travel. It’s what they’re for, recreational vehicles. Having a cover will give your RV a little more protection from the environment. It can prevent damages that the weather can do. It can slow down damages that rain and acid rain usually brings.
Aside from that, covers will also help make your RVs interior cooler, especially those equipped with their own ventilation system.
Deterioration can’t be helped. At some point, your RV’s paint will peel off and the vehicle itself will rust. Having a cover won’t prevent these situations from happening. But it could, at least, slow it down. With a cover, you’ll get to enjoy your vehicle for longer.
Here are some environmental factors that cause your vehicle’s to slowly deteriorate:
UV Rays
Uv rays are not only harmful to the skin, it also damages almost everything else it touches. This element’s effects aren’t easily felt. Like Acid rain, it takes a while to see the damages caused by UV ray. But it is harmful, and you should be worried about it. Don’t think that just because the sun is present all the time, that you can’t do anything about it. Find your RV a decent cover and be responsible enough to always put it on.
The first sign of extreme UV damaging in your RV will appear in your paint. You’ll notice that it cracks and peels off little by little. Next, are the plastic parts inside your car. They’ll start getting weaker and bent. Over time, the dashboard, the seats, and the rest of the ride will have little damages too. If it gets bad enough, your car’s metals and steel parts will start getting weaker. Act fast and act now. A cover could prevent all these damages from happening. It’s best to get one immediately.
Wind
Winds aren’t as damaging as UV and acid rain, but it does bring dust and other debris. By putting a cover on your RV, you’re protecting it from the scratches and the damage that it could get from flying objects on the road.
Dust
Dust doesn’t look as harmful as all the other elements on this list but that’s how it causes damages. Dust accumulates over time and if left uncleaned, they could damage your vehicle far worse than you think it can, especially if it accumulates on the wrong place. Aside from this, dust also leaves scratch marks on your vehicle when wiped clean. If you don’t put a cover on your RV, you’ll spend a lot of time washing the dust off of it just to protect it.
Acid Rain
Acid rain destroys anything and everything it touches even trees. Of course, it will damage your RV. If the damage is already and your vehicle is soaked from the rain, hurry and wash it off as soon as you get the chance. Acid rain causes lasting damage after it dries up. It will chip your RV’s paint off. On really extreme cases, it even causes the metal to rust faster. Don’t belittle the effects of acid rain just because it’s not visible immediately. Be worried and act fast.
The Different RV Cover Types
There are three different types of covers. When you choose one, take into account their usage and the material they’re made of. All of these covers serve different functions so it’s natural that they’re made of different materials strongest against whatever they need protection from
Covers for Tires
We know, as drivers, that it’s dangerous for any part of the vehicle to be heated to an extreme level as well as let it stay that way. The sun isn’t always that harsh, but if it’s enough to kill toddlers on back seats, it will be enough to heat your tires to a dangerous point. It might seem like a small thing given that you’ve never had a tire explosion before, but you shouldn’t take your chances. RVs are out in the road longer than any other types of vehicle. At some point, those tires will overheat and the last thing you want to do is drive on a hot road with already hot tires.
Get a cover for it. It wouldn’t cost too much. It would take the worry off of your chest and reduce the chances for any of your tires to burst. Plus it’ll help your tires last longer.
Covers for Windshield
Windshields are the first things to heat up when your car is parked under the sun without any
shade. The main purpose of having this product is to give your RV protection from damages caused by UV rays. Its other purpose is to keep the temperature inside the vehicle bearable. Windshield covers can keep the inside of your RV cool and non-sticky.
Covers for Dashboard
This cover is very important. You’ll come to a point where you’ll need to replace your RV and get a new one. This cover helps protect your dashboard and keep your seats and everything around it in good conditions. It can block out the sun to prevent it from weathering all the items in the front seat, including the dashboard. It might not seem like much, but you’ll be thankful for it when the time comes. It will keep your RV’s value floating.
Why should I get a cover for my RV?
There are a lot of reasons why you should get a cover for yours. Here is a list of them:
Keep your interior looking new
The sun doesn’t spare anything. It will destroy anything and everything that its harmful UVs can touch. Cover your windshield and your dashboard as well as your entire RV. Try not to leave anything soaking under the sun for too long. The last thing you want to do is to ignore this problem. Sure, there doesn’t seem to be immediate damages but they’ll appear after a while, and then it might be too late to fix it. Why spend money repairing something if you can just cover it to prevent damages?
For your own convenience
Covers help keep your RV’s internal temperature bearable. We know what happens to cars when left under the heat of the sun for too long. It’s the same for RVs. Imagine sleeping inside that RV while the scorching heat of the sun penetrates through the roof. If the heat’s not bad enough, the air around you will start feeling sticky.
