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Best RV Covers: The Best Material To Cover Your Rig With in 2023

(Camp Addict does NOT accept payment from any company to review or endorse their products.)

"To cover your RV or not to cover" That is the question!

Full Disclosure! This Article Might Make You NOT Want An RV Cover.

It's a testy subject. Go ahead. Ask more than one RV owner if they think you should get an RV cover. Or go to any RV forum on the subject.

You will get about half and half answers. Half say yes, get a cover. The other half say no RV cover.

classic accessories polypro 3 class c motorhome

Their points of view are all valid, and we address those points below. Be advised- we are not going to paint a shiny story about RV covers.

We will cover the benefits AND the drawbacks of this product.

Whether you are looking for a 5th wheel RV cover, a camper cover, or a motorhome cover, you have come to the right place. 

Here are travel trailer cover reviews, motorhome cover reviews, RV cover reviews and more all on one page. 

Already know all about this subject? Just looking for the reviews? Click the button below to jump down to the product reviews.

RV Cover Guide

RV covers are designed to protect your rig from Mother Nature when you are not using it. But, are they worth the investment?

Will they protect your rig from the element? Should you, or shouldn't you, buy an RV cover?

Below you'll read good reasons why you should or why you shouldn't cover your rig.

Again- this is not going to candy coat the idea of getting an RV cover.

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Camp Addict recommends The Dyrt Pro!

Our favorite way to find camping locations.

  • Get reservations at sold out campgrounds
  • 5,000 free camping location collection
  • 1,000 discounted campgrounds
  • Pay $0 extra booking fees

Reasons To NOT Cover Your RV

Conventional advice (and RV dealers who sell covers) will tell you you need to cover your RV when it's not in use.

It will 'save the paint and from the damaging UV rays of the sun etc, etc, etc'. 

Here's why you might want to re-think that idea.

  • UV Light Damage

Yes, the UV light will eventually damage unkept or untreated paint and other exposed parts of your RV.

However, keeping up with waxing your RV also goes a long way for sun protection.

Some owners keep their rigs under the cover of a building. Of course, this isn't possible for everyone, so some use a cover.

  • Billowing Covers Can Scratch Paint

One big argument against covering your RV is that in windy conditions, some RV covers have been known to rub and/or scratch the paint.

In such a case, a cover does more harm than good.

Though most of our reviewed RV covers have wind vents that are supposed to help with this billowing issue.

  • Not Truly Waterproof

Then there's snow and rain. Some people argue that rain will cause the black streaks on the side of your rig.

For this, they tell you to get a waterproof RV cover or water-resistant RV cover. Is any cover really totally waterproof?

How can they be, without risking mold issues, inside and outside of your RV?

This is why most are breathable (water-resistant), except for maybe on the roof area. To keep your rig completely dry, the only 100% solution is to keep it indoors.

  • It Adds An Extra Chore

Don't be fooled, putting on an RV cover is quite a process. It usually involves two people.

It's possible to do with just one, but it's a heck of a lot harder and it takes twice as long. We have heard of couples who get along flawlessly... until it comes to putting the RV cover on their rig. 

They almost kill each other during the process! How's that for a 'no' vote?

However, if you are going to keep it covered for half of the year, then you only have to do this once a year. 

If you plan on taking short trips once a month or less, you may want to reconsider getting a camper cover.

Installing an RV Cover - Does This Look Like Fun?

  • You Might Fall Off Your RV Or Break Stuff

This opens up a whole other mess of issues to consider. You have to walk on top of your roof while standing ON the cover- now you can't see what you are stepping on.

You may end up stepping on a vent cover and breaking it. In addition, you could break a solar panel.

You could fall if the cover slides while you are walking on it, and you could potentially fall off of the rig.

Just sayin'! It could happen. Is a broken leg (or a dead you) worth that kind of risk?

  • Rain And Moisture Issues

What if your, say, travel trailer cover or fifth wheel cover is wet when you need to take it off? It's going to be ten times heavier and that much harder to get off.

Not to mention getting it dried out again if you aren't putting it back on your rig.

Where and how are you going to store your travel trailer cover or fifth wheel cover without it getting moldy?

Ugh.

  • Something MORE To Store

ALSO- storage.

Depending on the size of your rig, you might need a VERY LARGE garbage can to store it in.

(Most of the storage bags that the companies include with their covers are almost always impossible to get the cover back into the bag. Best to use a large garbage can.) 

