Your RV is a pricey piece of property. Additionally, you likely think of it as your home away from home and your key to freedom. For these reasons, it’s important that you take good care of your motorhome or travel trailer. This includes things like regular maintenance, pest control, and any needed repairs.

It also includes covering your RV when it’s in storage.

Reasons to Invest in an RV Cover

You might think covering your RV is a waste of time and money. After all, isn’t the thing made to withstand the elements? The truth of the matter is that while a trailer or motorhome will do okay in bright sunshine or heavy rain for a while, the weather will inevitably start to wear on the rig with time. Therefore, the less it is exposed to weather extremes, the better.

An RV cover offers protection from wind, rain, and intense sunshine. It helps prevent leaks and water damage, helps your vent covers last longer, and even helps prevent fading.

Obviously, a cover is a good investment, especially if you plan to store your RV for the winter.

The Two Types of RV Covers

A fabric cover is the most common and most cost-effective option. It’s made of a water-resistant material sewn to fit your type of RV, then held on using some sort of fastener. These covers work fairly well as long as they are used properly, but they are difficult to put on, meaning most people only use them when storing their rigs for long periods of time.

The other option is the carport-style RV cover. Essentially, this is a large carport that the RV can be parked under. It offers just as much protection as the fabric option (possibly even more) and is much easier to deal with. However, these structures can be very expensive, meaning they aren’t the best option for those who like to RV on a budget.

Our Favorite Covers

Once you decide which type of RV cover is best for your situation, the next step is determining which brand you will purchase. If you aren’t sure where to begin the shopping process, we recommend starting with the options below.

Fabric Covers

In our opinion, the best fabric RV covers are made by Adco and Classic Accessories. Both brands offer high-quality, durable, and affordable covers. Additionally, because both brands manufacture a wide variety of covers, we are confident they will have something that fits your RV.

Be sure to check the measurements for your RV before purchasing anything!

Carport-Style Covers

To be honest, the best bet when it comes to a carport-style cover is to make one yourself. This is the most budget-friendly option and will ensure your cover fits your RV perfectly.

If you aren’t handy enough to build your own, or if you just don’t have the time for such a project, the next best thing is a SteelMaster metal cover. These are solid, sturdy, and will last for years to come.

Getting the Most Out of Your RV Cover

Owning an RV cover is one thing; actually using it properly is another. Because proper usage is so important for ensuring you get the most out of your cover, you will want to take these tips into consideration before you dive in.

Check the Size

It’s incredibly important that your RV cover fits your RV properly. A cover that is too small will not offer enough coverage—and in the case of fabric covers, may not even slip onto the RV. Meanwhile, an overly large fabric cover will likely slip off and could allow moisture to gather underneath.

Consult the Instructions

It’s always a good idea to read the instructions when you purchase a new item. An RV cover is no exception to this rule. Consult the instructions to ensure you put your carport cover together correctly, or to make sure you’re securing your fabric cover the right way.

Store Correctly

Sure, an RV cover offers some level of protection, but it can’t protect your RV from every threat out there. For this reason, you will need to do some prep before you put your RV under the cover.

Remember to:

• Remove all food from the pantry and fridge.
• Lock up. Don’t forget storage bays!
• Winterize the water system, making sure you hit every step to avoid plumbing damage.
• Check seals on the corners and the roof to make extra sure no water makes it inside while you’re away.

An RV cover is an excellent purchase that could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars down the line. For this reason, we recommend picking one up as soon as possible and putting it on every time you leave your RV in storage.

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About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

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