Tarp for Winter Storage?

[marant]

Has anyone used a large tarp to cover their Escape for the winter, and with what results? Besides issues of fitment and condensation are there other potential problems? With the cost and limited longevity of custom covers it might be a viable alternative if there are no serious disadvantages, especially now that there are sizes that will cover the entire trailer.

[tractors1]

Used a tarp with a different trailer. If you do, be sure to cover the tie-down hole metal rings with duct tape or something to protect the trailer. High winds will cause the tarp to flap around a bit and cause them to ding the surface of the trailer in random patterns.

[HABBERDABBER]

UV solar exposure gives them a season of use, often. They're made of a slippery plastic, polypropylene, and won't scratch things, but do be careful, as mentioned, of grommets or other attachment devices that can scratch. Tie it down securely, and often, everywhere. Think of the tarp as a sacrificial layer.....the UV degrades it, and not the trailer gel coat. They make white ones that can blend in a bit more than the blue ones. They also make silver ones with better UV resistance. Heck, they make camouflaged versions if you're wanting to "go dark".
OK. I'm done harping about tarping.

Almost. Condensation is not much of an issue with pre-made overs, and fitment is likely also not an issue. If you got the coin, a commercial E21cover will last 4 or more years. It's the UV in sunlight that degrades these things, big time. Got a shade tree to park it under? Do so.

[Ron in BC]

One of the biggest car storage mistakes I ever made was to use a tarp to cover what now would be a very valuable car. I wrapped her up good, no raindrop would ever touch her. Unfortunately I created a greenhouse and a lot of rust. If a tarp is put on and secured tightly around the perimeter of the trailer it can't breath and that can create a very humid environment, not good.

So if you use a tarp make sure you leave window areas free so that there's some flow of air to the interior.

I use a painter's drop sheet over the roof, keeps fine particles from going through the trailer cover and staining the roof. But the cover hangs free on the sides and air can flow in or out of the cracked open windows.

Ron