Do you have space for this? Are you in a humid environment that may cause the stored cover to mold?

  • RV Covers Are Not Long For This World

Most companies, due to the extreme elements of UV light and wind/rain that can damage their product, have only a 2-3 year warranty on their covers.

They know that the chances of a cover lasting longer than that are slim to none. That doesn't speak of having much confidence in their product.

There are a few companies that offer 3-6 year warranties, but the cost is much higher. 

NO company guarantees that their product will not tear. They know better than to offer that promise. 

Warranties cover manufacturing and material defects only and come with all sorts of ways companies can deny your claim.

goldline class a rv cover open
  • They Seem To Tear Easily

Time and time again, we have heard people report that their cover tore WHILE PUTTING IT ON THEIR RV.

Even before it had a chance to tear due to the wind! Sure, some tears are caused by human carelessness during installation, but other times it's caused by cheap material.

You are encouraged to use something like a tennis ball on gutter spouts and other protruding parts around your RV.

Use pipe insulation or a pool noodle to cover ladders. (Ladders are notorious for tearing RV cover fabric.)

  • Your RV Could Get Pretty Stuffy Under There (Even Moldy)

There are covers that have zippers to allow you to access your door(s) and get into your RV. 

But unless you have vent covers, you are going to have a hard time airing out your rig. Without a vent cover, you won't be able to open any vents.

Windows? Probably. But most windows allow rain/moisture to get in. 

Still, it's not going to have much airflow and if you live in a very humid climate, you need to watch out for mold growth. 

  • It Won't Keep Out The Rodents

Yes, we have seen another site or two that ridiculously claim that covering your RV "will keep the critters out".

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!  What a false load of crap!

Sorry, but no... do not believe that covering your RV will prevent ANYTHING from getting into your rig.

You're not saran-wrapping the thing. Even that wouldn't keep them out. Plugging up any holes from the outside, however, will.

Pretty much. They are determined little boogers. (Learn how to keep mice out of a camper.)

Reasons You SHOULD Cover Your RV

Ok, RV covers are not ALL bad. There are some positives to using one.

The less windy of an area you live in, the better your chances that an RV cover will be more beneficial than a nuisance.

  • Reduced Maintenance

If you park your rig under trees, a cover is going to reduce your maintenance of having to blow or sweep the leaves off of your rig periodically.

It will also keep sap and bird droppings from damaging your RV.

  • Protect RV From UV Damage

Most materials will help keep the UV light off of your rig to help preserve all parts and paint.

Some covers also come with tire covers, which we highly recommend that you use if you are storing your rig most of the time.

Many RVs have rubber roofs that are susceptible to UV damage. An RV cover can prolong the life of these rubber roofs.

Also, roofs have caulking that seals all "holes" caused by the installation of RV roof vents, skylights, antennas, and anything else motorhome and RV trailer manufacturers (or you) stick up on top.

A cover can help preserve the life of this caulking as well. If you live in the extreme Southeast or Southwest, a good travel trailer cover or RV cover might be a good investment.

Especially if you live in an area that doesn't get much wind. (But where in the west is that?) These areas have higher UV exposure so it could help preserve your paint.

  • Less Exposed

A cover can keep the nosy neighbors (or drive-by criminals) from knowing what you have under there. The less they know and the harder you make it for them to find out, the better.

No, we are not saying that an RV cover is a theft-proof device. Not what we are saying at all.

  • More For Saving The Paint

Used properly, they do keep your camper protected from leaves, UV light, bird droppings, sap, sandstorms, and whatever else you may come up with that could be damaging to your rig.

Thoughts On RV Covers

Marshall

Marshall

Camp Addict Co-Founder

I live in my travel trailer full-time so I have zero need for an RV cover. I mean, can you imagine putting it on after every move? And having it on while living in it?


Of course not. StilI, I can see a need for a travel trailer cover, or a cover for a motorhome, etc. 


Despite what might have seemed like nothing but doom and gloom in the above section, there are situations where something like an Adco RV cover might be right.


Let's face it, in an ideal world, your RV would be stored in a garage or under some sort of permanent shade structure.  But that's not practical for most of us, so an RV cover comes in handy for long-term storage.


Just be aware that you are getting what you pay for.


And depending on where you live, the environment won't be kind to your cover. Its life expectancy isn't going to be stellar.


