Should I Cover My RV for the Winter? Storage Tips

RV · Originally published December 10, 2014 · Updated November 2026

If your RV sits from November to March, winter is working on it the whole time. A good cover or shelter slows that down. A bad one, like a cheap plastic tarp, can actually make things worse. Here is how to decide what fits your rig, and what else to handle before you walk away from it for the season.

What winter does to a parked RV

Southwest Missouri winters are rarely brutal for weeks on end, but they swing. A 60-degree afternoon can be followed by an ice storm, and those freeze-thaw cycles are hard on an RV.

Roof seams and sealant crack and shrink in the cold, and water that gets in freezes and widens the gap.
Sun still breaks down rubber roofs, decals, tires and fiberglass, even in January.
Snow, ice and tree limbs add weight and impact damage to roofs, awnings and vents.
Moisture and pests move in when the rig is closed up and nobody is checking on it.

Your storage options, from best to most basic

Enclosed storage. A building or storage unit keeps out weather, sun and most pests. It costs the most, and space for larger motorhomes and fifth wheels can be hard to find, so ask early.
Covered RV port or carport. A roof overhead handles sun, hail and snow load. The sides are still open, so you still need to watch for moisture and critters.
A breathable, fitted RV cover. Made for your type and length of RV, it sheds water while letting moisture escape. This is the most common choice for RVs stored outdoors at home.
A plastic tarp. Generally not recommended. Tarps trap condensation against the roof and sidewalls, and when the wind whips them around they can scuff the finish.

If you use a cover, do it right

Wash the RV and let it dry completely before covering it.
Inspect and touch up roof sealant first. A cover is not a fix for a leak.
Pad sharp corners like ladder ends, gutter spouts and roof brackets so they don't tear through.
Tighten the straps so the cover can't flap, and leave vents open for airflow.
Add tire covers, and check the cover after every big wind or snow.

Covering is only half of winterizing

A cover does nothing for the plumbing. Before a hard freeze, drain the fresh water system and water heater, then either add RV antifreeze or blow out the lines, following your owner's manual. Remove the battery or keep it on a maintainer, take out food, close the propane, and seal gaps where mice can get in. Insurance is built for sudden losses, and damage that builds up slowly from pests or neglect is often excluded, so prevention is on you.

What about your insurance while it's parked?

Don't assume you can just cancel. A stored RV can still be hit by hail, a falling tree, fire or theft, and those losses usually fall under comprehensive coverage. If you have a loan, your lender likely requires that coverage to stay in place anyway.

What you may be able to do is adjust. Some companies offer a storage or lay-up option for motorhomes that keeps comprehensive while reducing coverages you don't need while the rig isn't on the road. For a travel trailer or fifth wheel, the trailer's own physical damage coverage is what protects it in storage, since your truck's policy doesn't cover damage to the trailer itself. We walk through the details in RV storage insurance, and you can see our full RV insurance options. If the RV is a total loss over the winter, how your policy values it matters a lot; see RV total loss and replacement coverage.

Talk to a local agent

Before you put the RV away, call us at 417.865.4800 or request a quote below, and we'll review your RV insurance for the storage season.

Common questions

Is a regular tarp good enough to cover my RV?

It's usually not a good choice. Tarps hold moisture against the RV and can rub the finish in the wind, so a breathable cover made for RVs or a roofed shelter works better.

Should I cancel my RV insurance for the winter?

Usually not. A parked RV can still be damaged by hail, fire, falling trees or theft, and some companies offer a storage option that lowers your cost while keeping comprehensive coverage.

Does comprehensive cover hail damage to a stored RV?

Comprehensive generally covers hail damage, subject to your deductible. Check your policy declarations to confirm comprehensive is active while the RV is in storage.

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Written by Auto Insurance Express. Reviewed by Philip Edwards, founder. Philip has run independent insurance agencies in southwest Missouri since 1997. More about the agency.

General information, not advice about your specific policy. Coverage, exclusions and eligibility are determined by the policy forms and endorsements your insurer issues, and state rules change. Confirm details with us before you rely on them.

Should I Cover My RV for the Winter?