To Cover Or Not

[Ron in BC]

I thought that my old, but still going strong ADCO was olefin. If so, 10 plus years and still good, ADCOs $630 would look pretty good.

I've seen much older Sunbrella still in use. It might look really grubby but it was still intact.

However location, wind and solar do play a large part in life span. Hard to predict which side of the equation you're on.

Ron

 

[Shiny]

Thanks Ron in BC

I agree a custom cover with a 4 year warranty for under $700 makes sense to us. If you got 10 years out of a similar fabric, that would be a bargain.

Key will be if they warrant against sun rot for 4 years. I asked for UV test data and warranty details.

 

[iamunique127]

Does anyone have any real-life experience with these current fabric offerings? We know we want the custom fit but the costs are high if we don't have confidence in the resistance to UV degradation. If it doesn't last longer than the Classic cover that disintegrated in less than 3 years we'd be paying a lot for a custom fit.

When we ordered our CalMark cover last year we didn't have a choice. Only the new fabric was available. We considered the CalMark a premium product so took their word that the new fabric was superior.

The fabric is in no way similar to the cheap, light, fly-away fabric of the Classic Accessories covers we have had. It is more similar to the heavy, canvas-like material of the ADCO cover we had when we first bought our trailer. The fabric seems heavy duty but in fact I found the weight of the cover quite manageable. I was able to carry it up a ladder to the top of the trailer on one shoulder. There are other methods to get it up there, too. I believe they are described on the CalMark website.

The fabric does not billow in the constant wind we have here on the prairie due to the weight of the fabric and the snug fit of the cover. Hence, it shouldn't get any abrasion holes. The cover has a quality feel throughout and unrolls easily to the front and back of the trailer.

Here's a photo. The wrinkles are from my lack of pulling it tighter (finger problems) and just saying "good enough".

We've only had the cover for one year so I can't speak to the longevity or durability of the fabric. Only time will tell that. I can say that I am more confident this cover will last the duration of our remaining trailer ownership and it should be problem free. Judging by others' experiences with CalMark Covers I expect we'll pass the cover on with the trailer when we sell it.

I have posted about our CalMark Cover in several different threads on the subject so I kind of feel like an ambassador or fanboy, which I am not. So far we are pleased with our choice for a number of reasons but everyone has their own priorities, do what is best for you.

 

[DanandDaphne]

Dan and Daphne - another thank-you for letting us see your 5.0 when we lived in Montrose. It swayed us!

I got a quote from Calmark and it's simply hard for us to justify.

I just got off the phone with a Covercraft salesman who said they own ADCO but he had to refer me to their "custom department" to know if they have a pattern for our 5.0 and he could not estimate pricing. Hopefully less than Calmark...

Hopefully they will find a template or measurements from your and others' orders. If not, I may be back on here asking for details about "how" you ordered.

I'd say you're welcome but I don't think it could have been us. We showed our Escape to a couple who drove over from Meeker CO back in 2018 just after we took delivery but we haven't shown it since then. I'm glad you are enjoying your Escape though!

 

[Shiny]

I'd say you're welcome but I don't think it could have been us. We showed our Escape to a couple who drove over from Meeker CO back in 2018 just after we took delivery but we haven't shown it since then. I'm glad you are enjoying your Escape though!

I dunno... we were in Montrose and drove to see a 5.0 in Ridgway. It was in a nice wooded development on the east side of 550... maybe near the bike park or off Terrace Dr? The couple had been living in it temporarily while building/remodeling... It was parked in a driveway next to the house.

If it wasn't you, then I apologize. If it was, then thanks again because it made us go look for one.

 

[Shiny]

Thanks Ron in BC

I agree a custom cover with a 4 year warranty for under $700 makes sense to us. If you got 10 years out of a similar fabric, that would be a bargain.

Key will be if they warrant against sun rot for 4 years. I asked for UV test data and warranty details.

We got them to confirm the warranty will cover sun rot within 4 yrs. All they could tell us was they use an "olefin", which I think may be like Tyvek.... but with unknown UV performance.

