Does anyone tarp your camper in the winter? I have heard pro's and con's and just really hate the 5er being exposed to the rain, ice and snow.

These dang things are so tall that I would have to build a football stadium if I wanted to keep it indoors. I have ours parked next to the garage and it towers above the roof line!

What do you do?

 

Tarp or cover? If you did one I would say cover. Tarps flap and move in the wind which causes wear spots. Covers fit better and tend not to move. I personally dont have a cover for my TT but I plan on getting one of those metal car port covers for about $2000. Not only will it fit the TT but it can double for other stuff. And it wont wear out like a cover or especially a tarp which lasts about 3 months. I see a lot of people around where I live (sun gets real hot here) that build wood covers for shade.

 

I have the same question going through my head now that it is cooling down. I thought about a tarp, but with the UV rays and wind in the winter here in CO, those are torn up in about two months. I would like to find something that I could at least cover all the plastic parts that yellow when in the sun.

 

Same question/concern over here as well. The cheaper (blue) tarps are really only good for one season if that. The heavy duty versions last a little longer, but there is the concern of wear spots (as mentioned) that is my concern also.

A buddy has a nylon cover made for travel trailers. He likes his. He claims "it's not water proof, but it does keep the sun and dirt, leaves etc off of it". He seems happy with it. Going on his 4th michigan winter with no "damage or wear" to the cover or the camper.

I think he said he got his at camping world or JC Whitney. I took a quick look and all I have found is for travel trailers. Mine is a fiver. They have a draw string (rope) at the bottom to tighten up the cover. I think prices are around $200 for a 30 footer. They cover all of the trailer, including the sides, down to the wheels. The price for a similiar sized tarp is 40 to 50 plus all the bungee cords that will break, rub your finish, and tear the tarp. I think I just talked myself into a nylon cover.

I suppose, if concerned about not being water proof, then you could lay a cheap tarp on the roof, then use the nylon cover over it. Or visa versa. Hope this helps, Kevin

 

Yea, I feel that a structure would be the berries and can build one for around 300-400 bucks(figured before the price of lumber sky-rocketed due to Iraq rebuild) but this would be an ugly square lookin thing and we live up where everything I do is seen for quite a distance.

The thing that bothers me is water getting into and around all the crevises, doors, vents etc. When I move the RV in the spring water runs from these places that can't really evaporate.

My main concern with using a tarp is will it trap moisture or cause condesation? I think I can tie it down good enough that hopefully it won't blow three counties away. I been using tarps on the wood pile for years with good success.

I think I'll use a tarp this year but am planning on building some sort of structure maybe next year as soon as I come up with something that won't look like a Jed Clampet special. (I'm really good at those kind ;D)

What ya'll think about condensation? comments...suggestions?

 

Commercial covers are made to breathe. Yes, your trailer will get wet when it rain, but it will breathe and dry, even here in Florida. One problem with some of them is the sides are made from polypropylene which quickly deteriorates in the sun. If you buy one, make sure it has no polypropylene. It is a pain sewing new nylon in to replace it. I cover mine here for the sun - - sure can help save that rubber roof and reduce interior fading in spite of the drapes being drawn. I also cover the wheels.