Roof & Exterior
Roof sealing, awnings, covers, locks, washing, pests and maintenance.
29 guides in 4 topics
The three guides most readers need first
Best RV Roof Sealant by Roof Type: EPDM, TPO and Fiberglass
Dicor self-leveling lap sealant for horizontal seams on EPDM and TPO, non-sag for vertical, butyl under flanges, 4-inch tape over a split.
Best RV Covers by Size: Travel Trailer, Class A, C, Fifth Wheel
A 9-layer cover sized to your exact length band protects most rigs. Picks for every RV class, sizing steps, and when a cover does more harm than good.
RV Carports and Garages: Sizing, Kits, Costs and Permits
Size an RV carport 12 in above the rooftop AC, 4 ft longer and 4 ft wider than the rig. Steel and fabric kits, vertical roofs, costs and permit rules.
Roof
Sealants, coatings and repairs for every roof type.
Buying guides
Best RV Roof Sealant by Roof Type: EPDM, TPO and Fiberglass
Dicor self-leveling lap sealant for horizontal seams on EPDM and TPO, non-sag for vertical, butyl under flanges, 4-inch tape over a split.
Best RV Roof Coating: Acrylic, Silicone or Liquid Rubber
Acrylic elastomeric on a chalking EPDM roof, 100% silicone where water ponds, Dicor RP-MRC on metal. Coverage math, primer rules and prep.
Best RV Caulk and Sealant for Sidewalls, Windows and Seams
Non-sag lap sealant such as Dicor 551 for fiberglass sidewalls and trim, Pro Flex on damp or oxidised surfaces, butyl putty tape under window flanges.
How-tos, comparisons and fixes
TPO vs EPDM RV Roof (Plus Fiberglass and Aluminum)
How to Seal an RV Roof: Reseal Seams, Vents and Lap Joints
How to Repair an RV Roof: Tears, Soft Spots and Leaks
How to Clean an RV Roof: Rubber, TPO and Fiberglass
RV Delamination Repair: Causes, DIY Injection Fix and Cost
Covers, storage and shelter
Protecting the rig when it is parked.
Buying guides
Best RV Covers by Size: Travel Trailer, Class A, C, Fifth Wheel
A 9-layer cover sized to your exact length band protects most rigs. Picks for every RV class, sizing steps, and when a cover does more harm than good.
RV Carports and Garages: Sizing, Kits, Costs and Permits
Size an RV carport 12 in above the rooftop AC, 4 ft longer and 4 ft wider than the rig. Steel and fabric kits, vertical roofs, costs and permit rules.
Best RV Tire Covers: Sizes, Dual-Axle Wraps and Spare Covers
Match the cover to your tire's overall diameter, not the wheel size. Picks for single, dual and triple axles, spare tires, plus sizing and install steps.
Best RV Skirting for Winter: Kits, Foam Board and DIY Cost
An insulated fabric skirt kit closes most trailers in for $150-300. Foam board costs less and insulates more. Measuring, install, propane savings.
Best Mouse Repellent for RV: What Works, Ranked by Evidence
The best mouse repellent for an RV is copper mesh in every gap over 1/4 inch, plus snap traps. Peppermint pouches help in storage; ultrasonics rank last.
Awnings, steps, doors and windows
The moving parts on the outside.
Buying guides
Best RV Awning Kits, Replacement Fabric and Slide Toppers
The best RV awning fix is usually fabric only: 19.5 oz vinyl cut 10 in shorter than the awning size. Manual kits, 12V kits and slide toppers compared.
Best RV Steps: Manual, Fold-Up, Electric and Portable Stairs
Measure the door cutout first. A 24-inch Lippert radius manual step replaces most OEM units; SolidStep and StepAbove stand on the ground, no bounce.
Best RV Door Lock: Keyless Keypads vs Metal Paddle Latches
Most RV doors take a 3.5 x 4.5 in latch. Measure the cutout, then choose a metal paddle deadbolt or a keypad lock that ends the CH751 shared-key problem.
Best RV Ladders: Telescoping, Bolt-On and Bunk Ladders
Best telescoping ladder for an RV: Lippert On-The-Go 12.5 ft. Surco 501L for a bolt-on rear ladder, RecPro 52 in for bunks. Ratings, limits, fit.
RV Skylight Sizes, Replacement Domes and Covers That Fit
Most RV skylights have a 14x22 in. roof opening and take an 18x26 in. outer dome. Measure the opening, not the inner trim ring: domes, covers, insulators.
How-tos, comparisons and fixes
How to Clean an RV Awning: Vinyl, Acrylic, Mold and Sap
How to Replace RV Awning Fabric (Manual and 12V Power)
RV Steps Not Working: Reset, Manual Retract and Repair
RV Windows: Types, Sizes, Replacement and Emergency Exits
RV Slide-Out Lubricant, Seals and Maintenance (All 4 Systems)
Washing, paint and upkeep
Keeping it clean and on schedule.