How to Pick the Best RV Cover

RV and motorhome costs a lot. Therefore, keeping them safe while parking or not using requires extra care. You must get the best RV cover for it. There are many to pick from. We aren’t writing any product review here. We will be discussing the need and requirement your RV cover must satisfy.

RV storage is hard to get by and your current garage can’t accommodate any RV. Therefore, you either find a good RV storage facility around or buy a cover. However, even with storage facility, you will need the cover for full proof protection.

RV is an expensive vehicle. All the indoor accessories and parts are expensive too. So, you need the utmost protection for them for both in use or storage time. Therefore, you can’t compromise with the cover. Cover will protect the exterior of the vehicle to ensure the safety for both interior and exterior.

What is an RV Cover?

Usually, we don’t use the RV all the time. Sometimes it is parked in the driveway under the sun. UV rays, dust, water and others will surely harm the rig from outside and create the possibility for interior damage too.

To prevent these damages from harmful substances, we use specifically made RV cover. These covers are different than car covers or tarps. They are thicker, stronger and has more resistance to harmful agents.

Why Avoid Tarps to Cover the RV?

Tarps can cover your vehicle well. But for RV moisture is a harmful substance and tarps can keep the moisture in without keeping the moisture out. That may cause mold and mildew on the RV exterior.

Unless you are using ropes or bungee cords, you can not secure the tarp all around your RV. With excessive wind under the RV can rip and torn the tarps in pieces. Moreover, the binding ropes will cause many scratches with nicks on the precious RV body.

There aren’t many large tarps available that can fully cover an RV. In other words, you will need several tarps combined to fully cover the whole RV. Thus, enough open spaces in between the joined tarps.

Choosing the Best RV Cover

Picking the best one always tricky. You should know better before getting one. First, you should know the dimension of your RV well. Then, buy a cover that fits perfectly on the RV. Too loose, then wind can rip and torn the cover. So, dimension is an important criteria.

You should also consider the cover material, size, shape, type along with the protections the cover offers. We decided to list the most common things to consider below. You will have idea about the cover and its properties then.

Types of RV

There are mainly 3 types of RVs. Class A, Class B and Class C. Moreover, there are also fifth wheel, travel trailer and campervan. In addition, every class RV can come with different length and features.

So, you should know which type RV you have. If the RV has ladder or spare tire behind, please consider that too. After that choose the best cover for your RV.

Size

Its an important feature that you must consider while buying. Measuring an RV isn’t any easy task. If you make any mistake while calculating the size of the RV, then the cover can become shorter than required or too loose to fit well.

There are mainly 3 major RV cover manufacturers. They provide specific direction to measure the RV. We have listed that below for your understanding:

  • Carver Cover: Measure the RV from bumper to bumper. Neglect the spare tire, AC and ladder size. These factors are already included with cover design. However, for propane tank, you have to buy separate cover. Do the measurement yourself. If the cover is even 1 inch small, please order the next large size.
  • ADCO Cover: Measure from bumper to bumper and also include the ladder along with spare tire in the measurement. The AC and other roof mounted accessories length must be added with the measured length. ADCO covers always fit with the described sizes. However, 1 inch larger, its better to order larger size.
  • Classic Cover: Everything including ladder, bumpers, spare tires, roof mounted AC etc. must be included with the measurement to get perfect fit cover. For height, measure from ground to top excluding the AC height. For side measurement, avoid the mirror, just one side from another. These Classic Covers are perfectly fit for described sizes. However, if you are not sure, then try to order 1 size larger model. Because, with strap you can fit the cover if its slightly larger.

Material

Please consider the cover material while buying. There are many base materials available for RV covers to choose from. Each type material has some advantages and disadvantages too. We have listed the most popular cover materials here:

  • Polyester: Great against UV protection. Most suitable for desert or rocky areas. However, not good with moisture and water protection.
  • Polypropylene: One of the most popular cover material. Its breathable, so provide strong protection against moisture. Moreover, provides higher resistance against water, cracking and acidic damage. But, its not waterproof.
  • Polyethylene: Its the most strong cover material and most suitable too. That is to say, it is water resistance along with tear resistance. However, as for its superior quality, Polyethylene covers are expensive.
  • Solution Dyed Acrylic: Another popular cover material with UV-resistant dyes. The most perfect waterproof cover with high level sun protection. Great all year round protection cover.

There are many more materials and exceptional quality covers available too. You can check those too. We just included the most popular and used materials here.

Other Features

You also check the air vents, zipper panels, water repellant features too. These are important and must needed features for your RV’s well being and longevity.

