Best RV Covers For The Money

While an RV is a substantial investment, it is highly prone to damages from being exposed to the harsh outdoor elements. The good news is there is a simple yet effective method to maximize the lifespan of your rig and avoid expensive repairs – RV covers. If you’re constantly out on the road, especially in an unforgiving climate, getting the best RV covers for your RV is definitely a must. 

The world of RV covers is quite a vast and diverse one, so first time buyers might be overwhelmed. But you’ve just hit an information jackpot. To make it as painless as possible for you, we’ve compiled a delicious list of the very best RV covers on the market, based on their specifications as well as RV cover reviews by buyers and experts.

There is the perfect buyer for every camper, every class of RV and every camping situation in this list, including the best RV cover for winter. In addition, this ultimate guide will explain in detail everything you need to know to pick the best RV covers, including their benefits, the different types, the criteria for a good RV cover, a carefully selected list of 15 best RV covers, plus answers to FAQs by fellow campers and pro tips on how to extend your RV cover’s lifespan.

RV Cover Basics

What is an RV Cover?

An RV cover is a substitute when storage under a roof is not a possibility on the road. Think of an RV cover as a large, super heavy-duty raincoat that wraps around your RV and protects it from the elements—rain, snow, UV rays, wind and dirt. 

But rest assured that the best RV covers are made much more durable with a much better fit, so that whatever you’re trying to protect your expensive RV from will not find its way under the cover and ruin your beloved home on wheels.

Why Do You Need an RV Cover?

Protect your RV from the harsh elements

You might think that getting a weather resistant protector for your rig is not exactly necessary. In actuality, unless you rarely hit the road and usually opt for short trips in moderate weather, outdoor elements combined can quickly cause damage to your rig’s entire exterior and roof, breed mold and mildew, or cause wear and tear to parts and components. 

This means that simply using the best travel trailer covers will save you a lot of time and money on expensive and troublesome repairs and maintenance. A simple example: If you often camp in winter, when it gets to snow heavily, having to scrub the entire roof and exterior of your RV free of inches of snow and ice is a whole lot of work. 

Even scrubbing a regular passenger car is frustrating enough, let alone a big vehicle like a motorhome, even a van. But having a cover would make the job effortless, and you won’t have to spend hours in freezing temperatures just to scrub off hard layers of ice caked up on your RV.

Or another common RV headache: leakages in the rainy season that will ruin the interior of your home on wheels, cause mold and mildew and disgusting musty odor. We hope your RV doesn’t have any leaks, but if you have an old one, you’d never know. Plus, an RV is an expensive investment, so it’s wise to spend a reasonable amount to buy it the best insurance you can against weather damages. The best RV covers will be made with heavy duty, water-proof materials and safeguard your investment against the rain.

Specifically, using the best RV covers will protect your big investment against its enemies:

Moisture

Excessive moisture from rains and humid climate is the breeding ground for mold and mildew. In addition, in very cold weather, it can lead to cracking on the roof and windows.

A good RV cover will be waterproof yet breathable with tiny pores on the fabric, thus will prevent water droplets from getting in while letting any moisture inside the cover evaporate.

Snow

A tough travel trailer cover for winter is particularly important to enjoy hassle-free camping and keep your rig in good shape.

The best RV covers will keep sleet and snow from accumulating on your rig’s exterior, thereby preventing crackings and leaks caused by meltwater creeping into seams between panels. 

Even without sleet and snow, an RV cover in winter will prevent icy air from creeping in, thus better keep the inside of your mobile home toasty and warm. This is one of many effective and environmentally friendly methods to stay warm while camping in extreme winter conditions without consuming a lot of gas and electricity for heating.

UV rays

UV rays are the enemy of most materials. They cause slow but unavoidable damage on your rig’s paint job, fade its colour and even cracking on the roof, which will cost you quite an amount to repair. 

Just like daily sunscreen application for your skin, protection from UV rays on harsh summer days or when your RV is sitting in the driveway will keep your RV in good shape in the long term. 

Any RV cover made from polyester or polypropylene will provide the much needed sun-proof protection, especially if it is double or triple layered, or treated for extra UV protection. 

