Best RV Covers for Outdoor Bliss: Weatherproof and Durable

To help you choose the best RV cover model out there to protect your precious RV, we created this guide and we hope you’ll find it useful.

Whether you’ve got a toy hauler or you’re a Class A RV owner, the perfect cover is out there.

Read on for our guide to the best RV covers on the market today.

In a Hurry? This Is Our Winner for the Best RV Cover.

ADCO 52243 RV Cover

Why is it better than the rest?

• Comes complete with rain gutter protection guards
• Easy installation instructions
• Very easy to secure
• Very high-quality build

6 Best Covers For Your Rv

With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.

Let’s dive into the specifics and review each cover individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.

Best Overall: ADCO 52243 RV Cover

Quite simply, this RV cover ticks all the boxes. If you’re looking for a combination of easy installation and precise fit, then this travel trailer RV cover is a great buy.

The three layers of polypropylene are designed to protect your camper from wind, sun, and rain. Being at an affordable price, this is one not to be missed.

Over 500 reviews, combined with plenty of installation advice and support from their customer care means this is a cover you should be confident about buying.

Pros

• Weighted straps mean that this cover is easy to secure. Simply throw the weighted strap underneath your RV, retrieve it on the other side, and remove the weight before snapping the strap into place.
• Easy installation instructions meant that the majority of reviewers found this cover a breeze to install.
• Very high-quality build.

Cons

• Some reviewers found that this cover didn’t hold up to very windy conditions, so it’s something to bear in mind depending on where you live. Apart from that, this cover is pretty hard to fault

Features

• Comes complete with rain gutter protection guards to prevent the cover from snagging on sharp corners.
• Zipper openings allow for easy entry into the RV whilst it is stored.

Product Information

• Size: Fits 24’1” – 26’ Travel Trailer
• Material: Triple layer SFS AquaShed top panel combined with triple layer designer polypropylene sides
• Weight: 26.1 pounds
• Warranty: Full manufacturer’s warranty applies. Covers defects in material and workmanship for two years.
• # Of Layers: Three
• UV Inhibitors: Yes
• Air Vent System: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes

Classic Accessories Cover

Coming in a very close second is the Classic Accessories RV cover.

This deluxe cover comes with an impressive four-year warranty.

The ripstop fabric used for this cover is an amazing 57% lighter than the majority of covers available, meaning this choice is ideal if you’re after a lightweight option that can still provide excellent protection against all climates and seasons.

Pros

• The lightweight ripstop fabric means that this cover is easy to install but still provides maximum strength to protect from rips.
• Extra-long zipper pulls on zippered panels mean there’s no need for a ladder when checking on the interior of your camper.
• The front of the cover also has a yellow tag which means locating it when covering your RV is quick and easy.

Cons

• Some reviewers found that the zippered portions of the cover did not match with the door opening of their RV, making access difficult once the cover was in place. Something to bear in mind if your door is not in a standard position.

Features

• The expandable storage bag allows for additional space, useful if you have other items used to winterize your RV.
• Comes complete with a repair kit for minor snags.

Product Information

• Size: Fits 22’ to 24’ Trailers
• Material: PermaPRO fabric, 100% woven polyester
• Weight: 21.2 pounds
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
• # Of Layers: One
• UV Inhibitors: Yes
• Air Vent System: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes

Classic Accessories Trailer Cover

This quality RV cover is a great choice for both travel trailers and toy haulers. 

It includes a zippered section at the rear, making access to toy compartments easy.

Classic Accessories received great feedback on the level of their customer support too. 

Which is always worth a few extra points in our opinion!

Pros

• Great quality fabric and easy installation.
• Classic Accessories RV cover reviews mention the excellent customer service provided by this company, so if you do run into problems, you should be guaranteed a helpful response.
• The rear zippered section allows for easy access to toy hauler rear doors.

Cons

• Some users found this cover difficult to install but you should be able to combat that by rolling it out before use and ensuring that you lay it out correctly before installation.
• Access zippers may not line up precisely with your camper doors.

Features

• Thick straps and double-stitched tabs mean this cover is built to last.
• Registration of your cover for warranty purposes requires taking a note of the code sewn into a tag inside the cover.

Product Information

• Size: Fits up to 20’ Trailers
• Material: PolyPRO
• Weight: 25 pounds
• Warranty: Full manufacturer’s warranty
• # Of Layers: Three layers on top, one layer on sides
• UV Inhibitors: Yes
• Air Vent System: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes

ADCO 52205 RV Cover

Another cover from our winning manufacturer, ADCO.

