Do I Need an RV Cover? Why, When, and How to Find the Best One
- Eric Beuning
- Oct 24
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 28
Many new RV owners wonder if they should cover their RV. I’ve heard a lot of people who didn’t moan about how their RV’s roof is leaking, walls are bowing, or the tire’s sidewalls are cracked in the spring.
So, if you’re wondering Should I cover my RV when I’m not using it?
The short answer is: Most of the time, yes, an RV cover is worth it.
Yet this isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing, and you need to factor the cost of a quality RV cover into your winterizing strategy.
As an experienced RV traveler, I’ve stored rigs in everything from humid summers to ice-cold northern winters. So I thought I’d break down the real-world pros, cons, costs, and explore the best cover options for different types of RVs.
Why You Should Cover Your RV
Even though RVs are built to live outdoors, covering them will extend the lives of its roof, awnings, paint, decals, caulking, and rubber seals. Even tires can crack and suffer from photodegradation if left too long uncovered.
Benefits of Using an RV Cover
Several benefits help an RV cover pay for itself, as part of your winterizing strategy.
Protection from UV Damage
The sun is brutal on the exterior of an uncovered RV. Even when it doesn’t feel hot outside. UV exposure can:
Fade paint and decals
Dry and cracked rubber seals
Weaken plastics and vinyl
Shorten the lifespan of your roof membrane
Photodegrade tire sidewalls
Even if you’re parked in mild weather, UV is constant, and a quality cover blocks the worst of it.
Clean Roof, Fewer Stains, and Less Scrubbing
Covering your RV protects it from leaves, pine needles, tree sap, pollen build-up and bird droppings. These things don’t just look ugly. Things like sap and droppings are acidic, and both can stain or deteriorate your exterior over time. A cover saves you from constant cleanups and helps preserve your roof
Protects the Rooftop AC
Protecting your RV's roof with a quality cover keeps tree debris, snow, and ice buildup out of the rooftop AC. Many RV air conditioning units suffer a premature death from simple things like melted snow re-freezing in the cooling fins or other components. The ice then expands, causing damage.
Extra Defense Against Hail, Rain, and Water Leaks
While a cover won’t stop major hail, it will soften the impact of smaller ice pellets and protect aging seals from standing water. Since most RV leaks begin at seams and roof penetrations, reducing moisture exposure helps delay costly repairs.
Preserves the RV’s Resale Value
An aging but well-protected RV simply looks better. A cleaner roof, unfaded decals, and healthy seals are a noticeable selling point when it comes time to upgrade. Potential buyers will look for signs of pride of ownership and will be more likely to pay top dollar for an RV with a clean, well-maintained exterior.
Potential Drawbacks of Covering Your RV
There are a few potential downsides to covering your RV, and it’s better to know them up front.
RV Covers Costs
A cheap, tarp-like cover might only last a season. A good multi-layer RV cover typically runs $100–$225+, depending on size and material. However, this is still cheaper than a roof replacement.
RV Covers Are a Pain To Install
If you own a tall fifth wheel or Class A and don’t love ladders, putting a cover on can feel like a workout. Especially if you’re trying to do it alone. If you plan to cover and uncover your RV multiple times in a year, the hassle can get old fast.
Wind Can Destroy a Poorly Secured RV Cover
If you don’t strap it properly, a strong gust can turn your RV cover into a sail, or worse, rip it. So, you can’t shortcut the installation process.
Damaged RV Covers Can’t Be Repaired
My first RV cover, I rushed to put it on. The wind pulled it loose and ripped it. Being frugal, I duct taped it. The second time, I stitched it with musky fishing line. None of my improvised repairs worked, and I had to reinvest in another RV cover.
Moisture Can Get Trapped Under the RV Cover
A quality RV cover should be breathable, but if you buy a cheap one or trap moisture underneath. This can leave you with mold, mildew, or discoloration. When you install it, be mindful of how rain or melting snow will shed off the roof.
Harder Access to Your RV
If you like to repurpose your RV for storage or temporary guest quarters, a cover can be inconvenient. However, there are some RV covers with access panels that can help mitigate this issue.
Need to grab gear, stored food, or tools from inside your RV? A cover can make quick access inconvenient—especially in winter.
How Much Does an RV Cover Cost?
The cost of an RV cover is largely dependent on the size.
Small trailers/teardrops: $50–$100
Mid-size travel trailers: $100–$175
Fifth wheels & motorhomes: $150–$250+
Custom-fit covers cost more, but they look cleaner and handle wind better. For most people, a mid-priced, multi-layer, breathable universal cover hits the sweet spot.