Covers also prevent your RV from getting we or the rain from seeping through it. You’ll be safe under a cover despite what the weather is outside.
Keeps moisture low
In our list, we’ve repeatedly voiced our concern for moisture inside RVs. Moisture builds out of nothing. But once it’s there, it will start building up until it has the power to cause molding inside your vehicle and, in extreme cases, even cracking. That’s how powerful it is, don’t underestimate what it can do to your RV.
Having a cover can prevent it from ever forming. When choosing a cover, find ones that have their own efficient ventilation system. It’s those that prevent moisture from forming in the RV.
Protect your RV from the environment
Even if you’re careful with your vehicle, the elements around you will deteriorate it no matter what. Over time, the sun, its UV rays, the wind, dust, and other elements will slowly damage your RV. A cover won’t stop this, but it can slow it down.
The first thing that will be damaged is your RV’s paint. You’ll see little peels and cracks all over the place. Second is the windshield and the overall exterior of the vehicle. Dust and debris can damage the surface of your RV when the wind that carries them is extra strong or when you try to wipe it clean with a cloth. A scratch might not seem like a big deal at first but when it accumulates, it will really bring your RV’s value down. Eventually, you’ll want a new RV or to get rid of the one you currently have, the best way to do it is by selling it. You’ll get peanuts with scratched windshields and peeled paint. It’s best to think ahead and preserve the RV’s value as early as you can.
Filters out dust
This one isn’t really life or death, but it is important. No matter where you are, you can never get rid of dust. Sure, it seems harmless now but when it accumulates, it can destroy major things in your RV that cost you a lot of money or even affect the value of your RV. Dust can also damage your RV’s exterior. You can fix this by regularly washing the vehicle, but that would get tiring after a while.
Get a cover. It would easily solve this problem for you. Why wait until you see damages on the RV before doing something.
What are the things I should know before getting my RV a cover?
Here are some things that people just automatically assume you know. It’s everything you must be aware of about covers, their installation, and their maintenance.
Which size should I go for?
Get the RV’s actual measurements. Covers come in many different sizes much like RVs do so you have to know which one you’re getting before walking into a store. If it happens that it’s too small for you, get the next one up. It’s always better to have one that’s a little loose, than one that’s too little and impossible to wrap around your vehicle.
How do I put the cover on?
It’s better to do it with help. Get at least two or three people to put the cover on to ensure that it’s installed properly and to avoid damaging it. Watch out for anything that might cut through the fabric. If you see any pointed corners, cover it with padding. Also, clean your RV before putting the cover on. Inspect for any dust or debris that might damage it before covering the vehicle.
When should the cover be on?
Here are the times when you should whip out that cover and put it on the vehicle:
- When you think that it’s going to rain
- When the weather is bad(no matter what season it is)
- When it’s just stuck in your Garage
- When the weather is getting too hot
- At night before you sleep
What are the leading RV cover manufacturers?
You’re very acquainted with Classic Accessories and ADCO, so you know they’re good. They’re a staple brand in the RVing scene. If you keep getting more and more interested in RVs, you’ll hear them a lot. Camco is also a good brand. It’s not up there with the other two, but it does have an item on this list. It’s a rising name. If you’re buying a cover, and you like the features, give it chance.
Should a warranty matter to me?
Yes very. Warranty means protection. Some of the items on the list have astoundingly long warranties, but that’s because they’re confident with the quality of their products. Typical covers only have about 2-year warranties.
Are covers really that necessary?
RVs provide a lot of protection to your vehicle. It filters out snow, rain, dust and even the sun. It even protects it from branches, leaves, and rocks which you’re guaranteed to encounter on your travels.
The sun’s UV rays won’t spare anything. It will start with something small like the paint and eventually move on to weaken the material beneath it. Even people are damaged by the sun. You have to do everything in your power to make sure your RV doesn’t stay exposed for way too long.
A cover can prevent all this damage. That’s it’s important. It will preserve your vehicle’s good condition and make it last longer. It can even manage the moisture that could build up inside it.
You can’t keep ignoring your RV’s need for a good cover. Yes, it will cost you, and yes, it’s a hassle to keep installing and removing it over and over again. But it’s also for you. Your experience on the road will improve with a cover. What’s a little effort for that much protection?
Are all covers waterproof?
Not initially, this feature is very recent but very important. Almost all covers available today is waterproof. It has become a given that they should all have the ability to keep your RV dry. It’s a very helpful feature though. It ups your vehicle’s protection and makes cleaning it much easier.
Of course, it has to come with the ventilation system. Otherwise, that waterproof feature would do harm than good. Moisture can build up inside the vehicle and make everything damp. It’s important to that the cover you’re buying has a nice ventilation system to prevent that from happening.
How much time is a cover’s usual lifespan?