This Class A RV cover is perfect for moderate climates, with a high moisture level.

Again, the three-ply fabric is designed to protect your RV from all weather.

Pros

• By combining the specialized RV roof cover material known as AquaShed, with polypropylene sides, maximum UV protection for your RV roof is guaranteed.
• Weighted buckle toss-under makes securing buckles onto the opposite side a simple procedure.
• Reviewers have commented on the durability of this product, with one even mentioning that it survived a hurricane unscathed.

Cons

• Some reviewers mentioned that they found the fabric ripped easily when installing, so take care when placing this cover over your camper to ensure it doesn’t snag.
• Potentially not suitable for hotter climates, some users found it allowed too much heat to build up underneath, so that’s something to bear in mind.

Features

• Zippered panels allow easy access to a variety of door placements.
• Comes complete with rain gutter spout protectors and extra reinforcement material.
• Fabric designed to repel water yet allow moisture building up within the interior to easily escape.

Product Information

• Size: 31’1” – 34’
• Material: SFS AquaShed top, polypropylene sides
• Weight: 18 pounds
• Warranty: Three years
• # Of Layers: Three
• UV Inhibitors: Yes
• Air Vent System: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes

Leader Accessories Cover

This travel trailer RV cover comes in three different color options, all designed to offer protection against any weather conditions.

Multiple zippered sections allow for access to both doors and the engine bay.

Made of a lightweight material to ensure product durability.

Pros

• Adjustable tension panels at the front and back of the cover mean that you can obtain a custom fit with this Leader Accessories cover.
• Comes with a ladder cap to add extra protection.

Cons

• The material is lightweight, so some reviewers found that it was prone to tearing. This was especially true for covers that were slightly too snug, so measure your trailer carefully and if in doubt, order a size up.
• Some reviewers mentioned that the air vents did not prevent the cover from billowing in high winds, which led to the cover ripping.

Features

• Reflective panels help to quickly locate your RV in the dark if you’re heading out at night to check on your RV in poor weather.
• Reinforced corners are designed to resist snagging and tearing.

Product Information

• Size: Fits 27’ – 30’ Travel Trailer
• Material: Polypropylene
• Weight: 34.2 pounds
• Warranty: Two years
• # Of Layers: Three-layer top, single-ply sides
• UV Inhibitors: Yes
• Air Vent System: Yes
• Waterproof: Water-repellent

ADCO 32853 RV Cover

Coming in at the more expensive end of our covers is the borderline designer-series ADCO Fifth Wheel Trailer cover.

This cover is suitable for the larger end of fifth-wheel trailers and again benefits from ACDO’s three-year warranty and excellent customer service.

Three-ply fabric is designed to provide a great level of protection.

Pros

• Suitable for all climates, the Tyvek top panels reflect sunlight which keeps your camper cooler in hot temperatures.
• Easy installation thanks to the weighted strap system. 
• Cinches at the top and bottom ensure a perfect fit.

Cons

• Possibly not the most hard-wearing cover, as several reviewers have commented on the fact that their covers ripped when exposed to moderate wind stress.
• Some also found that the cover ripped as they put it on their RV, so take care with this one.

Features

• Comes with four travel tire guards and a ladder cap to reduce wear over this area.
• Breathable fabric keeps rain out but allows built-up moisture to escape.
• The zippered rear section allows access to the back of your trailer whilst the cover is still in place.

Product Information

• Size: Fits 40’1” – 43’6” 5th Wheel Trailer
• Material: Tyvek RV top panel, polypropylene sides
• Weight: 51 pounds
• Warranty: Three years
• # Of Layers: Three
• UV Inhibitors: Yes
• Air Vent System: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes

Introduction To RV Covers

If you’re the owner of an RV, chances are you’re keen to keep it looking as good as new. Either to maintain resale value if you plan to sell it on or simply to cut down on maintenance as the years go by.

One of the simple and most cost-effective ways to protect your camper when you’re not using it is to get yourself an RV cover. So, how do you keep your RV looking as good as new?

If you leave it parked up over winter at a storage facility, you might return in spring to find dirty black streaks running down from your roof over the sides of the RV.

Potentially, you could even find a leak where incessant rain has caused your roof to partially collapse. Or even worse, you discover a family of mice that’s set up a cozy nest in your bed.

For these reasons and many more, it makes sense to invest in an RV cover. But with there being so many to choose from, how on earth can you tell which one is right for you? Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you.

If you only use your RV for part of the year, parking it up somewhere when it’s not in use, then you definitely want to consider investing in an RV cover to protect your precious vehicle from the elements.

