Are Metal RV Covers Worth The Cost?

Above, my Winnebago in its metal garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I moved to Jamestown, New Mexico three years ago, I knew that I was moving into an area that is 7,000 feet in elevation. The higher the elevation, the more UV rays a motorhome or trailer is bombarded with, along with damaging wind, rain and snow. 

That is why I had a metal RV garage (that I call the GOCO Beast Barn*) built for my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie. It cost $6,000.

Do It Yourself RV has an article that asks, "Metal RV Covers, Are They Worth The Expense?" 

They begin with:

Many RVers are turning to metal RV covers to protect their RVs while not in use, but are metal RV covers the best choice financially?

Everyone can agree that exposure to the elements is detrimental to RVs. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can shorten the life of the rubber roof, age and discolor vents on the roof and sides of an RV, fade siding and decals, fade or deteriorate interior drapery, cause cracks to form on vinyl dashboards, sun rot tires, and a host of other detriments.

Precipitation falling on your RV can cause water intrusion through seams in the roof, around windows and through joints in the siding, which can be costly. Excessive snow on the roof can result in damage to structural members along with cracked roof vents and/or air conditioner shrouds. Windblown debris can also plug side gutters and result in holes poked in the roof.

There is no doubt that covering your RV can prevent some or a majority of these detriments from occurring, but what type of cover is best?

For me, the GOCO Beast Barn was worth the cost. 

To find the answer, go here. 

*GOCO = Garage of Comparative Ovations.