6 Best RV Covers for Winter and Snow (All RV Classes)

There is a time and a place for everything.

For me, winter is not the time for RV living. I’m just not on that level yet. (Maybe someday). 

So what to do with your trusty home-on-wheels during the frigid months?

Indoor storage is pricey, but leaving it out in the elements can cause damage.

The solution?

A quality RV cover for winter.

The problem is, not all winter RV covers are created equal. The last thing you want is to invest in a cover, only to find damage in the spring.

In this guide, we’ll cover (pun intended):

1️⃣ What to look for in an RV cover
2️⃣ The best RV covers for snow and winter weather — for all RV classes and sizes

Let’s dive in.

Why Cover Your RV?

Why should you put a cover on your RV? 

As an outdoor vehicle built to travel long distances and withstand varying climates and conditions, you might be thinking — is this even necessary? 

It is.

Your rig is an investment. One that should last many years…if you take care of it.

Wet weather, heavy snow, high winds, wildlife, and even strong UV rays pose a threat to your RV’s interior and exterior.  Weather damage will not only put a damper on your springtime camping adventures, but it’ll also knock off some of your RV’s resale value.

All it takes is one unprotected winter to wreak havoc.

The best RV covers provide durable and waterproof protection from the harsh weather conditions that come with winter.

If you want a long life out of your RV, just consider the price of a quality cover to be part of your RV cost of living. 

And if you know other RVers who aren’t taking good care of their rig, this could make an awesome RV gift!

Here’s how to choose an RV cover that’ll keep your baby warm, cozy, and safe.

TL;DR — Best RV Cover for Winter (For Each RV Class)

If you’re in a hurry, here are the top cover options for each RV class. All of these have various sizing options to fit your RV snugly. That said, it’s worth reading on to understand what makes a good RV cover.

Best Class A RV Cover: KING BIRD Upgraded Class A RV Cover
Best Class B RV Cover: Classic Accessories Over Drive PermaPRO Class B RV Cover
Best Class C RV Cover: KING BIRD Upgraded Class C RV Cover
Best Travel Trailer Cover for Winter: RVMasking Heavy Duty 300D Top Windproof Travel Trailer Cover
Best Fifth-Wheel RV Cover: KING BIRD 5th Wheel Extra-Thick Cover
Best Free-Standing RV Cover: Abba Patio Heavy Duty Carport 

What to look for in an RV cover for winter

The best RV covers come in a variety of types and sizes, durable materials, different levels of weather resistance, and some have a few useful features that you may find very important. 

Below are the key factors to consider when looking to buy the best RV cover. 

Cover Type 

There are two ways you can protect your RV:

A freestanding structure. Often a metal or wood structure with a covered awning or solid roof. These are a more permanent solution, allow you to park inside, and have multiple uses.

A form-fitting fabric RV cover. These covers fit snugly over your RV. They can be a pain to take on and off, but most have zipper panels that allow you to access the inside.

In this guide, we focus on fabric covers.

But why then can’t you just cover your RV with a tarp and a little creativity?

This might do in a pinch for a single night, but specifically made fabric RV covers are far superior in durability, dependability, and most importantly, protection. 

The last thing you want is to be running out in the middle of the night during a hail storm because your homemade cover blew off and hail is denting your RV into oblivion.

Size

RVs come in a lot of sizes – and shapes. 

From fifth wheels to camper vans, you must identify your RV type and take precise measurements to ensure the right fit. 

Head to the end of this article to see how to best measure your RV for the right cover.

Material

The best fabric for you depends on the weather conditions you expect to face. 

Polypropylene 
The most common fabric choice along with polyester, these fabric covers are resistant to water and acid damage as well as cracking or tearing. They aren’t generally waterproof though, so make sure you double-check before grabbing one of these if you live in a rain-heavy winter climate.

Polyester
A less expensive material that won’t offer much water or snow protection, but could be the right choice if you need protection against strong UV rays.

Solution-dyed acrylic
This acrylic fabric is made using UV-resistant dyes that also provide for a bit of waterproofing. RV covers made with this type of material are good for both wet and sunny winter conditions.

Polyethylen
This is a strong and sturdy material that’s great for rain and snow as well as high winds and falling debris. The material is fairly tear-resistant and its nonporous qualities allow good waterproofing while still being breathable.

In addition to the type of fabric, it’s important to note how many layers the RV cover is made with. More layers mean more protection. But more layers also mean less breathability. More on that in a sec.

