cover

MikeJ · 05-16-2008, 09:48 PM

I just picked up my 1st camper yesterday.
Its a 1980 truck camper.
it was garage kept until 2000 and probably under a roof since then.
It is in very good shape. No leaks.
I have to keep it outside and we have a lot of trees.

Couple of questions
Can I walk on the roof?
I would like to put a cover over it most of the year. Our cars get filthy and must be rinsed off every few days esp now in the spring. from sap, leaves etc... from the tees, its a mess.

Can I just use a tarp? and "tent it up with a wood frame of some sort? must I get a cover "made" for rvs?

If not a run of the mill blue plastic tarp what is the best material to look for in a tarp? Are there some tips or tricks for covering an RV? I also do not want to upset the neighbors with something ugly, instead of the cheap blue tarps I figured at least a tan or gray tarp.

I know covering a car with a tarp can actually cause paint staining where the tarp lays against the paint or dirt accumulates.

How do I know when the roof needs a coat of roof preservative?

Mike

Bobo · 05-17-2008, 02:19 PM

Mike,

A cover can cost a lot of money. See the Camping World website to get ideas of cost and different fabrics. I have been toying with the idea of buying a tarp to cover the coach during winter. The best deals that I have found were at Harbor Freight and Northern Tool. As for support to hold the tarp off off the trailer so it can "breathe" beneath the tarp was suggested by Sunline Fan. He recommended using the foam swim noodles .

I have heard of water build up under the AC unit can freeze and cause expansion damage to the roof or of leaves clogging the AC unit. I park my coach tight to my garage so it is protected pretty much from blowing objects and sunlight. I also leave the tongue all the way lowered to promote drainage. It might be worth it for me to tarp so I don't have to scrub the roof so much in the spring.

Hope that this feeds you some helpful info.

Bobo

luckydc · 05-26-2008, 05:12 AM

I would appreciate hearing from others on this topic. My camper is under a lot of trees, too, and I have thought about getting a cover for it this year. The dirt is insane! Not to mention the acorns, leaves, twigs, etc.

If you use a cover, please post as to why you think it is the thing to do.

Thanks!

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you veterens! We have everything to be thankful for because of your brave sacrifices!

kanyonkitty · 05-26-2008, 11:58 AM

On my little 16' Sunline, I used one of those portable carports during the summer(they are not snow load rated), and tarped it in the winter, with pool noodles under the tarp. Just tie the tarp down tight to prevent chaffing. If you can get ahold of some styrofoam from inside of appliance boxes it also does well to make air space under the tarp.

I have to admit, I have it a good bit easier covering Sunny now days:

Gotta keep things clean & protected. Carport is 28' L x 14' wide x 9' legs.
Came from TnT Carports 800-597-3597, and cost was $1339.80 delivered & installed.

Kitty

Hematite · 05-26-2008, 08:23 PM

I bought a Sunline T2499 last fall and I also bought a fitted Sunbrella fabic cover for it. I used it last Winter and I can offer a few observations.

A cloth or fabric cover is FAR better than any kind of plastic or non breathable cover. Plastic sweats, cloth does not. Plastic holds moisture under it , fabric does not. "Woven" plastic tarps are quite abrasive, running your hand over it will confirm that. Sunbrella has a VERY fine thread count and is very water resistant. Whatever the cover used, it is necessary to protect the cover from sharp edges.

Because of the weight of the Sunbrella fabric, I will only use it during the Winter. It is simply WAY too much for me to handle. I think that a lightweight fabric cover would be the way to go for Summer use. I'd recommend checking with the various camping supply sources.

I do like the temporary carport idea, though.

Hematite · 05-27-2008, 05:16 AM

This would probably be a good cover and can be used year 'round

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-Camper_Co...2963700336.htm

I would not walk on the roof till you're sure that it is safe to do so. Someone will have that information.

luckydc · 05-27-2008, 10:51 AM

Thanks all. Kitty, I am onto a carport now. I did not realize that the cost would be so reasonable.

kanyonkitty · 05-27-2008, 11:50 AM

Paul,

You will be quite happy with a carport. The deliver/install guys arrived, and it was raining, but they did their job and got the carports up. I also have one that is for the car and truck. Yours might not cost quite as much since you are closer to TNT Carports. Down the road, I "might" think about closing in the sides and back end, but it is pretty sheltered where it is installed.

Good Luck,
Kitty

Bobo · 05-30-2008, 05:07 PM

FYI,

I just purchased a large tarp to use as a winter cover. Harbor Freight, $125.00. 29' 4" X 48' . Smooth silver faced for solar and environmental resistence, 11 mil thick . We will have to see how it bturns out.

Bobo