Cover recommendation Axis

[Ubugarrity]

Hi,
I'm brand new to the RV world and have a question about covers. I'm going to store it in a place with a lot of trees and was thinking of getting a cover. I've read several posts on the forum but they are older and the links don't work.
Is a cover a good idea? Is there a better material? DIfference between Cheap and expensive? Size for 25.2?
I have plenty of tarps that would do the trick but i'm worried it would wear the paint with any wind. Any advice or opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks, John

2017 THor Axis 25.2

 

[ducksface]

Unless you are very strong and exceedingly nimble and have the patience of Job,

A cover is a Very taxxing physically exhausting thing requiring you to climb on the roof while holding the equivalent weight and size of a dead sheep.

If you have the physical ability to be on the roof carrying a large portion of your weight, all the while dancing around ac and vents and wires at 12 ft off the ground, buy a custom fit cover.
Cw has a place to order one and I was very very happy with the quality and fit.

I had a nice expensive custom cover and the physical ability. It was an awful experience each time...putting on or taking off. You'll might have tree sap on the cover you'll have to deal with (scrub off)before you store the cover. I didn't. Just a hosing and long wait for it to dry TOTALLY before storing.

I'll focus on the personal requirements.
Someone else can tell you of the longevity and wind rub and mold.

 

[Travelin' Texans]

DO NOT use tarps, they don't allow air flow thereby creating a breeding ground for mold!
The physical requirements have been mentioned now the others. If you're in a windy area the cover won't last but maybe 2 seasons, it can mar the sides if not kept tight fitting, it creates a great winter tent for unwelcome critters & if you decide on an early spring outing you may not be able to remove the cover with it covered in snow/ice stuck to the roof.
My recommendation is a good cleaning & a good coat of wax before/after storage & spend the $300-500 on something that requires less physical & financial strain. Although there are covers for the tires & the A/Cs which would be useful.
Just my .02 cents!

 

[JamieGeek]

On the other hand:

Our Axis has been covered for just about every winter we've had it. They do eventually wear out and you'll have to replace it (wind, tearing, etc.).

Didn't get a chance to cover it last winter but this winter will likely be covered.

Putting the cover on does take some work if you plan it out and not try to drag the whole cover up at once.

Can't say that I've ever washed our covers: As long as the outside part stays outside and the inside part stays inside its good LOL (since our RV is in a storage lot with other RVs sap isn't a problem and it is generally protected from wind on 3 sides by the other RVs parked there--especially since our 25ft Axis is surrounded by 30+ ft class A's).

We also have taken winter trips where we have needed to remove it. I'll usually try to pay attention to the weather a good month or so before the trip to make sure there is a window in there that I can remove it. Although I have removed it before with 2" of snow/ice on it as well. (In these circumstances being able to drive it out of the storage lot is also a consideration as there typically is snow piled up in front of the RV but that isn't a cover issue.)

I even run the engine and generator while covered--just make sure the exhaust pipes aren't covered.

 

[Ubugarrity]

DO NOT use tarps, they don't allow air flow thereby creating a breeding ground for mold!
The physical requirements have been mentioned now the others. If you're in a windy area the cover won't last but maybe 2 seasons, it can mar the sides if not kept tight fitting, it creates a great winter tent for unwelcome critters & if you decide on an early spring outing you may not be able to remove the cover with it covered in snow/ice stuck to the roof.
My recommendation is a good cleaning & a good coat of wax before/after storage & spend the $300-500 on something that requires less physical & financial strain. Although there are covers for the tires & the A/Cs which would be useful.
Just my .02 cents!

Thank you. I do want to do some preventative maintenance on the roof. There is just so much I have to learn about this RV I figured just cover it for now. I'm sure there are posts on maintaining the roof here, I just haven't had time to research it. What do you put on the roof to maintain? Is it something special? Wax? UV protectant? Just point me in the right direction and I'll do so research. Thanks again!

 

[ducksface]

Amazon has the roof products.
Asking for individual brands is equivalent to a religious argument.
I might call a local detail shop and ask what they use as a uv/dirt guard and follow what is used locally.

