Pros And Cons Of A RV Cover

RVs are a big investment, and keeping them in good shape is a top priority if you want to get the most out of each road trip. One thing I picked up from years of storing my own RV is that a solid cover can help keep your rig looking sharp, but I know there’s a lot of debate about RV covers and whether they’re worth the hassle and cost. If you’re thinking about buying a cover or just wondering what difference it actually makes, I’m laying out all the real-world pros and cons so you can make the best decision for your own setup.

What Is an RV Cover and Why Do People Use Them?

An RV cover is basically like a big jacket for your camper or motorhome. It’s made out of weather-resistant materials and designed to fit snugly over the top, sides, and sometimes even the wheels of your RV. People use covers when their RV is parked for a while, whether that’s in a backyard, storage lot, or even just on a driveway. The main idea is to shield everything from sun, rain, snow, dust, bird droppings, and tree sap. Some folks swear by these covers, while others find them bulky or unnecessary, depending on their climate, storage location, and how often they use their RV.

Main Benefits of Using an RV Cover

Slapping a cover on your RV isn’t just about keeping it looking nice—there are some truly practical upsides that I’ve noticed firsthand. Here’s a rundown of why so many RV owners choose to use one, and some reasons you might want to check out a cover for your own motorhome:

Protects From UV Damage: Sun exposure can fade paint, crack rubber, and dry out plastics and seals. I’ve seen motorhomes look ten years older after just a couple seasons in the sun. A cover acts like SPF for your rig, keeping all those surfaces protected.
Keeps Out Moisture and Prevents Mold: Good covers are usually water-resistant but still breathable. That means they keep rain and snow off your RV, while letting moisture underneath escape, which is a huge help for preventing mold, mildew, and those musty storage smells.
Guards Against Dirt, Leaves, and Bird Droppings: You’d be surprised how dirty an uncovered RV can get after a few windy days, especially if you’re parked under trees. Covers keep your RV clean, so you’re not scrubbing sap, pollen, or droppings off every spring.
Preserves Resale Value: RVs that look better and have less weather damage tend to fetch higher prices on the used market. Covering your RV is a pretty handy way to keep your investment looking newer for longer.
Helps Prevent Minor Scratches and Dings: Storms can blow debris or branches into your RV. A padded or reinforced cover gives some extra protection against scrapes and small impacts.
Reduces Cleaning Time: With a cover, you don’t have to spend as many hours washing, waxing, or getting stubborn tree sap off your roof. Less time cleaning means more time relaxing when it’s go time!
Makes Spring Setup Easier: When spring rolls around, you can go straight to prepping for your next adventure instead of handling heavy-duty cleaning and fighting mildew or algae buildup on the exterior.

Downsides and Common Complaints About RV Covers

RV covers aren’t all sunshine and roses. I’ve run into a few annoyances myself, and I hear a lot from other owners in camping groups about issues you’ll want to keep in mind.

Can Be Tricky to Install and Remove: Getting a fullsize cover on a big RV isn’t quick, especially if you’re dealing with wind or wet weather. It usually takes two people and a ladder. You’ll want to make sure it’s secured well so it doesn’t flap or blow off, which can be a hassle if you have limited help.
May Trap Moisture if Not Breathable: Cheaper or poorly designed covers can actually keep moisture in, especially if they aren’t truly breathable. This can lead to mildew, defeating the whole purpose of using a cover in the first place.
Potential for Scratched Paint: If the cover isn’t clean or if dust or dirt gets between the cover and your RV, it can act like sandpaper and scratch your finish. High winds can make this worse by causing the cover to rub back and forth repeatedly.
Possible Pest Issues: Some critters, like mice or insects, may see the cover as a cozy new home, especially if you leave gaps near the wheels or let debris collect around the RV base. It’s best to check for gaps and keep the area clear.
Needs Regular Checks: You can’t just throw a cover on for six months and forget about it. Strong winds, sun, and snow can wear out covers over time, or they might shift and need retightening. Routine checks are key.
Extra Cost: Quality covers aren’t the cheapest—they run from $150 up to $600 or more, depending on size and features. When budgeting, you’ll want to weigh the savings on cleaning and maintenance against the upfront price.
Storage Needed When Not in Use: When your cover is off, you need a big clean spot to store it—otherwise, you risk trapping dirt or moisture in the fabric, which can add to wear or even mildew issues.

Key Things to Consider Before Buying an RV Cover

The cover you pick—and even the decision to use one at all—depends a lot on your situation. Here’s what I like to keep in mind before shelling out for a new cover:

Climate: If you store your RV in really hot, sunny places (hello Arizona) or where there’s lots of rain or snow, a cover makes a bigger difference. In dry, mild climates, you might skip it.
Length of Storage: If you’re only parking for a month between trips, you might not need a cover. For RVs that sit all winter, though, it’s worth thinking about, especially to avoid harsh weather issues.
Parking Location: Are you under big trees, or in a city lot with lots of dust and debris? If you store inside a garage or carport, a cover is less important, but for uncovered lots, it can save a lot of cleaning headaches.
Type of RV: Larger Class A or fifth wheel RVs are a lot more work to cover than a small camper or teardrop trailer. Make sure the cover you get fits your model and isn’t too hard to handle. Some smaller models have tailored options that make things easier.
Quality of Materials: It’s worth it to spend a bit more for a reputable, well-reviewed cover made from breathable, weatherproof fabrics. Look for reinforced sections and strong fasteners to keep the wind from getting under it and causing rips.