Your RV is likely to be one of the largest investments you make apart from your house.

Unlike houses, RVs are made from flexible materials such as fiberglass, which is prone to degrade over time. As such, it makes perfect sense to protect it from the elements as much as you can.

Let’s take a look at RV covers in more detail, including types of covers, why you need one to suit both your RV and the climate you live in.

We’ve got you covered.

Cover Types

Basically, whatever type of RV you have, there will be a cover to match.

Let’s take a look at the main types.

FIFTH WHEEL COVER

If you’ve got a 5th wheel trailer, you need a specific cover designed to fit this shape of an RV.

The material of this will be shaped to fit the distinctive hitch of a fifth wheeler and will tuck neatly underneath this area to provide maximum protection.

CLASS A, B, C COVERS

Covers for all these RVs come in a huge range of sizes, suitable for the smallest Class B RV, all the way up to the largest 45’ Class A motorhome covers.

Each cover is designed to suit the specific size of your RV, so it’s best to take time to work out exactly what you need.

TRAVEL TRAILER COVERS

If you have a travel trailer or toy hauler, don’t worry because there’s a specific cover just for you as well.

Some of these covers come complete with rear zippered door access, so you can check up on your toy compartment without having to enter the RV itself. Again, these come in lengths and widths to suit all models.

Sometimes, it can be tempting to try and take a cheaper route by simply buying a tarp to cover your RV with. We don’t suggest that for many reasons.

The texture of a tarp is quite rough and abrasive, meaning they can cause friction damage if they end up rubbing against your RV in the wind.

Tarps are not breathable, so whilst you might be preventing the rain from hitting your RV, there will be an inevitable build-up of moisture between your RV and the tarp, which can cause mildew and mold damage.

Tarps won’t ever fit your RV exactly, which means you could spend ages trying to secure it around your camper, and never get it quite right.

Why Do You Need An RV Cover?

Pure and simple, an RV cover is the best way to protect your RV. Well, it’s almost a must-have for any RV or camper.

If you’re still not convinced, let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using a cover to protect your RV.

Related – How to prepare RV for the long haul.

PROTECTION FROM RAIN AND HUMIDITY

Rainwater can cause serious and sometimes irreparable damage to an RV over winter.

Rain will almost always find a weak spot, be it a cracked cover around an air vent, or a split in your roof. Left unattended, these can easily develop into a full-blown leak, which will give you a very nasty surprise when you come to open your RV in spring.

Using a cover protects your camper from these puddles of rainwater.

The collection of rainwater, leaf debris and bird droppings on the roof of your RV can run-off and cause unsightly black streaks to develop down the sides of your RV. Once established, these are pretty difficult to remove.

Humidity is also a concern, with the damp conditions associated with high humidity leading to the danger of mold and mildew developing inside your RV. Once established, these are difficult to get rid of entirely.

Most RV covers are designed to be water-resistant yet breathable, meaning they stop rain from coming in but allow excess moisture under the cover to escape.

PROTECTION FROM BUGS

Leaving your RV exposed to the elements when not in use also means that you’re in danger of an infestation of bugs.

Tiny holes where leaks have developed can quickly allow flies, ants, and other insects to gain access to your vehicle, leaving a whole lot of mess behind.

Bigger holes can also mean that rodents might see your camper as a potential cozy nest, something you definitely want to avoid!

SUN PROTECTION

High temperatures outside can cause the interior of your RV to heat up to 144° F, which can damage equipment inside your RV. This is a particular concern if your RV is parked at a storage facility where there is never any shade.

Using a cover means that sunlight bounces off this rather than heating your RV.

PROTECTION FROM UV DAMAGE

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can cause a serious amount of damage.

As your RV sits uncovered over winter, UV rays will slowly but surely start to cause any exposed rubber or latex to start deteriorating, causing them to develop cracks which will potentially then allow water to enter the area the next time it rains.

Any fiberglass areas are also prone to fading, which will prematurely age the exterior of your RV and cause the resale value to plummet.

If you leave blinds open, UV rays will also cause your upholstery to fade and plastic fixtures and fittings to become brittle as well.

SAVING PAINT

Leaving your RV exposed to the elements means that paintwork, decals, and graphics are all likely to fade and crack faster than if they were protected.

Again, this affects the resale value of your RV as well as meaning you might be a little less proud as you approach it on the camping ground.

Drawbacks Of RV Covers

So, those are some pretty strong advantages to encourage you to invest in an RV cover, but there are, of course, some drawbacks too.

