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10-21-2018, 05:46 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Siesta
State: California
Posts: 112
THOR #3975
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RV cover without climbing on top?
We don't have an RV cover yet, but I know I should get one. But I am not excited about climbing on top to cover and uncover the RV. Seems like a lot of trip and fall hazards up there...
Anyway, I remember seeing a cover, or maybe just straps you could use with any (or some) covers - and you can use these straps to pull the RV cover from the ground on one side, over the roof, and then down on the other side. The straps had weights - like small sandbags, or the weights you use to get straps UNDER the RV - so you could toss them up and over to start the process...
So some questions:
- anyone seen this or doing this?
- any significant risk of friction from the straps damaging the finish or roof or the stuff on the roof?
- any other issues I should be aware of?
- any recommendations for a cover for sunny, mostly dry, sometimes hot, occasionally wet southern California?
Thanks in advance
Dan Kronstadt
Thor Siesta 24SA - Class C, 24' long, just under 11' high
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10-21-2018, 06:06 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
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why cover it at all??
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10-21-2018, 06:31 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Sunstar 29VE Winnebago
State: Texas
Posts: 5,584
THOR #13058
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TurnerFam
why cover it at all??
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Now understand I ask this question out of respect, because while I know little I know enough to know that you know a lot if that make sense. But your question baffles me; so I must probe.
I presume to buy a cover for below reasons...
1. I don't expect to have full body paint
2. I expect to store at my home under a very large Cedar Elm Tree. Lots of leaves in fall
3. In Dallas during Spring the pollen takes over, everything outside gets a thin coat of what look like yellowish green dust. When it stops; I wash the cover that is on my boat. My boat inside still looks brand new and it is 3 years old.
4. Hail storms come out of nowhere in Dallas area. Most covers if they are average anyway will help protect against hail.
5. While I expect to wax at least once a year, it will protect from UV and the surface gelcoat.
6. On this site, I keep reading horror stories from Thor owners that after a few years they say their RV finish looks like it is 10 years old?
But I am here to learn not teach (that would be Bob , so why should I not be worried about the above? I can save about $400 and a lot of work. I will be honest, I was up on the roof of a ACE yesterday, and the thought of putting on a cover & then taking it off with regularity made me tremble.
Tents are lot less complicated
__________________
2019 Sunstar 29ve; Toad Lincoln Navigator; RVi Brake 3 & Command Center; Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow bar & Baseplate; Sumo Springs; Safe T Plus; Onan EC-30 AGS; Vmax 250ah AGM; T-Mobile Internet; H/W Heater / Chassis Disconnect Switches; Southwire Surge Guard 44270 & 34951 w/Monitor 40301; Jet Flo Macerator; Alpine SPE500 Speakers; Visio M21D-H8R
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10-21-2018, 06:42 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
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while I understand your initial reasoning, as a new RV owner, I've always rested my own understandings on good reasoning, not simply what I've 'heard' other people say, or what some may 'report' as factual - it's just not that simple. Experience is the best teacher.
yes, a cover itself is not a bad preventative measure, but it's NOT the end-all to every problem an RV may have... but those who feel it has positives will buy one.
Many of our RVs are used, parked, and stored outside 24/7 365 and still look like the day they were purchased.
if, though, you don't want to take the risk of being on the roof to apply the cover, you might have to think about what 'risk' you are willing to accept: death, or fading. : /
fun! travel, park, enjoy!
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10-21-2018, 08:03 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 34F
State: Oklahoma
Posts: 628
THOR #8432
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TurnerFam
while I understand your initial reasoning, as a new RV owner, I've always rested my own understandings on good reasoning, not simply what I've 'heard' other people say, or what some may 'report' as factual - it's just not that simple. Experience is the best teacher.
yes, a cover itself is not a bad preventative measure, but it's NOT the end-all to every problem an RV may have... but those who feel it has positives will buy one.
Many of our RVs are used, parked, and stored outside 24/7 365 and still look like the day they were purchased.
if, though, you don't want to take the risk of being on the roof to apply the cover, you might have to think about what 'risk' you are willing to accept: death, or fading. : /
fun! travel, park, enjoy!
