Should I cover my Airstream?

[mcintoshMD]

This may have already been asked/posted elsewhere. Is it advisable to cover the AS like you would with the car that is parked outside? Just to avoid rain ,wind and snow.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by mcintoshMD

This may have already been asked/posted elsewhere. Is it advisable to cover the AS like you would with the car that is parked outside? Just to avoid rain ,wind and snow.

MD

A topic that provokes differing opinions......

Thru the neg experience I had with covering a car, I say NO.

I have not found a cover that is truly waterproof and would not scratch the AS when flapping during a mighty wind.

Read on......http://www.airforums.com/forums/f458...ml#post1045974

Bob

[Stefrobrts]

Covering an AS is a bad idea. The cover will flap around and cut through your clearcoat and leave a 'polished' streak on your trailer. Unfortunately that means a big black mark on the aluminum

We keep ours under a vinyl carport next to our shop. That keeps the weather off without touching the skin.

[mcintoshMD]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

MD

A topic that provokes differing opinions......

Read on......http://www.airforums.com/forums/f458...ml#post1045974

Bob

Oh no, I just escaped from the other topic , just kidding.
Used to have a 35 ft flying bridge boat, the cabin was always leaking, de ja vu.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by mcintoshMD

Oh no, I just escaped from the other topic , just kidding.
Used to have a 35 ft flying bridge boat, the cabin was always leaking, de ja vu.

Well Doc...our AS is now 8yrs old and I THINK I have all the leaks fixed.
At least 'til next Springs get-ready.

It's not that covers are bad....just not so much on Airstreams!!!


Our "little boat" always has some bilge water after an afternoon of cruising but at least it don't leak.

Bob

[mcintoshMD]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Well Doc...our AS is now 8yrs old and I THINK I have all the leaks fixed.
At least 'til next Springs get-ready.

It's not that covers are bad....just not so much on Airstreams!!!

Our "little boat" always has some bilge water after an afternoon of cruising but at least it don't leak.

Bob

You are the winner, one with the most toys,jealous.
How about, if the forecast is bad , one cover it up and remove the tarp when it's dry?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by mcintoshMD

You are the winner, one with the most toys,jealous.
How about, if the forecast is bad , one cover it up and remove the tarp when it's dry?

Doc,

I wouldn't worry just about moisture getting under the AS cover, even a moderate wind could cause chaffing of the clearcoat, leaving behind some pretty nasty scratches.

"Little Boat" don't have that problem, the gel-coat is much more resistant to scratches.

BTW..... DW is responsible for "Little Boat".

Bob

[JFScheck]

No covers to cars or Airstreams, that includes auto bras for you car lovers (but I do love the 3m clear bras)...

[RickDavis]

I have found a protective coating of mildew to work quite well

[AWCHIEF]

I think a lot of the "opinions" are based on the old heavy non-breathing covers. They were very abrasive and being unable to breath contributed to heavy mildew build up. There are new covers out now made with modern materials that might be worth looking at for short term storage. That said, I personally would not use a cover. I also have a white tarp covered portable garage that I park mine under. It easier to get to the trailer and it so nice just to sit and look at the gal not hidden away under some cover.

[MrUKToad]

What about these big truck tent things; sort of temporary garage? Do they make 'em big enough?

[Stefrobrts]

I use a vinyl carport to cover my trailer. The cover (the vinyl part) falls apart every year or so and I have to replace it, the frame has been good for years. I have it attached to the side of our shop so it won't move around. You can boost up the legs with blocks if you need more height, but ours doesn't have AC so it fits nicely without any trouble.

I think any cover that touches the trailer would leave rub marks because the wind will blow it around. If you're storing in an enclosed shop then a dust cover would probably be fine.

[Bluto]

On my first Airstream I used a custom cover that was made in the Evolution material. It ruined the plasticoat on the stream in the first season. Now I rent a covered storage spot for my newer trailer and truck. My advice based on my experience is don't use a cover on the trailer. The portable instant garages better and a building or solid roof
are best.

I have also used the Instant Garage with doors and the material extends all the way to the ground, for several years, and they hold up well in hail, high winds and snow. The one I'm talking about has a domed roof so snow and ice slides off, and hail the size of golf balls just bounce off. One problem with them is humidity stays inside. I'd stick a fan under it and several vents in the material to keep rust from happening to the frame.