Just make sure you have your eyes open when you make the purchase. A cheap RV cover is just that. The best RV covers cost money.


And not even the best RV cover is a match for the true force of Mother Nature.

RV Tire Covers

If your RV is stored for most of its life, it's a very good idea to cover the tires. UV ray damage will greatly shorten the life of your tires if you don't protect them from the sun. 

Tires are made with UV inhibitors that eventually wear out as the tires age. Exercising your tires will also help to keep cracks from forming in the tires.

The exercise (driving) repeatedly 'stretches' the rubber, keeping it pliable (fascinating, right??) Again, most RVs tend to sit for long periods.

This means cracks tend to form faster since the tires aren't exercised and are exposed to the sun.

Covering your tires can at least minimize the UV exposure. This will slow down the aging process.

Some people use tire covers, others just use plywood leaning up against the tires to create shade. Here is a good quality tire cover we found if you're not into plywood.

Explore Land tire covers

Choose Size

Summary

As you can tell if you have read this far, cover or no cover will always be debated and for good reasons on both sides.

We understand that for some owners, a camper cover is right.

Because of this, and despite the negatives mentioned above, we still decided to show you the best of what's available to purchase in our reviews below.

Warranties

Warranties covers defects in material and workmanship. 

Normal wear and tear aren't covered, nor is neglect, damage by animals, water damage, etc.

In other words, there are a lot of 'outs' that manufacturers can take when it comes to honoring their warranties.

On top of this, the warranty might be pro-rated. This means even if the warranty is deemed valid by the manufacturer, they might only reimburse you a portion of the original cost (depending on how long ago you originally purchased the cover).

Best RV Cover Reviews

Whether you are looking for a 5th wheel RV cover, a camper cover, or a motorhome cover, you have come to the right place.

We don't candy-coat the idea of getting an RV cover. Still, we cover travel trailer cover reviews, motorhome cover reviews, RV cover reviews and more all on this page. 

Best Overall RV Cover Material

Goldine

goldline class a rv cover

Pros

  • Marine grade material
  • 5-year warranty (pro-rated)
  • Reinforced corners
  • Zipper anti-scratch sleeves
  • Best quality RV cover available

Cons

  • Cost

Goldline is the 'mack daddy' of RV cover materials and is the premier RV cover line by Eevelle. Why? Because they use Marinex marine-grade fabric.

It's a heavy-duty 7 oz polyester with a 99 thread count. It is coated with a UV inhibitor and an antimicrobial finish, which makes it UV and mildew resistant.

Open the 'Find Your Goldline RV Cover' section below to get sizing and pricing information.

Learn More About Goldline RV Covers

Find Your Goldline RV Cover

Best RV Cover Material for Harsh Sun

Goldline

Runner-Up PolyPRO 3

PolyPRO 3 is reviewed below (Goldline is reviewed above)

classic accessories polypro 3 class a motorhome

Pros

  • 3-year warranty
  • Triple layer top
  • Zippered access panels

Cons

  • Single layer sides
  • Not as durable as the top pick

Goldline will last the longest in a harsh Arizona sun, but you may not be prepared to dish out about $500+ for an RV camper cover. We realize this.

Therefore, as a more affordable alternative, there is the PolyPro3 material, used by Classic Accessories.

Open the 'Find Your Classic Accessories PolyPRO 3 RV Cover' section below to get sizing and pricing information.

Learn More About Classic Accessories PolyPRO 3

Find Your Classic Accessories PolyPro 3 RV Cover

Best RV Cover Material for Wet Conditions

Tyvek RV Covers

adco designer series tyvek plus wind toy haulers cover

Pros

  • 3-year warranty
  • Triple layer top and sides
  • Zippered access panels
  • Tire covers included
  • Offers good wet weather performance

Cons

  • Corners not reinforced
  • Not as durable as the top pick

Tyvek RV covers, made by Dupont, are really good for areas like the Pacific Northwest.

Additionally, it's also a good camper cover for mild climates.

They claim that "The unique non-woven structure of Tyvek RV covers protect against acid rain and salt spray by holding out water better than cotton, polyester, or cotton/polyester blend covers."

Open the 'Find Your ADCO Designer Series Tyvek Plus Wind RV Cover' section below to get sizing and pricing information.

Learn More About ADCO Designer Series Tyvek Plus Wind Cover

Find Your ADCO Designer Series Tyvek Plus Wind RV Cover