Dirt

When coupled with wind, dirt and dust will cause wear and tear to not only the exterior of your camper but also to parts and components over time.

Keep your investment both clean and in traveling shape with a good cover that fits snugly and features reinforced corners to help prevent tears or frays, plus elastic and vent flaps to minimize billowing.

2. Maximize your RV resale value: By limiting the wear and tear on both the exterior and interior of your investment, you will have less and cheaper repairs to deal with. Also importantly, keeping your RV in respectable conditions means higher resale value later on. 

3. Deter thieves: This might be unexpected for many, but it is true. The best RV covers would be very durable with zippers that can be locked up while you’re away, thus making it more difficult for thieves to gain access into your investment. It also makes it more obvious if someone is trying to break in, on top of the fact that an RV cover can also take some time to remove, especially if you own a large rig. 

Types of RV Cover

Material

An RV cover made from high quality material will be more durable and provides your RV with the protection it needs. The following materials are the most commonly used in RV covers these days, with different features suitable for different weather conditions:

• Polypropylene – Polypropylene is known to be highly resistant to acid damage and cracking. While it is breathable and thus allows moisture under the cover to evaporate, it is not completely waterproof but only resistant to water to some extent. Polypropylene is usually layered to completely become waterproof.
• Polyester – This widely used material is ideal for use in hot climates thanks to its excellent UV protection. It offers a certain level of water resistance, however needs to be treated with a waterproof coating to effectively prevent moisture from penetrating.
• Solution-dyed acrylic – This material is made using UV-resistant dyes, thus offers superb protection against sun damage. In addition, its waterproof coating makes it a versatile all-weather cover for RVs.
• Polyethylene – Also known as Tyvek, Polyethylene is strong and durable. Its nonporous and high-density surface is breathable yet still effective in preventing water from penetrating, making it an ideal RV cover during wet seasons.

Whole-body Covers vs Part-specific Covers

You can get a cover to cover up the whole body of your rig, or get one to protect certain parts that needs special attention:

Tire covers

Do note that tires are highly prone to wear and tear, even if they are not rolling but just sitting there under the elements. Give them the much needed protection too with covers for RV tires.

Due to the nature of the materials that RV tires are made from, they deteriorate over time, regardless of how often you get out on the road and will even deteriorate when the tire is just sitting around in storage. UV rays, heat, extreme cold, snow and road salt all make your rubber tires deteriorate faster. The good news is simply covering them up will extend their lifespan considerably and minimize maintenance costs.

Windshield covers

These covers protect the dashboard and chair covers from damaging exposure to UV rays. In addition, it is also designed to reduce the temperature inside your rig.

Dashboard covers

Costing between $30 and $40, this type of covers protect the dashboard of your rig from fading due to UV exposure, making it look new and appealing to allow better resale value.

Best RV Covers

Without further ado, here’s the best rated RV covers to buy on all the important criteria: superb protection against a multitude of outdoor threats, heavy-duty material, functional design, durability, easy installation and maintenance. These are all well-rounded products with raving reviews from full-time RVers and seasoned RVers who have spent years or decades on the open road. 

That said, it’s crucial to choose the right cover for your camping situation, as well as install it properly for optimum protection from the elements, or else, you might end up like many one-star reviewers who misleadingly claim that their covers cause more damage than good. If you don’t know what to look for in the best RV covers, take a bit of time to skip to the next section to learn the crucial buying criteria.

1. Best Travel Trailer Cover: Classic Accessories 73463 OverDrive PolyPRO 3 Deluxe

At a glance:

• All-season protection
• Adjustable tension panels
• Integrated rope attachment

Why This Is The Best:

Capable of offering top-notch performance in every imaginable condition, Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPRO 3 Deluxe (Travel Trailers) is among the best rated RV covers praised by RVers worldwide. 

Boasting a triple-ply top and single-ply sides, this Classic Accessories cover would keep your investment safe from rain, snow, dirt, bugs, nicks and scratches. Thanks to the incorporation of front and rear adjustable tension panels, OverDrive PolyPRO 3 Deluxe (Travel Trailers) is deemed one of the best RV covers for those seeking customization.

