Protecting Your Camper: Tarps As A Viable Option

Tarps are a popular option for protecting your camper, but they come with pros and cons. On the one hand, they offer protection from rain, debris, UV rays, dirt, and insulation. On the other hand, they can be a hassle to put on, blow around in the wind, trap moisture, and cause mould issues. The traditional blue tarp is particularly ill-suited, as it is not breathable and can trap moisture, leading to potential damage. If you do opt for a tarp, ensure it is designed for motorhomes, is breathable, and is secured properly to prevent wind damage.

Tarps can protect your camper from UV rays, snow, dirt, debris, and other elements

Protection from Elements:

• Tarps can provide a layer of protection against rain, snow, UV rays, dirt, debris, and bird droppings. This can help maintain the RV's paint, fiberglass, and overall condition.
• They can prevent rain leaks, which is crucial to avoid wood rot, mold, and mildew issues. Water-resistant or waterproof tarps are ideal for this purpose.
• Tarps act as a barrier against debris, such as pine cones, hail, and sand, which can cause significant damage, especially to windows, solar panels, and roof vents.
• By covering your RV, you can also prevent dirt, sand, leaves, and other grime from collecting on the RV's surface, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.

Insulation:

Tarps can provide partial insulation for your RV, which is beneficial for long-term storage in cold environments. They help keep heat inside and slow down the freezing process, giving you time to address any potential issues.

Cons of Using Tarps:

• Non-breathable tarps can trap moisture, creating a conducive environment for mold and mildew growth. This can lead to unpleasant odors and damage to your RV's interior.
• Traditional tarps are not as durable as specialized RV covers and may wear out quickly, especially when exposed to UV rays, wind, and debris.
• Cheap tarps may fray and fall apart due to UV exposure, as the thin plastic strings melt and loosen, leaving holes in the material.
• Tarps can be challenging to secure properly, and high winds may cause them to blow around, potentially damaging the RV's exterior.
• Removing snow from a tarp-covered RV can be tedious and risky, as the weight of the snow can cause structural damage.
• Tarps do not provide tire protection, and separate tire covers or an extra-large tarp may be needed to shield the tires from the elements.

In summary, while tarps can offer some protection against the elements, they also come with certain drawbacks. It is essential to consider the specific needs of your RV and the environmental conditions it will be exposed to when deciding whether to use a tarp for coverage.

Non-breathable tarps can cause moisture to develop into mould

Tarps are a popular option for covering campers, but they may do more harm than good. The traditional blue tarp, in particular, is ill-suited for covering campers as it is non-breathable. This means that it can trap moisture, which can then leak into the camper, causing damage. The trapped moisture can also provide the perfect breeding ground for mould.

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in multicellular structures. It requires the right temperature and moisture level to thrive, and it can be very difficult to eradicate once established. Mould spores are a natural part of the environment and are always present in the air. When they come into contact with a surface that provides the right conditions, they will multiply and spread.

A non-breathable tarp covering a camper can provide the ideal conditions for mould to grow. The tarp traps moisture, which can then come into contact with dirt, debris, and other organic matter that has settled on the tarp or the camper. This provides a food source for the mould spores, and with the addition of some moderate light and overnight dew, mould can begin to grow within just a few days.

To prevent mould from growing under your camper's tarp, it is essential to use a breathable material that allows moisture to escape. There are RV-specific tarps made of breathable fabrics with tiny pores that allow water vapour and moisture to evaporate while being too small for water droplets to penetrate. These tarps also have integrated vents to further enhance breathability.

In addition to using a breathable tarp, it is important to regularly check and clean your camper and tarp. Mould can grow quickly, and the longer it is left unchecked, the more damage it can cause. By taking proactive measures, you can help ensure that your camper stays mould-free.

Tarps are not as durable as RV covers

In contrast, RV-specific covers are designed to be breathable, allowing moisture to escape from under the cover while still blocking out rain. They are also more durable, with features like heavy-duty roof panelling and improved grommets that won't rust out.

Additionally, tarps can be difficult to secure properly, especially if you have a larger RV. You may need to use bungees or ropes to secure the tarp to the vehicle, and these can shift and flap in the wind, potentially causing damage to the exterior of your RV.

While tarps may offer some protection, if you're looking for a long-term storage solution to protect your RV from the elements, investing in a durable RV cover is a better option.

Tarps can blow around in the wind, causing damage to the camper's exterior finish

Tarps can be a great way to protect your camper from the elements, but they can also cause damage if not used properly. One of the main issues with using a tarp to cover your camper is that they can blow around in the wind, causing damage to the exterior finish.

If the tarp is not secured properly, it can flap around in the wind, rubbing against the camper's finish and causing scratches, scuffs, and other damage. Even if the tarp is secured, strong winds can still get underneath it and cause it to blow around, potentially leading to damage.

To avoid this issue, it is important to use a tarp that is the correct size for your camper and to secure it tightly. Bungee cords, ropes, and other fasteners can be used to hold the tarp in place. It is also a good idea to check the tarp regularly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it remains secure.

In addition to the potential for wind damage, traditional blue tarps are not breathable and can trap moisture, leading to mould and mildew issues. This can be mitigated by using an RV-specific tarp, which is designed to be breathable while still providing protection from the elements.

While tarps can be a convenient and affordable way to protect your camper, it is important to be aware of the potential for damage and take the necessary steps to secure the tarp properly.

Cheap tarps will fray from UV rays

Tarps are a common way to protect your camper from the elements when it's not in use. However, not all tarps are created equal, and using a cheap tarp can do more harm than good. One of the main issues with cheap tarps is that they will quickly degrade when exposed to UV rays, leading to fraying and other issues.

UV rays, or ultraviolet rays, are a component of sunlight that can be harmful to humans, pets, plants, and various materials. The ozone layer absorbs much of this radiation, but as it gets thinner, more UV rays reach the Earth's surface. These rays can cause sunburns, heat exhaustion, and long-term damage such as skin cancer in humans. They can also cause fading, peeling, and cracking in various materials, including the exterior of your camper.

Cheap tarps, often referred to as the traditional blue tarps, are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to UV rays. In less than a summer, these tarps can start to show signs of degradation, with fading and fraying being common issues. The issue is that while the tarp may appear to be intact, it is quickly breaking down at a microscopic level. This means that water can eventually leak through, leading to moisture issues inside your camper.

Additionally, cheap tarps are typically not breathable, which can create a greenhouse effect around your camper. This can cause condensation and mould issues, further damaging your camper.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to invest in a higher-quality, RV-specific tarp. These tarps are designed to be breathable, allowing moisture to escape while still providing protection from the elements. They also often come with features like elasticized corners, tie-down straps, and rust-free grommets, making them easier to secure and less likely to cause damage to your camper.

While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper tarp to save money, the potential damage to your camper can end up costing you much more in the long run. By investing in a higher-quality tarp, you can have peace of mind knowing that your camper is properly protected from the elements.

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