Community Forums

jmerik1 · 02-02-2015, 08:57 PM

We will be leaving our 5th wheel in Florida this summer, and would like to hear pros and cons regarding putting a full RV cover on it. We have heard that the covers hold in to much heat and humidity, and the interiors have been damaged. Obviously a light weight material may be best. So please, anyone with experience of storing their RV here in Florida, speak up. Thanks.

GaryKD · 02-03-2015, 03:51 AM

Hi jmerik1,
Different parts of Florida may require different answers. Are you in a CG where others have experience and you can take their advice? For me, if you are near the ocean or Gulf covering the RV would be a good idea. If you are inland, a good coat of wax (including the roof) should do nicely. With no cover, keep the A/C set at 80 to 82 degrees. This should keep the humidity down to an acceptable level. Drain the water from all the plumbing.

djbmsu · 02-03-2015, 12:59 PM

Since I have done odd jobs in the past for a RV Storage facility in the Ft Myers Florida Area, i can offer you this from experience with owners that covered and did not cover.
We get alot of wind here, (not much in the way of hills and valleys to stop it ) so if it is not covered and secured properly when you return it will be shredded.
Likewise we get hot and humid and these covers tend to keep more heat in.
It would be much better to add the vent covers and leave the vents open for circulation.
If you were in a storage area where 30 amp was available you could leave an A/C set around 85 or so. I have seen temps on covered rv's reach 110 degrees.

Ray,IN · 02-03-2015, 05:50 PM

About 10 years ago we went 5er shopping in Tampa. The salesman said they had a left-over 2002 he would "give" us a good price on. Well, it had been sitting uncovered for nearly 2 years. The wood kitchen table had was broken, not just cracked, down the middle with a 1/8" gap the entire length. The upholstery was faded out, and in places unraveling. The carpet was faded to a grayish cream color. Some of the curtains were hanging in shreds where the sun had rotted them.

I can't say to cover your 5er, I can say the sun WILL rot or destroy every thing exposed to direct rays.

Dog Folks · 02-03-2015, 06:24 PM

30 years of "storing" RV's between camping trips. Never used a cover. Keep window shades closed to avoid direct sunlight inside.

Over the summer I would set up a dehumidifier to run, with drainage of condensate, of course.

ChallengerRN · 02-03-2015, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

About 10 years ago we went 5er shopping in Tampa. The salesman said they had a left-over 2002 he would "give" us a good price on. Well, it had been sitting uncovered for nearly 2 years. The wood kitchen table had was broken, not just cracked, down the middle with a 1/8" gap the entire length. The upholstery was faded out, and in places unraveling. The carpet was faded to a grayish cream color. Some of the curtains were hanging in shreds where the sun had rotted them.

I can't say to cover your 5er, I can say the sun WILL rot or destroy every thing exposed to direct rays.

Key words ---"salesman said". Ha

Russell

djbmsu · 02-04-2015, 11:48 AM

I will offer this, you can purchase the aluminum corrigated available at Lowes and HD insulation for the windows and doors that will reflect the sun and help keep it cooler. I use it when we are at home in Florida on our MH

Clayobx · 02-07-2015, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djbmsu

I will offer this, you can purchase the aluminum corrigated available at Lowes and HD insulation for the windows and doors that will reflect the sun and help keep it cooler. I use it when we are at home in Florida on our MH

X-2 this works great.