Table of Contents
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Introduction
Protecting your travel trailer from the elements is crucial. A cover can shield it from rain, sun, and debris. But a cover only works well if it fits. This guide will show you how to measure your recreational vehicle so you can find the perfect-sized cover.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: What is an RV trailer cover?
So, why is it important to learn how to measure a trailer for a cover? A trailer cover is a protective covering designed for trailers, including RVs and other towable vehicles, to shield them from environmental elements, dust, debris, and potential damage during storage or periods of inactivity. An HD (Heavy-Duty) RV trailer cover is a specialized version of this protective covering, constructed with robust materials such as high-quality polyester or polypropylene, designed to withstand the rigors of travel and provide enhanced durability.
HD RV cover for travel offers superior resistance against tears, abrasions, and adverse weather conditions, providing optimal protection for recreational vehicles on the road. With features like weather resistance, breathability, secure fitting, and often zipper access points, HD RV trailer covers are tailored to meet the specific needs of RV owners, ensuring comprehensive protection and longevity for their valuable investment during both travel and storage. Thus, as an RV traveler you must take the needed time to learn how to measure a trailer for a cover.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Importance of measuring your trailer for a cover
When discussing how to measure a trailer for a cover, the primary concern is ensuring that the cover fits properly to provide the intended protection. The dimensions of the trailer—length, width, height—are essential to consider because an improper fit can lead to several problems.
An RV cover for travel that is too small may not fully encompass the trailer, leaving parts exposed and unprotected from elements such as rain, wind, dust, and sun, which can lead to rust, fading, and wear. An overly tight cover also stresses the material, potentially leading to tears or premature breakdown, effectively shortening the lifespan of the cover itself.
Conversely, a cover that is too large is prone to collecting pools of water on top, especially during rain, which can cause sagging and potential leakage. The extra material can also flap in the wind, potentially causing damage to the travel trailer’s surface due to constant rubbing. Moreover, it can attract and trap moisture against the travel trailer, promoting the formation of mold and mildew.
Learning how to measure a trailer for a cover will fulfill its purpose effectively, extending the trailer’s service life and maintaining its appearance and structural integrity. A well-fitted cover also remains secure in various weather conditions, eliminating the need for additional adjustments or modifications while being used.
To measure your RV for a cover, you must account for not only the basic dimensions but also any protruding features—such as wheels, handles, and hitching equipment — that alter the shape and size of the trailer’s profile. Such comprehensive measuring practices guarantee a cover that provides maximum protection and utility, which is particularly critical if the trailer is to be stored outdoors or in harsh environmental conditions for prolonged periods.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Trailer for a Cover
Step 1 of How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Gather the Necessary Tools
When learning how to measure a trailer for a cover, you need a few tools. Get a measuring tape, paper, pen, and if possible, a helper. The helper can hold one end of the tape while you measure. This ensures accuracy and makes the process easier.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Measuring tape
The primary tool required for this task is a flexible measuring tape. Unlike rigid rulers or tape measures that are suitable for straight lines, a flexible tape can contour around curves and corners, crucial for accurate measurement of an RV’s length, width, and height.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Helper (optional)
In addition to the tape measure, it may be helpful to have a helper to hold the end of the tape, a ladder to reach high points, a notepad or electronic device to record measurements, and a camera to take pictures of the travel trailer and any irregular shapes or protrusions that need special consideration. Accurate measurement ensures the selected cover will fit snugly without being overly tight, which might cause strain on the cover, or too loose, which could allow water or debris to get underneath the protection.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Paper and pen for noting measurements
As you measure, write down each measurement. This is where paper and pen come in. It’s easy to forget numbers, so note them down as you go. Write clearly and label each measurement for later reference.
Step 2 of How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Measure the Length of Your Trailer
When measuring the length of an RV trailer to fit a cover, precision is critical as it ensures the cover protects the RV from the elements effectively while not being too tight or too loose.
When learning how to measure a trailer for a cover, first, it’s important to understand what parts of the trailer should be included in the measurement for the trailer cover. Typically, the length measurement should encompass the entire length of the RV’s body, from the rear bumper to the furthest point forward, which may be the front bumper or a protruding feature such as a hitch. Accessories that protrude significantly beyond the main body of the RV, like spare tires, ladders, or a/c units, may necessitate a larger cover or may have to be considered separately, depending on the design of the cover.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover – Measuring Length:
- Ensure Level Ground: Park the RV on level ground to get the most accurate measurement. If it’s not practical to move the RV, compensations must be made for any slope in the measuring process.
