More from: RV Covers

Key Features to Look for in Your RV Cover

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In your quest for an RV or trailer cover, note this: the features you choose are important. An RV or trailer cover is not just a piece of canvas you throw over the top of your rig at the end of the season. It is a tool for protecting your RV or trailer whenever it’s not in use. The better the tool, the better job it will do.

You can purchase generic RV and trailer covers or covers custom-made for your particular make and model. Whether generic or custom, you should be looking for certain features. Those listed below are the ones we believe are most important.

1. Adequate UV Protection

We assume you are purchasing an RV or trailer cover because you will be storing your rig outside. As such, we recommend not settling for something that doesn’t offer adequate UV protection. Ultraviolet rays can damage seals around windows and doors. They can be harmful to your AC unit and fade the finish.

A good cover offers adequate UV protection, especially on the top panel. If you do not understand how UV protection is rated, do some online research before you buy. You will do better with a cover that has a higher UV rating.

2. Built-In Air Vents

One reason for using a cover is to keep out moisture that would otherwise promote mold and mildew growth. As such, look for a cover with built-in air vents. A cover with no vents will allow moisture to be trapped inside. And yes, you can end up with trapped moisture due solely to condensation. You need vents that promote air circulation and allow moisture to evaporate.

3. Zipper Access to Doors and Windows

From a practical standpoint, a good RV or trailer cover offers zippered access to at least the rig’s a side door. Access to windows – and motor compartments on RVs – doesn’t hurt either. Zippered access lets you get into the unit without having to remove the entire cover.

A lot of generic trailer and RV covers offer multiple access points on the sides. That way, you don’t necessarily have to measure exactly where doors and windows are. You have access all the way around the unit.

4. Reinforced Seams and Corners

An RV or trailer cover without reinforced seams and corners is one that is more likely to tear. Need we say more?

5. Adjustable Tension Panels and Elastic Corners

An RV cover is only as good as its fit. As such, look for one with two key features: adjustable tension panels on the front and rear and elastic corners.

The adjustable panels allow you to apply the appropriate tension at the front and rear of your rig in order to keep the cover securely in place. You do not want it flapping in the wind. As for the elastic corners, they tuck around the bottom of the rig the same way a fitted sheet tucks under the bottom of a mattress. Elastic corners keep everything in place.

We personally recommend RV and trailer covers made with ripstop polyester fabric. Others prefer canvas, but ripstop polyester is lighter and easier to deploy. It is also easier to keep clean.

Mytee Products is proud to carry multiple models of RV and trailer covers. Once you know the measurements of your rig, feel free to browse our inventory of covers suitable for your particular setup. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us before you purchase. Our goal is to make sure you get the right cover for your RV or trailer.

Winter RV Storage: 5 Things To Think About

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With the falling of the leaves, comes the reality that it is time to prepare your RV for winter storage. The thing to remember is that, getting the longest life out of your RV means doing more than, just winterizing the plumbing system. There is a checklist of things you should do to prepare your rig for the winter. So, before you throw on that RV cover and forget about things for the next few months, be sure you have done everything you can to protect your RV.

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We could probably just provide you with a list of hundred different suggestions from RV dealers and manufacturers and confuse you. Instead, here are five things you may not have thought about in terms of winter RV storage, which you may want to add to your annual routine.

#1 – Protecting Your RV Tires

Believe it or not, the tires on your RV take quite a bit of abuse during the winter. Some people physically remove them from their RVs and store them separately in the garage. If that is too much work for you, there are still things you can do as an alternative. First, make sure your tires are inflated to the highest cold pressure listed in your manual. Several times during the winter, check the tires with a gauge and keep them properly inflated.

Second, if you don’t parking on concrete or asphalt, place something between your tires and the ground so it is hoisted. Also, give yourself plenty of room to move the vehicle back and forth by several feet. By moving it three or four times over the winter, you will prevent flat spots from developing on your tires.

#2 – Check for Proper Ventilation

Your RV needs proper ventilation even during the winter months. This is one of the reasons, many manufacturers recommend using a combination of a breathable cover and ventilation components that keep sufficient air circulating, to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mold. If you do not know how to properly ventilate your RV, contact your manufacturer or dealer for instructions.

#3 – Insect and Rodent Traps

A parked RV is a magnet for rodents and insects who may turn it into a winter home. Make sure to place an appropriate amount of traps in and around your rig as a preventative measure. Check those traps on a periodic basis until the snow flies. If necessary, replace them in the spring and resume a regular schedule of checking.