Regarding installation, RV cover reviews generally agree that setup is very easy thanks to the integrated rope attachment. In addition, you won’t have to crawl under the vehicle as the cover comes with a handy toss bag. 

Designed with quality and convenience for users in mind, this cover also features air vents to prevent moisture accumulation as well as handy zippered panels, plus a rugged stuff sack to facilitate storage. A 3-year warranty also accompanies the cover, which speaks plenty about its excellent build quality.

This is a pretty high quality cover. It would have been nice to know you have to undo the straps before your first time putting it on.

My camper is 19′-1″. I bought the size for trailers up to 20′. It fit good. A little too much material in the front but that is probably because my trailer is sloping in the front instead just a flat front. Fit over the roof air conditioner and tv antenna just fine. The straps really pull it tight around the front, back, and underneath the trailer.

Overall, great product. I hope it holds up to the Florida sun and summer thunderstorms.

Shared by Keith

Pros

• Brilliant fitness
• Well-built  
• Straightforward handling

Cons

• Some covers come with incorrect specifications   
• Inconsistent lifespan

2. Leader Accessories Travel Trailer RV Cover

At a glance:

• Anti-UV Coating
• Air vent system
• Storage bag included

Why It’s An Editor’s Choice:

Boasting a combination of durable Ripstop non-woven fabric and protective coating against UV rays, Leader Accessories Travel Trailer RV Cover delivers a marvelous level of protection to recreational vehicles. 

Similar to many of the very best RV covers, this Leader Accessories cover features an air vent system to reduce wind stress and enhance ventilation. For higher adaptability to various RV models, Leader Accessories give it full cuts for ladders, air conditioners and other exterior features.

Thanks to such flexible features, Leader Accessories Travel Trailer RV Cover is considered to be one of the very best RV covers available for purchase in terms of adaptability.

As for fitness adjustments, this RV cover employs tension panels and elasticized helms so you can ensure a tight fit with ease.

I was nervous as this cover is less expensive than several others. We have had our 30′ travel trailer for over 13 years, all of which it was covered from about September thru June. We have had several covers over the years, mostly the more expensive kind (ADCO), but this one is even better than those. MIND YOU, we just put it on for the first time today, so I am NOT rating the endurance yet, just my first impressions. I prefer this roof material, to the thin white top on the ADCO covers that we have had. This cover also had more vents, elastic, zippers, and straps. The front and and back had 2 sets of straps instead of one that criss cross and hod better. The four straps that go under the trailer seemed about the same. There were many more zippered places, which made it really convenient. It fit very well, folded up smaller, and was a little lighter, but not cheaper feeling. Nicely reinforced corners and edges. Reflective strips and a tag indicating the front of the RV cover. First impressions: AWESOME, especially since it was cheaper!! I hope to get many years out of this – fingers crossed!

Shared by H

This travel trailer cover has been great protecting the unit. I live in Arizona with extreme heat, rain, and high winds. I store my travel trailer outside so the cover has been put to the test with the elements of the desert. I really like the air vents, and the zipper access points. The straps are well made, and a bonus with the corner reflectors. I will be buying your product again in the future. Great product!

Shared by Michael

Pros

• Thick fabrics
• High endurance
• User-friendly setup

Cons

• Rip occasionally
• Several covers arrive damaged

3. Classic Accessories OverDrive PermaPro

At a glance:

• Elasticized hem corners
• Lightweight Ripstop fabric
• Long zipper pulls

Why We Love It:

Like the Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPRO 3 Deluxe but want extra protection and have the money to afford that? Then you have to check out the Classic Accessories OverDrive PermaPro. With the integration of resilient lightweight Ripstop fabric, OverDrive PermaPro is able to withstand unforgiving elements on the road while ensuring ventilation with an air vent system. 

Being less bulky than most covers in its price range, this Classic Accessories cover features outstanding handling characteristics. By making use of the tension panels and elasticized hem corners, achieving a good fit for your RV won’t be a challenge. Access panels across four sides will ensure easy entry and exit.

