Best way to cover fifth wheel

[partsman01]

So as stated in another thread, we are going to pick up a 2004 wilderness 245, wife wants it tarped, or a shelter built, but I am wondering about these covers they make that fit and are supposed to breathe also, what is the best way to cover a fifth wheel, here in our province of B.C. Canada, it gets lots of rain here on the coast and snow some years.
Really appreciate all the replies on my various posts.
Bill

[ralper]

I think covers just trap moisture inside the rig. Also dirt gets under it and when it moves on your rig it sands the finish off. A tarp just over the roof is not as bad as a complete cover IMHO.

[Ray,IN]

I used a farm tarp to cover/protect our last 5er for 12 years. Actually 3 tarps, they would sun-rot after about 3-4 years. I never discovered any wear spots on the 5er in those 12 years. I did add about 12-14 extra grommets to the tarp, and used elastic cords to secure the tarp around the 5er, about 30 in all. I bought tarps that would cover the 5er down about half-way to the ground on all sides. I think a 20'X40' poly farm tarp cost around $50 in 2002.
The air conditioner and luggage rack railing held the tarp away from the roof enough to allow air circulation, and permit opening the roof vent a little for interior circulation when needed. I would not hesitate to cover our present 5er with a tarp if needed.
a good side-effect was in the spring, when I removed the tarp I found a clean and shiny 5er, just like it was when covered the previous fall.

[Half Dimes]

If you plan on RVing for a good while and assuming you have the space, I would suggest a steel shelter, not necessarily fully enclosed, but a roof and partial side walls to keep the elements away. Costs more than a tarp, but only a fraction of what a rig costs.

If you do go that route, be sure to take into consideration the possibility of getting a larger rig in the future and build a big enough structure to start with. That includes length, width, and height. We started with a 20x30' and had to extend it to 20x40'. Almost ran into a height problem with our current rig but the inside center peak of 13'8" allows just enough clearance. While not a necessity, the 20' width is convenient to allow the slides out while stored.

[flamebuster]

I tried the tarp, and didn't like it for the following reasons. Heavy and a pita too get up on the roof. Lots of wind here so the ropes were wearing the sides. When I wanted to get in the 5er the tarp was in the way of the door..Found myself not wanting to check out or fix items because of the tarp..Since building a roof I have never been happier. It is big enough I can run out the slides any time I want..jmho.