How do you protect your RV at home?

[funpilot]

Seems all the forums I read are not in favor of the covers for the RVs.  So, do you use anything at all?  If yes, what do you use (metal carport, fabric shelter, etc.).  If not, have you seen any weather impact on your LL?  Are we ahead of the game because we are aluminum or do we have other issues?

[djsamuel]

Ours just sits out in the sun.  I've replaced some of the caulking, but Livinlite used silicone, which doesn't last too long on a camper.  Other than that, the only thing I've done is clean the awning and A/C cover since there was mold on both.

[cl21bhs]

I use the ADCO tyvek cover and it works great to keep the camper clean and it deters someone from entering. I normally keep it covered all the time.

[tinkeringtechie]

Our trailer is currently sitting outside uncovered, but we're in the northwest. Sun isn't really a concern, but things turn green pretty quickly here. A cover would trap moisture and make it green even faster. We'd like to store it inside eventually, but it's not possible right now. I think the decision to cover really depends on your climate.

You're definitely ahead of the game with aluminum, but there are certain things that can grow on just dust and moisture. It won't damage the trailer, but it could smell or be unsightly. Luckily it cleans up really easily.

[admin]

I have a quicksilver pop up so luckily the cover takes most of the beating when the system is closed and thats easily replaced if its needed. I did build a carport type shelter for it during storage because I wanted to minimize the sun damage as well as giving it a little bit of protection for other environmental effects. It gets a bit of sun in the early morning but its fully shaded the vast majority of the day. I also am less worried during thunderstorms since I know its protected from hail.

I think the only time I'd ever consider a cover (pop up or travel trailer alike) would be if it was fully breathable to allow moisture to escape quickly. I've yet to see one that did a decent job with this, though some are close. They get pricy so keep an eye on what you are getting for the cost.

When my family owned a Aero Cub hybrid travel trailer we eventually gave up on the full covers and simply put a fairly thick tarp over the top third of the camper to help shield it from some of the UV rays. The full cover we had was a huge pain in the rear to put on and take off, and it eventually ripped in the corners with minimal wind after one or maybe two seasons.

In short if I had the money my first choice would be garage, second would be carport, third would be a cover if it didn't hold moisture, fourth would be uncovered all together.

[funpilot]

I am looking at carports...

[mitch]

Built a carport in the backyard and ran electric. Now if I get kicked to the doghouse at least it's a comfortable doghouse.

[funpilot]

[quote source="/post/1686/thread" timestamp="1403730363" author="@mitch"]Built a carport in the backyard and ran electric. Now if I get kicked to the doghouse at least it's a comfortable doghouse.[/quote]Metal or wood?   Any pics?

[mitch]

I'll get a good picture tomorrow, it's wood, 4x4 posts in concrete supporting a roof. Nothing fancy just enough to protect the camper from the elements.

[funpilot]

Sounds like what I want to build, so details on how you built the roof would be appreciated.   THANKS!!

[mitch]

Here's the picture
[attachment id="183" thumbnail="1"]

The trusses are pre-built from a local lumber yard based on the slope and the width of the structure.  I didn't build them myself, in fact I don't know what the actual slope is.  The structure is 10' wide by 20' long and 10' high at the roof crossmember.  It fits in there fine but had I been slightly more forward thinking I would have made it 12 wide not 10. The extra couple of feet would have made it that much easier to back into.  It's not difficult now but it could have been easier.

[funpilot]

12 feet makes sense, I agree.  I am hoping to put one where I can drive in and out so no back in.  Can you take a picture from inside looking up at the roof so I can see how they tie together?   I may have to put more posts in where I live as we get hurricanes.

[mitch]

Here you go.  I'm not sure this type of structure will hold up well in winds approaching Hurricane strength. There is a fairly high amount of torque on the vertical posts due the lift and twist of the roof in winds.


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[funpilot]

TYVM

[lap527]

44x 34 Pole barn with tin roof, 6x6 pressure treated post.  It is home to the TC, boat and motorcycle trailer.