Need Help With Outdoor RT Covers..

[PatrickH]

More about tarp

Hello Shortcake,
I park my '14 RT LTD outside all the time. I have a full cover, but it, and multiple other covers I've had in the past, always seep through some water and are a pain to put on. I have, for the past several months, just used a cheap blue 11'4" x 15' tarp that I bought from Harbor Freight. It, and 2 bungee cords (abt 18" each), work like a charm. That rig is faster on and off and totally waterproof.

The only possible catch for you in considering this option is that I have a trunk rack so I can bend over my antenna and catch the knob on the end onto the opposite side of the rack - thus getting the antenna out of the way. If you don't have a trunk rack, you'd either have to slit your tarp or figure some other way to deal with the antenna.

I drape the tarp over the front so that it comes completely below, and catches on the lowest "pointy" nose and pull a corner on each side towards the rear. Those corner grommets are where I hook each bungee, before draping them toward the rear. Then at the rear, I take each corner and pull it across the rear to the opposite side where I hook onto the bungee from the front. Easy on/off. Tight and dry. Ugly as a mud hen. But definitely an "at home-solution". I keep my "proper" cover for travel.
Good luck, Patrick H

Good Morning Shortcake,
This is in response to your PM asking for pictures.

Since I'm limited to 5 per post, the rest of the files will be in subsequent posts. The 1st 4 show how I deal with the antenna - you could also cut a small slit in the tarp. The last shows the tarp draped over the bike (of course, windshield is fully retracted). The bungees, fully extended, are abt 36" long. Patrick

 

[PatrickH]

Tarp pictures #2

 

[PatrickH]

Tarp pictures #3 (and last)

Enjoy your tarp.

Patrick

 

[ShortCake]

Good Morning Shortcake,
This is in response to your PM asking for pictures.

Since I'm limited to 5 per post, the rest of the files will be in subsequent posts. The 1st 4 show how I deal with the antenna - you could also cut a small slit in the tarp. The last shows the tarp draped over the bike (of course, windshield is fully retracted). The bungees, fully extended, are abt 36" long. Patrick

I want to personally thank you for posting all of these pics and taking the time to go through it with me..I know it is not rocket-science but sometimes it is easier to see it for yourself and put the pictures with your explanation. It looks like you at least have a deck above so there is some protection but mine is out in the open. Keeping fingers crossed that I get the full cover as promised on Tuesday before we get storms Tuesday night. Again, thank you bunches! :bowdown:

 

[PatrickH]

I want to personally thank you for posting all of these pics and taking the time to go through it with me..I know it is not rocket-science but sometimes it is easier to see it for yourself and put the pictures with your explanation. It looks like you at least have a deck above so there is some protection but mine is out in the open. Keeping fingers crossed that I get the full cover as promised on Tuesday before we get storms Tuesday night. Again, thank you bunches! :bowdown:

You're welcome. Yes, there's a deck above, but no it doesn't slow down rainwater a bit. That ugly tarp rig will protect against heavy storming. Patrick

 

[Rishathra]

Patrick, I also want to thank you for the detailed pictures, I live is SW Florida where the sun plays havoc on paint. My cover die and ignominious death after 12-14 months or so down here, so I'll be using your idea while I look for a more permanent option.

 

[PatrickH]

Patrick, I also want to thank you for the detailed pictures, I live is SW Florida where the sun plays havoc on paint. My cover die and ignominious death after 12-14 months or so down here, so I'll be using your idea while I look for a more permanent option.

You'll find your tarps won't last a whole lot longer, but if you buy them someplace like Harbor Freight or Northern Tool, they'll not set you back too much. Patrick

 

[Mikey]

You can tell people are having cabin fever already in December!! This post was started in 2016 :roflblack::roflblack::chat:

 

[Poasttown]

I’m not sure of your specific circumstances and zoning issues but a small storage shed would serve this purpose as well. The cost would obviously be more but could also serve other needs as well. One of the big box lumber stores has a small composite shed with a sliding roof (Not sure large enough) and also a small rounded structure with a tarp as a cover. I cannot speak to the quality of these products. I suppose you could make a small shed specific to the spider as well.
Poasttown