We are still debating this, as it feels we are paying quite a bit for the custom fit but get similar quality material as stock-size alternatives. This is company at least has a smaller size (advertised for 20' to 23' vs one size fits all) and claims a lifetime warranty:

Link to CarCover.com "Stock Size" Covers for 20-23' 5th wheel

My guess is both of these would sun-rot within 2 to 4 years like the Classic Accessories cover we had, but would accomplish our goal of keeping sun off the camper until that happened.

We may be foolish, but the cost of the high-end custom covers is being rejected here so we are juggling tradeoffs for lower-cost alternatives.

 

[BlueMoose]

We got them to confirm the warranty will cover sun rot within 4 yrs. All they could tell us was they use an "olefin", which I think may be like Tyvek.... but with unknown UV performance.

We are still debating this, as it feels we are paying quite a bit for the custom fit but get similar quality material as stock-size alternatives. This is company at least has a smaller size (advertised for 20' to 23' vs one size fits all) and claims a lifetime warranty:

Link to CarCover.com "Stock Size" Covers for 20-23' 5th wheel

My guess is both of these would sun-rot within 2 to 4 years like the Classic Accessories cover we had, but would accomplish our goal of keeping sun off the camper until that happened.

We may be foolish, but the cost of the high-end custom covers is being rejected here so we are juggling tradeoffs for lower-cost alternatives.

Depending on how long it lasts, it may be a good deal, compared to the cost of the more expensive covers.

Save even more, use this Discount Code from their website: USA15

Here is CarCover's warranty.

The fee is determined based on the original purchase price and order date.

They have free replacement if it is within the 1st 6 months. After that it's prorated and you have to pay a portion of the cost to replace it under warranty.

For the Lifetime warranty after 5+ years, you get 30% off the price, meaning you have to pay 70% of your original purchase price.

Gold Shield 5L covers (Lifetime warranty): (RV Covers, Trailer Covers, Camper Covers)

• 0-6 months: Free cover
• 6-12 months: 70% Off
• 1-2 years: 60% Off
• 2-3 years: 50% Off
• 3-5 years: 40% Off
• 5+ years: 30% Off

Silver Shield 3L covers (5 year warranty): (RV Covers, Trailer Covers, Camper Covers)

• 0-6 months: Free cover
• 6-12 months: 70% Off
• 1-2 years: 60% Off
• 2-3 years: 50% Off
• 3-5 years: 40% Off

Terms and Conditions | CarCover.com

Explore our comprehensive Terms and Conditions page, outlining the rules, rights, and responsibilities governing your use of our services. Stay informed and make informed decisions!

www.carcover.com

 

[Shiny]

Thanks for looking that up and posting. I also found that yesterday and when I asked CarCover, was told their most expensive cover was made of polypropylene. My best AI buddy thought olefin would inherently perform better than the polypropylene, literally suggesting 2 years before it fell apart, consistent with our experience.

We decided to move ahead with the ADCO olefin custom cover. Lots of measuring to do now..

Mike

 

[HABBERDABBER]

Did your AI tell you this?
from Wikipedia:

Olefin fiber is a synthetic fiber made from a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. It is used in wallpaper, carpeting,[1] ropes, and vehicle interiors.

There may be ad writing marketing mumbo-jumbo going on.

 

[Shiny]

Agree! None of them want to share test data regarding UV degradation, at least not in this "budget" market.

And I think almost any polymer could be formulated with varying UV performance... ie. by addition of "uv stabilizers".

We are going with the lowest cost custom-fit cover and keeping our fingers crossed that they don't want to deal with a warranty claim.


Here is the ChatGPT response to my query. I interpret this as hearsay, but I collect it way faster than using my own sad search skills...