Those covers that are made from really good materials are, of course, expected to last a
really long time. Notice that some of the items on the list offer 3-5 year-long warranty. It could be that their product is only in great condition during that time, and that it would start to deteriorate after that.
Also given how many of the covers today have double, triple layers of durable fabrics like polypropylene and polyester, they’re bound to last a long time. Those layers were piled up to make the fabric more efficient in filtering out water and rain but it also really helped up their quality and durability.
So if you want a straight answer, there’s really no average time on how long covers last. All we know is that quality delivers, and choosing products with durable materials will almost guarantee its long lifespan. Of course, you need to try and balance this with your budget. It’s always best to buy the best one even if it cost you but also be critical when you’re buying something. Are the features good enough to justify that price?
How much should I expect the cover to cost?
The cost would depend on the quality and added features. If you’re looking for the cheapest of the cheap, there are 50 dollar covers out there if you look hard enough. Just don’t expect them to be good. If it’s real quality you’re after, save 300 dollars. It’s a large jump, but it will be worth it.
The best-quality covers are expensive. Those made of polypropylene could cost somewhere between 300-1200 dollars. The material itself is expensive, but it will be durable and efficient as promised. Most covers are expensive because they have 2-3 layers of this material stacked up to make them waterproof. The price will also vary depending on the size of your RV. If you have a large RV, expect to pay a little more for a cover.
Any added features will just add more value to the cover and make its price hike up. Zipped panels, elastic hems, great ventilation systems are all great features but they will cost you. Given the comfort and convenience that these features can bring, it will really be worth it in the long run.
Always make sure you’re buying a bundle. Covers sometimes come storage bags and other little accessories. Ask if the price you’re given already includes those. They’re more expensive if you buy them on their own.
Other additional features that can cost you more money includes adhesive kits and separate covers. The patch kit will help you repair damages to your cover. It will cost you about 10 or 20 dollars. Separate covers, on the other hand, are not as cheap. A windshield cover can add about 30-100 dollars to your bill, and a tire cover can add about 20-50 dollars. You can pass up on these but remember that they’re more expensive on their own.
Steps to properly place the cover on your RV:
Knowing how to properly install a cover, can save its life. If it is your first time putting it on an RV, go slow and be careful. That cover is expensive. Sure, you have your warranty, but it’s still a hassle to go back and have it replaced. If you can get people to help you even just in the first few times until you’re used to it, the better.
- Clean the vehicle. You can’t skip this step. It’s very important that you do it.
- Cover your RV. It’s better if there’s or more people helping in this step.
- Secure the cover. Some covers come with their own straps while others need to be reinforced. Always be ready with reinforcing tools to make sure your RV is safe.
Steps to folding an RV cover
It’s important to keep your RV cover stored in a safe place when you’re not using it. It’s also important that you store it right to lengthen its life span and avoid damages. You have the option to store it in the protective storage bag or get a new and wider container for it. Just make sure to fold it nicely and put it in a good place.
Be patient when storing away your cover. It’s okay to abandon the bag that came with it when you can’t fit the cover in. Of course, when you get it the first time, it was folded nicely and professionally. It would be hard to replicate that and make the cover refit inside the bag.
- (optional)Buy a garbage can.
- Spread the cover on the ground.
- Remove the straps and anything attached to it.
- Fold it nicely.
- Place it inside the container(or garbage can if you bought one).
- Place all the little equipment (strap, clips) on top of the can.
- Store it away until the next time you need it.
- When cleaning your cover
- Regularly clean your RV cover to stretch its lifespan. You can either just spray it with water or use a mild soap to clean it.
Also, use a brush to sweep any dirt. Dry it out in the sun for an hour or so before folding it and storing it away. Don’t place it anywhere the snow and dust can get at it.
If you do all this regularly, your cover could last more than the prescribed 5 years.
Final word
Well, you’re ready to buy your own cover. Be sure to remember all the factors mentioned above when choosing your product. If you ever choose to buy any of the items on the list, just google them online. Amazon has them.
Always be critical of your purchase. The money you’ll spend on that cover is no joke. Make sure the one you’ll choose can serve you long enough to maximize your money’s worth for it.
Try not to obsess over great features and think if the cover might actually work for you. It’s inefficient to get a cover that effectively filters out snow when you don’t even live in a snowy area and your trips are mostly on lakes and hot roads. Think of the item’s usability and focus on what you need for your trip.
Follow the instructions correctly. Some items only have limited warranty. That sometimes means they won’t replace a broken product since they’re not responsible for the damage that happened to it. This is too much of a hassle to even try and argue over. Just take care of your cover and follow your instructions carefully so you don’t find yourself in situations like that.
Thanks for making it this far and we hope you find the right cover for you.
source https://www.crowsurvival.com/best-rv-covers/