One major plus of Accessories OverDrive PermaPro is that it utilizes pretty long zipper pulls which eliminates the need for ladders during setup. Such smooth installation and handling render it among the best RV covers regarding user-friendliness.

Purchased the 30′-33′ cover for my 2015 Keystone Passport 31 RE after a lot of research. This cover is very well made and light weight. It fit the camper very well and was pleased to see the access zipper lined up with the center of the door. It has adjustable straps. Two straps across the front, two across the back, and five across the bottom. There’s a second access zipper for campers with two doors (mine has one) and there were zippers each corner at the rear end for toy hauler access. The cover installed easily. One person could do it but I recommend two. The only issue I had was unrolling it on the roof. I thought it would unroll front to back and then roll down each side but the length was folded in half which took a little more effort. When I take the cover off in the spring I plan on rolling the sides in then roll it back to front. It comes with a duffle bag to store it in that has a zipper to expand it for easier fitting of the cover. 

Shared by TW

Pros

• Splendid strength
• Undemanding setup
• Great accessibility

Cons

• Post-supports seem to be mediocre  
• Zippers definitely require reinforcements

4. King Bird Extra-Thick Trailer RV Cover

At a glance:

• Reinforced straps
• Rollable zippered doors
• Reflective panels

Why We Love It:

Featuring 4 layers on the top and 3 layers on the sides plus reinforced wind-resistant straps, King Bird Extra-Thick Trailer RV Cover is well loved by RVers who are subject to adverse weather conditions while on the road. 

The many air vents on both sides ensures ventilation and prevent wind stress as well as moisture accumulation. The handy rollable zippered doors allows easy access to your RV doors and engine compartments during maintenance. A useful extra feature is the reflective panels for improved safety in low-light settings.

In addition, the setup process is simple enough for first-time RVers to install with ease.

Fit my Forest River 25BRDS like a glove. My camper stays way cleaner. No more leaves, bird droppings or tree sap on my rig. The material is thick but dries quickly after a rain. The zipper panels allow easy access to the doors and storage doors when not in use. Be careful around gutter spouts because they could puncture the cover. I use a cut up pool noodle pieces over them to avoid this. So far, a great product.

Shared by Poncho

Pros

• Helpful stuff bag
• Excellent life expectancy
• No sweat installation

Cons

• Sub-par quality control
• Corners need overhauls    

5. ADCO 52245 Travel Trailer Cover

At a glance:

• Designed for moderate climates
• Various zipper entry doors
• Reinforced buckles, flaps and straps

Why We Love It:

Available with multiple sizes, ADCO 52245 is compatible with a wide range of commercial recreational vehicles. As 52245 is made to work in moderate climates with high moisture, it’s acknowledged by experts and experienced RVers to be one of the best RV covers for summer travels. 

Thanks to the built-in vents, the ADCO cover effectively prevents wind stress, while working in conjunction with the highly breathable fabrics to maintain ventilation, which is ideal for use in summer.

The slip-seam strapping system that cinches at top and bottom of the cover ensures a snug fit at all times. Through the zipper entry doors, you can get into your rig without having to remove the cover, which can keep your RV from being exposed to extreme heat and maintain a bearable temperature inside.

By incorporating triple layer SFS , AquaShed top panel and triple layer polypropylene sides, ADCO 52245 not only offers superb protection but is also aesthetically pleasing. If you want to sell your rig later on, heavy-duty travel trailer covers like this ADCO model will keep it in good shape so you can enjoy a better resale value. 

I bought this cover for my trailer to protect it from the elements. I padded all sharp corners and edges. The cover was fairly easy to install with two people. It fit well, I recommend ordering a cover that fits the size of your trailer, don’t order a size bigger. It’s been on all winter in the wind, rain, snow and sleet. No tares or worn areas. The key to these covers are to protect them from sharp edges and corners and a proper fit on your trailer.

