How Do I Protect My RV From Sun Damage

How Do I Protect My RV from Sun Damage?

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Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine

Are you asking, “How do I protect my RV from sun damage?”

We all know the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays on cars or any other vehicle. Your RV is no exception and is just as vulnerable to getting damaged by the sun. However, there are many ways to prevent your RV from these damaging effects, which can save you a lot of money! So, how do you protect your RV from sun damage?

Protect the exterior of your RV from sun damage by waxing it regularly, parking in the shade, and using an RV cover and tire covers. To protect the interior of your RV, tint your windows or use black out curtains to prevent the sun from coming through and clean and condition furnishings.

Many RV owners do not understand the importance of protecting their RV from the sun or do not know how to do so. Luckily, there are several ways to protect your RV from the sun’s harsh UV rays, as mentioned above. Let us take a closer look and explore them in more detail.

Protecting The Exterior Of Your RV From Sun Damage

The exterior of your RV is constantly at risk due to continual exposure to the sun. These damages caused by the sun can be extremely expensive and reduce the value of your RV. Let us look at how you can protect the exterior of your RV from sun damage.

1. Waxing Your RV With Quality Wax Regularly

Investing in a good quality wax to use on your RV will give it a good shine and keep it in good condition and provide a solid layer that will protect it from the sun’s harsh UV rays.

Although many types of wax are available, not all offer protection against the sun. If you are unsure which one to buy, the following are 3 good options that will offer maximum protection against the sun and many other benefits.

  • Meguiar non-abrasive cleaner wax. This wax offers protection against salt air, corrosion, and the sun’s UV rays.
  • Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax. Butter Wet Wax assists with water spots, bird droppings, and road tar. However, most importantly, it offers protection against the sun.
  • Turtle Wax. Turtle Wax is more convenient and easier to apply as it comes in spray bottles. After applying this wax, your RV will not only be protected from the sun but also have a streak-free shine.

2. Park In The Shade

Parking under a roof or some trees where there is shade keeps your RV out of direct sunlight. However, this might not always be possible if you need to park in the sun for solar power. There is a solution for this, such as purchasing a portable folding solar system that you can set up in the sun.

3. Make Use Of An RV Cover

An RV cover is probably the best way to protect it against sun damage. The following are the best RV covers to use that will provide protection against the damaging effects of sunlight.

1. Classic Accessories Over Drive PolyPro3

The Classic Accessories Over Drive PolyPro3 is made from polypropylene and a polyethylene film, making this cover extremely durable and able to withstand not only rain or snow but direct sunlight as well.

2. Leader Accessories Premium 300D Upgrade

The Leader Accessories Premium 300D Upgrade is another excellent choice. It is made of lightweight ripstop polyester fabric, making it the ideal cover to have for hotter climates.

3. ADCO Designer Series

The ADCO Designer Series cover is a class A RV cover that can protect your RV against the wind, water, dirt, and most importantly, UV rays. This is possible due to the material used to make this cover, DuPont Tyvek. DuPont Tyvek is a nonwoven fabric that is extremely durable even in the harshest conditions.

4. Use Tire Covers

Just like an RV cover, tire covers are just as important. If your RV is continuously exposed to direct sunlight, the UV rays will eat away at the rubber and start cracking and tearing. Although buying tire covers is a bit pricey, it beats having to replace all your tires. The following are two of the best RV tire covers to use to protect them from sun damage.

1. Classic Accessories OverDrive RV Wheel Cover

Classic Accessories manufactures some of the most popular RV tire covers, which are considered the best on the market. Classic Accessories OverDrive RV Wheel Covers are made from a water-resistant vinyl fabric that can protect your tires against dirt, dust, and sun damage.

2. The Amfor Aluminum Film Tire Protectors

Another popular choice is the Amfor Aluminum Film Tire Protectors. These covers are a great option for protecting your tires from sun damage as they come with an external aluminum layer that offers optimal protection against the harsh UV rays of the sun.

Protecting The Interior Of Your RV From Sun Damage

Just like the exterior of your RV, the interior is also prone to sun damage. You might not get direct sunlight inside your RV; however, the interior is exposed to hot temperatures due to the sun. Let us look at how you can protect the interior of your RV from sun damage.

1. Attempt To Block Sunlight Coming Through The Windows

Sunlight coming through the windows can cause a lot of damage to the interior of your RV. These damages include:

  • The cracking of wood or plastic finishes.
  • The fading of couches, beds, and carpets.
  • The cracking of the dashboard.

However, there is a solution to avoid these damages. They are listed below:

  • Tint your windows. Although tinting your RV’s windows is expensive, it is definitely a great investment. Tinted windows will block the sun’s harmful UV rays while still having enough light seeping through.  
  • Use Black Out Curtains. Hanging block-out curtains is also a good way of preventing sunlight from entering the windows. This is a more affordable option than tinting your windows; however, you do not want to block out light as well!

2. Clean And Condition The Interior Of Your RV

Many might wonder how cleaning and conditioning can help protect your RV from sun damage, but it sure does! Cleaning and conditioning any materials inside your RV prone to drying, fading, and cracking, such as the dashboard, flooring, wood, or plastics, will keep them in top condition, making them less susceptible to sun damage.

Protecting RV from the Sun Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put sun blockers in my RV windows?

Yes. Sun blockers will help keep your RV from experiencing as high of heat. It can also keep your wood and plastic from cracking due to sunlight as well.

Do RV tire covers help protect from the sun?

Yes. If you’re parked for long, it’s a good idea to put RV tire covers on to protect your tires from the sun.

Does waxing protect my RV from the sun?

Yes. In most cases, it is a good idea to wax your RV to protect it.

Conclusion

With all that said, we can see that there are many ways to protect your RV from sun damage, both the exterior and interior.

Protecting your RV from sun damage will not only save you a ton of money, but it will keep it in top condition, so it lasts longer for you to enjoy many more trips!

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