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I bit the bullet a couple of years ago and found a place to park mine underneath a metal shed cover. It's on a military base nearby so it is secure, no sun, no rain, no hail and hopefully no wind damage from a tornado. Well, 4 out of 5 is about as good as it gets.
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10-21-2018, 09:38 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Siesta
State: California
Posts: 112
THOR #3975
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Well, let's see. A few responses...
- I do see some fading already - mostly on the curved bubble part over the cab (that's a perfectly clear description, right?), and on one part (20% maybe) of one side. And I saw some discussion recently of the cost of a full new paint job - if (maybe a big if) a cover can make the existing finish last a couple of years longer, maybe it's worth it.
- we live in Santa Barbara - definitely IN town - with a small house and limited space. I can park my RV on the street for a day or two or three (have to get a $5/day permit in downtown SB, open M-F) - but hard to work on it on the street. I have it in a storage place about 10-15 minutes north, but no place to work on it there. And no covered spots (canopy, shed, etc) available there.
- I recently found someone thru the local Elks Lodge who sent a team to wash and wax - they did a good job, but they said they don't do polishing - I have to go to a body shop to do that. And hard to find ANY transportation-related business in SB that has space to work on an RV.
- I wonder now if I should have gone for the full paint job when we bought this about 2 1/2 years ago, instead of the decals - would that wear better? But I can't go back in time (working on it!)
- I will definitely go for fading over death :-) But that's why I asked about the no climbing cover option!
Thanks, all
Dan
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10-21-2018, 10:08 PM
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#7
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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If you stretch it out alongside your rig, and tie some light pull ropes along one side of it: you might be able to pul l it up over the side...
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"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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10-21-2018, 10:39 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Gemini 23TR
State: California
Posts: 981
THOR #6701
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
If you stretch it out alongside your rig, and tie some light pull ropes along one side of it: you might be able to pul l it up over the side...
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Lots of things up there to snag it on.
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2017 Gemini 23TR Ford chassis w/ power stroke 3.2
DW, Daughter and 2 dogs, Sofie (black lab/boxer) and Phoebe (schnoodle)
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10-21-2018, 11:45 PM
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#9
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Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
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Yeah that wouldn't work (pulling the cover from one side to the other).
Having covered ours a few times it can get a little dicey up there while you're in process.
The worst part is walking on the cover as you're trying to get down after covering it.
Having said that I've covered our coach every winter since we've had it. There is another Axis in the lot that is a year newer than ours (that they don't cover) and that unit looks like its at least 5 years older than ours.
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10-22-2018, 12:03 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 34F
State: Oklahoma
Posts: 628
THOR #8432
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieGeek
Yeah that wouldn't work (pulling the cover from one side to the other).
Having covered ours a few times it can get a little dicey up there while you're in process.
The worst part is walking on the cover as you're trying to get down after covering it.
Having said that I've covered our coach every winter since we've had it. There is another Axis in the lot that is a year newer than ours (that they don't cover) and that unit looks like its at least 5 years older than ours.
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George just Lucky I guess. Got a military base nearby and they have RV storage there. There are maybe 15 spaces that have a shed which is about 35 ft deep. It's covered on top and has three sides covered so the sun doesn't get to the roof or tires. It's about 90 a month but I figure it's worth it with the weather here changing all the time. About the only thing bad is that on the other side of the fence is a swamp maybe 6 ft away.
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10-22-2018, 02:26 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Sunstar 29VE Winnebago
State: Texas
Posts: 5,584
THOR #13058
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieGeek
Having said that I've covered our coach every winter since we've had it. There is another Axis in the lot that is a year newer than ours (that they don't cover) and that unit looks like its at least 5 years older than ours.
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I have covers for every vehicle, boats and motorcycles. When you see the damage done to a good quality cover ever 3 or 4 years, you will immediately see the benefit if you used it at least half time on RV. The time you are not, you should have it waxed. Most folks don't buy RVs to work; so I can get why they do not bother for covers or wax. To each his own, but they should not complain about Thor's finish if it is not protected from the elements.
I have gone to RV storage facilities. The ones that are not covered are the ones that make me wish to keep at home with a cover. Some of those RVs are in storage for years and look abandoned.
