WmHipple
Charleston, SC
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Joined: 09/22/2009
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OK, new trailer, and i want to keep it that way. It is store 1/2 under a big tree and 1/2 out in the sun. We live near the coast and humidity is pretty high. I have the cover all picked out.....
1. I have a whip antenna on the top of the TT (Factory installed) is there normally a screw or latch to allow it to fold down?
2. How the heck do you actually put the cover on? Most FW's have a ladder, I have no ladder.
I have a Keystone Outback Sydney 310BHS if it makes any difference.
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Joined: 07/10/2002
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Our antenna has a screw that is loosened to lay it down on the roof. Obviously, you have to buy a ladder. The Little Giants are expensive but really well made.
IMHO you should not buy those covers that cover the RV roof to wheels; too hard to get on and off. We use a Sunshield tarp that covers the roof and a few feet of the sides, front and back and we hold it down with bottles of antifreeze.
We pull the cover off the RV onto the grass and fold it up accordian style and fold it further into a manageable package and store it away. When it comes time to install it I stand on the roof and hoist it up to the roof with a rope, walk to the front of the roof and unfold it to the original accordian configuration then walk back holding one end, climb down the ladder and latch it down.
We keep the end windows cracked during the winter for air flow thru the RV. They are under fiberglas covers so no snow gets in.
Have done this for years and everytime we get back from camping.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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rocketmomkd
Chester County, Pennsylvania
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Joined: 10/17/2005
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Our antenna also loosens with a screw and folds down. We use a cover at the end of the season, but not between trips because it is such a hassle. It's a 2 person job to get the cover on and we use a ladder at the front of the trailer, in addition to the ladder on the back of the trailer. We use the full-coverage type even thought it's a pain to put on. We feel it does a great job protecting the TT.
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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RVs are built to withstand the sun and weather and MOST do so all spring, summer and autumn. No real reason they can't do the same in the winter time. Conversely, they are NOT built to be under a cover. In 40 years of RVing I've never covered one yet and never experienced chaffed roof edges or scuffed moldings or roof mildew or broken antennaes. Problem is that covers and cover installation and removal can CAUSE as much damage as they might PREVENT. Just one old guys opinion / skip
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed (new)
OR 2004 F-150 HD (85,000 towing miles)
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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robsouth
Near Atlanta, GA
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Joined: 06/20/2004
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I vote with skipnchar. Never covered one in 30 or so years. never felt the need to. I don't cover my truck or my house either and they still look pretty good.
Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel Dually
Terry 22U
Regal 1900LSR
"Great minds like a think"
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Padlin
W. Ma.
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Joined: 06/15/2006
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Well seeing as how you were not asking if you should get one I won't give you yet another unsolicited opinion.
1. Yes there is a screw.
2. You need a ladder, at least 6', preferably more.
I roll mine up on the ground so that you can lift it to the rear of the roof and just unroll it as you go to wards the front. Of course you need to move the ladder as you go as you'll be running into the AC and such. After the roof is covered, pull down the sides if they haven't already done so. Think it over so you roll it up right before you start and you won't have any problems. Takes all of 5-10 minutes although you trailer is twice the size of mine.
Bob & Deb
W Ma.
04 GMC 1500 4X4, 5.3L
06 Starcraft 18SB
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tomdrobin
Perry, MI
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Joined: 06/20/2003
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Most of the wear & tear an RV recieves (unless full timing) is from elements (ie: sun, rain & snow). If you can afford it a building for the RV would be ideal. Lacking that, a cover on it when it's stored for an extended period of time, will give you piece of mind, particularly the unpleasant surprise of opening it in the spring to find the freeze thaw cycles have cracked some seam sealer, and you have water damage.
Now,if your one who buys new and trades every few years, you probably wouldn't see the need for one.
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HookupAndGo
Melbourne, FL
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Joined: 07/28/2007
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I park my 31' camper pretty much in the shade AND use a cover. This is my second camper and I will always cover it. Does it take time to cover/uncover, yes. But, after 2 or 3 months I go back to the camper and it is as clean as when I put it there.
I would highly recommend you get a 10' ladder, set it up beside the camper and get on the roof. (I usually just carry the ladder from home to where I store the camper -- some day I will get a telescoping ladder). Then I roll the cover just like a sleeping bag. Before I get on the roof, I unhook and lift the cover free (of the bumper, lights, spare and also the propane tanks up front) on the front and back. Climb up on the roof with the cover bag. Then, start at one corner, pull the cover up and fold it into the middle working to the back (down the one side). Then do that on the other side.
So, basically you end up with the cover running the length of the camper, right down the middle and about 3'-4' wide. Then, I fold in the ends and start rolling from one end just like a sleeping bag. Roll it as tight as you can.
When done, it fits right into the bag, which I just throw off the roof into the bed of the pickup (or onto the ground).
When I put the camper away, I do the reverse. Just need to do it the same every time and it is easy... it takes me about 30 minutes to take it off and about 10 to put it on.
Now, there is one thing that is a pain.... rain. I try and look at the forecast for when I think I'm going to get the camper. Sometimes, I will just go over a couple days prior and take the cover off, it really is no big deal. I have taken it off in the rain, it just is heavy, and then you need somewhere to store the cover until you get it back on. The covers do dry pretty quick, so if it rains the day before, or even 6 hours prior to you getting it, no worries.
I don't know, some don't like the covers, I do. And where I park mine is mostly shaded. It just keeps the camper looking nice and feeling clean. I do get tired of working the cover, but after getting the camper home after it has been stored, I appreciate the cover again. Plus, I talk with others who just complain about how dirty their campers get.
2006 F250 -- and finally a Diesel
Rockwood 8318SS, Reese, Dual Cam, HP
Great Wife, 2 Kids, and a Dog that is in charge!
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dodge guy
Bartlett IL
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Joined: 03/23/2004
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I have an Addco cover that is on it`s 3rd year! I put it on and take it off myself with no hassle. I pad the corners and all sharp edges. a cover will help keep the trailer looking new, I wax mine before storing and the cover keeps the sides and roof just as clean as the day I washed/waxed it. money well spent ($220 approx.). I also use a 9ft ladder, my trailer is 11.5 feet tall!
Wife Kim 
Son Brandon 8yrs
Daughter Marissa 7yrs
Dog Shadow 
07 Cherokee 32B
02 Excursion 4X4 V-10 4.30 gear, Hellwig sway bar
Reese HP dualcam,Prodigy brake controller.
A bad day of camping is
better than a good day at work!
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stephend
Ashville, AL
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Joined: 01/27/2006
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Just installed my cover tonight for the winter. We need it because we are under trees that will trash the TT with leaves all winter. We will remove the cover in March. Takes two people and a ladder. I was on the roof and DW pulling slack down sides. Just unroll the cover lengthwise across the roof and start dropping over the back, then one side, then front, then the other side. Including tie straps took about 1 1/2 hours.
3 married children, 2 gr ch
Electrical engineer married to mom/homemaker
New Log Home on lake lot to retire in 8 years
Not golfer, fisherman or hunter but Let's go camping!!
2006 Silverado Crew Cab 5.3L 3.23(Transm temp gauge)w/2005 Springdale 281 RKS
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