#4 – Leave Cabinets and Drawers Open

Inside your rig, make sure to open all cabinets and drawers – and leave them open throughout the winter. The purpose here is to allow them to expand and contract as the temperature changes. Leaving them open also prevents moisture from being trapped inside.

#5 – Remove All Batteries

Inside your rig, remove all batteries from any remote controls and appliances. You might want to bring the batteries inside so that they aren’t exposed cold temperatures during winter. If your rig is an RV rather than a trailer or a fifth wheel, it is also a good idea to remove the batteries from the engine compartment. Clean them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place.

Only when you properly prepare your RV are you ready to put the cover on the for winter. You will be able to enjoy the season with the peace of mind that your RV will be ready for the road when spring comes around.

Cleaning and Storing RV Cover Could Extend Its Life

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RV owners who choose to use a cover during the winter, normally do so with the expectation of extending the life of their trailer or motor home by protecting it from the harsh winter elements of snow, sleet and rain. Cleaning and storing your RV cover properly can extend its life as well.

When spring arrives, it is tempting to pull the RV cover off as soon as you possibly can and head off into the horizon. However, bear in mind that , how you remove your cover, and what you do with it once it is removed, will go a long way toward determining how long the cover will last. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing, cleaning, and storing your RV cover:

Step #1 – Clean before Removing

The first step in the properly caring for your RV cover is to clean it before you remove it from the RV or motor home. Why before? Because cleaning while it is on your rig allows you to easily see all of the dirt and grime. It also allows for completely drying it – especially on a warm sunny day. Cleaning can be as simple as hosing down the cover or if there are any stains or ground-in dirt, a bit of warm water and mild detergent will do the trick. Once clean, allow the cover to dry fully.

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Step #2 – Inspect for Damage, Repair

A clean cover is ready to be inspected for any damage. If you are looking for tears or holes, separating seams, worn grommets, etc., leaving the cover on as you check it makes identifying damage a lot easier. You will probably find it easier to make repairs while the cover is still in place as well. Once you are sure you’ve checked it well for any signs of wear and tear or damage, it is time to remove your cover.

Step #3 – Remove the Cover

It’s always a good idea to have help to remove your RV cover. Lift the cover straight up in order to prevent it from catching on any corners. Then spread the cover out, be it on the lawn, garage floor, or wherever you have adequate space. You may have to give it the once over with a broom to remove any loose debris. If you plan to lay it on the lawn, make sure it hasn’t been recently watered. Moisture trapped inside the cover while in storage can lead to mold growth.

Step #4 – Fold and Store

Most of today’s covers come with a storage bag and folding instructions. Follow the instructions if you have them. Otherwise, the best way to fold your RV cover is to begin with two straight folds across the length in order to reduce the width of the cover to one-third of its original size. Then fold down the length using a series of z-folds until the cover is folded down small enough to be easily managed. In the absence of a storage bag, a plastic garbage pail or storage bin with a sealed lid would work well too

By taking the time to properly clean, repair, fold and store your RV cover, you will be extending its life for as long as possible. As with anything else, proper care and maintenance means that the cover will last longer. At the end of the day, you’ve invested money in a quality cover; you might just as well spend a little bit of time and effort in taking care of your investment

Tips for Using RV and Trailer Covers

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Now that the autumn season is upon us, RV and travel trailer owners are putting their vehicles away for the winter. Many of them will use an RV or trailer cover to protect their units from the weather. There are pros and cons to this strategy, as evidenced by the fair amount of disagreement that exists among RV and trailer owners. We will let you decide whether it’s the right strategy for you or not.

With that said, we do have some helpful tips should you decide to cover your RV or trailer with a winter cover. The tips are designed to make sure your cover does not damage your vehicle during the winter months. We want you to be able to uncover and go next spring without any problems.

1. Properly Secure Your Cover

Make sure to properly secure your cover with bungee cords or ropes. You do not want any portion of the cover to be loose enough to flap in the wind. Any flapping can cause cosmetic damage to the outside of your vehicle by way of grommets striking the surface. Continual striking can even loosen the grommets.

2. Create a Crown

It is a good idea to create a slight crown across the top of your vehicle so that the cover is not laying flat on the roof. Modern vehicles have air-conditioning units that make this task easier. You can also use things such as foam blocks and winter swimming pool inflatables to create the crown. The point is to create a surface that will allow precipitation and leaves to run off the top rather than collecting on the roof of your vehicle.