My Mojave Desert recommendation probably isn't your climates best bet.

 

[Scubawise]

Hi,
I'm brand new to the RV world and have a question about covers. I'm going to store it in a place with a lot of trees and was thinking of getting a cover. I've read several posts on the forum but they are older and the links don't work.
Is a cover a good idea? Is there a better material? DIfference between Cheap and expensive? Size for 25.2?
I have plenty of tarps that would do the trick but i'm worried it would wear the paint with any wind. Any advice or opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks, John

2017 THor Axis 25.2

We have a cover for sale vegas 2020.
Send PM is you need it

 

[Scubawise]

DO NOT use tarps, they don't allow air flow thereby creating a breeding ground for mold!
The physical requirements have been mentioned now the others. If you're in a windy area the cover won't last but maybe 2 seasons, it can mar the sides if not kept tight fitting, it creates a great winter tent for unwelcome critters & if you decide on an early spring outing you may not be able to remove the cover with it covered in snow/ice stuck to the roof.
My recommendation is a good cleaning & a good coat of wax before/after storage & spend the $300-500 on something that requires less physical & financial strain. Although there are covers for the tires & the A/Cs which would be useful.
Just my .02 cents!

I agree. Wind in montana destroyed covers.
I have a new one for sale.

 

[dkoldman]

Is a cover a good idea?
I have plenty of tarps that would do the trick but i'm worried it would wear the paint with any wind. Any advice or opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks, John

2017 THor Axis 25.2

Don't do it. You asked for a reason and your instinct is telling you right.

I don't want to get cross wise with anyone using a cover because I am certain they have their valid reasons. I had full intention of buying a nice new RV cover for my brand new RV , but I did what you are doing. I followed the masses, and my RV Mfg recommendation to alerts of damage a cover can cause not to mention the work and safety of what is involved.

I park under a tree, get leaves and some sap but I wax and clean my roof with regularity. It is 2 years old & it looks brand new. I can wax the roof in the time it takes for someone to retrieve, install, remove and store a RV cover.

If you wish to see pictures of three year old roof with no cover, under a tree, a lots of sun and Texas heat; just let me know.

 

[Scubawise]

Don't do it. You asked for a reason and your instinct is telling you right.

I don't want to get cross wise with anyone using a cover because I am certain they have their valid reasons. I had full intention of buying a nice new RV cover for my brand new RV , but I did what you are doing. I followed the masses, and my RV Mfg recommendation to alerts of damage a cover can cause not to mention the work and safety of what is involved.

I park under a tree, get leaves and some sap but I wax and clean my roof with regularity. It is 2 years old & it looks brand new. I can wax the roof in the time it takes for someone to retrieve, install, remove and store a RV cover.

If you wish to see pictures of three year old roof with no cover, under a tree, a lots of sun and Texas heat; just let me know.

What roof wax do you use?

 

[Ubugarrity]

Don't do it. You asked for a reason and your instinct is telling you right.

I don't want to get cross wise with anyone using a cover because I am certain they have their valid reasons. I had full intention of buying a nice new RV cover for my brand new RV , but I did what you are doing. I followed the masses, and my RV Mfg recommendation to alerts of damage a cover can cause not to mention the work and safety of what is involved.

I park under a tree, get leaves and some sap but I wax and clean my roof with regularity. It is 2 years old & it looks brand new. I can wax the roof in the time it takes for someone to retrieve, install, remove and store a RV cover.

If you wish to see pictures of three year old roof with no cover, under a tree, a lots of sun and Texas heat; just let me know.

Yes, What wax? is it specifically for the roof? THANKS!

 

[Scubawise]

Yes, What wax? is it specifically for the roof? THANKS!

I use the pink rv wash and wax..

What do others use to wax the roof?

 

[dkoldman]

What roof wax do you use?

Yes, What wax? is it specifically for the roof? THANKS!

I keep forgetting my roof is fiberglass SOB - (some other brand) but the principal is same ( Just keep a rubber roof clean it does not have to be waxed shiney). What I put on the sides should / could be the exact same you use with respect to not having a cover being exposed to sun, rain, snow and trees.

