Has anyone used a trailer cover for weather protection? How difficult are they to put on and remove? Any particular recommendations? What else can you tell me about them?
I have an older trailer that is in great shape, and I’d like it to stay that way. A carport or garage isn’t going to happen in the next year or so, so I was wondering about trailer covers as an option.
Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you!
My answer would depend on two factors: how often do you use your trailer and what is it made of? A cover would protect a trailer from the elements, but if you are using it weekly, could be more trouble than it’s worth. If you use your trailer seasonally, consider storing it inside --many here do with RVs, boats, and horse trailers --the fair grounds charges $100 for six months under-roof storage. You would not have access to your trailer at all.
If your trailer is steel, I am not sure covering it would make much difference slowing the rust issue. If it is aluminum, then you would have less cleaning to do. But be aware in my opinion, the BEST solution to keeping an aluminum trailer looking new is frequent washing and waxing. My 2004 Merhow (aluminum) trailer sat outside for 14 years, on grass. I used it weekly. I washed it weekly (ok, not in the winter, but if the hose wasn’t frozen, I washed it). When I sold it two weeks ago, it still looked new --no rust/corrosion, no black streaks, no stains --oh, I bought another Merhow.
My white trailer sat out under trees --no protection at all.
But, --not everyone has a husband who is a classic car buff and knows every product to use to keep a vehicle looking great, or a place where they park by a hose every time they use the trailer.
Still, my answer is washing/waxing is better than covering --but inside storage is best if you don’t use the trailer.
And since you are reading this —have your tires checked every year, replaced every 3-5. Always have a fire extinguisher in your trailer (and truck) --$12 could save your horse’s life.
It is important to have good air circulation around the trailer or vehicle. Tying a “cover” over it usually negates air circulation, especially in a damp climate. Keeping “dampness” close to the trailer will cause it to rot. Just because a store offers to sell you something doesn’t mean that it is a good idea to buy one and use it. They will sell you anything that you will buy. Leave it open so it can dry out when it can.
Thank you both for your replies. Doesn’t sound like a great idea, according to your feedback. I use my trailer every week or two, though there might be stretches here and there when it sits for a month or two (recent abscess recovery, sometimes the worst of winter, etc.).
Foxglove, my trailer is aluminum over a steel frame (Trail-et). I do maintain it religiously and always carry a fire extinguisher, but thanks for the advice. Just would like to find a way to keep it out of the weather.
Thank you!
I use a heavy duty tarp, cheaper & lasts about the same amount of time.
parking the trailer when not used on concrete or a paved asphalt surface surely helps keep ground moisture from condensing on a trailer frame or in a trailer.
Our 14 year steel trailer was mistaken as a new trailer this last summer. It is kept clean, it is polished and maintained but sets outside on a concrete pad year round.
Also check with your auto insurance carrier about an agreed value coverage on your trailer… it cost us 17 cents a month for an agreed value with $500 deductible … I asked them twice are you sure? Yes.
If you use your trailer more than once a month, then a cover is going to be a pain in the neck removing and replacing tight enough to thwart wind.
If your trailer is going to sit for 2-6 months untouched, a tight, well fitted cover will keep it protected and clean.
Be aware that wind will always be a problem. You’ll have to snug the cover tight on all sides and ends or it will billow and lift off when the breezes hit. If you can site the trailer out of the wind you will be three steps ahead of the game.
I had a cover for my steel 18’ gooseneck. I used my trailer at least once every other week, and in short order I learned to just stuff the cover (which was bulky and demanded a lot of storage space) off to the side and wait for winter when I wasn’t using the trailer. Then when I did use the cover, i had to deal with wind trying to lift it off. The cover had to be 100% secure, or it ended up being ripped and torn. There were times I wanted to get into the trailer, and the cover made even that small concession impossible with having to remove the cover halfway off the trailer.
After a year of use, I gave up. It just wasn’t worth it.
I also have a trail-et, its 15 years od and still looks brand new, so you made a good choice! Mine has always been stored outside in a variety of climates and I probably only get around to washing it once a year. Just to ease your mind, sounds like you are doing more than enough to keep it nice! For sure insure it (comprehensive), if you haven’t already.
Thanks, everyone! @gothedistance, that’s exactly the kind of info I was wondering about. @clanter and @ClassyJumper, my trailer is insured, but I will look into the agreed value, especially since a used 2-horse with a dressing room is a unicorn trailer these days (and “worth” much more than the insurance company believes it is, I’m sure, based on its age). And, yes, @ClassyJumper, I love my Trail-et. It’s my second used one. I have always been a huge fan of the Trail-ets.
Thanks again, all!
our insurance carrier, USAA, when we added the trailer to auto policy asked who was the manufacturer, date built and then What is Worth? We agreed upon a set value of cost without need of a secondary evaluation.
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