Coachmen: Quesion: Can't garage; how about a cover?

[Roll]

Since indoor storage isn't going to happen this season for our coach, We are thinking about getting a cover. What I've seen covers all four sides and the top with zippers to access the door. I’m trying to provide as much protection as I can from sun, wind, rain, ice and snow. Looks like cost will be in the $200 to $300 range.

Thoughts? Problems? Good idea? If not why?

The only two negatives I can think of would be a loose fitting cover beating the sides or top in the wind and possibly animals getting in-between the cover and the coach.

Thanks in advance all,
Roll

[Cougarkid]

Potection is good, no matter what kind.
Sides and top getting beat up - no knowledge, but possible.
Rain, snow and ice are typically a roof issue.
Sun is an all-over issue, especially for paint.

If you do get a cover, be sure it can breathe under the coach. Air/wind needs to circulate UNDER the rv/cover or moisture will build up and mold will grow. Make sure the side don't lie on the ground.

Hopefully others with more knowledge will chime in.

[frankdamp]

Our rig came with a cover. I'd heard negatives about paintwork damage due to flapping, so we didn't use it last winter. DW is insisting we use it this year, so we'll see how it goes.

[njs42]

I have used a cover for nine years. I am glad I have---I am on the third one in that time and they have cost around $350 each. The current one will probably last at least three years more. My storage is somewhat protected from wind with MH's on each side of me. I do get a little chaffing but so far no"damage".

I am a seasonal user---we travel during winter 5 months then store it during summer---so there is not a lot of taking the cover off and on---which would be a problem if I went out twice a month ----or traveled often.

My new cover has ripped at the roof where it has worn against edges of the slide covers. I generally just patch these rips---every cover I have had has ripped to some degree. This one I have is less susceptible because the TYVEK roof material extends about a foot down the sides so there is no seem right at the top---still it ripped.

MY first cover lasted five years, the second only three, I expect my new one to last five.

I bought a full replacement on it claiming on a one time basis they will repair or replace a torn cover. The person selling the cover claimed over and over that they would just replace it in four years. I intend to take this one in in about two more years and see if they live up to the claim. If so then I get a new cover for $100, which was the cost of the coverage. If not then I wasted a hundered and will pitch a little snit and see if that helps.

Who knows if that will work---we shall see.

Lots of people do not like covers--I do.

[bdaball]

We have owned two covers so far.
1) Make sure the cover is long enough. If your coach is 40'-6" then think again about getting a cover for a 40' coach! Check on the mirror arrangements first.
2) Do not try to remove a cover in freezeing weather if there is ice on the roof. (They do rip) They can be patched with an iron on type cloth patch. That will extend the life a bit.
3) Do not start the furnace when ever your cover is on. You will end up with an extra vent hole in the side!
4) Wash your coach first before the cover is installed. Less grit to chafe the roof.
5) Don't think it will last forever. They are disposable.

Hope this helps.

[hardy1000]

I have used covers on all both of my MH's and will use one untill I can build a garage. I purchased an Adco from CW for my 40PDQ Dip and it fits well. PIA to put on and take off but worth the effort. I purchased a 100 gallon rolling trash container to store it in. When DW and I cover or uncover it we just feed it into the contaner or pull it out and it works very well.

[Roll]

Thanks all. As I expected, pros and cons to using one but overall I get the impression it's better to use one than to just leave the coach to the elements.

Gary and Cindy