With all the perks that come along with purchasing an RV, there is certainly a lot of work that goes into keeping an RV in optimal condition. While we would all like to have a garage that could hold our RV, leaving it outside is sometimes the only option we have. Rain, snow, changing temperatures, sunlight, and falling debris such as acorns and bird droppings can really take its toll on the exterior of the RV. There are alternatives such as RV covers to give you a layer of protection.
With the above mentioned forces plus many others, a cover could certainly be of use to all RV owners. As opposed to a tarp, covers are made to keep water off and allow the right amount of air flow. The writers at rvwheelcovers.org have put together a nice article about the pluses of using an RV cover. Here’s an excerpt:
If you intend to store your RV for a long time, the best option is to buy a custom fitted cover. When selecting the cover for your RV, it is important to take the measurements of the RV from one end to the other, while ensuring that you provide an allowance for the 5th wheel, bumpers, ladders and propane tanks attached to the vehicle. If you have to choose between two RV covers which near the size of your RV, select the larger cover. This is because it is better to have an over-sized cover than a small one which you have to stretch over the RV. Stretching the RV cover is likely to lead to damage due to stress.
When shopping for an RV cover, you should look for one which is able to block sun damage, is water resistant, and fits well onto your unit. Some RV covers are quite functional even when the RV is in use, and are thus able to protect your unit even while you are out in the park. Always remember to remove your cover before driving off in your RV. There are also covers available for your RV tires. These slip over the tires when not in use and are able to protect the tire rubber against damage when in storage.
Always keep a patch kit for your RV cover in the event that you get tears or rips. Taking some time to patch up your RV cover while on the road is much more cost effective than having to buy a brand new cover. For this reason, you should ensure that you conduct regular inspections of your RV covers to check that they are in tip top shape. Be sure to replace any cover which has lost its overall integrity and can no longer withstand the vagaries of harsh weather.
As you can see by the above, it is recommended to use an RV cover whenever storing an RV outside in the elements. While we usually look at the fun stuff involved with RVs, it is important to remember that it is an investment and needs to be treated accordingly. Do you use a cover? Let us know by leaving a comment.
[Source: RV Wheel Covers]
