Alaska RV Winter Storage
To cover or not to cover? That is the question. Every winter we are faced with the dilemma of whether it is a good idea to cover your RV during the long cold Alaskan winter. While there are conflicting thoughts on this subject what we know with certainty is that if you do cover your motor home or travel trailer it must be done correctly to prevent condensation and mold.
Our biggest reason for covering is to protect against snow accumulation that won't have an opportunity freeze and thaw allowing water to make way into the seams on the coach causing leaks and excessive damage. So lets look at the options for covering your RV for winter storage in Alaska.
Commercial RV Covers
We have all seen them, protective covers for RV's, motor homes, campers, trailers, tire and wheel covers and other custom applications for your RV too but are they worth their expense and which ones work best in Alaska's harsh winters?
A wide range of commercially available custom fit covers are available and there are many good reasons to use them. Just be sure to follow the included manufactures installation instructions to a tee if you hope to get the maximum benefit they can offer.
If you plan on covering your RV for the winter, I definitely recommend purchasing one of the commercial covers with the breathable fabric. Not only will this help eliminate any condensation problems but it also helps in protecting from the dreaded mold and mildew common to Alaska. Additionally you might consider putting an electric dehumidifier in the RV too as a added precaution and to help keep it dry inside.
Covering your RV with a Tarp
Without and doubt this is the most common cover you see in Alaska but if you cover the vehicle to tight or leave it on to long then you're inviting trouble. On warm or sunny days there is the possibility of developing condensation under the tarps and inside the rv. This condensation need some way to escape and tarps do not allow for the transfer causing a buildup of moisture and eventually mold will form.
