After your automobile, your recreational vehicle is probably the largest financial investment you have made, just below that of your home. Probably the most cost efficient protection you can provide for this vehicle is an RV Cover, but what type of cover will provide the best protection? Four types of covers (tarps, polypropylene, PolyPro III and PolyX300) are discussed.
After the fun-filled travel season’s over and it’s time to head home to put the RV away for an extended period of time, it’s time to also consider what is the best way to store your home-away-from-home. As much as you enjoyed the past travel season, you want to ensure that the next time you are ready to roll, your RV is ready as well.
The first thing you want to do when you arrive home is clean the exterior of the motor home. Remember to work your way down to the tires. Clean the roof first. Use warm water and a mild detergent. Use a soft brush on the entire body. The goal of cleaning the roof is to remove the white chalky residue that sometimes marks the exterior after a heavy rain. Don’t get over zealous because if your vehicle has a rubber roof there is an oxidized layer to protect the surface. Just get the chalky white build-up. If your RV is stored under trees you might have a problem with bird droppings and tree sap. Prior to washing the sides of the vehicle, liberally spray the infected area with an oily base like spray cooking oil or WD40. Leave this on for approximately 10 minutes and then wash as usual. Once the RV is clean and dry, it is ready for storage or you need an RV cover.
Here are a few questions you might ask yourself when considering what cover you might want for your RV:
Is it OK to cover my RV with a plastic tarp? Do not use a plastic tarp to cover your RV especially in high heat areas because the plastic cannot breathe. Most commercial tarps are made of plastic. Without a breathable fabric, it has been suggested that tarps may cause damage to the inside your motor home or camper.
What is the best fabric to choose? Here is a summary of the three most commonly sold fabrics for RV covers:
Polypropylene
This cover is a single-layer of fabric. It is an affordable, all weather protection that is water-repellent yet breathes to reduce mold and mildew. It has elasticized corners that provide a custom fit. This cover is not recommended for areas of winter snow or intense summer heat. This single-layer cover will not last as long as multi-layer fabrics, but it does have a two year warranty.
PolyPro III
This cover has a triple-layered, reflective white polypropylene top with breathable single layered polypropylene sides. It protects against rain, snow, UV rays, dirt, nicks and scratches. The air vent system reduces wind lofting and inside moisture. It has full height zippered panels that allow full access to the vehicle’s interior and its elastic hemmed corners provide a custom fit. It protects the RV in the harshest of weather and has a three year warranty.
PolyX300
This covers provides the toughest combination of weather protection and superior tear resistance. There is less bulk so it is easier to install. This heavy duty fabric repels water and protects against UV damage and dirt. This superior fabric dries quickly and is fully breathable to protect against mold and mildew. It has adjustable front and rear tension panels and elasticized hemmed corners to provide a custom fit. The integrated strap system with the tension panel connection system reduces stress on the cover when tightening the straps. This cover includes a compression storage bag and a 4-year warranty.
What types of RVs can be covered? Protective RV coverings are available for any vehicle type on the road, in all standard sizes. There are covers for Class A and Class C motor homes. In addition there are covers for travel trailers, 5th Wheels, camper trailers, pop-up trailers, and toy haulers.
How do I measure my RV for the best fit? Measure you RV from end to end. Include the bumpers, the air conditioning unit, spare tire, and the ladder to determine the best cover needed for a proper fit. Do not rely on manufacturer’s specifications. You want the cover to fit loosely.
Just like your truck or automobile, dust, dirt, leaves, and debris collect in all the nooks and crannies of the vehicle. When the travel bug itches again and you are ready for your next adventure, the RV cover will have kept your RV looking like it just rolled out of the factory. Just remove the cover and go.
