If you have an RV, you’ve probably wondered more than once whether you really need an RV cover or not. If you ask fellow RV owners, you’ll find out how controversial this is. Some would swear that a cover changed their lives, while others would insist it’s a waste of money.
So, what’s that all about? If you want to find out, then this is the right place. We’ll go through all the pros and cons of RV covers, to help you make up your mind.
Why Would You Buy an RV Cover?
We’ll start with the pros first.
1. Protection from UV Rays
UV rays can cause serious damage to your RV, especially on sunny days during the summer. When your RV is left under the sun for large periods of time, the surface can be subject to oxidizing or fading. Also, a rubber roof and rubber window seals can crack or shrink.
In order to avoid that, an RV cover will come in handy. Especially, if you don’t use a garage, or if you’re taking your RV on the road during the summer.
Besides the cover, you can apply a UV protectant spray for extra safety as well.
2. Protection from Snow
When the accumulated snow over the roof starts melting, it’ll get into the seams of your RV, which can harm it. In addition to that, cold weather and snow can freeze the inner pipes.
A secured cover can help you overcome this issue. However, you’ll have to shovel any accumulated snow over the roof while covered, because leaving it there might overload your RV.
3. Protection from Water
During rain, water can leak into your RV through seals or soft spots. The result of that will be rusty areas, damp areas, as well as indentation.
You should always inspect your RV for water damage, but with a cover, you can inspect it less.
4. Protection from Dirt
Dirt includes dust, debris from trees, and bird droppings. An RV cover will help you keep it clean without having to clear the dirt every week. RVs are huge, so this will save you time.
Furthermore, when the RV is left unattended for a while, dirt can interact with the paint, causing stains that are impossible to remove.
5. Less Maintenance
If a cover can protect your RV from all of the above, then this will result in less maintenance. You’ll have an RV with good quality that’ll last for years, and if you decide to sell it, it won’t lose much of its value.
It’ll still experience some maintenance issues, due to age, but with a good-quality cover, there’ll be less of those.
6. Lower Storage Cost
If you already have a garage at home then you might not need a cover. However, if not, then a cover is a more affordable option to keep your RV safe, than renting a storage area.
7. A Cooler Interior
You wouldn’t want to get inside your RV and feel too hot to stay in there. The cover will protect your RV from hot weather, keeping the interior cool enough for you to enjoy the ride.
Why Wouldn’t You Buy an RV Cover?
The pros seem pretty convincing, but let’s dig into the cons to see if buying an RV is worth it.
1. The Covering Process
Covering a car by yourself is fine, but imagine covering a whole RV. You’ll need to jump on top of it and check all sides.
If you use your RV frequently, covering it between the rides would be insane. Covering it for a longer timer makes more sense.
2. The Folding Process
Let’s say it’s all neat and covered, but then you need to uncover and fold it for storage, now that’s a whole new task.
Folding can be challenging since the cover is huge. Also keep in mind that it might be windy, and there might be accumulated dust on the cover. Luckily, there’s an easy way of folding that can help you get through the process.
3. Wear and Tear
The constant process of putting and removing the cover may lead to wear and tear. Also, if you buy a cover that’s too tight or too big, it may scratch the paint, causing damage to the surface.
In order to avoid this, you need to opt for a cover that fits perfectly.
4. Damage from Water
This one seems ironic since a cover should protect from water, right? The only issue is that if the cover isn’t waterproof, or if somehow there’s an unnoticed hole in it, then water will find it’s way to your RV.
It won’t just evaporate and disappear, it’ll be trapped between the cover and the surface causing more damage.
5. Damage from Mold
This can only happen if your cover isn’t made out of breathable material. The cover keeps the RV safe, but sometimes it’s too safe that it traps the moisture inside, causing humidity and mold.
This can be avoided if you purchase an electric dehumidifier.
6. More Cost
While having a cover can lower storage costs and maintenance costs, the cover itself isn’t going to be cheap. You’re looking for a cover with good quality to protect your RV instead of adding extra damage, so you’ll have to pay a little extra.
Also, if anything happens to the cover, you must replace it. Even the ones with the best quality won’t last forever, so some might find it unnecessary in the first place.
Tips on Using the RV Cover in A Correct Way
- Make sure your RV is clean and dry
- Tie and secure the cover tightly
- Make sure to protect the cover from open antennas or sharp edges
- Leave an open crack in the roof for ventilation
The Verdict
The pros outweigh the cons, yet the decision here is based on how you use your RV. If you tend to store it for a season or two without having a storage area, then you must get a cover.
But if you use it constantly, and if you already have your garage, then a cover isn’t a necessity.
Cover or not, you always have to keep it clean and inspect it regularly. I hope it’s now easier to choose an option for your RV.