12 Best Class C Rv Covers We've Tested 2024
Brandon Forder Apr 24, 2024 12:49 PM
It's the stuff of nightmares: you're getting ready to leave on an RV trip, only to discover that the inside has been completely trashed. What seemed like a minor leak at first quickly escalated into extensive damage to your home's inside that you were blissfully unaware of at the time.
Even though this is an extreme case, recreational vehicles are vulnerable to water damage, and RV covers are a great way to protect your investment. Covering your recreational vehicle when it is not in use is a great way to prevent damage from the elements, insects, and rodents, especially if you keep it outside.
But you can't just throw any old tarp over your RV and call it a day! Finding high-quality RV covers requires some research into the market and a grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of various options.
That's why you've come, after all. Whether you're in need of a cover for a motorhome, travel trailer, 5th wheel, or sleeper van, you'll find all the information you need here.
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Breathability
One of the most crucial features of a quality RV cover is its ability to allow air circulation within the RV. Mold and mildew are almost certain if the RV's exterior material doesn't allow air to circulate.
You should never, ever let water get caught between your RV's cover and your vehicle. Mold and mildew are bad enough, but if water gets in through broken sealants around the RV's roof holes, that's a whole other problem. And in case you missed it, our post on RV roof leaks emphasized the importance of taking preventative measures, such as covering your RV with a tarp or other impermeable material.
Ease of Use
RV covers can be a pain to put on and take off, especially if you have a large recreational vehicle. To help with the covering and uncovering of Class As and Cs, 5th wheels, and large travel trailers, someone will need to be up on the roof. An advantageous cover is one that facilitates rather than hinders this action.
Read as many user reviews as you can to get a feel for how simple or complicated it is to utilize the cover you're considering. Also, you may try searching YouTube for how-to tutorials.
Vents
For the same reason that breathability is crucial, vents are as well. Moisture is decreased by air vents. The strain that the wind puts on the cover's fabric and retention straps can be mitigated with the help of vents.
Both of these safety features will remain inactive in your RV if you don't install air vents.
High-quality Straps
Invest in high-quality straps to keep your RV cover in place. In addition, the fasteners must be sturdy and long-lasting.
How the straps attach to the jacket is also crucial. There will be no need to worry about the cover coming loose due to the pressure of the wind, rain, snow, or ice because of the reinforced attachments. A cover can damage your RV's finish in two ways: by flapping against it in the wind and by allowing moisture to seep in through the exposed areas, both of which can occur if the straps break or come loose from the cover material.
UV Protection
A quality RV cover should shield your vehicle from harmful UV rays. Since the sun may easily penetrate an RV cover, it serves little purpose. Both the cover and the RV it is meant to shield can be damaged by the sun's rays if it is not UV-resistant.
Fit
Due to the wide variety of RV makes and models, it's important to be sure you're getting the proper size before making a purchase. Not all models are created equal, and not all covers are universal.
Making sure you get the proper cover entails checking the dimensions against those of your RV. Negative client experiences are frequently reported, although they may have been avoided with proper sizing. Manufacturers of RV covers usually provide instructions on how to accurately measure your RV's dimensions.
Ventilation
The growth of mold and mildew within a covered RV is one of the greatest dangers to the vehicle. This is why it's so important for your RV cover to breathe. Having air vents in your cover is a great way to lessen the likelihood of mildew and mold growth, and it can also help keep your cover from ripping in high winds. If you're looking for a cover for your RV, look for one that has plenty of openings for air circulation.
Warranty Length
Invest in an RV cover that comes with a guarantee. It's possible that even the highest quality RV coverings have been made with flaws. Manufacturers will frequently issue new covers in the event of damage. The majority of RV covers we've seen provide a limited guarantee of two or three years.
Are RV covers waterproof?
Depending on the brand you choose, the answer to this question may vary, but in general, yes, high-quality RV coverings are waterproof. That's one of the reasons why so many people visit them. RV covers not only shield your vehicle from rain, but also from harmful UV rays, bird poop, plant and tree debris, dust, and other potential messes.
Do RV covers cause mold?
We get this question a lot, and for good reason: RV covers aren't very useful if mold and mildew start growing underneath them. (The idea is to limit the harm, after all.)
In addition, mold growth is a real possibility when using an RV cover... but only if there isn't enough airflow or if it's left on unattended for months on end. Remove your RV's cover at least once a month, and look for one made by a reputable company that incorporates ventilation panels to avoid this issue altogether. Be careful to double-check the specifics on breathability for whatever cover you're interested in from the list above, even if they all boast breathable fabrics and ventilation methods.
Can I Cover My RV With a Tarp?
It is not a good idea to cover an RV with a tarp, as we discussed in our piece comparing different RV coverings. Moisture is likely to collect on and possibly inside your RV if you use a tarp because it is not constructed of breathable material. Tarping an RV for any length of time other than temporarily (say, while you're working on replacing your roof vent fan or RV skylight) can cause a slew of issues and costly repairs.
It's possible that you can get RV tire covers to use as a stopgap measure until you can afford a better cover. If you can't afford a high-quality cover right now, you might as well leave the rig exposed.
Are RV covers good or bad?
Covers for recreational vehicles should be long-lasting, resistant to the elements, and simple to set up. If you want to know how well a cover performs, you should read reviews written by actual customers.
Which RV cover would you choose if you decide you need to cover your rig during the winter? The King Bird, with its extensive list of features, or the Quictent, with its novel strap system to withstand high winds?
You should take your time when donning whichever one you go with (especially when you protect all those sharp corners). Most importantly...
Keep your balance on the camper.
