Cover needed for storage.

[rambit]

Ive got a '77 Beachcomber B15. I store it in our yard all winter long (Nova Scotia, Canada). It gets a lot of dirt and stuff on it from the trees all year long, and in the winter, a lot of snow.


What would be a good brand of cover to buy for it. I just got it painted this year, and would like to keep it clean(ish) over the non-camping seasons.

Thoughts?

[wwig]

Hey Christopher,
Here in the states Camping world carries a variety of covers at 2-4 different price points. Calmark are highly regarded covers and are custom made for a variety of fiberglass trailers. I don't know if the make them for your particular trailer but their website says they are custom made so they should be able to help you. They are located in Oxnard CA. Phone# 1-800-838-7326. We have one for our Casita and are very happy with it. Hope that helps. Peace!

[Borrego Dave]

Originally Posted by rambit

Ive got a '77 Beachcomber B15. I store it in our yard all winter long (Nova Scotia, Canada). It gets a lot of dirt and stuff on it from the trees all year long, and in the winter, a lot of snow.
What would be a good brand of cover to buy for it. I just got it painted this year, and would like to keep it clean(ish) over the non-camping seasons.
Thoughts?

Chris, would a carport be out of the question? I'm a little leary of covers after a buddy of mine had a nicely restored car stored under a $$$ fitted car cover that had some of the paint marred up by dust that had filtered through it. Even with it being a snug fit it still moves a bit from the wind. He wasn't happy.

[rambit]

A carport would be ideal... however... a little more than i want to spend.

I would like to keep the trailer in good shape. I hear your concerns about the marring of the paint, but I think I could take that risk. Currently, I'm getting tired of rubbing sap and pushing old leaves off of it.

Thanks for the input. I'll check out those covers you recommended, Wayne

[Mr Lynn]

Has anyone found an inexpensive metal-framed canvas carport that doesn't get reviews like, "Great, except in high wind and snow"?

We live in New England. . .

/Mr Lynn

[Melody beachcomber]

Please update with what you decide upon. I'm from Saskatchewan Canada and just bought a 77 Beachcomber B15 as well! Can get a fair bit of snow and down to -40C in the winter.

I live in a condo and will need to store the trailer at a friends acreage about an hour away over winter.

Just saw an add for a "heavy duty poly tarp" on sale at princess auto. Was looking at Peavy Mart and they had more expensive canvas tarps (in addition to poly). I also saw a fluffy white "insulation" tarp. Really wondering what is the best tarp material to use. Also, wondering if you belt it down over roof and down sides of trailer or if it's best to build a carport with the tarp (attach to trees etc.) and not have tarp directly on the fibreglass? Any special treatment for the roof vent storing over winter?

[polskasila]

Go to Harbor Freight they have just what you need for affordable price!
See youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBBGob34Bq8

[Island Claire]

While it is still summerish, grap some pool noodles. They work very well as a buffer on the roof of the trailer. They also allow more air circulation under the tarp. Just lay them across the roof and tarp over them.

Here on the west coast we use a double layer of tarp over pool noodles. We tie it down tight so it has very little movement.

[Mr Lynn]

Originally Posted by polskasila

Go to Harbor Freight they have just what you need for affordable price!
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You're in New Hampshire. Will these survive snowstorms and nor'easters?

/Mr Lynn

[Melody beachcomber]

Originally Posted by Island Claire

While it is still summerish, grap some pool noodles. They work very well as a buffer on the roof of the trailer. They also allow more air circulation under the tarp. Just lay them across the roof and tarp over them.

Here on the west coast we use a double layer of tarp over pool noodles. We tie it down tight so it has very little movement.

Thank you! Our weather is a lot harsher in winter than yours. Do you use any poly tarp or is there a particular brand/type that works best? I've seen various prices and thicknesses, I suppose the thickest one can afford?

[Glenn Baglo]

I don't have a cover for my trailer, other than a good coat of quality wax.
In my years here and on another forum I have only read bad experiences and warnings not to use poly tarps. Proper Calmark covers seem most recommended, but I'm sticking with wax.

[dogteam]

Just a quick suggestion for anyone wanting to try out the cheapo shelters...the fabric is generally pretty heavy duty, I use one from the Co-op here in Alberta...BUT...what usually happens is no matter how securely you think you have it staked down, a little rain softens the ground and the wind carries it off. What I ended up doing is rounding up about 20 sturdy pallets to make a "floor", and building the shelter on that. With quads, mowers...or a trailer...sitting on those, it's unlikely to be going anywhere. Drive around a bit, and you should be able to find some that need hauling away.

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by rambit

Ive got a '77 Beachcomber B15. I store it in our yard all winter long (Nova Scotia, Canada). It gets a lot of dirt and stuff on it from the trees all year long, and in the winter, a lot of snow.

What would be a good brand of cover to buy for it. I just got it painted this year, and would like to keep it clean(ish) over the non-camping seasons.

Thoughts?

Chris,

I'll offer this under the "thoughts in gestation" category as I notice you didn't ask for "clever thoughts" or, worse yet, "really good ideas".

It appears that codes and such would not allow me to build a carport or any such "structure" in the only location that is practical for our property. So, as with so many things, I have pondered alternatives.

One is to have a relatively lightweight welded-steel moment-frame constructed. From there I would fasten the feet to the slab our trailer sits on and cover the frame with awning fabric of some sort. That's something I'm pondering trying out on the building officials; in essence exploring the limits of what defines a "structure".

One of my whackier ideas of late is to build a "hat" for the trailer. I imagine something with light (nominal 1x2?) wood framing members with glue-and-screwed stress skin panels of very light plywood (1/8" to 1/4"), perhaps on both the tops and bottoms of the framing. This would be coated with SpanTex or Fiberglass or some other weatherproof coating system. It would be custom designed with curved framing members to conform to the shape of the trailer's roof and rooftop AC.

There would be foam strategically placed between the "hat" and the trailer roof. It would have attachment points for "chinstraps" (ratchet straps) to run under the trailer and hold the "hat" down securely. The "hat" probably would not have any side panels as, in our climate, I am primarily concerned with rain and UV exposure. We do have very high winds that will be an issue, but I am mainly concerned with reducing the potential of leakage from chronic exposure to rain from above.

Remember, you did only ask for "thoughts".

[reeves99]

ive used this cover for several years now, and 3 of those were in Quebec where the trailer was in a snowy, windswept spot. It's stood up very well. The material is a soft, breathable, woven synthetic but very strong. And no wear on the trailer. I got it online. It was the 13' Trillium size.
It would be like those ones from California or Camping world. I remember it cost around $100.

[rambit]

That seems to be what I'm leaning towards Philip, however I think it will have to be a custom cover, as there doesn't seem to be a standard beachcomber size.

Thanks for all the input everyone!


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