- Define Measurement Boundaries: Determine if structural features like hitches, bumpers, and attached accessories will be wrapped by the cover. Some cover manufacturers might provide guidelines on what to include in the measurement.
- Measure the Body Length: Starting at the furthest forward point that will be covered, extend the tape measure straight back to the end of the area that the cover will reach. It’s crucial to keep the tape measure as straight as possible to avoid underestimating the length.
- Take Multiple Measurements for Accuracy: Measure at least twice to ensure consistency and accuracy. Any discrepancies should be re-measured to confirm the final length.
- Consult Manufacturer Guidelines: Before selecting a cover based on the measurement, review any specific sizing recommendations or guidelines offered by the cover manufacturer. They may suggest rounding up to the nearest size or include other specific instructions.
- Consider Cover Design Features: Some covers may be designed with extra space for rooftop accessories, while others might have a snug fit over the body alone. Understanding the design will aid in choosing a cover that accommodates all external features.
After becoming confident in how to measure a trailer for a cover and proceeding with the measurement process, you can then select an RV travel trailer cover that matches the measured length while accounting for any additional guidelines provided by the cover manufacturer. It’s prudent to choose a cover that provides a snug fit without being overly tight to maximize protection and minimize the potential for damage due to wind, chafing, or water pooling.
Step 3 of How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Measure the Width of Your Trailer
When measuring the width of an RV for a trailer cover, it’s essential to obtain an accurate measurement to ensure the cover fits properly, providing maximum protection from the elements while also ensuring it’s not too tight or too loose.
Firstly, the width of an RV trailer is typically measured at its widest point, which is usually the body of the trailer excluding mirrors and other auxiliary fittings. It’s important to measure straight across the widest part of the body to capture the full width that the cover must accommodate.
Before proceeding, one should ensure that the measurement is taken on level ground to avoid any distortions that might be caused by the RV leaning to one side or the other. An assistant can often be helpful to hold the end of the tape measure firmly against the body of the travel trailer.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover – Measuring Width:
- Locate the widest point of the RV, which may include awnings or trims that are integral to the RV’s body and wouldn’t be easily removed when applying the cover.
- Take a measurement tape and extend it from one side of the RV to the other, ensuring the tape is held horizontally and does not sag or bend.
- Record the measurement at the point where the tape measure reaches the outermost part of the RV’s body on the other side. If the trailer has features that protrude, such as door handles or trim pieces, you may want to consider them if the cover needs to accommodate these elements as well.
- It may be prudent to measure in a few different places in case the RV is not perfectly symmetrical or has different features at different points, to ensure the chosen cover will fit across its entire width.
- Double-check the measurement to ensure accuracy, as even small errors can result in purchasing a cover that does not fit correctly.
Once you have measured the width, check the specifications of the RV cover you are considering to make sure it’s designed for that width. Pay attention to any recommendations the manufacturer might have regarding sizing, as some might suggest a cover size that’s slightly larger than your actual measurements to ensure ease of fitting and removal.
Step 4 of How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Measure the Height of Your Trailer
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Measure from the ground to the highest point on the trailer
To measure the height of an RV to select a trailer cover, you must obtain a reliable measurement from the base of the RV (ground level) to the highest point of the RV, since this dimension ensures the cover will fit the entire height of the vehicle.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Take into account any antennas or roof vents
As you become an expert in how to measure a trailer for a cover, it is crucial to include all elements that contribute to the total height, such as AC units, antennas, vents, and satellite dishes, as these can alter the required dimensions of the cover. The most straightforward way to measure is using a steady, extendable ladder and a measuring tape, or, in some instances, a laser distance measurer with a tilt function for more accurate results.
Begin by positioning the ladder securely against the RV, ensuring it is safe to ascend. Then, with the measuring tape or laser distance measurer, extend the tape from the ground to the tallest fixture on the RV. It is recommended to have a second person assist with the measurement for accuracy and safety.