Breathability + Wind Vents

If you live in a more humid or moisture-filled area with frequent rains, you’ll want to make sure your RV cover’s fabric is breathable. 

If not, you’re asking for mold. 

If you need a highly waterproof cover, the material probably won’t be very breathable. To avoid moisture build-up, look for covers with air vents.

Lastly, wind vents are essential for windy conditions. They let wind pass through in specific spots, keeping your RV cover from tearing to shreds. 

Accessibility

Do you need to access your RV from time to time when it’s covered? Look for an RV cover with zippered panels which allow simpler access to your RV when needed. 

Be careful to note where the zippered panels are. Not all RVs have the same layout, and you want to make sure your door aligns with the panels.

Guarantee & Customer Service

Customer service can make or break your experience. While we rounded up the top-quality covers, nothing is indestructible. When you cinch material down over pointy surfaces, you risk ripping your cover, no matter how strong the material is. 

If this happens, a company with good customer service (like many we recommend) won’t hesitate to send you patches or potentially a whole replacement cover. If you choose a no-name company with no reviews, you might be stuck with a ripped cover.

The longer the company’s guarantee period, the better.

Weather conditions to consider when buying your winter RV cover 

Snow

The prettiest yet most damaging part of winter. RVers who live in snowy climates know how tough it can be to battle snow and ice. 

Your best bet if you live in an area that gets heavy winter snow is to build a solid permanent structure versus buying an RV cover. Snow can weigh quite a lot and has been known to dent RV roofs.

If that’s not an option, there are great RV covers designed to keep snow off. 

The best RV covers for snow are made from high-quality polypropylene or polyester. These nonporous materials prevent melting snow and ice from filtering through your cover and into your RV. They should also come with an extra waterproof coating and a few strategically placed air vents to prevent moisture buildup. 

Rain

If you’re mostly dealing with a wet winter of rain and the occasional hail, you don’t have to be quite as picky with your cover. 

Look for breathable covers that are also water-resistant. Single-layer sides and double or triple-layered fabric over the top and the windows might be a smart buy to provide extra protection against leaks.

In damp environments, make sure your RV cover has a few air vents. Otherwise you might take off your RV cover in spring and need to remove mold buildup. 

Wind

High winds carry small and large debris around which can hit your vehicle and cause dents, scratches, and even a broken window if left uncovered. 

The best RV covers for wind are those made from stronger and heavier fabrics that have plenty of air vents. 

If wind is your most pressing environmental concern, it’s extra important to find a cover with a snug fit.

UV Rays

UV rays are damaging. To your skin, to your eyes – and yup, to your RV. Extreme sunlight can damage the exterior paint through cracking, peeling, and fading.

UV rays can also cause cracking along exposed interior pieces (like your dashboard), dry out sealants, and even crack your tires. Even if you don’t get a full RV cover for sun protection, you may want to at least get tire covers, as your tires will incur the most damage from strong UV rays.

What are the best RV covers for winter in 2023?

Now that you know what to look for, here are our top fits for each type of RV. These are not “custom fit” covers, as those are significantly more expensive. But with all of the adjustments, straps, and tie-downs, all of these covers fit snug as a bug.

Best Class A RV Cover: KING BIRD Class A

The KING BIRD Class A Cover is built for the elements. Designed with extra-thick Anti-UV Ripstop and three- to five-ply layers, it’ll protect your Class A from wind, rain, snow, dirt, nicks, and scratches.

While it is supposedly “tear-proof”, I wouldn’t recommend testing the limits.

The design leaves your RV doors and engine area accessible, which is super handy. These covers are ginormous, and zippered accessibility panels are a lifesaver if you don’t want to remove the entire cover every time you need to get inside.

The KING BIRD comes in two sizes to fit the most common Class A dimensions.

Best Class B RV Cover: Classic Accessories Over Drive PermaPRO

Class B RVs are more likely to fit into a garage, but many may still be too tall.

The Over Drive PermaPRO comes in three different sizes. It’s made of a quick-drying ripstop fabric designed to protect from water, dirt, and sun damage.

The elastic hem keeps the cover nice and snug around the bottom, and zippered panels give access to doors and storage compartments. 

And when springtime comes, everything packs neatly into a nice little duffel bag.

Best Class C RV Cover: KING BIRD Class C

The KING BIRD Class C cover is made of the same tough Anti-UV Ripstock that KING BIRD is known for.

It has five layers up top, 3-ply siding, and six air vents — all designed to keep your Class C toasty and dry.

