What can you use when your RV is under a tarp Cover

[65Malibu]

Family bought me a RV Cover for Xmas. I plan on using it for 5 months a year.(Winter). Researched some questions and couldn’t find the answers. Covering a 2016 Phaeton 36GH.
With cover on can you:
Clear exhaust and run engine now and then? Does it get air?
Run the heat pump?
Does Satellite work and receive signal?
Can you keep the Maytag House Refrig on while covered.?
I plan on putting tennis balls on the two antenna brackets on the roof?
Do the gutter protectors really work or do you have to use extra protection?

Any any other tips or suggestions? I live in Western Washington where the weather is not too cold and the winds are not that bad. Just waiting for a good dry weekend so the Kids can help me put it on..

Thanks for your time,
Joe

[Lt Dan]

There's no reason to run the engine while it's in storage. You'll do more harm than good unless you take it out for a drive to get all components up to temperature. You can exercise the generator as it draws air from underneath as long as the exhaust pipe is clear of the cover. Putting a load on the generator would be a problem unless you have heated floors and a fireplace.

You can't run the heat pumps as they have to exhaust air out the top and restricting the outflow might burn the condenser fan out.

Satellite will not work unless you have the antenna outside of the cover.

There shouldn't be any problem with the refrigerator as it doesn't exhaust air outside of the coach.

[AllegroD]

You can use space heaters to load the gennie, during exercise.

[astrnmrtom]

Another PNWer here. One thing about covers, is when the Northeaster is blowing - or any strong winds - they flap and scuff the paint. Make sure it's tied down very well.

Also be very careful when putting it on and taking it off, especially when they are wet. They can be heavy and awkward and if you are working from the roof be very careful you don't get your feet caught up in them lose balance and fall.

[Andy B]

Now twenty years owning '03 Allegro 30 DH, gas, from new. Several covers over years, currently on second Classic Accessories RV cover via Amazon. In past Found tennis ball fabric would "grab" cover fabric in wind and holes worn through cover when using tennis balls for covering projecting awning arms. On Amazon found hard plastic structure with two straps to stretch across rv top to hold plastic ball in place. Plastic tennis ball like structure has hole in it to fit over projections like our awning arms. The smooth plastic has not worn any holes in the cover in two years--cover seems to slide over plastic with wind action--live in windy area- San Luis Obispo CA. We have run engine each month when covered, plus generator and AC. Do not have your level of TV reception gear. Have not operated refer under cover.

Originally Posted by 65Malibu

Family bought me a RV Cover for Xmas. I plan on using it for 5 months a year.(Winter). Researched some questions and couldn’t find the answers. Covering a 2016 Phaeton 36GH.
With cover on can you:
Clear exhaust and run engine now and then? Does it get air?
Run the heat pump?
Does Satellite work and receive signal?
Can you keep the Maytag House Refrig on while covered.?
I plan on putting tennis balls on the two antenna brackets on the roof?
Do the gutter protectors really work or do you have to use extra protection?

Any any other tips or suggestions? I live in Western Washington where the weather is not too cold and the winds are not that bad. Just waiting for a good dry weekend so the Kids can help me put it on..

Thanks for your time,
Joe