RV Tarps

     An RV is a significant investment and, as a seasonal vehicle, an RV should be protected properly so that is can be used for camping trips for many more years. Many options exist for covering an RV during the winter months, including fitted RV covers and RV shelters designed much like large portable garages, but a cost-efficient method for protecting an RV includes covering it with a heavy duty tarp. RV tarps are typically heavy duty silver or white poly tarps and have the same properties as all heavy duty tarps, including being waterproof, UV resistant, rot resistant, mildew resistant, and abrasion and tear resistant.

     Applying RV tarps is different than applying a tarp to other objects or vehicles, such as boats, cars, and motorcycles. One of the key factors in applying RV tarps is keeping air between the vehicle and the tarp and, instead of simply allowing air to circulate by having less tension around the grommets, add additional material between the RV’s outside and the RV tarp. Wood is a preferable material, and the outside of the RV should be lined with 2x4 boards before the tarp is applied. In addition, when looking for the proper size of tarp for an RV, don’t just take addition wood boards into account; outside appendages, such as air vents on the top of an RV, should be added into the dimensions for the proper size of tarp. After the RV’s frame is lined with boards, the tarp can be applied to the vehicle and secured at the bottom with strong bungee cords through the grommets.

     As an RV needs to last for several years to make the best out of your investment, covering it properly with RV tarps is recommended. When an RV is left outside in the elements for several months, particularly when not in use during the winter, the surface of the RV can experience damage from water and UV rays. Water can cause mildew and dry rot to form on the surface of the vehicle and fade the paint color, while prolonged expose to UV rays will make the surface crack and possibly plastic parts inside the vehicle, as well. Using RV tarps to cover and protect the vehicle prevents it from being exposed to UV rays and water while not in use or in storage and the air circulation allows water to not become trapped beneath the tarp and cause mildew or dry rot.