Air vents will ensure breathability within to prevent moisture. That will prevent any mold or mildew on the RV surface or cover interior. For easy access, you will need zippered panel. In addition, marine grade material will provide water repellant feature.

Common Cover Features for Different Class RVs

After learning about the basic information about covers, you can now check what the covers offer for their customers. There are mainly 3 types of RVs Class A, B and C. These classes depends on the size and features of the RV.

Cover for Class A RV

Class A RVs are the largest among the classes. Usually, bus chassis full family camping facility. The cover for this class RV generally has the features below:

  • Vertical zipper installed along the passenger side wall
  • Front along with rear hems have elastic material for perfect fit
  • Reinforced strap and buckle for tight fitting
  • Extra long straps to tightening the cover from over and under the vehicle
  • Zippered entry panel for accessing the front or back or both doors
  • Air vents and marine grade materials

We have listed some top rated covers for this class RV. Please check our list of the most popular Class A RV covers.

Cover for Class B RV

Class B is the smallest among the 3 RV classes. They are usually converted small van. They have lowest features among these 3. However, they have all the features require for being a perfect RV. Please check the common features of class B RV cover:

  • Both rear and front hems are elasticized to snug and fit on the RV perfectly
  • Long straps to tighten the cover all around the vehicle
  • Strap and buckle for complete fitting of the cover
  • Zippered entry for middle or front door
  • Corner cover area are fully reinforced
  • Regular air vents along with storage bag for the cover

Although Class B are small but they are expensive too. You need high quality cover for this loving vehicle. Please have a look of our best rated Class B RV covers.

Cover for Class C RV

Class C RVs are the mid size and most common classes among the 3 classes. They have most the features Class A RVs have. Moreover, these RVs are bigger and more spacious than class B. Please the general features of class C RV covers:

  • Easy entry using the zippered wall
  • To snug the cover perfectly must have front and rear elasticized hems
  • Strong and durable buckles and straps to tighten the cover
  • Extra included long straps for whole body strapping
  • Air vents and high level water resistance or proof material
  • Cover storage bag to store the cover while not in use

Don’t forget to check our top rated Class C RV Covers list. We shortlisted the most popular and featured covers in our list.

RV Covers Pros and Cons

RV covers are really helpful to your RV. Moreover, it will ensure the RV safety along with everything inside the RV. However, like everything else it comes with some disadvantages too. We have listed below all the facility or safety your RV will get along with the cons.

Pros

Protection Against UV Rays

You can’t argue about living in your RV in the wild by the lake or river or driving. However, when you park the RV for longer period, then UV rays are something you must consider.

Long time under sun will cause UV ray related damage. The will fade away faster along with the paint. The RV roof will be damaged along with the whole RV.

Therefore, a cover with UV ray or sun protection is a must for your RV’s health. There are many covers specially manufactured for UV protection. Use any of those along with other safety features.

Moisture Protection

Using tarps will cause moisture problem on your RV. Under the tarps, moisture will grow and most suitable condition for mold and mildew. This may cause cracking under freezing condition. Moreover, the roof and side will lose their temperament.

Your RV will lose its color along with fitness. Water can easily pass through the roof and wall and destroy the whole RV. Therefore, choose a cover that prevents moisture and has air vents for easy breathing. Keep the RV covered moisture free.

Wind Protection

Tarps and thin covers aren’t sturdy or durable. Therefore, heavy wind can torn them easily and your RV will lose exterior protection. Moreover, torn covers will have loosen straps and ropes. These will hurt the RV exterior when left unchecked.

Find a cover with vent flaps and elastic corners and hems. Vent flaps will follow the wind easily and elasticity will ensure tightening grip all around the RV.

Dirt Protection

If you don’t like to wash your RV regularly, then RV cover if your best option. A cover will keep the dust and dirt away from your RV. In addition, the shine and color of the RV will be intact and better service life.

Cover will also protect from tree leaves, bard droppings and other harmful substances. Ensure a long and happy life for your RV.

Cons

There aren’t many cons about an RV cover. However, there are certainly some those you must take into consideration while buying.

  • Extra working while covering and removing the cover
  • May cause accidents while covering or removing the cover if you aren’t alert enough
  • Need extra storage space to store the cover while not using
  • These covers have shorter lifespan comparing the RV lifespan
  • Buying an RV cover costs around $200-$500, means extra cost

End Words

While having an RV requires the cover. You can’t deny the usefulness of the cover or the benefits it offers. After reading so far, its easy to assume you now have better idea about the cover.

If you still have questions, please ask us or others who have better knowledge. You can also ask the vendors or manufacturers for references. After all, you want to pick the best RV cover and don’t want to jeopardize your RVs safety.