tarp for tt cover?

[larrydp]

my wife and i bought a nice tt cover from camping world that we plan to use when we store the tt for the winter. but i was wondering if there are any problems in using a tarp to cover the tt during the summer, between outings, to help keep the tt cleaner? it seems to me that the tarp would be easier to put on and take off that the cover from camping world? i welcome comments from your experiences.

[freud]

The main complaint about using tarps is that they tend to hold moisture under them, which can then create problems on your roof. You'll notice that the cover you bought is of such a material that it "breathes", and will let moisture out. That said, lots of people use the tarps and say they don't have problems. If you do, just make sure you leave some space somehow to allow air to circulate. I've heard of putting boxes on the roof to hold the tarp up away from the actual trailer roof.

[Ray,IN]

Before we retired I covered our 5er with a poly farm tarp, and used many extra elastic cords to hold it in place. I think I used about 20 cords.Never found a wear spot on the 5er during the years the tarp lasted. The air conditioner will hold the tarp away from the roof enough for air circulation.
A poly farm tarp costs about $50-$70, and lasted me 4 -5 years before sun rot destroyed it.

[wa8yxm]

The problem I have with tarps is you need to make them so water flows off..

I'd take at least a 2x12 and tack some cross boards (at least 2' long) on one edge so they extend out a foot in each direction

Then tack some 2x2 blocks on the bottom of those cross pieces on the end

This will give you a "Ridge" that will stand up on the trailer.. Help it to shed water.

However.. Frankly.. The roof is designed to shed water.. I'd let it. Unless you have a good reason for tarping (Say an un-sealed leak) I think you are better off without.

Oh.. Felt pads on the bottom of those "legs" too.

[larrydp]

The main reason i wanted to use a tarp is to try to keep the tt cleaner during the year. i felt that it would be easier to put on and take off that the cover we bought from camping world. (even though we have not tried to put the cover on yet....!!!) are those covers difficult to put on and/or take off versus a tarp?

[shipwreck1]

tarps trap heat and moisture and will ruin the roof , dont do it!!

[IC2]

I used a HD green or silver poly tarp for years - starting in 1976 covering a 30' Kountry Aire 5er right on through to a 29' Sunline in 2005. At that time my RV just got too big for a conventional tarp. Not a problem though as pointed out above, you do have to 'tent' it to allow for draining and some air circulation. There were never any roof leaks, though I do use Protectant 303 once yearly on the rubberized roofs and previously, with the coated aluminum roofs, used a good aluminized sealer every couple of years.

[larrydp]

great info! thanks! some say "yes" and some say "no". now i am throughly confused, HA!!!! i really do appreciate all of y'all's insight.

[IC2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by larrydp great info! thanks! some say "yes" and some say "no". now i am throughly confused, HA!!!! i really do appreciate all of y'all's insight.

Now you REALLY didn't expect a consensus

[wingnut60]

I tried one of the ADCO covers on my Sunnybrook for a winter--it wore at the corners where it rubbed against the trailer--so went with leaving it uncovered. But have seen lots of them covered with no wear apparent. Is it worth the effort--probably, if you have a lot of pollution in the air where you live.
Joe