We're using a canopy with sidewalls for our B RV. The canopy is elevated off the ground for the needed height. The canopy is connected to post secured into the ground. So the sidewalls reach mid tire or so. It is nice enough looking, very effective, and cheap. Found it at our local Sam's.
I have had my TT for a few weeks now. I scrubbed the thing before I brought it home, not wanting to offend any neighbors with a 40 year old, dirty trailer, from under the oak trees.
I scrubbed, and scrubbed, and then I was able to wash it clean. I was not able to get to the roof, just could not reach. I did think to bring a ladder, put it in the minivan before I headed over to the coin-op car wash, but with the TT connected, I could not open the hatch to get the ladder out. A few years under the oaks had really left the camper covered in sap, dirt stuck to the sap, and an overall coating of crud.
A cover would have helped keep it cleaner, and I do now notice, the dirt is beginning to find its way back on to the camper where it sits in my yard. It is under a birch and pear instead of an oak, but, tree saps and tree litter drop constantly.
I used to cover my motorcycle, until I noticed, even with the protective cloth lining inside the cover, the bike's painted surfaces collected very small surface scratches. The cover manufacturer claimed it is caused by dirt on the bike being rubbed by the cover. The dirt manufacturer has not returned my calls to verify this. I built an 8x10 tin shed from Home Depot to put the bike in, looks like a dog in the doghouse.
I also have a classic car and no garage. I am glad this is not a collector vehicle, just an older vehicle in great shape, and the finish is shiny, original, and not showing the primer through the color. I covered it with a custom BREATHABLE car cover, and it gets dirty through the cover. Miniscule dirt particle, much like dust, get through the fabric. Moisture, not rain but small droplets, also get through. When it mixes with the dust, the car gets blob spots where the powdery dust congeals with the available moisture. They wipe right off with a "California Car Duster" but, it still gets dirty naturally.
I have found the covers limit the UV bleaching of the paint, and also limits the UV to the places it can infiltrate through windows to the interior of the vehicles. A motorcycle seat lasts about 5 to 7 years out in the elements.
A cover WILL keep the BIG DIRT off your vehicle.
A cover WILL limit the ultraviolet damage to your vehicle.
A cover MAY scratch your paint.
A cover MAY blow off (and you will have to either retrieve or replace it)
A cover MAY/MAY NOT be a good investment.
Deciding to cover or not is a personal decision, please, feel free to form your own opinion, after all, it is your vehicle.
On "MY" 12ft Mobile Scout, I am going to get a cover. Comparing costs, I think I am going to get a cover for a pop-up with a cloth liner to prevent scratching. Though it will not reach to cover sides, it is 1/4 the cost of a cover that would fit my TT, and a tarp over the cover (making a double layer on the roof) will provide the total coverage/protection I seek.
I would like if my 40 year old camper will last another 40 years. Without the advantage of indoor parking, I opt to cover, thereby reducing the TT's exposure to the elements.
Thanks again folks for the input. It really helps to hear the experiences of others on this. It really rounds out the info. Like I said at first, the tarp is on there, and I will be checking it closely to see if any moisture collects. It has already kept off a lot of tree debris just in two weeks. We have had a couple of big storms here, and with the hilly terrain, it is protected from heavy wind. The tarp was relatively easy to put on, just took a few minutes with a couple of poles with nails in the ends and a couple of small ladders. The lightness of a tarp is a definate plus. We'll see for long term.
The experiment continues. Any additional data is appreciated!
Thanks!!
2006 Nissan Titan King Cab
1985 Holiday Rambler 24 ft 5th Wheel
Check it out!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vc_vigilant/1759303752/
yeah i need to do something as well. I park under some trees and my roof is black after only 2 months. I'm thinking of a portable garage, just need to get the right height one.
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Thanks again folks for the input. It really helps to hear the experiences of others on this. It really rounds out the info. Like I said at first, the tarp is on there, and I will be checking it closely to see if any moisture collects. It has already kept off a lot of tree debris just in two weeks. We have had a couple of big storms here, and with the hilly terrain, it is protected from heavy wind. The tarp was relatively easy to put on, just took a few minutes with a couple of poles with nails in the ends and a couple of small ladders. The lightness of a tarp is a definate plus. We'll see for long term. 