3. Check Cover Condition

Unless you are using a brand-new cover right out-of-the-box, it is a good idea to inspect your cover before putting it on. You are looking primarily for holes that can allow moisture in. The problem with moisture is that if it becomes trapped under the cover, it could cause a number of problems. Caulking could become moldy, aluminum parts could start to rust, and so on. You want the surface underneath to remain completely free of moisture throughout the winter months.

4. Beware of Abrasion

RV and trailer covers will not usually suffer rips and tears under normal conditions. The enemy of these covers is abrasion. You can get the most life out of your cover by reducing exposure to abrasive surfaces such as mirrors (fold them in), antennas (retract them), and roof vents (close them). If there are any potentially abrasive surfaces around windows or doors, you can reduce the friction by using foam padding or electrical tape.

Ordering a new RV or trailer cover is a matter of getting the right size. Although you do not want a cover that is excessively large, having one that is slightly too big is definitely better than purchasing one that is too small. The good news is that covers come in standard sizes. You just need to measure the length, width, and height of your unit to know what to order.

For RVs, measure the length from tail to nose and the height from the roofline down to the bottom of the chassis. Do not measure down to the ground. Also, there is no need to account for air-conditioning units. Manufacturers already take them into consideration when designing their covers.

For trailers, measure the height the same way. For length, there is no need to account for the tongue. You only need to measure the actual size of the trailer shell. Width measurements are pretty straightforward regardless of the RV or trailer unit you have.

Why You Should Consider Covering Your RV or Travel Trailer

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With summer now in bloom across most of the country, America’s RV and travel trailer owners are out on the roads in full force. Most are not even thinking about what they plan to do when it comes time to store their rigs in the fall. Nonetheless, now is the time to start thinking about it, especially if you plan to use an RV or trailer cover.

There is plenty of debate over whether or not to use recreational vehicles (RV) and trailer covers. Those against the practice site numerous problems including moisture damage, mold, damaged finishes, and bent framing. Those in favor of covers will insist they have never had a problem. So here’s the question: should you cover your RV or trailer, or should you leave it to the elements over the winter?

We believe covering your rig is the better option. Here are four reasons why:

1.Sun Damage – The roof on your RV is certainly not as durable as the one on your home. Constant exposure to the sun wears down the roof material, ultimately drying out the caulking used to seal vents and air conditioning units. While a cover does not provide 100% protection, it can cover can significantly slow down sun damage.

2.Moisture Potential – Moisture is the enemy of the typical RV or travel trailer. Water can pool on the roof due to sags or dimples, or it can be collected and absorbed by pine needles, leaves, grass, and other sorts of debris. During the hot summer months, this is usually not a problem. However, during the fall and winter, any moisture on the roof may not evaporate. This can lead to mold and mildew come spring.

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3.Snow Damage – RV owners that live in northern environments have to think long and hard about the snow. Just a couple inches of accumulated snow on your rig could cause pretty significant damage. It is especially problematic if you have a couple of quick thaw/freeze cycles during the season.

4.Window Seals – A good RV or trailer cover will be large enough to cover all of your windows as well. Keeping them covered during the off-season protects the seals around the windows from dry rot and thaw/freeze cycles. You will get longer life from your seals and caulking.

We should note that we favor covering your rig with a specially designed cover that fits well. We do not endorse the use of generic poly tarps. Why? Because tarps and improperly fitting covers can cause more problems than they solve.

Tips for Using Covers Properly

Any type of cover you use for your RV or travel trailer has the potential to damage the vehicle if not used properly. Here is what you need to know about using covers properly:

  • Sizing – You need to choose a cover for your rig that matches its size. Covers need to fit snugly in order to keep out moisture, bugs, and debris. Your cover should be large enough to protect the entire unit, from top to bottom, but not so large that it moves freely in the wind.
  • Securing – The most important thing you can do to protect your rig is to make sure the cover is tightly secured. If the cover is not tight, it can cause damage by flapping in the wind, allowing moisture underneath, and even allowing precipitation to pool in various locations. This is a good way to damage your RV or trailer.

When a cover is sized appropriately and used properly, it offers you maximum protection for your RV or travel trailer. A good quality cover from Mytee Products is an excellent investment that will extend the life of your rig.