Roof top cover

[baldwin6601]

We have a 2010 22' Sport that is stored outdoors. I have had a tarp suspended above the AS for the past two winters to help keep leaves, rain and snow off the top. This spring I discovered that sure enough, the tarp was rubbing just a little bit on the aluminum close to the white metal roof, and now we have the "patina" from that rubbing. Now I'm envisioning a canvas or cloth top that is exactly the size of the white metal roof. I'm thinking that it would have velcroe sewn to the cloth and I would glue velcroe to the white metal roof where it would be out of sight. The dimensions of the cloth would have to leave it loose enough to fit up over the air conditioner, the TV antenna, the skylight and the vent. Has anyone ever seen something like what I'm describing or is this my first invention?

[terryV]

I've seen guys try that with cars stored outside. It wasn't pretty. Wind will whip that canvas and beat your paint and aluminum even when you think there is no way.

Around here there are lots of aliminum "carports". They are basically an Al roof on metal poles. You can get them in almost any size, and the poles in almost any height. You could even get sides for it, making it almost a garage.

I looked into it for my Classic. Seemed like a good idea till my wife vetoed the whole idea. It seems she didn't want it in her yard, no matter how good it looked.

[polarlyse]

I see them do the shrink wrap on boats and wonder if that would be an option for an AS trailer and just what the cost is. I saw them do it on TV and it was pretty labor / time intensive so methinks it would be pretty $$$$$.

[Denis4x4]

I had a restored a 1955 La Cabana travel trailer crushed when the snow load collapsed one of those aluminum "car ports". There's no easy answer short of a purpose built shelter.

[AnnArborBob]

I would not try to put any tarp on the AS roof (even just the "white part".) I suspect that the potential for damage would outweigh any potential benefit. If you are concerned about damage from above, I would invest in a hard roofed shelter of some type, be it one of those carport things or a purpose built structure. Alternatively, you might be able to find indoor storage in your area for a reasonable price.

[nickclifford]

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

I would not try to put any tarp on the AS roof (even just the "white part".) I suspect that the potential for damage would outweigh any potential benefit. If you are concerned about damage from above, I would invest in a hard roofed shelter of some type, be it one of those carport things or a purpose built structure. Alternatively, you might be able to find indoor storage in your area for a reasonable price.

When you say damage, like seriously how much damage ? I had to make a decision this week, we've had tsunami of rain storms here in nor cal! over 12" .. My recently acquired 1972 trailer was leaking terribly!! I've pulled a tarp over it ... Have a fan running inside and leaving windows open when not raining .. Lots of dampness inside now, mositure on inside of window glass etc ..
What's worse ? let the rain pour in or pull a tarp up.. I can make it very secure, so no flapping around.. And can start searching for leaks when the weather breaks .. But could be several months at this point. So much for a dry winter here again . Any thoughts ? thx

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by polarlyse

I see them do the shrink wrap on boats and wonder if that would be an option for an AS trailer and just what the cost is. I saw them do it on TV and it was pretty labor / time intensive so methinks it would be pretty $$$$$.

When I lived in Maine we shrink wrapped our boats for the winter. There was usually some abrasion of the teak and gel coat. I would not chance it with an Aistream.

[6Sticks]

Thought I’d send this along. Many have commented on needing ways to keep AS covered without having to worry about backing into a tight spot with poles on both sides of AS. This structure works awesome! I have temporary supports in front when snow may be coming that I put under when needed, but makes it nice to use canopy and nothing blocking views.

[FishByFly]

6Sticks, I like your design concept and reasoning behind it. But, if you are concerned about snow load, wind loading would be of equal concern. Did you have any loading calculations run?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by polarlyse

I see them do the shrink wrap on boats and wonder if that would be an option for an AS trailer and just what the cost is. I saw them do it on TV and it was pretty labor / time intensive so methinks it would be pretty $$$$$.

Marine shrink wrap here in WNYS... $12-25 per sq ft.

Bob
🇺🇸

We do not cover...

[JayOhBee]

Originally Posted by nickclifford

When you say damage, like seriously how much damage ? I had to make a decision this week, we've had tsunami of rain storms here in nor cal! over 12" .. My recently acquired 1972 trailer was leaking terribly!! I've pulled a tarp over it ... Have a fan running inside and leaving windows open when not raining .. Lots of dampness inside now, mositure on inside of window glass etc ..
What's worse ? let the rain pour in or pull a tarp up.. I can make it very secure, so no flapping around.. And can start searching for leaks when the weather breaks .. But could be several months at this point. So much for a dry winter here again . Any thoughts ? thx

I see you are in Felton. The rain there is going to be pretty extensive this week with no end in sight. I would get one of those aluminum "carports" ASAP to protect the AS from leaks.