Material Types and What They Actually Do

RV covers come in a bunch of material choices. Here’s what I’ve found is most common, and what it means for actual use:

Polypropylene: Lightweight, pretty affordable, and works alright for sun and light rain. These tend to be standard for everyday use, but may not hold up as well in extreme conditions.
Polyester: More durable, good for rainy climates, and offers better UV resistance. A good pick if you’re worried about fading, long-term exposure, or have lots of rain during storage periods.
Tyvek/Composite Materials: Premium and very breathable, with excellent protection from snow, sun, and heavy rain. A bit pricier, but the added durability and breathability can be super valuable for year-round use.

Some covers combine several material layers—with softer inner layers to protect paint, and tougher outer shells to stand up to weather. If you’re in doubt, check out reviews for your climate or local RV clubs for real-world feedback.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

I’ve had a few mishaps with RV covers when I first started using them, so here are a couple of quick tips that save time and headaches whether you’re new to covering or an old pro:

Clean your RV before putting on the cover. Any grit or sand underneath will scratch paint as the cover moves, especially in windy weather.
Check that vents or panels aren’t blocked. Some covers have zippered panels for access, but you may need to add extra venting to prevent condensation from causing issues inside.
Use padding (like foam tubes or pool noodles) over sharp edges, antennas, or mirrors so the cover doesn’t tear. A little protection goes a long way.
Make sure the cover is secured all the way around, not just on top. Wind gusts can easily lift a loose cover off entirely, so use all included straps or even add your own if necessary.
Inspect your cover and RV every couple weeks, especially after big storms, to fix problems before they get worse. Small fixes early can save you costly repairs down the line.
Dry your cover thoroughly before storage. Folding and storing a wet cover is a recipe for mildew and bad smells when you go to use it again.

Real-World Examples: When an RV Cover Makes Sense

I’ve seen covers pay off in a bunch of situations. RVers storing rigs in snowy climates avoid ice buildup and don’t have to chisel frozen debris off their roofs come springtime. Down south, several people I know keep their RVs looking next-level cool even after years of harsh sun, just because they’ve kept them covered each summer.

A friend of mine lives full time in his RV and never uses a cover, since he’s always moving and keeping an eye on his rig. On the other hand, another neighbor who leaves his trailer under a big maple every winter ends up washing off sticky sap and mildew every spring until he tried a high-quality cover. He’s saved hours of cleaning each season ever since.

For folks who only take their RVs out a few times a year, a cover gives a boost by protecting against long stretches of inactivity. Covered RVs also tend to start up easier each spring, with fewer battery drain or moisture issues—especially important in climates with freeze-thaw cycles or high humidity.

Popular Features to Look for in a Quality RV Cover

If you decide a cover is right for you, these features make using and maintaining it a bit less of a chore, and you’ll find the return on your investment goes up over time:

Multiple zippers or panels, so you can access doors and storage compartments without removing the whole cover—handy between trips for loading gear or running checks.
UV-resistant fabric to prevent the sun from breaking down the material as the years go by and to keep colors from fading.
Built-in vents that let moisture out but don’t let water in. This helps keep mildew and condensation problems to a minimum.
Straps and tie downs on the bottom to keep the cover from billowing in strong winds, so you’re not chasing it around the neighborhood after a storm.
Reinforced corners or stress points to protect areas prone to wear and tear. Some covers even have extra padding in these spots.

Extra features like easy-to-see reflective strips for nighttime safety and wheel covers to fully protect your tires can really add extra value if you store outdoors long term.

Frequently Asked Questions About RV Covers

People ask me about RV covers all the time. Here are a few common Q&A’s that might help if you’re still not sure.

Question: Are RV covers waterproof?
Answer: Most quality covers are water-resistant, not 100% waterproof. You want something that sheds rain but still breathes, to avoid trapping moisture underneath. Fully waterproof covers can trap humidity and cause damage over a long winter.

Question: How long do RV covers last?
Answer: It really depends on both the material and the climate, but a good cover usually lasts 3-5 years if you check it regularly and take care of it. Some premium brands can go even longer with light use and good maintenance.

Question: Will an RV cover damage my paint?
Answer: If your RV and the cover are clean before installation and the cover is secured, you’re unlikely to see much damage. Dirt, grit, and loose covers that move around cause most scratches, so make sure everything is clean and tight before storing.

Question: Is it safe to use a cover in really windy weather?
Answer: Properly installed covers with sturdy straps usually hold up fine, but super strong winds can loosen or even rip cheap covers. It’s really important to check for slack and potential wear before and after storms, and consider extra straps or reinforcements if you know big weather is coming.

Question: Can I drive my RV with the cover on?
Answer: No, covers are meant for parked storage only. Always remove the cover before moving your RV.

Recap: Is an RV Cover Worth It?

Using an RV cover can go a long way toward keeping your camper or motorhome looking great and protected from the elements, but it takes a little effort and isn’t for everyone. If you’re facing long-term storage, harsh weather, or want to keep your rig looking sharp for the long haul, a cover is worth checking out. Make sure you grab one with the right material, fit, and features for your needs. Keeping your RV clean before you cover it, and checking for pests or issues regularly, can help dodge most of the common headaches.

On the other hand, if your RV is always on the move or stored inside a garage, you might not need one at all. It comes down to how much protection you need, how much maintenance you want to avoid, and whether a bit of effort up front saves you time and money down the road. Either way, knowing what to look for and what to avoid lets you make the most of your investment, so you can focus on enjoying your adventures with as little stress as possible.