Whether you’re storing your RV or boat indoors or outdoors, one thing remains constant: protecting your investment matters. And while self-storage takes care of security, access, and convenience, your RV or boat still needs an additional layer of protection—a tarp that’s up to the job.
Not All Tarps Are Created Equal
A tarp isn’t just a tarp. The right one can prevent moisture intrusion, UV damage, paint fading, and mildew buildup. The wrong one? It can do more harm than good, causing scratching, trapping moisture, and falling apart before the season’s over. Your choice of tarp should reflect your storage conditions, geographic location, and how long you plan to store the vehicle.
Outdoor Storage: Built for the Elements
If you’re storing your RV or boat outdoors, especially in a place like Pennsylvania where the seasons can swing dramatically, your tarp needs to be tough and versatile.
What to look for:
- UV-resistant material: Prolonged sun exposure breaks down weaker fabrics and can fade the paint or upholstery underneath.
- Waterproof but breathable: You want moisture to stay out—but also need condensation to escape. Look for vented tarps or those made from breathable materials.
- Tie-downs and grommets: A loose tarp is almost worse than no tarp. Make sure your tarp can be secured tightly so it doesn’t flap in the wind or shift with snow loads.
- Cold crack resistance: Some plastic tarps become brittle in freezing temps. For winter, look for tarps rated for below-zero durability.
Best picks: Heavy-duty polyethylene tarps, marine-grade canvas, or RV-specific covers with soft inner linings.
Indoor Storage: Light Protection, Less Bulk
Storing your RV or boat in one of our indoor parking units? Lucky you—your vehicle is already shielded from the worst of the weather. But you may still want a cover for dust, scratches, and general cleanliness.
What to look for:
- Lightweight and easy to handle: A full-sized RV cover doesn’t need to be industrial-strength indoors.
- Dust-resistant fabric: A soft, breathable material like a polyester-blend works great here.
- Non-abrasive lining: Helps protect paint, mirrors, and trim.
Best picks: RV or boat dust covers, fitted soft-fabric tarps, and breathable indoor-specific covers.
Seasonal Purpose: Winter Storage vs. Daily Use
Are you parking your vehicle for the season or covering it in between weekend getaways?
Winter storage tarps should be:
- Heavy-duty
- UV- and snow-load rated
- Secured for long-term use
Daily-use tarps should be:
- Lightweight and easy to remove
- Easy to fold and store
- Less bulky, possibly custom-fit
PRO TIP! If you’re covering and uncovering often, opt for a model with zipper access panels—no need to remove the entire cover just to grab something from inside your RV or boat.
Location Matters: Michigan Snow vs the Texas Sun
Storage in colder climates like Michigan or upstate New York requires tarps that:
- Resist freezing temperatures
- Support heavy snow loads
- Stay flexible in cold weather
Storage in warmer climates like Arizona or Texas demands:
- UV and heat resistance
- Breathability to avoid mildew
- Light-colored tarps to reflect sun
Choosing based on your climate is just as important as choosing based on storage type.
What Tarps Should Be Avoided?
Some materials just don’t cut it when protecting your RV or boat:
- Basic blue tarps: Cheap, easy to find, and prone to UV degradation and tearing
- Vinyl tarps without ventilation: Traps moisture and can promote mold/mildew
- Non-breathable plastics: Can lead to condensation damage
A $20 tarp that lets in rain or bakes your paint job isn’t a deal—it’s a liability.
Ask Before You Buy
If you’re unsure which tarp is best for your specific storage setup—whether you’re storing in a covered space at Self Store USA or using our outdoor parking—we’re happy to help. Protecting your RV or boat is about more than finding a parking spot; it’s about ensuring it’s just as beautiful next spring as it was when you stored it.