You’ve made the investment in an RV. When you are not traveling around the country, taking in all the natural beauty and hiking various trails from one ocean to the other, your RV is being stored, as it should be.
In order to prolong the condition of the RV’s exterior, you should get an RV cover for those long periods when you are not traveling and expecting some pretty rough weather.
Before you purchase an RV cover though, it is important to know if they are waterproof, even worth the investment, and how they actually work.
Are RV Covers Waterproof?
When you are searching for an RV cover, one of your questions will be if it is waterproof and able to keep out any unwanted weather from the surface of your RV. Yes, there are RV covers that are waterproof, but not all covers are.
This is important to protect the seals in any areas that extend and keep water out of waters and doorways. Before you move forward with making a purchase of an RV cover, you need to make sure that will keep out rain, snow, and ice from your RV, allowing it to stay dry.
Types of RV Covers
There are several types of RV covers available for purchase and they come in a number of different materials. Most RV covers are made in the following:
- Polyester
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
All of these materials are meant to be a level of protection on your RV, but it is also important for your RV to circulate air beneath this cover. The polyester RV covers are substantial and often a favorite among those who may not want to spend too much on an RV cover.
As with anything polyester, it is water-resistant compared to other materials and there are layers of different fabrics found that keep the area covered dry and reflecting the rays of the sun. If you live in an area that is bright with a lot of sun, then you may need a polyester cover.
The polyethylene RV covers have also been found to be water-resistant and a great option for an RV cover. They are also tear-resistant, which is great for RVs that spend their storage time in an area with a lot of trees or debris.
Anywhere that something that can spend time scratching or falling onto your RV needs a cover. The polypropylene material is meant for colder climates, allowing the RVs to breathe while they are resisting the water and acid damage that can come from the rain.
It is important to note that this material is not waterproof, so while it can deflect damage from most small rainfalls, anything extensive that happens regularly means that this material may not be the right choice.
Are RV Covers Worth Getting?
There are so many things that can damage your RV when it is being stored.
- Weather Protection
- Sun and UV Ray Protection
- Prevents collections of dust and allergies
- Maintenance reduced
- Paint protection
Not only will the weather cause damage to your RV, but excessive sunlight can damage the interior and fade the seats. The paint can also be destroyed by the sun or animal waste that may use your RV as a resting place. If you have family members with allergies, the dust and leaves that fall on an uncovered RV can enhance those allergies when traveling.
The fact of the matter is that you have made an investment in your finances and your family when you purchase an RV. One of the best things you can do for that RV and yourself is to get a cover for as much protection as possible. Getting the right RV cover is worth the investment and the protection that it will offer.
How do I Put an RV Cover On?
Once you have decided that an RV cover is right for your RV, you need to know how to get the cover on so that it is sitting appropriately and protecting the RV as intended.
- Choose an RV cover that is the right size for your RV. This is very important, as anything too large or too small will not work.
- Layout the cover over the top of your RV. Start at the front of the RV and then work backward.
- Grab the cover on each side and pull it down. Repeat this all the way around your RV until the bottoms are on the side.
- Once the RV cover is down on all sides, make sure you grade the hem and secure the cover. Again, repeat this around all four sides of your RV.
When you put an RV cover on, it needs to be secure and needs to be the correct size. If you use the wrong RV cover, you could have your RV take on unwanted water and cause unnecessary destruction.
Should I Get an RV Cover?
If you are on the fence about getting an RV cover, keep in mind how much you have invested in your RV currently. This is something that your family takes advantage of and gets to enjoy for years if it is protected. This is why you should invest in an RV cover that is the appropriate size for your camper and made for your local environment.
While you can consider where you will be traveling, also keep in mind where you will be storing your RV since that is where the cover will get the most use.