I remember one of my worst nightmares: I was all set for my next RV trip, but when I opened the door; the interior of my beloved mobile curb was utterly ruined! What had started as a small leak spread to massive interior water damage. Too bad, I had to postpone my trip.
While mine may seem an extreme example, RVs are actually vulnerable to water damage, and the damage may go all the way to the interior. RV covers are one of the paramount defenses against such elements.
From keeping everything watertight to reducing UV damage and keeping away rodent pests, RV covers keep your home on wheels safe and looking its best between trips, especially if it’s in outdoor storage.
Nevertheless, searching for an ultimate RV cover, and understanding its uses and risks, is a course best taken with a little knowledge. I guess that’s why you’re here! So, whether you wish to protect your class A, B, or C RV, I will take you through all there’s to know about RV covers.
What Are RV Covers?
RV covers are typically made from polyester or polypropylene. Various methods of tripling-of-the-layers are used over the roof for extra protection in terms of water resistance and UV.
The fabrics are treated with UV repellent water and woven in a way that they’re breathable, such that moisture evaporates instead of getting caught under the cover and trapping mildew.
RV custom covers feature vents to prevent billowing and have a tighter fit. The covers are secured underneath the RV, with some covers having zipped access to the door.
Custom varieties are expensive, but they offer better protection than universal fit covers. The superior the quality, the lighter the cover, and the easier it is to handle.
Although climbing up your RV’s roof to put on the cover is such a deal-breaker, the hustle becomes worth it when you imagine how much the cover protects your RV from all sorts of elements and maintains its appeal so that you can hit the road in a good-looking motorhome soon after the first spring weekend rolls around.
What Are The Types Of RV Covers? How Are They Classified?
RVs come in all sizes and designs, and RV cover types can be classified according to different types of RVs. The classification includes three classes:
- Class A RV covers
- Class B RV covers
- Class C RV covers
Each class of RV cover has various specific cover designs and models, some of which are named according to their manufacturers and key features.
And since our chief point here is to learn the types of RV covers, we’ll dive into that without much ado.
1. Class A RV Covers
In their class of self-contained motorized RVs, Class A RVs are the biggest, often the most luxurious and expensive motorhomes, perfect for extended trips. If you drive a Class A RV- which is such a prestige — you will need a larger cover built for your rig’s specific size and shape.
Class A RV covers come in various types and sizes and may be classified for a particular range of RV lengths, like 34-37 feet. Here are the types of Class A RV you’ll find in the market.
ADCO RV Covers
ADCO RV covers are available in six sizes made from nonwoven fabric material built to withstand the toughest conditions. Despite their material’s durability, ADCO RV covers are also breathable enough to protect against mold and mildew.
ADCO designer series covers feature a slipstream strapping system that ensures the cover is fabulous and tight and a light-reflecting top panel that keeps your RV even more protected against UV rays and its interior from too much heating up.
Their zippered doors and buckled wind straps are meant for ease of use and top security. And it doesn’t hurt to say that they look cool too.
Goldline Class A RV Covers
Goldline Class A RV covers are the only all-fabric class A RV covers on the market today. They’re, made with heavy-duty marine-grade fabrics that are breathable and able to withstand the rigors of the outdoors.
These Class RV A covers come in increment sizing for a tight and semi-custom fit. Every detail is designed into these covers, including Endurance Roof Straps, reducing stress on roof seams.
S2 Expedition Class A RV Covers
S2 Expedition class A RV covers feature a custom-like fit design with adjustable panels in the front and back. Their marine-grade waterproof fabric roof plus reinforced elasticized corners ensure your RV is protected in any weather.
Important details of this RV cover model are that they’re both breathable and protective. You can access the entry points through zippered doorways with non-scratch zippers so that you don’t have to worry about scratching your rig.
2. Class B RV Covers
Class B RVs, also known as camper vans or B-Vans, are the smallest fully enclosed motorhome, classically built on a van framework. But even though they’re small, these RVs have well-designed insides that fit all the essentials, including cooking facilities, heating units, and beds.
Because yours isn’t the biggest RV doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve the same sort of protection and respect the big folks get. There are several types of nice covers for your Class B motorhome. Let’s check them out:
Carscover Deluxe Shield
If you take CarsCover literally, you might start wondering whether we’re now talking about ordinary cars and not RVs. The fact is Class B RVs are in many ways similar to a car than it is to an RV. Their shapes and sizes are much closer to a street car than they’re close to a Class A rig.
CarCovers provide waterproof, and all-weather protection against rain, snow, or debris and are also treated for UV ray resistance. This model of class B RV covers features a three-layer roof panel and single-layer side panels. The design shields your RV against harsh weather conditions while preventing mildew and mold.
Other key features of this RV cover include a rear cinching system that holds the cover in place and zippered panels for easy access to the doors in case you need to get inside your rig while it’s in storage.
Seasons Class A RV Covers
RV covers don’t have to be too expensive. So if you’re on a budget, Seasons variety RV covers can be your choice.