Shared by AvgConsumer57

Pros

• Precise fit
• Available in many sizes 
• Top-notch protection 

Cons

• A few covers fail soon after being delivered 
• Some RVers find the covers to be too tight 

6. Covercraft Wolf CY31042 Travel Trailer Cover

At a glance:

• Rain gutter
• Multilayer breathable polypropylene
• Straps and buckle

Why We Love It:

Affordable and dependable, Covercraft Wolf CY31042 is highly appreciated by budget-minded RVers seeking a balance between price and value.

Featuring multilayered polypropylene fabrics with great breathability, this RV cover boasts reliable protection and ventilation.

Thanks to the strengthened corners, its durability is second to none in its price range.   

The strap and buckle system on the front and back allows easy setup and fit customization.

An additional feature is the built-in rain gutter, plus a patching kit so you can conduct necessary repairs at once in the rare case that the cover is damaged by gutter.

Like many standard RV covers on the market, Covercraft Wolf CY31042 arrives in a storage bag. 

Pros

• Perfect fit and well ventilated 
• Excellent values for the price 
• Patch kit included 

Cons

• Inconsistent performance between covers     
• Might be punctured by RV exterior features 

7. Eevelle Expedition RV Trailer Cover

At a glance:

• Woven rooftop
• Zippered panels
• Front and rear elastic hems

Why We Love It:

Instead of using conventional materials, Eevelle Expedition opts for woven fabrics for its top for top-of-the-line breathability.

It also packs sewn-in dual flow vortex vents to address billowing in windy conditions and improve air circulation.

Similar to other covers from the brand, Eevelle Expedition also receives Durapel UV Sun Inhibitor treating.

Possessing adjustable tension panels, flexible elastic hems, zipper panels located all around the cover and quick release buckles, installation and uninstallation would be a breeze.

Being a handy cover, Eevelle Expedition comes with everything RVers need in a cover: ladder cap, patch kit, toss bag and duffle bag.

Regarding post-purchase support, Eevelle provides owners of Expedition with a rock-solid 3-year warranty.

Pros

• Secured setup
• User-friendly zippers 
• Customizable fitness 

Cons

• Tend to rip 
• Quality control is substandard

8. Best Class A RV Cover: King Bird CT-A92

At a glance:

• Windproof and tearproof
• Snug-fitting
• Breathable

Why We Love It

In the case that you feel tired of having to replace your RV cover frequently, you should take a look at King Bird CT-A92. Incorporating multi-layered anti-UV and Ripstop fabric, CT-A92 could take on sunlight, heat, humidity scratches, … with relative ease.

Additionally, by placing tension panels in strategic positions, the cover made by King Bird packs an increased stress area which provides splendid resistance against wind.

Thus, when you pick up  King Bird CT-A92, you don’t have to bother with cover replacements for years. 

Owning to the elasticized hem corners, the King Bird cover permits you to flexibly adjust the fitness at any time. As a result, ensuring a snug fit with CT-A92 is a piece of cake and there is no need to go under the vehicle.

Besides that, being equipped with a series of air vents on both sides, King Bird CT-A92 keeps the air moving in plenty of conditions.

Naturally, for its breathability, the cover from King Bird receives a shower of praise from today’s camper cover reviews. 

To reassure owners of recreational vehicles, King Bird backs its cover with a two-year manufacturer warranty that covers defects. If your CT-A92 experiences issues in use then you have something to count on.

It fit the coach very nicely, I like how it has enough straps that it is tight enough to not balloon out and keep the coach protected. I was presently surprised that the cover has three zippers on the passenger side one up from where my door is on in the middle and one at the back. I measured my coach at 39’ but I did not take into consideration the mirrors which I thought I could fold in. Probably should have gotten it a little longer but I simply took off the mirrors and it worked out fine for me. I am very happy with the purchase so far.

Shared by Paul Vincent

Pros

• Versatile 
• Fantastic lifetime 
• Customer service is responsive 

Cons

• Shipping should be overhauled 
• Several users complain about receiving damaged covers 

9. ADCO 34826 Class A Motorhome Cover

At a glance:

• Slip seam strapping system
• Lapper cap
• Tire guards

Why We Love It:

Designed as an all-inclusive model, 34826 of ADCO is loaded from top to bottom with an assortment of terrific features. With a built-in slip seam strapping system, the cover from ADCO offers a snug fit to countless recreational vehicles.