It’s best to take a look at these so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you decide to buy one.

AN ADDITIONAL JOB

There’s no denying that the decision to use a cover for your RV creates an extra chore.

Factoring in the additional time needed to put on the cover at the end of the season, as well as drying it out and cleaning it when the time comes to hit the road again is something you’re going to need to add into the time it takes you to prepare your RV for the next trip.

STORAGE SPACE

Another consideration is the extra storage room required for your cover.

Depending on the size of your RV, the cover could take up a significant amount of space.

If you have a large garage or storeroom then, of course, this isn’t a problem, but if you live in a small apartment and store your RV in another location over winter, then think about setting aside a dedicated space where you can neatly stow your cover when it’s not in use.

DURABILITY

Our last potential drawback is durability.

You might find that you need to repair your cover after each season, but most covers come complete with a repair kit to help you in this task.

You’ll probably need to consider replacing your cover every three to five years, depending on wear and tear.

This is, of course, an additional expense, but if you compare it to the cost of repairing a leaky roof or split fiberglass panels, then we think you’ll agree that buying a replacement cover is probably a worthwhile expense.

Materials Available

These covers come in a range of materials, designed to protect your RV from dust, rain, sunlight, UV rays, and snow.

Covers are most often made from either polypropylene or polyester.

Let’s take a look at the properties of each of these materials.

POLYPROPYLENE

This is a lightweight fabric, with a great level of water resistance. It is quick-drying, and once treated with UV stabilizers is particularly suitable for outdoor use. It resembles a waxed paper towel and is often also used to make cooler bags and drawstring backpacks.

The majority of RV covers we reviewed use a three-layer polypropylene top. This provides a great level of UV resistance, water repellency, breathability, and resistance to mildew.

The use of three layers means that the roof of your RV is highly protected, whatever the weather.

Whilst it is resistant to stretching, too much force can cause it to tear. This is why care is advised when fitting RV covers!

WOVEN POLYESTER

Polyester has better resistance to UV rays and high temperatures than polypropylene but is less water-resistant. This means you might find it more common in RV covers designed for hotter climates.

Polyester is also mildew resistant but tends to dry slower. It’s often also seen in backpacks, caps, and lanyards.

If you come across the term ‘woven polyester’, that means that the individual polyester threads are placed at right angles to each other, and woven in and out.

This creates a strong and durable fabric, very resistant to stretching.

What Size RV Cover Do You Need?

We all know that RVs come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, with the number of corresponding covers being almost as bewildering.

It’s important to make sure the cover for your RV is a good a fit as possible. Too small and you will find that pressure points are easily created. This stresses the fabric at that point, meaning it is far more liable to tear.

Too loose, and your cover might be difficult to secure correctly. This means that gusts of wind could billow up inside the cover, which could then potentially cause a tear in the fabric.

What we’re aiming at here is a fit with some—but not excess—airflow. This is because airflow can help you stave off mildew and mold, at least temporarily.

So it goes without saying that you should carefully measure your RV before you dash out to buy a cover. Let’s take a look at how to accurately measure your RV in the next section.

How To Measure Your RV

Ensuring you correctly measure your RV can save a lot of time and hassle. As we always say: “measure twice, cut once.” Although that phrase refers to tailoring and cutting fabric for clothes, the same theory applies to measuring for your RV cover.

If you measure and then re-measure, you’re far more likely to end up with the correct dimensions.

What you should be aiming at is achieving a snug fit. Not too tight, nor too loose—so that your cover can provide your RV with the optimal weather protection. 

To start you off, here’s a handy photo to help you, first of all, identify your type of RV, and then which model cover should closely correspond to that.

If you find that the measurements you’ve taken are way off the suggested dimensions here, carefully re-measure or even better, get a friend to help.

Whilst it also might be tempting to simply order a cover using the measurements of your RV supplied in the manufacturer’s documentation you receive with the vehicle, it’s better to measure again for yourself.

Once armed with your measurements, you can take a look at our recommendations above and decide which one suits you best.

At this point, once you’ve decided which brand and model you prefer, it’s a really good idea to measure your RV again using the brand’s specific guidelines.

For example, Classic covers suggest your length measurement needs to include bumpers, ladders, and a spare tire, but not the hitch or roof-mounted air conditioning units.

On the other hand, Carver covers only need a bumper to bumper measurement, minus spare tires and ladders.

Using the wrong guidelines could mean the difference between a perfectly fitting cover, and one that is just a touch too tight.

