Cover for Popup Advisable?

[jack_cr2]

I own a 2008 Fleetwood Sun Valley popup and am wondering if a cover is advisable in our Vermont climate. If so, would I cover it just in the winter or at other times when the popup is not in regular use? Is the benefit more than keeping the popup exterior clean? Could it cause harm?

I was considering an Adco SFS AquaShed cover of polypropylene for "maximum breathability."

The popup sits to the east of a garage and is shaded in the afternoon.

Jack

[AustinBoston]

I see you haven't read your owner's manual, where it says to never cover it.

We are the original owners of a 2000 Coleman Bayside.  It has been stored in blazing sun (up to 100øF/38øC) and icy cold (down to -27øF/-33øC).  I once removed two feet of snow from the roof.  For 4 years, it was stored under a mix of evergreens, and for the last six in the wide open.

Sje has never been covered, and it has no signs of rot, mildew, or other moisture damage.  I've been in several that had a musty smell, and they all had something in common - the owners covered them while in storage.

Austin

[He Ruide]

Jack,

The issue of covering a PUP is one that will cause some debate. There are some that say you should not cover with anything, others that cover with breathable covers, some that say you can use a tarp but only IF air can circulate under it.  I think the only consensus is that you should not cover with a tarp.  

IIRC Fleetwood used to sell covers until they they ran into problem with the ABS roofs.  Not knowing what the cause was they stop selling the covers and recommended that PUPs not be covered.

There was an insert in my 2007 manual that stated that you should not cover a PUP with a TARP.  There was no mention of breathable covers.

I'm not sure if you had the same insert in your 2008 manual but my review of that manual did not have any statements on PUP covering.

Interestingly, the current web site has a statement under "Preventive Maintenance tips - Before long term and winter storage"

"do not cover the trailer with any type of material - this will reduce air circulation and could lead to condensation build-up."

Hope this helps.

Ruide

[coach]

I see you haven't read your owner's manual, where it says to never cover it.

There's a warning in older Coleman manuals to not cover A.B.S. roofs.

AFAIK, they dropped that warning unless someone can find it in a 2008 owner's manual

[jack_cr2]

Thank you Ruide and AustinBoston. Helpful advice.

Jack

[He Ruide]

Jack,

You are welcome. Take care.

Ruide

[flyfisherman]

I've covered my little Starcraft every winter since it was new. Of course our winters do not get all that severe. Use 4 mil plastic that's available at Wal-Mart or Lowes, comes in a roll 12' X 25' - cut it to length so it overlaps the the front & rear of the camper, then tie it down on the four corners, plus run a line fore & aft, and side to side (always use parachute cord). The roof vent, plus rolling the awning up onto the roof of the camper, provides some air space between the plastic and the roof itself. Have always noticed that when there's a breeze in the air it always manages to get up under the plastic covering to some degree.

Have never had any mildew or musty smells inside the camper. Should note that it has an aluminum roof.



Fly