Can You Use A Blue Tarp For RV Storage?
If you’re new to storing an RV, you might wonder what types of coverings you should use to keep your RV protected while in storage.
While you can buy dedicated RV-specific storage covers, some RVers simply use those large blue tarps you can find at most big box home goods stores. But are those blue tarps really a good idea to use with your RV?
Mike Sr. from RV’s R Us in North Oxford, Massachusetts provided some tips on storing your RV with a blue tarp to John DiPietro, an RV industry spokesperson.
Mike says that using a blue tarp directly against the exterior of your RV could damage the molding that surrounds the edges of your camper or motorhome, often wearing the plastic down to the bare metal. He also mentions that you should never cover your RV completely in a blue tarp, because this will restrict airflow.
You might consider a compromise using a dedicated RV cover, and only placing a tarp over the top portion of the RV cover to keep water from dripping down from the roof.
It seems that combining both an RV specific cover and a tarp is the way to go. You get the benefits of a soft fabric and good ventilation from the RV cover while retaining the waterproof integrity of a blue tarp.
Plus, your RV cover might last longer than normal since the tarp will take the brunt of the UV damage during the time the camper is in storage.
For more RV storage tips, check out these articles:
I have not been able to locate a ‘dedicated’ camper cover for my 1509 Hi Lo with a rear entrance and do not wish to pay the price of having one custom made. I do use a blue’silver tarp which I tie tightly with multiple bungees to avoid the mentioned flapping. The camper is outside so I remove snow as it accumulates allowing more ventilation and decreasing the probability of overloading. I live at 7,600′ elevation in Colorado.
I purchased tire covers but do not use them as I felt they retained too much condensation. I use a wood board to keep sun off while at home and am usually camped in shade when traveling.
I am open for any recommendations.
Another large hazard with blue tarp is the tendency to tie them down hard. Regretfully I found out this in the spring when I found out that the accumulating snow pushed down and since there was little give away, it was torn down where I had install cover over the vents. If used, they should allow for added weight of snow on it.