RV Covers: 4 Important Things to Know Before You Buy

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You might live in your RV, but that doesn’t mean the thing never ends up in storage. I know we’ve put our RV in storage on more than one occasion for vacation and to visit family and every time I wonder whether we ought to invest in one of the many RV covers on the market. We haven’t yet, but that doesn’t mean we won’t and it certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. In fact, we are hoping to go to Europe for a few months sometime in the next couple of years and we will absolutely be buying an RV cover for that.

Plan to buy one of your own? Here’s everything you need to know about RV covers.

Why Use an RV Cover?

The number one reason RVers use RV covers? Protection. A cover protects the exterior of your RV from rain, snow, UV rays, and wind. This can help prevent fading and cracking of decals as well as corrosion and possibly even leaks. An RV cover also keeps things like dust, debris, and sap off of the RV, making it easier to keep the rig clean and potentially even reducing the amount of damage the roof and exterior walls see.

On top of all that, an RV cover can also help control the interior temperature of your RV. This, and the fact that the cover blocks sunlight from entering the rig can help protect RV furnishings.

All of this extra protection will help extend the lifespan of your RV and may even reduce the need for maintenance and the costs associated with maintenance tasks.

Potential Drawbacks of an RV Cover

While there are a lot of benefits to using RV covers, there are also a few drawbacks that you should be aware of before you invest in one. For starters, although a cover can offer protection, it can also cause damage if used incorrectly. If the cover is not properly secured (or if it doesn’t fit properly), it can rub on the exterior of the RV, leading to scratches and abrasions. Additionally, some covers do not allow enough airflow. This causes them to trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew on the RV.

There are some other, smaller issues with RV covers including the fact that a cover can be extremely difficult to install and remove. Besides that, the cover will need to be stored between uses, something that can be an issue for full time RVers who have very little storage space to work with.

What to Look for in an RV Cover

Ready to buy and RV cover? There are several things you should look for as you shop in order to ensure you get the best cover for your rig.

Material Quality

• Durable Fabric: Look for covers made from high-quality, heavy-duty materials like polypropylene or polyester, which are resistant to tearing and UV damage.
• UV Protection: UV-resistant material prevents sun damage and fading, especially if you’ll be in sunny areas for extended periods.

Fit and Size

• Custom Fit vs. Universal: Custom-fit covers are tailored to specific RV models and tend to offer better protection but may be pricier. Universal covers are more affordable and easier to find, but they may not fit as snugly and could cause damage.
• Size and Dimensions: Measure your RV’s length, height, and width accurately to find a cover that fits well. A too-large cover can flap in the wind, while a too-small cover won’t offer full protection.

Ventilation

• Vents to Reduce Moisture: Look for covers with built-in vents to allow air circulation and reduce condensation, which helps prevent mildew and corrosion, especially if you’re in a humid climate.
• Strategic Vent Placement: Covers with well-placed vents can minimize billowing in windy conditions, which reduces wear on the cover and prevents abrasion against the RV.

Easy Installation and Access

• Elastic Hem or Cinching Straps: Elastic hems or adjustable straps make it easier to secure the cover and prevent it from shifting in the wind.
• Zippered Panels: Zippered access panels let you reach entry doors and storage compartments without having to remove the cover, which is convenient if you’ll be accessing your RV while it’s covered.

Cost and Brand Reputation

• Quality vs. Price: Balancing quality with affordability is key. Spending a bit more on a well-reviewed cover can save you money over time if it provides lasting protection.
• Brand Reliability: Established brands often have better design features, quality control, and customer service.

Other Things to Look For

• Warranty Length and Coverage: A longer warranty is a good indicator of a cover’s durability. Look for at least a two- or three-year warranty.

• Included Storage Bag: A quality cover often comes with a bag for compact storage when not in use. Make sure the bag is sturdy and that the cover can be folded down to fit inside without too much hassle.

Our Favorite RV Covers

We can’t recommend a specific cover for your RV because you really need to purchase something that fits your RV well. That said, we do have a few brands to recommend. Choose one of the RV covers made by one of these companies and you really can’t go wrong.

ADCO

ADCO is one of the most trusted RV cover brands on the market. They offer covers for a variety of different climates, so you can buy one that will offer top notch protection no matter where you live.

Classic Accessories

Known for providing good-quality covers at a reasonable price point, Classic Accessories also offers good customer service and warranty support. They make covers for a variety of use cases, including the PermaPRO (lightweight and durable, great for frequent use) and PolyPRO3 (designed for winter storage).

Camco

Camco is a well-known brand for RV accessories. They offer a nice balance of affordability, availability, and quality. These covers are relatively basic, but they are perfect for RVers on a budget and they get the job done well.

Eevelle

Eevelle offers high-quality covers and focuses on durable materials and solid warranties. The cost for these covers is a bit higher, but their products do tend to last for years and this, paired with the specialized protection they offer, make them well worth the extra cost.

In my opinion, an RV cover is a worthwhile investment if you leave your RV in storage for more than a couple of weeks a year. I know we will buy one before we head to Europe, as it will allow me to enjoy my trip in peace, knowing my RV is unlikely to have issues with sun damage, hail damage, or water damage while I’m gone.

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