This type is intended for short-term outdoor or indoor storage in between trips, though they’re still treated with UV Sun inhibitor and Durapel Rain Finish to withstand harsh weather and protect your RV. The easy-on and easy-off design make Seasons Class A covers an expedient choice.
3. Class C RV Covers
Class C RVs are between Class A and Class B in size. The motorhomes provide similar amenities to the Class A RVs, like slideouts, kitchens, and bathrooms — but on a smaller scale. They’re a bit more affordable and have better gas mileage than a Class A, though their fuel efficiency is yet to match that of class RVs.
Class C RVs are typically built on a truck framework with a distinctive cab-over outline that adds an extra bed and makes them easily recognizable on the road.
For their unique shape, it’s especially important to obtain a cover specifically made for a Class C RV. Here are the models you can choose from.
OOFIT RV Covers
OOFIT are high-quality covers that protect your RV from water, weather, UV rays, sand, bird droppings, snow, dirt, and other potential hazards.
A sequence of zippered panels makes it easy to access your rig’s doors and storage compartments, and fluorescent panels and zippers allow you to use the cover even at night. Their sizes may range from 23 feet to 32 feet.
RV Masking Covers
RV Masking covers are more of an upgraded Class C covers, including six layers of fabric that ensure your motorhome is safe and sound. The six air vents on either side of the cover prevent it from billowing and keep moisture from developing against the finish of your RV.
The Rollable zippered doors of RV masking covers make it easy to access your RV’s interior and engine, and heavy handles at their corners make installation much of a breeze.
Camco ULTRAGuard RV Covers
The Camco ULTRA Guard covers come in Class C RV sizing as well as a pop-up, travel trailer, fifth-wheel, and Class A sizing. They’re designed in several sizes for each type of automobile, ensuring you’ll always get the right fit for your rig.
These Class C RV covers are designed with harsh conditions in mind, with polypropylene side panels and three layers of spun-bond fabric on the top layer. More features include heavy-duty seams, vented flaps, and a self-adjusting strap system for maximum wind protection.
FAQs about RV Covers
Having learned what RV covers are and the different types you’re likely to encounter, let’s wrap this up with a few of the most frequently asked questions about RV covers and their answers.
Why Do I Need An RV Cover?
RV covers are a worthy asset when protecting your RV from UV exposure and other damages from water and debris. RVs are susceptible to such elements, especially rubber parts. A quality RV cover will increase the lifespan of your motor caravan and is essential as you store your RV during the off-season.
Are RV Covers For The Roof Only?
RV covers don’t protect your RV roof only, which is a solemn part of your investment anyway. But the covers also safeguard other exterior sides of your vehicle, and by virtue of shielding the exterior, the interior, which is vulnerable to water damage as a result of exterior damages, is also protected.
Tire covers are also recommended, especially if you store your RV most of the time. The tire temperatures can get too high, causing them to crack. You don’t want to replace a whole set of RV tires; it’s too expensive. You better cover them and save yourself the trouble.
What Are the Best Material for RV Covers?
High-quality RV cover materials use an anti-UV design and are wind-proofed, tear-resistant, and durable. Many cover materials are made of polypropylene fabric as it’s tougher and can withstand the elements.
Are RV Covers Waterproof?
Generally, RV covers are waterproof. That’s one of the key reasons for covering your RV. Besides preventing water damage in your rig, RV covers offer protection from UV rays, bird droppings, debris, dust, and other substances that could damage your rig.
Do RV Covers Cause Mold?
Having mold build-up under your RV cover actually beats the purpose of using it in the first place. After all, the point is to avoid damage!
RV cover can actually cause mold, unfortunately. But this is only if they’re not well-ventilated or left unsupervised for too long. We recommend choosing high-quality covers with ventilation panels to circumvent the problem and taking off your RV cover at least once a month.
Can RV Covers course Damage?
When not used properly, RV covers may cause damage. One instance is breaking the roof components while putting them on. But that’s a problem with more do with the user than with the cover.
If you’re cautious in installing your RV cover and patient enough to ensure all spare parts such as vent fans are appropriately closed for storage, an RV cover won’t cause any damage on its own.
How should I Install an RV cover?
Many people believe installing an RV is one of the most demanding tasks-and that could be the only reason they’d rather have their rigs stay uncovered and risk all the potential damages. Nonetheless, installing your RV cover is easily doable through a few steps.
- On your RV, tape any sharp edges that may possibly wear against the cover, and remember to lower all roof antennas.
- Carefully unroll the cover next to your RV as you unzip the passenger side with the back panels.
- If you have a smaller RV, you can install the cover with ladders or pull it over the sides with tie ropes. For larger RVs, you can install the cover from the roof. Sensibly climb up the roof as you pull the cover-up with you, lower the front of your cover over the front of your RV, and pull the cover to the back, letting it fall down the sides.
- Note that some covers come with a ladder cap to reduce stress on the cover in that spot. If yours had it, place the cover over the ladder first, then pull down the cover over the back of your RV.
- Finally, zip all the panels on your cover, pull down all elasticized corners over both RV bumpers and adjust the tension straps in front of the cover for a comfy fit that’s not too tight.