What To Pay Attention To When Buying An RV Cover

So, you’ve measured your RV and are nearly ready to buy a cover. Great!

But before you click on the ‘buy’ button, it’s important to now pay close attention to some specific features which will help you select the perfect cover.

Let’s take a look at those in a little more detail.

THE SIZE OF YOUR RV

As mentioned before, when talking about measuring your RV, it’s vital that you accurately establish the size of your RV before placing your order.

RV covers come in all different shapes and sizes, so if you’re having trouble locating the correct sized cover, place a question on Amazon or contact your manufacturer of choice directly, via their website.

THE AREA WHERE YOU OFTEN TRAVEL

If you live and travel within an area exposed to a high level of sunlight and UV rays, you can focus on buying a cover with the maximum level of UV inhibitors, at the expense of water repellency.

On the other hand, if you know your RV is going to be sitting under a foot of snow come winter, then you’ll want to prioritize a triple-layer waterproof cover.

If your RV is going to be exposed to some strong wind stress whilst it’s in storage, make sure you select a cover with the strongest possible fabric and heavy-duty buckles.

DO YOU HAVE A GARAGE?

If you have a garage, and you plan to store your RV in it when it’s not in use, you can really narrow down the type of cover you’re looking at.

You might think that you don’t even need a cover, but we still definitely recommend buying one. You should look for a lightweight cover that will protect your RV from dust and dirt particles, as well as preventing bugs from gaining access.

EASE OF INSTALLATION

Some covers are easier to install than others, that’s for sure. Most of them require at least two people, but if you have more friends to hand then that’s going to make your job faster and easier.

Single-layer covers will be lighter, which makes them easier to handle and roll out.

That’s certainly a consideration if you know you have a large RV but only two people to install the cover.

Of course, that benefit needs to be balanced with the fact that a single layer cover could well be less hardwearing than those made with three layers.

Some covers come with weights that you attach to the straps going underneath the RV, which secure onto the opposite side. This means it’s much easier to toss the straps under the RV and have them come out the other side!

How To Install An RV Cover

So, you’ve decided which RV cover to buy… the next thing to do is to work out how to put it on!

First of all, we recommend giving your RV a thorough clean inside and out.

After this, you’re going to want to protect or pad any sharp edges. Some covers come complete with padded guards to place over gutter edges and ladders. Some even come with an adjustable front, so that you can more easily achieve that snug fit. 

Otherwise, we recommend using a pool noodle or bubble wrap to carefully cover any sharp edges.

Next, unpack your cover from the box or storage bag and lay it out. Locate and unclip all the snap-clips and open the zippers. Familiarize yourself with the general layout of straps, reinforced corners, and vents, so you can get a good idea of what goes where.

Re-roll the cover, making sure you have identified the front. Some covers have colored tabs to help make this quick and easy.

Next, find a stepladder and if it’s necessary to climb up onto the roof of your RV, make sure it’s safe to do so and there is another person present.

At this point, you’re ready for our simple step-by-step guide:

1. Use a stepladder to either get up onto the roof of your RV or stand on the ladder at the front of your RV (depending on the height of your RV).
2. Take your rolled up cover and place it upon the front of your RV roof.
3. Carefully roll the cover all the way back to the rear of your RV.
4. Now, gently spread the cover out towards the edges of the RV roof. Again work from front to back.
5. Climb down from the RV roof or stepladder.
6. Place your stepladder next to the front of your RV and pull the cover over the RV sides. Keep working from front to back.
7. Stand back and check the fit looks good. If you see any areas of potential stress such as corners or sharp edges, most RV covers come complete with a reinforcement kit which you can use to add extra protection.
8. Locate the elasticized edges on the cover and pull these securely over the front and back bumpers.
9. Many RV covers come with tie-down straps at the front and rear. This is the time to use these to make sure the cover is snugly secure around your RV.
10. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions relating to the adjustable strap system, if your RV cover comes complete with one of these. Then adjust straps as necessary.
11. Locate the tie-down straps which can be placed underneath your RV. Secure these, using weighted bags if present, then stand back and admire your handiwork!

Make Your Next Purchase An RV Cover

Now we’ve run through all the pros and cons of these covers, we think you’ll agree they’re pretty much an essential purchase.

Investing a little money and time into finding the right one for you and your vehicle is a wise choice.

Whether you decide to buy an ADCO Class C RV cover or a Classics Accessories cover for your fifth wheeler, you’ll save time when it comes to hit the road again and also keep your RV looking as good as new.

Do you have a favorite brand of RV cover? Or any hints and tips to make fitting easier?