Furthermore, arriving alongside a robust weighted buckle toss under, 34826 takes a few moments to set up in the usual cases. That is why ADCO 34826 is usually prized by enthusiasts of RVing who don’t have all day to put a cover on the recreational vehicles. 

Since the side panels of 34826 happen to be reinforced, they remain uncompromised even when exposed to hardships day after day and that is advantageous.

About the top panel of the cover made by ADCO, the use of Tyvek fabric let it face and reflect sunlight on a routine basis.

Hence, once it comes to endurance, only a couple of covers for RV on the market could match 34826 of ADCO. On arrival, 34826 is accompanied by a three-year warranty that speaks volumes of its longevity. 

Compared to many of its contemporaries, ADCO 34826 is kind of costly but the values it delivers justify its price tag.

It’s noteworthy that the ADCO cover is distributed with a lapper cap and tire guards so there is no need to purchase separate covers. 

Pros

• Tough 
• Marvelous adaptability 
• Setup process is a breeze 

Cons

• A couple of covers arrives with holes 
• People notice badly-stitched seams 

10. Best Class B RV Cover: CarsCover 17745 Class B RV Cover

At a glance:

• Weatherproof and waterproof
• Rear cinching system
• Zippered panels

Why We Love It:

In spite of its plain appearance, CarsCover 17745 could be put to good use in plenty of environments with relative ease. Being weatherproof and waterproof, 17745 outmatches standard covers for recreational vehicles on the market once it comes to resistance against elements.

In addition to that, with splendid breathability, the cover of CarsCover delivers substantial boosts to air circulation which eliminates mold.

Because of that, CarsCover 17745 is well-received by owners of recreational vehicles that have to deal with a high humidity level on a regular basis. 

Equipped with a rear cinching system, the CarsCover cover allows enthusiasts of RVing to manage excess fabrics and maintain a tight fit all day long.

Also, via the built-in strap and buckle attachments, preventing billowing with 17745 in heavy winds is a piece of cake.

Owing to the zippered panels, CarsCover 17745 Class B RV cover helps people quickly get into rigs and access storage compartments when the need arises.

Outside of use, it’s possible to store the cover from CarsCover in the storage bag to protect the material as well as save space. 

In terms of price, CarsCover 17745 is low-priced so RVers don’t have to empty their wallet to buy it. Unsurprisingly, once it comes to cost-value, the cover made by CarsCover is among the leading covers for recreational vehicles. 

Pros

• Robust
• Fair cost 
• Fabric fitness is excellent 

Cons

• Tend to collect dirt, snow and more 
• Several covers show up damaged

11. Best Class C RV Cover: Classic Accessories 79563 Over Drive PolyPRO3 Deluxe

At a glance:

• Zippered panel accesses
• Stuff sack and ladder cap included
• Built-in air vent

Why We Love It:

Possessing superb all-around weather protection and hassle-free handling, Classic Accessories OverDrive PolyPRO 3 Deluxe is the preferred choice for owners of self-propelled RVs.

With a combination of a triple-ply top and single-ply sides plus customizable tension panels on the front and rear, durable materials together with easy adjustments means you get the optimal protection for your RV.

Regarding installation, unlike the average covers, you won’t need to crawl under your rig thanks to the integrated rope attachment system as well as the included toss bag.

In addition, the zippered panel, stuff sack and ladder cap will make setup a breeze.

This Classic Accessories 79563 is offered in different sizes, thus it is likely you can grab one with perfect compatibility with your RV’s size.

Perfect fit on our 31ft 2004 Jayco Escapade class c rv. Easy to put on with two people, one on the ground and one on the roof. I like how many straps there are that go underneath from side to side. The zip open door is huge so I can still get in while its covered. It feels and looks like a good sturdy cover. I highly recommend this!

Shared by James

Pros

• Convenient zippered entries
• Brilliant compatibility  
• Nice warranty 

Cons

• Mediocre straps 
• Fragile zippers 

12. Traveler by Eevelle Class C RV Cover

At a glance:

• Microporous films
• Reinforced corners
• Rain finish

Why We Love It:

If you’re seeking the best RV cover for sun then look no further. Making use of top-tier single-layer fabrics treated with Durapel UV Sun Inhibitor, this Eevelle Traveler cover can withstand extensive exposure to sunlight.

