I've had my RTT for almost a year and have taken my boy out in it a bunch. Hes still pretty young, turns two in August, and I've found myself taking the trailer with the tent mounted on it on many of the trips he comes with me so I don't need to worry about packing it up each morning. I know lots of people think doing that is a huge negative of an RTT but I really don't mind it, but when he is with me pulling my cute little trailer around makes things go even smoother. If I had a wife that camped or that could help in the mornings I might not but for now I'm pleased about having the trailer as an option for the tent.
As far as the travel cover repair goes, CVT sells replacements for $100-150 depending on size. Its not chump change but depending on what estimates come in at might be a reasonable choice to just spring for a new one.