Community Forums

lbingham · 05-16-2014, 05:05 PM

I'm Looking for the best source for a good cover for my 2002 38' Diplomat. Any suggestions? I've looked at the one in Camping World and found a review that wasn't very flattering.

CJScepter · 05-16-2014, 08:42 PM

I use an Adco cover when not using my 40' H.R. for awhile. They make different types for different climates. It is not much trouble to put on by myself, just don't do it on a windy day. To store it I use the recomended way of a very large rolling garbage container.(65 gal. at least) It is much easier with two to store it, one person to stuff it in the container and the other to guide it from the roof. I start putting the back in first, that way when I put it back on I am pulling the front out first and laying it out on the top of the rv before tossing the sides over. Takes about 1/2 hr to put on by myself,(probably an hour the first time) about the same to take off with DW help.
When I finsh, just roll the container in the garage. It'll have to do till my piggy bank gets full and I can build something to put it in. They don't keep them completly dry but it stays very clean, and don't have to wash it every week or two!
Thats my story, hope it's what you were looking for.
John G

RustyTools · 05-17-2014, 07:27 AM

I used a 30x50 (or whatever it was) gray tarp to cover a previous MH one winter season. Bad mistake, as the wind caused the tarp creases to slowly 'abrade' areas in the gelcoat. Not bad enough that it made holes, but definitely enough to cause permanent 'sanded' spots.
Spend the $$$ and get a good fabric-type kind, worth it in the long run.

MikeyG · 05-17-2014, 08:44 AM

X2 on the Adco cover.
I tie a rope around it and hoist it to the roof, spread it out the length of the coach, drape the front and back caps, then I carefully drape it over the sides starting a the front and working to the back. As I step off the roof and down the ladder, I wrap the top of the ladder with the little cover they give you so the top of the ladder doesn't cut the cover.
Once on the ground, I pull the front of the cover over the mirrors and secure the front straps. Then the back straps. Lastly, I throw the side straps as far as I can under the coach. From the other (latching) side, I use my awning pole to grab the straps from under the coach and lock them. Be sure to leave them loose so you don't bind the cover. You ant the cover fairly loose.
Reverse the procedure to remove.
Some will say not to cover your coach as it will scratch the paint. I have not experienced any scratching as a result of covering. I never cover my coach when it is dirty and have had only very minor abrasions from the straps on the lower edge of my cargo doors. Wax cleans those right up.
Its a pretty big job and as John said, never do it when it is real windy. Been there, done that. Almost was launched off the roof. The protection for the coach is well worth the trouble.
One more tip. My coach is 36'. My first cover was the one that goes to 34 - 37'. While it fit nice and tight, it did not last. It tore at most of the corners in the first year. I now buy the 37 - 40' cover and this one has lasted four years so far with no tears.
Good luck.
Mike