Meanwhile, the fabrics also feature microporous films which work alongside the integrated air vents to enhance overall ventilation, which is ideal for summer camping. 

In addition to UV protection, the fabric also has a water resistant coating. Boasting reinforced corners, Traveler’s endurance proves superiors to the average covers on the market. 

Regarding installation, the rope kit and front and rear elastic hems enables easy set up and a good fit in most settings.

An added safety feature is the reflective panels so other vehicles on the road can easily notice your RV in the dark.

Pros

• Suit lots of vehicles nowadays
• Great value for the money 
• Uncomplicated handling 

Cons

• Lack much-needed zippered entries  
• Easily punctured by sharp corners 

How to Choose The Right RV Cover

Here it’s important to warn you beforehand that you might find some folks who claim that using a cover is not doing a lot for their RV or it’s actually causing moisture buildup or scratches on the paint job. However, in many cases, this is a problem with the user instead of with the product. 

As with any product, you need to pick the right one for the job and use and maintain it right. You need to select a cover made from the right material for the type of climate or weather you usually camp in, which must fit snugly over your RV to provide good protection, in some cases with some mechanism for better securing it. Installation also requires some attention to avoid damages to both your RV’s paint job and the cover itself, because everything will break down if you treat it like a savage! 

More on proper installation and maintenance of your RV covers further down below. First, let’s talk about the most important criteria for selecting the best RV cover for your camping situation:

Material & Protection  

Among the various RV covers made from different materials on the market, pick one based on the type of outdoor elements that your RV is exposed to on a regular basis. For instance, if you always travel in the summer or in hot climates, grab an RV cover with superior UV protection as a priority. An RV cover made from polyester would be ideal for hot climates.

Having said that, you should grab a cover that can repel all other outdoor elements, including rain, snow and wind so you can travel trouble-free all year round in any weather. For instance, while UV protection is your top buying factor, make sure you grab one that is treated with a waterproof coating to guard against moisture.

To make sure that your recreational vehicle receives the highest level of protection, covers with at least 3 layers on the top are strongly recommended. This is because the roof receives the most impact from the elements, including rain and snow. 

RV covers are most commonly made of three-ply poly materials on top and single-ply poly on the sides to provide sufficient protection in all weather conditions.

Last but not least, remember to look for extra features like a vent system. A vent system reduces wear and tear from billowing in windy conditions and also allows moisture under the cover to escape.

Besides air vents, zippered panels are very handy since they allow you to easily enter and exit your rig or inspect specific parts and components without taking the entire cover off. 

Size

Again, we need to stress that a snug fit is absolutely essential if you want optimum protection. If the cover fits too loose, you compromise protection from the elements, and the fit needs to be not too tight for easy installation.

For instance, a loose cover will billow against your RV in windy weather, and if this is excessive and repeats, it might cause some damage to your paint job.

To ensure the best fit, which means the best protection, it’s best to measure your RV before researching the best RV covers. The measurements you will need are:

• Length: start from one bumper to another;
• Width: measure both the front windshield and rear bumper;
• Height: start from the mid-wheel then measure the height towards the top of the roof.

Furthermore, there are covers designed specifically for a certain class of RV to ensure the best fit, since different classes of RVs can differ quite widely in size. Therefore for instance if you own a small Class B campervan, look for one tailored for it. Buying one made for the gigantic and luxury Class A would be a huge mistake.

Usually the name of a particular product will tell you whether it’s tailored for a specific class of recreational vehicle, for instances Eevelle S2 Expedition Class A Motorhome Cover, CarsCover Waterproof Class B RV High Top Conversion Van Cover, RVMasking Upgraded Waterproof Class C RV Cover.

Extra features

• Air vents – Vents are great for providing breathability, thus significantly reducing moisture and preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Also, a properly ventilated cover allows wind to pass through, which in turn will prevent billowing which can cause the fabric to wear out quickly.

