All RV protective covers, without exception, must have the following properties:

1. BREATHABILITY:
All CalMark covers are made using breathable fabric. All covers must be made from material that breathes. This allows the exchange of air within the coach and the outside. Without this property, moisture will accumulate inside the coach, causing mildew, offensive odor buildup, and dry rot inside the walls. Also, if the vents are left open, heat buildup will escape, keeping the temperature inside closer to the outside ambient temperature. For these reasons, plastic and non-breathable tarpaulins should never be used as covers.

2. NON-ABRASIVENESS:
All CalMark covers are made using non-abrasive fabrics. They must be non-abrasive. If abrasive fabric is used, any movement of the cover will cause degradation of the painted surface finish of the RV body.

3. WATER RESISTANT: The fabric must be water resistant. One of the main reasons for covering an RV is to keep water from getting inside, creating stains and streaking etc. Water resistant material will prevent this as long as water is not stored for long periods of time on the top surface of the cover. All CalMark covers are water resistant.

4. MAXIMUM UV RATING: The fabric must have a high UV rating. All of the CalMark covers have the highest UV rating that can be incorporated in cover fabrics. This is your only defense against intense ultraviolet radiation from direct sunlight. Without this feature, your cover will disintegrate in a very short period of time.

5. STRUCTURE STRENGTHENING:
Added strength for protection against strong wind and other extreme weather conditions. When these conditions occur, the weight of the sides of the cover will pull against the top causing fiber breakdown. CalMark has incorporated a special structure on the inside of the cover called Fabric Stress Reinforcement or FSR. Briefly, 1000 lb. Nylon webbing is sewn across the top and connected to the sides. This exclusive CalMark feature is added every four (4) feet along the length of the cover. (Click here for additional information on this feature-you'll be glad you did).

6. ZIPPER DOORS:
CalMark includes a zipper door, in every cover we make, for easy access with the cover installed. There will be many instances when you will want to get inside your RV without having to remove the cover. In our twenty years in this business, we have yet to find a customer that doesn't like this feature. 

SOME OF THE THINGS YOU SHOULD DO AS AN OWNER OF AN RV COVER: 

1. TIE DOWN POINTS:
Use all of the available tie down points to prevent movement of the cover when installed. Grommets are provided every three (3) feet along both sides of the CalMark covers for this purpose. We recommend using bungee cords 2-3 feet long, hooked into each grommet and then underneath to the body frame. Tie knots in the cords until you have the desired tension. The front and back of each cover has elastic sewn across the bottom edges to allow the ends to be attached underneath the bumpers of the RV. If you still have movement, tie cords all the way around the body as required. If you don't, and wind is allowed to get underneath the cover, it will end up in Kansas or with Dorothy in the land of Oz.

2. SHARP EDGES:
Examine your RV for sharp edges before your first installation of your new cover. If you detect any such areas, especially look at awning corners, antennas, steps, metal body corners, ladders, horns, cameras, etc., cover them with an old sock or some other material that will keep the sharp edge from punching through the cover.

3. CLEAN BEFORE COVERING:
Wash your RV and let it thoroughly dry before installing the cover. Also, do not remove the cover when wet and place it in storage before it has had a chance to dry.

4. CLEANING THE COVER:
Keep your cover clean by lightly washing it periodically using a light dishwashing liquid detergent and hosing it down. Do not scrub the material with a brush, use a sponge or a rag to gently clean any soiled areas. Do not use any chemicals to clean or waterproof your cover. This could damage the fabric and destroy the UV rating and/or breathability. Any such usage will void your warranty.

ANY COVER WILL LAST MUCH LONGER IF IT IS WELL MAINTAINED.