Do you cover your pit?

Many of the great pics I've seen are of peoples' cookers that are either under some sort of cover or rolled out of their garage when it's time to cook. There are very few (though they do exist) of people who keep their pits exposed to the elements. I'm curious if people who can't protect their pits inside a garage or under a roof cover them with a tarp or custom cover.

I've finally bit the bullet and decided to place an order on an LSG 24x40 (though I may change to the 24x48 before they can start the build in 3 months) and I'm trying to decide if I should invest in a cover. I've seen some youtube videos (Babyback maniac in TX) that suggest the LSG paint is very resilient and can stand up to the elements. I live in Virginia where we get snow and rain on a regular basis.

If you have a pit that lives outside, do you cover it? If you have an LSG offset smoker, do you feel like the paint is hardy enough to withstand rain and snow or would you recommend a tarp or vinyl cover?

Thanks for any advice in advance!

This is all excellent advice! Thank you to everyone above. I agree with the posts that talk about protecting your investment. The LSGs are like Cadillacs and it would be a shame not to treat them well after spending the money. I often hear them described as, "My dream pit," and there's a good reason why. So much care and attention is paid in the manufacturing process (as there is with Shirley, Lang, Johnson and so many others).

I was not expecting to hear about condensation under the cover. THAT got my attention. I'm very glad I posted this question because now I'm aware of a possible pitfall I never new existed. That gives me pause.

The custom covers for an LSG 24x40 are not exactly cheap but are worth it if they will help maintain the pit for decades to come.

SSV3, your post is exactly what I was concerned about. I've heard the paint jobs on the LSGs are very well done and quite resilient. You've demonstrated this to be true and I appreciate that a lot.

When my new pit arrives (probably January) I think I will spring for the cover to protect it from the snow here in the metropolitan DC area. However, when the humidity starts to rise, as winter turns to spring, I think I'll put the cover away and leave the pit exposed, trying to prevent the condensation I know would occur in our humid summers. I'll know not to be afraid of a little rain, especially with a 6 year track record on SSV3's offset cabinet!