One day, I will write down a procedure on what I do and frequency etc. I do it all myself, and it not that much work. I will say on average I spend about 2 hours / month (more in nice weather and less in cold weather. I know that may be obvious but just pointing out I do on my own time as I feel I need to.

I have two main waxes, the Meguiars RV & Marine Wax #56 is what I use for the entire coach. I also use Meguiars Glaze #83 Wax for anything that looks tough. i.e. a black streak, bird poop, leaf stain, I put the #56 wax on top of it once buffed out and clean.

For Roof, I am in the middle of an experiment. I used Turtle Wax Hybrid Solution Ceramic Spray because they crowed it will last 1 year. If you look at the roof pictures it is easy to tell which one is the Ceramic Solution (picture #2 and #3, #3 is picture after a rain as I wanted to see how the ceramic looked with water on top of it. It beads but does not shine at all. But my test is about how well it can resist stains and thus far it is not doing too bad. Still early though. I can apply the Ceramic Spray twice as fast as applying the normal wax on the roof. When the very last leaf drops in December, I will decide if I will keep applying the Ceramic Spray on the roof or go back to mt Meguiars #56. Regardless; I don't see myself applying the ceramic spray on the body of the RV I want the deep mirror finish to give my RV's automotive like finish all the help it can get

Don't forget, the question is whether to Cover or not? In my view even if I had to use a heavy 30 ft cover, I would still wax, wash my RV the same. My point is that since I do maintain my RV, I don't have to fool with a cover. I will also take the bet to go toe to toe with a RV that has been under cover and even in a storage facility. Unless they are washing and waxing it too, they will not stand a chance.

 

[dkoldman]

I use the pink rv wash and wax..

What do others use to wax the roof?

Yes, I use the Gel-Gloss RV Wash as routine whenever washing my RV.

I found my notes on Gel-Gloss RV Wash

I have always used the Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax in a foamer, but I have never used my pressure washer nozzle sprayers on my RV. My reason is on roof, I worry about the aggression aiding a possible roof leak? and on the sides, I worry about the decals? Note: I see dealers clean RVs all the time with portable mobile wash solutions, so I know it can be done, but just stating what I do.

But nonetheless, my steps are follows

1. Rinse the Roof or RV surface I use Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax, using regular water hose and Full Action nozzle settings from regular water nozzle
2. Using my Foamer, I spray the foamed solution Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax and allow to sit for a minute or two.
3. Brush with an extendable Adjust a Brush
4. Rinse off the solution

I then wipe down all of the glass. ( drying the sides is optional, but I don't see it as required because it dries spot free on my coach)

I can use the Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax on my entire roof in about 30 minutes, and I can use Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax on the sides in about an hour.

Wheels with Mothers Chrome (30 minutes)
Mequiars #56 Pure RV / Boat Wax on sides ( 5 hrs)
Mequiars #56 Pure RV / Boat Wax on FIBERGLASS roof ( 1.5 hrs)
Meguiars mirror glaze #83 dual action cleaner/polish (spot cleaning & buffing)
303 Aerospace Protectant for Decals and Rubber Window Trims

 

[Ubugarrity]

I keep forgetting my roof is fiberglass SOB - (some other brand) but the principal is same ( Just keep a rubber roof clean it does not have to be waxed shiney). What I put on the sides should / could be the exact same you use with respect to not having a cover being exposed to sun, rain, snow and trees.

One day, I will write down a procedure on what I do and frequency etc. I do it all myself, and it not that much work. I will say on average I spend about 2 hours /
month (more in nice weather and less in cold weather. I know that may be obvious but just pointing out I do on my own time as I feel I need to.

I have two main waxes, the Meguiars RV & Marine Wax #56 is what I use for the entire coach. I also use Meguiars Glaze #83 Wax for anything that looks tough. i.e. a black streak, bird poop, leaf stain, I put the #56 wax on top of it once buffed out and clean.

