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Aria · 10-21-2006, 08:10 PM

We have read...do not cover your Airstream. We live in New York State where in the Fall there falling leaves. In the Winter snow. Do we cover?
I know it would be super to have it undercover in a building. At the moment we do not have a home for our Aria GT. A cover so Aria can take a breath?
Or no cover? Thanks Anne

Airstream25 · 10-21-2006, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anne Inman

We have read...do not cover your Airstream. We live in New York State where in the Fall there falling leaves. In the Winter snow. Do we cover?
I know it would be super to have it undercover in a building. At the moment we do not have a home for our Aria GT. A cover so Aria can take a breath?
Or no cover? Thanks Anne

Every comment I have seen on this subject is do not cover.
The wind moving the cover will cause abrasion.

Fyrzowt · 10-21-2006, 11:02 PM

I'm in the same position as you, but with milder California weather. I asked the same question here a couple of weeks ago. Search for "soft cover" to find other posts on the subject. It seemed to be unanimous that you should not cover it with any cover (Soft or not) if the cover would touch the skin. If you come up with a way to avoid the two touching, and therefore avoid the abrasion that comes with dirt on the surfaces, then go for it. I've come to the conclusion that I will have to either put up a Metal carport type cover, or make up a framework that would hold the soft cover off of the skin.
Dave

**azflycaster** · 10-21-2006, 11:18 PM

In Arizona the biggest concern is the damage from the sun. I keep my trailer at a covered RV storage yard. I would never put a cover on my trailer.

Silvertwinkie · 10-22-2006, 06:53 AM

I would not cover it. If it was an older unit that didn't have the new(er) Aloca coating on it as your unit does, I'd say sure, but in wind, the cover will rub against the finish and from what I've read here, it will rub enough to eventually damage it.

A good washing and Walbernizing should help protect the finish as much as can be expected with something exposed to the elements. Ideally, you'd like to have it inside, but when it's not possible.......

One other suggestion with outdoor parking is that you cover the tires. UV, the elements take their toll on the rubber. I read that here too, and it isn't an Airstream exclusive either. Trailer tires I've read take more abuse than car tires, covering them when not in use seems to be highly recommended.

CanoeStream · 10-22-2006, 07:55 AM

My Safari spent about 4 days in the driveway under a tree this week. There were enough leaves around that it had drips and runs of "tea" down the side. It washed off very well but this was only after a short exposure. Would clearcoat develop a golden tint after a long time? There is absolutely no risk from snow, snow turning to ice, etc., on the roof of your Airstream.

I firmly believe when you look at breakdown of seals and clearcoat that Airstreams will benefit from some permanent shelter during storage. Richard's explanation about Arizona is almost as applicable up north IMHO -- we don't have the heat but imagine your skin if you sunburned 365 days a year. Floor deterioration comes after unrecognized seal breakdown. Long term care of 'our babies' does result in much better condition at the 20- and 30-year point. I rent a storage garage -- something that is not available nor affordable in many locations. I recall several threads with photos of temporary shelters in the past but found this one for now: http://www.airforums.com/forum...r-s-13941.html