Community Forums

Jbeal43 · 08-27-2016, 05:35 AM

Fortunately, I have a free and safe place to store our new 5ver, but unfortunately it's in the open...in FL. I've read the pros and cons, but wanted to hear from anyone with experience, hopefully in FL. It's a brand new Grand Design Reflection 323bhs, and I want to do what I can under the circumstances to take the best care. I know there are covers made for just the roof. The ones that cover all seems like a lot of work, and the big concern is it more damaging by trapping all the moisture in. On the flip side, the sun here is pretty harsh this time of year.

gspot · 08-27-2016, 06:01 AM

My dealer told me that if I leave it outside in the sun (which I do), I'd have to have a "peel and seal" done every couple years, where they peel off all the old caulk and put new on. He said there's nothing worse for the roof. Costs a few hundred bucks, but I'd pay that in storage fees over a couple years anyway, so I just leave mine parked outside next to the house.

mel s · 08-27-2016, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jbeal43

Fortunately, I have a free and safe place to store our new 5ver, but unfortunately it's in the open...in FL. I've read the pros and cons, but wanted to hear from anyone with experience, hopefully in FL. It's a brand new Grand Design Reflection 323bhs, and I want to do what I can under the circumstances to take the best care. I know there are covers made for just the roof. The ones that cover all seems like a lot of work, and the big concern is it more damaging by trapping all the moisture in. On the flip side, the sun here is pretty harsh this time of year.

Jbeal43
My coach has been outside for 20 years and I only cover the tires, (and then only if it will be sitting for longer than 3-4 days).
Mel
'96 Safari

Gigattime · 08-27-2016, 07:00 AM

We cover. Covers are breathable so moisture isn't the enemy, UV rays are. Covers do protect, take about 15 mins to put on and will keep your unit cleaner. Some will tell they trap dirt and can scratch, etc., but then admit that they don't cover theirs so seems to me they are reporting hearsay. We covered

Gigattime · 08-27-2016, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigattime

We cover. Covers are breathable so moisture isn't the enemy, UV rays are. Covers do protect, take about 15 mins to put on and will keep your unit cleaner. Some will tell they trap dirt and can scratch, etc., but then admit that they don't cover theirs so seems to me they are reporting hearsay. We covered

Accidentally hit submit too soon...

Should also say, we covered our previous unit for the last 12 years when not in use. We purchased that unit new and it was still in great condition when we sold this past spring. We have a 2016 Momentum and it is covered when not in use. The real cons in my experience are are time/work to cover, cost of cover, and life of cover because the sun/UV rays take their toll on the cover (instead of your roof/seams/paint/and plastics). Pros are stays cleaner, less UV damage, extended life of coach IMHO. Good luck on your decision. Happy camping!

monkey · 08-27-2016, 08:57 AM

Decals fade, as said caulking gets destroyed,,, etc... My vote is take the 15-20 minutes to keep it covered.... You see bunches of faded rv's ,,,,, and a decent cover will breathe ,,, as said before...
Monkey

mel s · 08-27-2016, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkey

Decals fade, as said caulking gets destroyed,,, etc... My vote is take the 15-20 minutes to keep it covered.... You see bunches of faded rv's ,,,,, and a decent cover will breathe ,,, as said before...
Monkey

Monkey
How many times every year do you take the 15-20 minutes to cover, (and the 15-20 minutes to uncover), your RV?
What brand of cover do you use and what is the life expectancy of that cover?
Wondering
Mel
'96 Safari

Gigattime · 08-27-2016, 11:03 AM

We cover when going to sit more than three weeks between trips. Our previous cover lasted 10 years. Depending on where you live, but most should last 5 years if a quality cover.

Airmech · 08-27-2016, 02:32 PM

What would be considered a quality cover?

Whitewolf · 08-27-2016, 06:21 PM

I've wondered all these questions.

Wood Chip · 08-27-2016, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airmech

What would be considered a quality cover?

CalMark RV covers are the best in my opinion

Gigattime · 08-27-2016, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airmech

What would be considered a quality cover?

That's a subjective question. Almost like asking which is better...Chevy, Ford, or Dodge. Everyone will have their opinions, but I've had good luck with the Tyvek designer series. We got 10 years out of our last one and hope our new one does just as well.

Airmech · 08-27-2016, 08:48 PM

Well never have owned any rv of size needing a cover, I know nothing of them. So any suggestions of what is quality is a place to start. My last rv was back in 04 and was a hand me down from my childhood. Was forced to sell it. That was only a pop up. Now only a little over a month from getting back into rving with a used 5ver.

Gigattime · 08-27-2016, 09:23 PM

You want one that is breathable. I wouldn't use a tarp (some do). The actual RV covers will actually protect your investment without the "side effects" that throwing a tarp over it can cause like trapped moisture and marks/wear on corners or edges from wind causing a tarp to flap against the sides. You can find several styles and options on Amazon ranging in price from a couple hundred to a thousand.