Need Help Installing a Cover

[Jtenpenny1]

Need some advice on the best way to install the ETI cover on a trailer. We have a 5.0 and, since you can’t get on top of it, putting the cover on it is a “bear“.

Thanks all, I’m getting too old for this

Jim

[cpaharley2008]

I have heard of using broom handles on each side to position the cover on top....

[Brian B-P]

A suggestion: use a useful title. "Need Help" doesn't say anything; "Need help with installing cover" might attract the attention of people who have used the cover and can help.

Also, this is in the "Forum Help | Announcements | Suggestion Box" section, which is for help with using the forum, not with their trailers. This topic belongs in "Problem Solving | Owners helping each other".

[gbaglo]

Topic was discussed very recently. Do a search.
I don't use a cover, other than wax.

[katzam29]

We use a couple of hockey sticks to get it over the A/C. It's a bit of a challenge, even on a 19'.

[hondasaurus]

Originally Posted by Jtenpenny1

Need some advice on the best way to install the ETI cover on a trailer. We have a 5.0 and, since you can’t get on top of it, putting the cover on it is a “bear“.

Thanks all, I’m getting too old for this

Jim

ETI said at orientation that a piece of foam about 3 square foot by 2 inch thickness was good to distribute the weight on the roof.

This is was i do on our 19 with the help of a ladder. Also open the zipper....

Protect the sharp corner if solar and the vehicle plate for eventual tear...

[Merlin]

Just did this. Leaned a ladder on the side, had foam on the end to keep from scratching the gel coat. Pulled most of the cover on to the roof, just behind the forward vent. (We don't have the TV antenna ). Wife held up a small section of the back of the cover so it wouldn't slide back off. Pushed the cover forward with a paint stick, gravity took over and it draped over on its own.

While repositioning the ladder, I also clipped a front strap to keep it in place. Did the same routine on the back part except used paint stick until most of the remaining cover had been moved to the back over the AC.

Only issue was un-twisting the back portion of the cover as it came out of the trash container the same way we put it in prior.


This cover is very "roomy"

[padlin]

Look here http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...ver-12934.html

[dfandrews]

We use the method we learned from the folks at Calmark Covers (They're 10 miles away from us).
To remove:
We fold/roll the cover from front to middle and from rear to middle, so the twin rolls are draped in trailer center between the Maxxfan and the A/C unit, and hang down each side. Then, from one side or the other, on the ground, we pull the cover into a large plastic bag (heavy duty trash bag).


To install:
We reverse the process: throw a rope over the trailer center, tie around one end of the the twin rolls, pull the rolls over the trailer, and unroll to each end.
Don't forget the pool noodle pieces over abrupt and sharp edges.


We sometimes use a couple of 3/4" dia. PVC poles (with Tee fittings on the top end to protect the cover), to assist. (similar to the broomstick assist).

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

We use the method we learned from the folks at Calmark Covers (They're 10 miles away from us).
To remove:
We fold/roll the cover from front to middle and from rear to middle, so the twin rolls are draped in trailer center between the Maxxfan and the A/C unit, and hang down each side. Then, from one side or the other, on the ground, we pull the cover into a large plastic bag (heavy duty trash bag).


To install:
We reverse the process: throw a rope over the trailer center, tie around one end of the the twin rolls, pull the rolls over the trailer, and unroll to each end.
Don't forget the pool noodle pieces over abrupt and sharp edges.


We sometimes use a couple of 3/4" dia. PVC poles (with Tee fittings on the top end to protect the cover), to assist. (similar to the broomstick assist).

Hi Don , question for you ? With the Cal Mark cover , will the solar still charge your batteries ? We haven’t put cover on since solar install . I could shut down solar if needed I added Switches in install . I have a really nice battery charger too . Pat

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Hi Don , question for you ? With the Cal Mark cover , will the solar still charge your batteries ? We haven’t put cover on since solar install . I could shut down solar if needed I added Switches in install . I have a really nice battery charger too . Pat

I can answer that Pat. My experience with our Calmark cover on the 15B is that the solar will not get enough light to charge the batteries with the cover on. Our other cover for the 19' lets enough light through to keep the batteries charged.

[padlin]

Same as Dave, I had 1-2 amps with the cheap Adco cover I had but pretty much nothing with the Calmark. Of course I'm a good deal north of you.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Hi Don , question for you ? With the Cal Mark cover , will the solar still charge your batteries ? We haven’t put cover on since solar install . I could shut down solar if needed I added Switches in install . I have a really nice battery charger too . Pat

What I figured Don . Thanks , Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

I can answer that Pat. My experience with our Calmark cover on the 15B is that the solar will not get enough light to charge the batteries with the cover on. Our other cover for the 19' lets enough light through to keep the batteries charged.

Hi Dave , maybe just get a cheaper cover then . Our solar on the other hand doing fantastic ! If I decide to put the Calmark on , I would just shut those switches off and add my battery tender charger for the batteries ? I am asking you because you know what I installed ? Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by padlin

Same as Dave, I had 1-2 amps with the cheap Adco cover I had but pretty much nothing with the Calmark. Of course I'm a good deal north of you.

Good to know Bob .Pat

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Hi Dave , maybe just get a cheaper cover then . Our solar on the other hand doing fantastic ! If I decide to put the Calmark on , I would just shut those switches off and add my battery tender charger for the batteries ? I am asking you because you know what I installed ? Pat

Shutting off your switches should be fine. Unless you have parasitic drains on your batteries, you would not need the battery charger hooked up fulltime. Once every couple of months should be fine.

[peter]

How long do you spend in the penalty box for high sticking?

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

Shutting off your switches should be fine. Unless you have parasitic drains on your batteries, you would not need the battery charger hooked up fulltime. Once every couple of months should be fine.

Thanks Dave ! Pat

[yangstyle]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Hi Don , question for you ? With the Cal Mark cover , will the solar still charge your batteries ? We haven’t put cover on since solar install . I could shut down solar if needed I added Switches in install . I have a really nice battery charger too . Pat

I just went on the weekend to check on the battery level after having the cover on. It is the one we got from escape, it is "Overdrive by classic accessories"
The cover was on for about 1 month and the battery was fully charged. I started up the inverter so there was a draw on the batteries and the solar was inputting .5 amp so as long as I am able to sweep off the snow here I think it should be ok. I'll find out for sure later this winter.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by yangstyle

I just went on the weekend to check on the battery level after having the cover on. It is the one we got from escape, it is "Overdrive by classic accessories"
The cover was on for about 1 month and the battery was fully charged. I started up the inverter so there was a draw on the batteries and the solar was inputting .5 amp so as long as I am able to sweep off the snow here I think it should be ok. I'll find out for sure later this winter.

Sounds like you should be ok ! Pat