If the ground is uneven, take the measurement from several different sides to make sure you’re accounting for any variances caused by the terrain. If possible, measure on level ground to ensure the most consistent measurement. Record the measurement and couple it with the length and width dimensions to select a cover that will fit all aspects of the RV.
Step 5 of How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Note Down Additional Features
When learning how to measure a trailer for a cover, it’s important to account for the primary dimensions, which are length, width, and height. But, to ensure an accurate fit, it is not enough to consider just these core measurements; one must also identify and measure any additional features or protrusions that could alter the cover’s fit. Such features often include air conditioning units, spare tires, ladders, or extended bumpers. These details can make a profound difference when designing rv cover for travel trailers.
The process of how to measure a trailer for a cover, begins by systematically measuring the trailer’s length from the furthest point at the rear bumper to the tip of the hitch. Most manufacturers provide this measurement, but it is crucial to check for any additions that weren’t included in the original specs. Width should be measured at the trailer’s widest point, which may not always be the body of the trailer itself, especially if there are side mirrors or other accessories that stick out further.
Height should be gauged from the base at ground level to the tallest fixed point on the trailer, disregarding the height of any ancillary components that can be easily removed or folded. If there are permanent fixtures on the roof, such as air conditioning units, they must be included in the height dimension. It’s also advisable to leave some clearance for rooftop features, facilitating a fit that prevents water pooling and potential damage.
After the basic measurements of how to measure a trailer for a cover, one must scrutinize additional features. For instance, if there’s an air conditioning unit jutting out on the top or side, its height, width, and depth should be measured separately. Sides with awnings require additional width allowance, while the presence of a rear-mounted ladder or spare tire might necessitate extra length or specialized cover cutouts or pockets.
Attention should also be directed to the trailer’s corners and edges. Sharp or angular protrusions can exert undue pressure on the cover, leading to wear or tear sooner than expected. It may be advisable to opt for a cover with reinforced corners or to apply additional padding during the cover installation.
Finally, it’s important to consider the cover’s material qualities, such as breathability, waterproofing, and the ability to protect from UV rays. The right material can go a long way in extending both the life of the cover and the RV trailer underneath.
Taking note of these features ensures not only a snug fit of the travel trailer cover but also aids in the longevity of the cover and the protection of the recreational vehicle trailer. Proper measurement accounting for these factors thus prevents damage, ensures ease of use, and saves time and resources in the long run.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Conclusion
As you now know, giving your trailer a personalized, well-fitted cover is a piece of cake when you follow the right steps. Not only does it safeguard your investment from the elements, but it also preserves your trailer’s aesthetic appeal and overall worth. Your diligence during the measurement process is essential to equip your trailer with the ultimate protection it deserves. Don’t overlook this important task, as the results of your careful efforts will pay off in the long run.
Now that your trailer is set to weather any storm, why not share your newfound knowledge of how to measure a trailer for a coverwith others, and help them achieve the same level of protection? Share this post with fellow trailer owners and get them excited about the journey ahead. And if you’re ready to find the perfect cover for your trailer, click the button below to explore our extensive range of tailor-made solutions, designed to keep your trailer looking its best, mile after mile.
How to Measure a Trailer for a Cover: Summary
This blog provides a step-by-step guide on how to measure your trailer in order to find the perfect-sized cover. It explains the importance of measuring the trailer accurately to ensure proper protection and avoid issues such as exposure to elements, material stress, water pooling, and damage.
The guide also lists the necessary tools for measurement, including a flexible measuring tape, a helper (optional), and paper and pen for noting measurements. The steps include measuring the length, width, and height of the trailer, as well as accounting for any protruding features.
When measuring an RV trailer for a cover, it is important to consider the length and width of the trailer. To measure the length, park the RV on level ground and determine the furthest point forward that will be covered. Take multiple measurements and consult the manufacturer’s guidelines before selecting a cover. When measuring the width, locate the widest point of the trailer and measure straight across. Consider any protruding features and take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy.
The guide also mentions the significance of considering the material qualities of the cover for optimal protection. The importance of proper measurement is emphasized as it prevents damage, ensures ease of use, and saves time and resources in the long run. The conclusion highlights the benefits of protecting the trailer investment and suggests sharing the knowledge with others.