For Roof, I am in the middle of an experiment. I used Turtle Wax Hybrid Solution Ceramic Spray because they crowed it will last 1 year. If you look at the roof pictures it is easy to tell which one is the Ceramic Solution (picture #2 and #3, #3 is picture after a rain as I wanted to see how the ceramic looked with water on top of it. It beads but does not shine at all. But my test is about how well it can resist stains and thus far it is not doing too bad. Still early though. I can apply the Ceramic Spray twice as fast as applying the normal wax on the roof. When the very last leaf drops in December, I will decide if I will keep applying the Ceramic Spray on the roof or go back to mt Meguiars #56. Regardless; I don't see myself applying the ceramic spray on the body of the RV I want the deep mirror finish to give my RV's automotive like finish all the help it can get

Don't forget, the question is whether to Cover or not? In my view even if I had to use a heavy 30 ft cover, I would still wax, wash my RV the same. My point is that since I do maintain my RV, I don't have to fool with a cover. I will also take the bet to go toe to toe with a RV that has been under cover and even in a storage facility. Unless they are washing and waxing it too, they will not stand a chance.

Wow, nice shine!

 

[dkoldman]

Wow, nice shine!

Thanks for the compliment. But keep in my mind, the shine; while a major objective on sides & body of the RV; it is NOT the objective nor need for the roof.

I am just a strong advocate of keeping a RV roof clean, and giving it some protection against weathering elements and foreign particles i.e. leaves, tree sap, bird poop etc. without the need to use a cover.

It just so happens that my roof was made of fiberglass and that is what it looks like when fully hand waxed with Meguiars #56 RV & Marine Wax twice/year. The experiment with the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray is to evaluate if I can cut my overall work effort in half and still protect the roof? If it can; I don't need the shine on the roof and I will switch to the Ceramic Spray (roof only)

I can't professionally advise on a rubber membrane and would defer to membrane roof mfg, but my belief is that if I owned a rubber membrane roof, I would still wash it at least 6 times / year with the Gel RV Wash & Wax solution as I do now for my fiberglass. I believe I would also at use the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray as it would be easy to do and not worry about a shine.

But for sure and to your question, no way on earth I buy a RV Cover. It just seems like if I had a cover, and if I had gone to all that trouble to get it on, I would be reluctant to go through reverse trouble to take it off to use? So you may spend less time enjoying the RV as you debate pros / cons as to whether it is worth removing the cover for simple or basic use? If you know it is going to be long storage or you plan to go 6 months a year or longer without any usage or maintenance it may make sense; but I can't imagine going 30 days without using my RV We use the RV year around, even when it is so called winterized. Winterized to me simply means all water drained and plumbing is air dry. We still drive the coach and use it. We may have to Winterized 2 or 3 times over the winter if that makes sense.

Good luck

 

[strotherbj]

Cover not worth the effort it takes to put it on.

I have to agree with another gentleman on this thread.

I have a 37MB, sitting out in the Desert Sun.
I purchased the cover for it and my son helped me install it.

It was a serious PIA to get it on.

Don't forget to disconnect, and turn off Batteries inverters and the like.

Getting the da**n thing off, by myself, was another treat !!
The cover did do what it was suppose to, I was able to get into the unit with the cover on, another treat.

Was it worth it?
Still on the fence, the 400 dollar cover is balled up in my storage unit, because I cannot physically get it back up on the RV to deploy it.

DO NOT USE A Tarp...MOLD !!

We are building a cover to put the RV under.
Best to you, hope this helps.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Rubber roofs "shed" by design. In the process, rain runoff carries the shed material (along with the adhered "dirt") down the sides of a gelcoat RV - creating those easily recognizable, and hard to remove, black streaks.

I've found I must wash my rubber roof AT MINIMUM once a month in summer to avoid that issue.

However, I have confidence that my "new wax regimen" with Meguiar's products will drastically help with those streaks! :coolsmiley:

 

[phalexander]

Black streaks just wipe away with this stuff. I’ve I only been able to find it at Home Depot but it’s amazing. Thanks to someone on this forum for the tip.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Black streaks just wipe away with this stuff. I’ve I only been able to find it at Home Depot but it’s amazing. Thanks to someone on this forum for the tip.

Not saying that stuff's not safe... but some products can damage/dull clearcoat - sometimes gradually over time... don't ask