• Zippered panels – Although they’re not really essential, zippered door panels will allow you to access your vehicle easily even if it’s completely covered. Aside from the extra convenience, they also help you monitor weather conditions with ease. It’s best to get those with zippers that can be locked up to provide better protection against theft while you’re away from your rig.

Price

An advice from pro RVers is you should put together a list of features you desire in order of importance then check which covers offer them with prices from low to high. That would help you narrow down your top choices and avoid overspending. 

Remember, as with everything else, you get what you pay for. Therefore, it is wise to balance quality and price based on your travel need and the level of exposure your RV is subject to.

As a general guide, a good-quality RV cover will cost you anywhere from $300 to $800, depending on how big your RV is (remember the huge difference in size between a luxury Class A motorhome and a modest Class B conversion van), whether the cover is made of extra heavy-duty material for use in the harshest weather conditions, and if it offers convenient features.

Best RV Cover Brands

If you know with confidence that a particular cover is perfectly compatible with your rig plus your wallet, feel free to grab it without bothering with its manufacturer. Nonetheless, like every other purchase, it’s strongly recommended that you get your covers from reputable brands such as Camco, ADCO, Classic Accessories, Summates, CarCovers,  Kingbird, Leader Accessories, RV Masking, Covercraft. 

These brands offer very well-rounded and versatile RV covers that would perform well in a variety of weather conditions and camping settings, as well as more specialized models for, say, extreme cold and snowy conditions. 

In general, they remain markedly superior to covers from lesser-known brands. In addition, higher production volume, higher availability and reputation mean more RVers have bought their models, thus there will be more reviews for your consideration.

That said, these brands should serve as excellent starting points in your search for the best RV covers. You might find other products out there that better suit your budget or have the best fit for your rig. Use your good judgement, and read the reviews carefully to judge whether a particular cover is the best match for your vehicle and camping needs.

How To Install A New RV Cover

Regardless of what model you get, installing an RV cover should not differ a lot between different products. Just follow your owner’s manual religiously and you should be fine, provided that you picked out a cover with the proper fit. 

To be on the safe side though, seasoned RVers would recommend that you wipe your rig clean to minimize abrasion. Another crucial note is to add some form of padding over sharp corners that sticks out so they won’t rip the fabrics. And if you own a large rig, it’s best to have one or two assistants to help you with installation and removing the cover. In general, the process for installing an RV cover looks something like this:

• Your RV cover would typically have buckles. Make sure they are disconnected before you proceed. 
• Provide padding to sharp edges, like the rain gutters and bottom corners.
• Do not skip this step, especially if you have a large rig: Fold the cover inside out, so that when you roll it out later, the sides will fall into place more easily.
• Roll the cover up from back to front, then unroll it on the roof from the front of your rig.
• Throw the buckles under the rig to the other side and connect them.
• Connect the front and rear buckles to tightly secure the cover around your RV to prevent billowing in the wind.

Bonus: RV covers maintenance

Even the best RV covers would fail eventually over time. Nonetheless, proper maintenance will extend the lifespan of your cover.

• Repair All Damages At Once: Minor rips on the fabrics can turn into significant splits if you fail to address them in time. If you spot damages, conduct repair as soon as possible.
• Address Snow, Rainwater, Sand, … Buildups: Many things can accumulate on the cover in the open, putting stress on the fabrics. Address buildups regularly in your daily maintenance routine.

• Fold And Store The Covers: When not in use, keep the cover in its storage bag for safekeeping after any necessary cleaning and drying. Numerous novice RVers have ended up ruining the cover after carelessly stuffing it straight into the back of the RV which damages the fabrics.
• Regular Cleaning and Airing: In order to keep RV covers in reasonably good conditions, it’s wise to perform a thorough cleaning on occasions. The best way to wash covers for RV is to lay the fabrics on the ground, spray some water on top then proceed to scrub stained spots using soft brushes. Then let the fabrics dry completely before reusing the covers. As a precaution, check the owner manual to see if the fabrics require special care while being washed.

FAQs About Modern Day RV Covers