Zipper access panels give you access to the interior and engine, and while it is said to be tear-proof, it’s a good idea to cover any sharp or protruding edges before putting the cover on. 

Best Travel Trailer Cover for Winter: RVMasking Heavy Duty 300D

The RVMasking is a fitting name. It’s a mask for your RV that delivers excellent protection against high winds and tough winter storms — making it one of the best travel trailer covers for winter.

The heavy-duty RV cover is made with 500D anti-aging tear-resistant fabric that is built to last. So much so that they offer the longest warranty of any cover on this list — 3 years.

Waterproof coating and an anti-UV coating add even greater durability and water resistance to the mix. 

This is a great RV cover for high winds, coming with a simple yet sturdy waterproof strap and buckle system along the bottom of the cover. Elasticized corners and adjustable tension panels at the front and back mean this RV cover isn’t going anywhere, even in powerful gusts.

Here is a quick review and installation video showing how the RVMasking cover works:

(Note: If you prioritize price over top quality, the Covercraft Wolf CY31042 is a great budget alternative)

Best Fifth-Wheel RV Cover: KING BIRD 5th Wheel Extra-Thick

The KING BIRD 5th Wheel cover is similar to the Class A and C covers.

It comes with a five-layer top, three-ply siding, six air vents, and loads of straps and tie-downs to keep the cover secure in the harshest of weather.

It also comes with zippered panels for accessibility, wheel covers, and an impressive 24-month limited warranty.

Best Free-Standing RV Cover: Abba Patio Heavy Duty Carport 

A free-standing RV cover only works well for Class B RVs and smaller travel trailers. 

They take up more space than a normal cover, but they’re also more versatile — allowing you to easily use your RV while keeping it protected whenever you’re parked. It’s basically like an extra garage.

The Abba Patio is 10 feet by 20 feet with a 9.4-foot entrance door. This should be high enough for most Class Bs as long as you don’t have any high antennas.

The frame is made of heavy-duty powder-coated steel, and the reinforced PE material is waterproof and Anti-UV.

Best of all, unlike basic open-air carports, the Abba Patio comes with removable sidewalls and doors, giving you complete protection.

How to measure your RV?

Measuring your RV before purchasing a cover is an important step. You want to ensure you get the right size and allow for as custom a fit as possible.

You may be able to find these measurements online, but it’s best to double-check manually.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Measure from front to back

Grab a measuring tape and measure from bumper to bumper. Make note of anything that sticks out past the end of the front or back bumper. You don’t need to include the tow hitch in your measuring.

2. Measure the height of your RV

To accurately measure the height of your RV, start from the top of the outside roof down to the bottom of the frame. If you measure to the top of the wheel wells, your cover will be too short. And if you measure all the way to the ground, your cover will be too long. 

3. Measure the width of your RV

Measure from side to side, both front and back, at the widest part. You don’t need to include accessories that stick out like awnings or side mirrors. The cover you buy should account for these.

How to install an RV Cover

This part might be a little daunting. The first time is always the hardest. After that, you’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly.

Each RV cover will have slightly different instructions, but here is the general process. Before starting, read some of the Amazon reviews for your cover. Many reviewers leave handy tips and tricks that make installation easier.

1.) Set your cover at the back end of the RV first, finding the front of the cover as you spread it out on the ground.

2.) Make sure all accessories (antennas, side mirrors, etc) are lowered or folded in. Pad any sharp corners or objects that stick out. One of my favorite RV hacks is to cut pool noodles and tennis balls to cover protruding areas.

3.) As you move to the top of the RV (with a ladder or up on the roof) bring the front of the cover with you, piling as much of it as you can onto the top of the roof. Then stretch it out towards the front of your RV.

4.) Head to each of the corners and pull the corresponding corners of the cover over them. Think of it like putting the fitted sheet on your mattress. 

5.) Once all corners are covered and the fabric is draping over the sides, you can head back down to the ground and start pulling the cover with you, starting with the front, then each side, and then the rear.

6.) Adjust the cover as needed, securing the rear corners under the RV first and then the front corners.

7.) At this point, once you’re happy that the cover is placed properly, you can start adjusting any straps and buckles to fully customize the fit of your RV cover.

Be careful fitting your RV cover. It’s best to have a friend with you to help or at least hold the ladder to ensure your safety. 

Many RVers like to use long poles to assist, especially if it’s too dangerous to get on the roof. 

And there you have it! Your RV is now ready to withstand the varying weather conditions of winter.