Best Covers for CampLites

[ufixit]

Due to a short, steep driveway and a small yard, we are forced to store our CampLite trailer at a storage facility. Outdoor uncovered storage goes for $45 a month. Covered RV storage goes for $170 a month and up. Clearly uncovered is the economical route. Living in central North Carolina I think rain and high UV will both be elements from which the trailer would benefit from some protection when stored outside. I think that a quality breathable cover might be just the ticket to provide some protection without promoting external mold growth.

I wonder if anyone on the forum might have recommendations or advice regarding the best choices for RV covers in terms of protection they afford, and their ease of use? Also, any experience with choosing the best size: do they run large or small? Should the A/C affect one's cover size choice? Any gotchas to be aware of when using them?

[hogtyd]

I recently bought a breathable cover on eBay for my 13QBB that is stored outdoors.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/321423695178  It definitely won't last as long as the camper does, but for $160, it was worth the gamble to me and appears to be of decent quality--I'll know more by the end of this winter!

In terms of size, I went with the 12'-13' cover for the 13QBB, which is actually 13'6"...so the cover is a little tight in the rear (does not cover the bumper) but has a bit more room in the front due to the shape of the trailer and covers about 3/4 of the sides all around (I do have a roof AC).  It was pretty easy to put on, using a 6' step ladder, and there are several adjustable straps that secure the bottom from side to side--took about 10 min to put it on.  The curb side also has a large zippered roll-up door with retaining straps at the top, which has come in handy when I've needed to enter the camper a few times this winter since putting the cover on.  

Graham

[nmken]

As much as we paid for our CL it seemed to make sense to invest in a good cover. We went with Calmark that made a cover that fit our trailer perfectly.  Prices on their website are generally about twice what we saw for generic covers.  It does come with a 6 yr warranty - took about 2 months to get it since we ordered during peak season.  I can recommend them without reservation if you are ready to put the money into a good cover - calmarkcovers.com

[daplumbr]

nmken, I hate to admit to being lazy, but would mind posting the exact size of the Calmark cover you bought for your 16TBS. Those look really good and if you got one that fits perfectly, share the size and save me the measuring!

[nmken]

They have a template that I had to fill out - I've included it if you want to use it - this is for a new 2015 16 TBS

[daplumbr]

Thanks! Ours is the same so this really helps. 

[nmken]

I have to temper my recommendation - while the fit of the cover is great, I've just noticed two holes ripped into the fabric at the top and bottom of the awning support.  I'll be pursuing a resolution with calmark.

[daplumbr]

And if that doesn't work, duct tape comes in about 30 colors now  :-S

[ufixit]

@nmken: How many years have you had the Calmark cover? Please update this thread with how the resolution process goes with Calmark!

[kycamper]

I bought an ADCO Designer Series for my Camp Lite after doing a big search for one that was well constructed and reasonably priced. You get a lot of conflicting opinions on covers. I had bought one for my Lil Snoozy off ebay about four years ago. I used it off season and it held up well. The company had changed since then, so I bought ADCO. I haven't used it yet, since I've been busy customizing my rig. I will update this and give a review at a later date. My biggest concern is I hear they tear easily. My Lil Snoozy was fiberglass and didn't have any sharp corners. We'll see how ADCO does.

[hdrehder]

I have the ADCO cover too, not sure which style off the top of my head. Have used it once. It fits great and looks good. Covered a few places on the trailer that might cause a tear in the wind. Takes two to get it on and off.

[missmary]

I purchased an ADCO Tyvek Designer series and bought the Model 32839 which was designed for a 15-18 foot trailer.  This was a little big for my 14 foot (14DB) but I would rather have a bigger size than a smaller size cover.  I purchased on Amazon from Covers Direct.  Prompt service and better price than Camping World (even with the Good Sam discount).

I am not particularly impressed with the ADCO cover.  It has already gotten holes in a few places in our first year from the wind hitting various parts of the trailer, like the awning and the AC.  I don't expect to get more than 3 years out of the cover, but it is still cheaper than covered storage and definitely provides some protection.  I also purchased wheel covers since I live in Florida and want to protect the rubber on the tires from the UV. 

I would recommend a cover and I highly recommend using wax or some other paint protection for your trailer.  If you find something better than the ADCO, I would appreciate knowing about it.  I couldn't find anything better than the ADCO without spending a lot of money for a custom cover.

Atttached is a picture of the ADCO Model 32839 cover on the 14DB.

[pinterest url="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/504543964479207984/"]