dadmomh
Jackson, TN
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Joined: 01/21/2007
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momh here: We did put up a steel cover for our ROO and and glad every day that we did. We started thinking smaller, just for the ROO. Then got to thinking that my PT Convertible had to sit out in all kinds of weather because DH has the garage full of woodworking equipment and, now, RC airplanes. Then remembered we had a small enclosed utility trailer and an open trailer like you go to pick up mulch in. So the small project grew by leaps and bounds. Our project turned into more work and $$$ because our area sloped front to back about 4'+ and we had to build retaining walls, several truckloads of chirt and then several more of limestone (we didn't do concrete because by then we were out of energy and also $$). As I recall, ours is about 24' x 36'. Doubles nicely as a place for a party if it rains. Even though we have no plans at all for getting a larger trailer, the height was determined by the air conditioner on something like a Class C. Surprisingly no appreciable difference in that and our ROO. Yes, absolutely allow enough width to put your slide out - you'll find that the poles supporting the cover are about every 8'. The ones you'll see advertised are really only sufficient to park 1 car under at the lowest price, which in this area was about $700 - $800. You need to add the additional height which, of course adds to the cost. I checked our receipt and it was $3600. That sounds like a lot, but when you consider it offers year-round protection for the ROO, my car, and 2 small trailers (or the front 2/3 of the F-150), we felt it was well worth it. If you're not faced with storing additional vehicles or utility trailers, I would look at something in the 14' - 16' width - lets you put out the slide, the steps and you won't get soaked coming in and out in the rain. Assuming your Jayco is about 25'+ - is that bumper to hitch?? - I would go with something like 30'. If you have a level area, you can easily add a layer of limestone to help keep cost down. Concrete would be best, but the dollars add up quickly. Our cover is warranteed to sustain winds up to 250 mph. We plan to keep our ROO (and my car) indefinitely and want them to look as good as possible and last as long as possible. Every hail storm that comes rolling through makes us glad we don't have to worry about roof damage. Sun damage. Branches from nearby trees won't tear up our roof. And I wasn't excited about the $$$ to replace the convertible top after it sits outside for a few years. DH posted pix and I can't remember if it was here or on Hybrid Explorer, but gives you some good ideas. The only thing we would likely do differently is to have the side brought down further on the sunny side to give the decals better protection. When the guys came to install the cover, I anticipated a several-day project. Nope - about 8 hours later it was done and they were gone. Absolutely no quality problems with it.
2007 ROO 23SS
2003 Ford F-150 with Equalizer and Prodigy
6 doggies - all rescues or strays
Sam, you were the best!
Foxy is our new camping buddy
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dadmomh
Jackson, TN
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Joined: 01/21/2007
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Just took another glance at the OP - if you are thinking totally enclosed, you most definitely need to go bigger. And allow maneuvering room when backing in. Building codes may be different for an enclosed vs carport-type - suggest checking that before you go too far. Another option for concrete vs ?? would be to do a thick layer of limestone for now and then upgrade to concrete as the budget allows.
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nole_trainer
Florida
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Joined: 01/19/2009
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Thanks for all the good advice. We are looking at carport type, just a roof supprted by the beams. Need to look more into local codes and the permitting process, as I got an email stating that a permit was required but very little details. Might be worth moving just to have a better (larger) property for the HTT 
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nole_trainer
Florida
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Well, the Zoning dept says I cannot do this! Oh well, time to move to the country! My only monthly covered option is $100/month, ouch!!!!!
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dadmomh
Jackson, TN
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Bummer! Yep, we're in the county, not the city. Any chance you have friend that has a big barn you could store in? Ouch!! is right!!!
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nole_trainer
Florida
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dadmomh wrote:Bummer! Yep, we're in the county, not the city. Any chance you have friend that has a big barn you could store in? Ouch!! is right!!!
Friends? Haven't started camping yet to meet those
Told the wife we were moving, she just laughed, not the right state to sell a house in these days!
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kellem
Shenandoah valley,VA
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Joined: 05/07/2007
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Yes...if you can't put a roof over the hybrid then by all means move.
I would quit my job and maybe cash in a 401K but you need to act now before that Jayco arrives.
We live in a place,knowing ahead of time that we could erect a steel building "22X22X12" to protect our hybrid from the elements.
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