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2019 Sunstar 29ve; Toad Lincoln Navigator; RVi Brake 3 & Command Center; Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow bar & Baseplate; Sumo Springs; Safe T Plus; Onan EC-30 AGS; Vmax 250ah AGM; T-Mobile Internet; H/W Heater / Chassis Disconnect Switches; Southwire Surge Guard 44270 & 34951 w/Monitor 40301; Jet Flo Macerator; Alpine SPE500 Speakers; Visio M21D-H8R
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10-22-2018, 02:36 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Sunstar 29VE Winnebago
State: Texas
Posts: 5,584
THOR #13058
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lspotho
- I will definitely go for fading over death :-) But that's why I asked about the no climbing cover option!
Thanks, all
Dan
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Here is what I plan to do. While it does involve climbing, it does have a weight to throw but it is across bottom not the top. I have not seen anything to throw across the top. This does not look too bad as you stay on the center of the roof. It is one man job in video, but if you had any help I would think it to be a breeze.
__________________
2019 Sunstar 29ve; Toad Lincoln Navigator; RVi Brake 3 & Command Center; Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow bar & Baseplate; Sumo Springs; Safe T Plus; Onan EC-30 AGS; Vmax 250ah AGM; T-Mobile Internet; H/W Heater / Chassis Disconnect Switches; Southwire Surge Guard 44270 & 34951 w/Monitor 40301; Jet Flo Macerator; Alpine SPE500 Speakers; Visio M21D-H8R
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10-22-2018, 11:19 AM
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#13
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Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
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Yup that video is exactly how I put the cover on with the exception that I "X" the front and rear straps.
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10-23-2018, 06:45 PM
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#14
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Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
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Done camping for this season
Having just done this (using the method in that video) it is pretty easy. If you get nervous walking around on the roof you can always crawl (what I usually do on top of the cover anyway).
Nonetheless, we're done for the season LOL:
If your cover doesn't have any sort of weight to throw the straps underneath, just get one of these clamps:
Then clamp it on the end for a weight--works like a charm.
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10-23-2018, 06:56 PM
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#15
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Here's a question: Do the "all-painted" graphics last longer, and survive the sunlight; better than the vinyl graphics?
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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10-23-2018, 07:33 PM
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#16
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Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
Here's a question: Do the "all-painted" graphics last longer, and survive the sunlight; better than the vinyl graphics?
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Yes paint is better than decal (just check: how much does each cost?).
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10-23-2018, 07:48 PM
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#17
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Thanks: the Tiffin is a full-on painted RV...
I can tell the Missus that she can relax: the Sun isn't going to damage it as quickly!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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10-23-2018, 08:03 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
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At least all the mice will have a nice, dark, comfy, warm, waterproof home to live out the winter. Maybe just leave the door open since it's covered anyway and they won't have to chew their way in destroying your wiring and insulation.
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
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10-23-2018, 08:19 PM
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#19
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 Windjammer
State: Illinois
Posts: 1,179
THOR #7074
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My issue is not covering but uncovering for a ski trip or heading to Fla. in the winter. Snow, Ice buildup, Cold, Wind, Locusts?
__________________
Rev. Jeffrey 2017 Thor Axis 24.1 E450 Windjammer.
Silver Safe-T-Plus Steering Control
SSF-106-40 SumoSprings Solo Front Bump Stop SSR-107-47 SumoSprings Rear Bump Stop
Hellwig 7718 Front Sway Bar & 7180 Rear Sway Bar
Koni FSD Front Shocks 8805-1042 / Koni FSD Rear Shocks 8805-1043
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10-23-2018, 09:04 PM
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#20
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Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton
At least all the mice will have a nice, dark, comfy, warm, waterproof home to live out the winter. Maybe just leave the door open since it's covered anyway and they won't have to chew their way in destroying your wiring and insulation.
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Nope: Haven't had any mice or other critters get in our coach over the years. This will be the 4th winter for this cover (and likely the last as it is getting pretty tattered).
The only real critters wandering around this lot are dogs, cats and the occasional rabbit.
Been at this lot now for a good 20 years or so and none of our RV's (covered or not) have had critters of any kind... knock on wood.
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