What are reported comparisons/feedback on budget polypropylene covers vs "olefin" as used by ADCO?
"

What the feedback says: Olefin (ADCO) vs Polypropylene (budget)​

Olefin (ADCO)​

• ADCO’s Olefin HD covers are described as “all-climate” and “Wind + UV” capable. For example: “These covers … block 99% of UV rays that would damage the roof of your RV.” etrailer+2RVshare+2
• In product reviews, the ADCO Olefin HD cover gets good marks for being a premium option. For example: the review site BestReviews lists the ADCO Designer Series Olefin cover as a “Best for Large RVs” pick. BestReviews
• The product specs for ADCO Olefin mention “water-resistant and UV stabilized material” that’s designed for longer life. (See product listings)

Polypropylene (budget covers)​

• Polypropylene is often described in guides as the “least expensive, lightweight” option, but one that is not very good in a long‐term setting. One blog says:
  

  “Polypropylene … is normally not very good in a long-term setting and can hardly be applied to intense situations.” Quictent

• In forum feedback:
  

  “Most inexpensive ones are Polypropylene which has terrible UV resistant properties. They turn to powder in 2 to 3 years.” Venture Family Forum

• Some mainstream budget covers using polypropylene (e.g., triple-ply PolyPRO3) get decent marks for moderate climate or indoor storage, but the warranties tend to be shorter and the expectation is lower performance. Camping World

Comparison summary​

• Durability / UV resistance: Olefin >> Polypropylene. Olefin is marketed and reviewed as more robust against UV, weather, wind. Polypropylene is “good for moderate climate / shorter term,” but many users report much shorter life in high‐sun/high-exposure situations.
• Cost: Polypropylene covers tend to be much less expensive; thus many users buy them expecting shorter lifespan.
• Fit for climate: If you’re in a high exposure zone (sunny, high altitude, big UV load) then the premium (Olefin) material probably gives you a longer life and better protection.
• Warranty / expectations: With cheaper polypropylene you should expect maybe 2–4 years in harsh sun, perhaps more in gentler conditions. With Olefin and proper installation you might expect longer (5+ years) though you still must check actual test reports and warranty fine print.

 

[Ron in BC]

I love it. No AI or research for me when I bought mine. Just stop at Camping World, look at the ADCO cover and figure out the right size and buy it. 10 years on and still going strong, I wonder if AI would have done better.

Ron

 

[HABBERDABBER]

I'm frugal. aka a "cheapskate". I've bought them slightly used from fellow Escape owners, from Craigslist postings by folks who never used theirs and via eBay by some outlet getting rid of slow moving stock.
Old Mr. Sun does a number on all of them, just at different rates. If I get 3 years out of one, I'm tickled.
I've avoided the premium covers due to frugalness and they tend to be heavy. Covering is a PITA, but I do it whenever my rig isn't used.

 

[DanandDaphne]

I dunno... we were in Montrose and drove to see a 5.0 in Ridgway. It was in a nice wooded development on the east side of 550... maybe near the bike park or off Terrace Dr? The couple had been living in it temporarily while building/remodeling... It was parked in a driveway next to the house.

If it wasn't you, then I apologize. If it was, then thanks again because it made us go look for one.

No worries, glad to know there's another 5.0 here in Ridgway. We live up on Miller Mesa south of Ridgway. If you are going toward Ouray from Ridgway we are up on the ridge to the west or on your right.

 

[AZCowboy]

I’m not enough to the forum, but I don’t quite know where to put this question so I’ll do it here and see if I get any answers. We park our Escape 19 in a lot, not too far from home, but with no overhead covering. In the summer in Arizona it gets really hot. Long ago I purchased a cloth cover (not sure what kind of cloth) to protect it from the elements but have not used it. Is it worth covering our E 19 or will it actually get even hotter inside under the cover and start things breaking down? So the question is, to cover or not to cover.

 

[Ron in BC]

I think that I'd go with covering it. Not sure that things start breaking down inside because of a cover but they sure do start breaking down if left full time in the sun.

Ron

 

[Luvnlife-ESC]

I agree. Most covers have some type of UV protection, preventing degradation of plastic.