A fabric covered RV shelter has a tremendous number of advantages for RV, 5th wheel, & motorhome owners. These include: affordability, portability, and ease of construction (just to name a few). However, similar to any building structure or possession, it requires something that many garage owners may neglect: maintenance. Maintaining a RV shelter is by no means difficult, however, to obtain long lasting durability from your investment there are a few guidelines to follow.

The first step is to assure that the building is properly assembled according to the manufacturer guidelines & instructions. Following the directions is essential is assuring long lasting protection. Many consumers desiring these products often are in a "hurry" and neglect many of the necessary steps.

The second step is to assure that the cover remains tight. Covers which become loose often reduce the life expectancy. Some manufacturers have built in designs to maintain tightness. Ratchet straps are a typical component of RV shelters which are used to maintain cover tightness. If the fabric becomes loose, simply tighten the strap. Some manufacturers use "bungee balls" to maintain tightness.

A third step is to keep the outside of the shelter clean and free of debris. The quality and thickness of the fabric can play a key role with how quickly debris and cleanliness affect the durability. Debris such as tree limbs and rocks can damage the fabric and reduce the life expectancy. It is imperative that a fabric shelter never be positioned under a tree or any other location where an object can fall and damage the cover. Most shelters can handle some snow load, however, heavy snow and ice can place severe tension on the cover. Heavy snow and ice should be removed from all shelters when possible.

A fourth step in maintenance is to keep the shelter properly anchored. Shelters which can "shift" or more severely be overturned or moved by wind can create heavy damage. Frequently verify that the anchors are secured. As a general rule, the manufacturer’s anchors should be used to anchor the structure. All shelters have anchors included or can be purchased separately.

A fabric covered RV shelter can provide years of protection from the elements. This article should not be substituted for the manufacturers’ guidelines for maintaining a RV shelter, however, it can serve as a general guideline.