Unfortunately there is an off season for most recreational vehicles. That means storing them, usually for several months at time between seasons. All recreational vehicles (motorhomes, trailers, campers, boats, etc) need protection from sun and weather while in storage. Leaving them unprotected invites premature fading, leaks, and corrosion.
Covering your RV to protect it from the elements is basically a good idea if it’s done right. One of the best ways to protect an RV from summer sun and winter precipitation is to put it in a garage or under an RV “carport”. Next best is to use an RV cover made especially for the purpose. Because RV covers are more expensive than blue polytarps, people will often opt to cover their RVs with tarps with some very unpleasant and unwanted consequences. RV covers are made of a soft fabric that won’t damage the moldings and finish on the RV. Tarps have a rougher weave that over a single winter can polish the paint right off corner moldings and sometimes the sides of the RV itself for R.V MOT preperation. RV covers are NOT waterproof. They are water resistant and breathable. While they protect the surface from the direct effects of precipitation, being breathable prevents them from trapping moisture inside the cover the way tarps can where it can eventually condense, causing surface damage and even saturating the walls and causing delamination.
RV Covers are available in standard sizes to fit most RVs. That is the most economical way to go. For added convenience, purchase a cover that is custom made for you RV. It can be made with a zipper door that coincides exactly with your entry door for convenience in accessing the interior while it is in storage. I found that the zipper on my off-the-shelf cover for my 36′ Holiday Rambler motorhome was already in exactly the right place.
It is good to shade your RV during summer months to prevent sun damage and minimize heat buildup inside. It protects the exterior finish and prevents sun damage to drapes and upholstery inside. Also use tire covers to protect the rubber from exposure that will speed deteriorization. It is OK to shade your RV with a polytarp, just don’t wrap it around the entire vehicle. Hang it on a frame over the RV or use it to cover the roof only. Avoid letting it come in contact with edges and corners where it can damage the surface. Well placed plastic tubs can hold the tarp up off air conditioners and other accessories installed on the roof.
RVs usually need protection from precipitation (rain/snow) during winter months. As mentioned above, the best protection is inside or under some kind of sturdy structure that will protect it from sun and from snow loads. If that isn’t feasible for you, invest in an RV cover. Custom covers will fit best but are a bit pricey. You can usually find a generic cover sized to closely fit most
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