Keeping Your Rig Covered Can Help With Longevity
Your RV is a big investment. So you want to do everything you can to keep it in tip-top shape. But with constant exposure to the elements, your RV is in danger of ruined paint jobs, damaged seals, and more. RV covers can help shield your RV from the elements and keep it in pristine condition – protecting your investment.
Let’s take a closer look at what an RV cover is, why you would need one, and some of the best covers you can buy right now.
What Is An RV Cover, And Why Would You Need One?
An RV cover is the same as any other vehicle cover – a protective fabric cover that fits over the vehicle. RV covers protect your vehicle against damage from the elements and keep your RV nice and clean. And by protecting against damaging UV radiation, it also maintains the quality of your paint and decals.
RV covers are a great way to protect your RV and keep it in good shape. They’re convenient if you don’t have a garage or a solid roof to park your RV under. As a bonus, would-be thieves may have a much harder time getting into a covered RV than an uncovered one.
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when using an RV cover. For one, RV covers can be challenging to put on your RV. And if it’s not adequately secured and fitted, an RV cover can cause problems:
- If it’s attached too loosely, the RV cover can catch the wind, causing it to move around and potentially scratch the paint beneath it.
- An improperly fitted RV cover, or one made of improper material, can also restrict airflow. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, damaging your RV inside and out.
Regarding cost, RV covers can swing from a little over $100 to over $400, depending on the size of your RV.
Pros of Using RV Covers
Here are some reasons you should consider using an RV cover:
- Protects against water intrusion and damage from the elements
- Keeps your RV clean
- Preserves your RV’s paint job and decals
- Helps keep your RV in good condition and preserve the resale value
- Protects against theft and vandalism
- Cheaper than indoor RV storage or other outdoor storage options
RV Cover Cons
On the flip side, here are some issues with RV covers:
- Covering and uncovering the RV can be tedious
- Improperly fitted RV covers can damage your RV or contribute to mold growth
- If snow collects on the RV cover, it can become temporarily impossible to remove. Fun fact, wind toughened and compacted snow weighs approximately 20 pounds per cubic foot. So on an average-sized RV roof with a foot of snow, the total weight could be over 3000 pounds!
The Top 4 RV Covers
Now that we know a bit more about RV covers let’s look at some of the best options on the market.
RVMasking 7 Layers RV Cover
This travel trailer cover from RVMasking is a great, durable cover. As the name suggests, it’s made with seven layers of fabric on the top and three layers on the sides. This cover is available in sizes up to 40 feet and is backed by an impressive 3-year warranty.
The cover has eight windproof straps on the bottom designed to be extra durable, resistant, and long-lasting. Elasticized hem corners and adjustable front and rear tension panels ensure a snug, custom fit.
To prevent condensation and mold growth, this cover has a total of 8 air vents. There are also rollable zipper doors so you can access the RV while it’s still covered.
Fonzier Heavy Duty 6 Layers RV Cover
If you need a Class C RV cover, this heavy-duty cover from Fonzier is the way to go. This cover features durable material and redesigned straps that are extra strong.
Included gutter covers protect your RV gutters while preventing sharp edges from damaging the fabric. Reflective strips on the cover help make it visible at night and prevent accidents.
A 38-month warranty backs this RV cover, including the cover, a storage bag, two reinforced straps, the gutter cover, two toss bags, and a patch kit.
XGear Outdoors Class A RV Cover
For Class A RV owners, we recommend the XGear Outdoors Class A RV Cover.
This windproof cover fits RVs up to 33 feet. It features a quick, hassle-free setup thanks to quick-release buckles and a toss bag. The cover combines five layers of ripstop fabric with a layer of anti-UV coating and a water-resistant layer.
A full cutout allows room for ladders and other accessories outside of the RV. Plus, three zippered panels on the sides give easy access to doors and engine areas.
Tuszom 7 Layers 5th Wheel RV Cover
The Tuszom 7 Layers 5th Wheel RV Cover is our top pick for an RV cover for fifth-wheel trailers.
With sizes available to fit RVs up to 43 feet, this RV cover is designed with fit in mind. It features 19 straps for an extra snug fit (most covers include only 8 to 12 straps).
The Tuszom 5th Wheel cover is backed by a 3-year warranty. Along with the 19 straps, it includes four wheel covers, an adhesive repair patch, four weighted buckle tosses, four gutter covers, and a storage bag.
An RV Cover Is A Must-Have For Your RV
An RV cover is a small investment that can protect your expensive RV from damage to the paint, decals, and other parts. When you use an RV cover, you won’t have to worry about these issues and may even wonder how you managed without one.
If you have an RV cover, which one do you recommend? Tell us below in the comments.
Hi, The picture of the RV cover at the top of this article is just a roof cover…where can I buy this? Just what I have been looking for!
Hello, thanks for being a Camper Smarts Reader. The feature photo is a stock photo we had access to and it didn’t specify the brand of cover that was on the RV. However, a similar cover can be found here https://www.campingworld.com/adco-tyvek-rv-roof-cover-30%271quot%3B-to-36%27-82656.html.
Rather than layers, I suggest considering type of material. Sunbrella is the best, a company called CalMark is one provider. 7 year warranty.
Who makes the “partial” RV cover pictured in this articles lead photo? I’ve never seen such a cover before and am interested.
Hello, thanks for being a Camper Smarts Reader. The feature photo is a stock photo we had access to and it didn’t specify the brand of cover that was on the RV. However, a similar cover can be found here https://www.campingworld.com/adco-tyvek-rv-roof-cover-30%271quot%3B-to-36%27-82656.html.
How did you research these covers? Were they actually installed on an RV for at least two years through storms, heat and cold? Did you just use the manufacturer’s word? I’ve had several covers for my Class A and Class C, Adco, Camco, CarCover and none seem to hold up for more than two years. Please provide your research.
My Elements TT cover is 7 years old and still going strong. Hope I haven’t hexed it.
I bought a cover for my RV and it only lasted one year in this Arizona sun.
I bought an expensive cover for my new Class C which was quite an investment for me as a retired teacher. The cover had holes in it after one winter. The company did send me a new cover but did not extend the 3 yr warranty so hopefully in a couple months I don’t have holes again on this second cover.