Which RV Cover Will Protect My Motor Home Investment?
After the fun-filled travel season's over and it's time to head home and put the RV away for the winter, it's time to also consider what is the best way to store your home-away-from-home. As much as you enjoyed the past travel season, you want to ensure that the next time we are ready to roll, our RV is ready as well. In that case have your considered an RV cover?
The first thing you want to do when you arrive home is clean the exterior of the motor home for the winter. Remember to work your way down to the tires. Clean the roof first. Use warm water and a mild detergent. Use a soft brush on the entire body. The goal of cleaning the roof is to remove the white chalky residue that sometimes marks the exterior after a heavy rain. Don't get over zealous because rubber roofs have an oxidized layer to protect the surface. Just get the chalky white build-up.
If your RV is stored under trees you might have a problem with bird droppings and tree sap. Prior to washing the sides of the vehicle, liberally spray the infected area with an oily base like spray cooking oil or WD40. Leave this on for approximately 10 minutes and then wash as usual.
Once the RV is clean and dry, it is ready for storage, but what is the best cover for your summer home?
Here are a few questions you might ask yourself:
Is it OK to cover my RV with a plastic tarp?
Do not use a plastic tarp to cover your RV especially in high heat areas because the plastic cannot breathe. Most commercial tarps are made of plastic. Without a breathable fabric, it has been suggested that tarps may cause damage to the inside your motor home or camper.
What is the best fabric to choose?
Here is a summary of the three most commonly sold fabrics for the RV.
Polypropylene
This cover is a single-layer of fabric. It is an affordable, all weather protection that is water-repellent yet breathes to reduce mold and mildew. It has elasticized corners that provide a custom fit. This cover is not recommended for areas of winter snow or intense summer heat. This single-layer cover will not last as long as multi-layer fabrics, but it does have a two year warranty.
PolyProIII
This cover has triple-layered, reflective white polypropylene top with breathable single layered polypropylene sides. It protects against rain, snow, UV rays, dirt, nicks and scratches. The air vent system reduces wind lofting and inside moisture. It has full height zippered panels that allow full access to the vehicle's interior and its elastic hemmed corners provide a custom fit. It protects the RV in the harshest of weather and has a three year warranty.
PolyX300
This covers provides the toughest combination of weather protection and superior tear resistance. There is less bulk so it is easier to install. This heavy duty fabric repels water and protects against UV damage and dirt. This superior fabric dries quickly and is fully breathable to protect against mold and mildew. It has adjustable front and rear tension panels and elasticized hemmed corners to provide a custom fit. The integrated strap system with the tension panel connection system reduces stress on the cover when tightening the straps. This cover includes a compression storage bag and a 4-year warranty.
How do I measure my RV for the best fit?
Measure you RV from end to end. Include the bumpers, the air conditioning unit, spare tire, and the ladder to determine best cover needed for a proper fit. Do not rely on manufacturer's specifications. You want the cover to fit loosely.
Just like your truck or automobile, dust, dirt, leaves, and debris collects in all the crooks and crannies of the vehicle. When springtime arrives and you are ready for your next adventure, the RV cover will have kept your RV looking like it just rolled out of the factory. Just remove the cover and go.
The first thing you want to do when you arrive home is clean the exterior of the motor home for the winter. Remember to work your way down to the tires. Clean the roof first. Use warm water and a mild detergent. Use a soft brush on the entire body. The goal of cleaning the roof is to remove the white chalky residue that sometimes marks the exterior after a heavy rain. Don't get over zealous because rubber roofs have an oxidized layer to protect the surface. Just get the chalky white build-up.
If your RV is stored under trees you might have a problem with bird droppings and tree sap. Prior to washing the sides of the vehicle, liberally spray the infected area with an oily base like spray cooking oil or WD40. Leave this on for approximately 10 minutes and then wash as usual.
Once the RV is clean and dry, it is ready for storage, but what is the best cover for your summer home?
Here are a few questions you might ask yourself:
Is it OK to cover my RV with a plastic tarp?
Do not use a plastic tarp to cover your RV especially in high heat areas because the plastic cannot breathe. Most commercial tarps are made of plastic. Without a breathable fabric, it has been suggested that tarps may cause damage to the inside your motor home or camper.
What is the best fabric to choose?
Here is a summary of the three most commonly sold fabrics for the RV.
Polypropylene
This cover is a single-layer of fabric. It is an affordable, all weather protection that is water-repellent yet breathes to reduce mold and mildew. It has elasticized corners that provide a custom fit. This cover is not recommended for areas of winter snow or intense summer heat. This single-layer cover will not last as long as multi-layer fabrics, but it does have a two year warranty.
PolyProIII
This cover has triple-layered, reflective white polypropylene top with breathable single layered polypropylene sides. It protects against rain, snow, UV rays, dirt, nicks and scratches. The air vent system reduces wind lofting and inside moisture. It has full height zippered panels that allow full access to the vehicle's interior and its elastic hemmed corners provide a custom fit. It protects the RV in the harshest of weather and has a three year warranty.
PolyX300
This covers provides the toughest combination of weather protection and superior tear resistance. There is less bulk so it is easier to install. This heavy duty fabric repels water and protects against UV damage and dirt. This superior fabric dries quickly and is fully breathable to protect against mold and mildew. It has adjustable front and rear tension panels and elasticized hemmed corners to provide a custom fit. The integrated strap system with the tension panel connection system reduces stress on the cover when tightening the straps. This cover includes a compression storage bag and a 4-year warranty.
How do I measure my RV for the best fit?
Measure you RV from end to end. Include the bumpers, the air conditioning unit, spare tire, and the ladder to determine best cover needed for a proper fit. Do not rely on manufacturer's specifications. You want the cover to fit loosely.
Just like your truck or automobile, dust, dirt, leaves, and debris collects in all the crooks and crannies of the vehicle. When springtime arrives and you are ready for your next adventure, the RV cover will have kept your RV looking like it just rolled out of the factory. Just remove the cover and go.
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