The Best RV Covers for the Money
The following are what I think are some of the best RV covers for the money. I’ve broken them down by RV type for Travel Trailers, Motorhomes, and Fifth Wheels.
I’ve used this RVMasking cover on a 37-foot toy hauler, and what really stands out is its heavy-duty 7-layer build plus the accessory kit it comes with (tire covers, propane tank cover, etc.). It’s clearly made for long-term storage in tougher conditions. On the flip side, the weight and size make it a two-person job to install.
Thick 7-layer non-woven fabric resists UV, snow, and rain
Includes 4 tire covers, tongue jack cover, propane tank cover, and gutter spout covers
Snug fit with bottom elastic hem, corners reinforced for ladder edges
Features 3 zippered roll-up side panels + rear panel for toy haulers — good access
Heavy and bulky when removing or storing
Best For: 37-40 ft travel trailers or toy haulers stored outside for extended periods
This cover impressed me right away when prepping my 30-foot travel trailer for long-term storage: the “extra-thick” layer feels substantially more heavy-duty than most budget covers I’ve used. It stood up well to heavy wind and rain after one late fall storm, though I did notice that fitting the elastic hem around the wheels was a two-person job.
Heavy rip-stop fabric combined with waterproof coating keeps rain and snow from soaking in
Windproof strap system locks the cover in place during gusty weather
Reinforced corners and seams reduce the chance of tearing or abrasion
Breathable membrane helps minimize trapped moisture when it’s stored outside
Slightly bulky when installing or removing, which may slow down the routine setup
Best For: Travel trailers or RVs around ~28-32 ft in length (standard single-axle or small dual-axle trailers) stored outdoors in variable weather conditions.
I helped my friend install the RV cover on his fifth-wheel and was impressed again with RVMasking’s covers. The anti-UV fabric does seem to slow cosmetic wear, which matters if you care about resale later. My only complaint: it doesn’t include as many extra accessories as higher-end kits (so you might buy tire covers separately).
Multi-layer windproof and UV-resistant fabric protects longevity
Rip-stop texture resists punctures and sharp-edge damage
Elastic hem and windproof straps maintain a snug fit
Decent price for the performance level
Doesn’t include the full accessory package (tire covers, gutter covers) in some size options
Best For: 34 to 43 ft fifth wheel campers
I encountered the Lanceton cover while browsing for a budget upgrade and was impressed by how “breathable waterproof” was actually functional — moisture didn’t trap underneath as much as I’ve seen in cheaper covers.
The trade-off: the installation requires a bit of fiddling to align straps and vents properly. So, if you’re not willing to spend 10-15 minutes aligning it, maybe choose an easier model.
Waterproof and windproof fabric with breathable design helps avoid interior moisture
Reinforced straps and fitment help with stability in gusty conditions
Better moisture control helps avoid mildew or trapped dampness
Good value for the protection offered
Slightly longer to set up correctly and align vents
Best For: 28-33 ft travel trailers or small fifth wheels stored in mixed weather conditions
RV Cover FAQs
The following are some frequently asked questions that might help you find the best way to cover your RV for winter storage.
Can I just use a tarp to cover my RV?
Technically, yes, you could use a simple tarp or plastic sheeting to cover your RV, but I don’t recommend it. Tarps trap moisture, tear easily, and flap in the wind. Even a loose grommet scraping in the wind can do a lot of damage to your RV’s paint or window glass.
Will an RV cover protect against hail?
Multi-layer RV covers will help protect against small hail that’s pea-size or smaller. However, nothing short of a full roof will protect against hail that’s dime-size or larger.
Should I cover my RV in the summer?
If you’re not going to use your RV for a month or two in the summer, it’s still wise to cover it. Otherwise, I would leave it uncovered in the summer, then cover it as the last step in winterizing your RV.
Can I use my covered RV as a guest house?
If you buy an RV cover with an access panel for the door, it’s possible to use it as sleeping quarters when people visit. My daughter loves to host slumber parties in our camper in the fall, even after I’ve covered it. However, the furnace venting will likely be covered, so to heat it in the cold months, I find it’s better to run a heavy-duty extension cord from the house to power a space heater.
Final Thoughts on Covering Your RV
Covering your RV is one of the easiest ways to extend its life and keep it looking sharp. If you buy a breathable, multi-layer cover and strap it down correctly, you’ll get solid protection from UV damage, debris, and water intrusion.
Yes, it’s a little work, and RV covers aren’t cheap. However, they easily pay for themselves by extending the lifespan of your RV, minimizing repair costs, and maximizing the resale value.
If you want to learn more about RV Travel and other outdoor adventures, you should follow Eric Beuning's Author Page.
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