Caravanning Tips: Should You Buy a Caravan Cover or Not?

When it comes to caravan covers in Australia, not all caravanners share the same opinion. Some believe it’s an unnecessary expense while others swear by it and consider it an essential item. Regardless of which camp you’re in, a high-quality caravan cover will help keep your beloved RV in pristine condition. An RV is a big investment and naturally, it should be in your best interest to keep it protected at all times. Caravan covers preserve the paintwork, materials, and other components of your RV and will limit the wear and tear it receives on a daily basis.

But the big question is, should you buy a caravan cover? Is it a worthwhile investment or should you just leave your RV bare-bones outside? We’ll be answering those questions in this article about caravan covers.

Why you should buy a caravan cover

A caravan cover is one of the best ways to protect your RV from rain, dirt, tree sap, and other harmful elements. Unlike smaller vehicles like cars and motorcycles, caravans spend the majority of their time outdoors which increases their exposure to harsh weather conditions. If left unprotected, your caravan’s bodywork and windows may accumulate scuffs and scratches that will undoubtedly affect its overall value.

With caravan covers, you can feel confident knowing that your caravan is well-protected even if you don’t store it inside a shed or garage. Keep in mind that not all caravan covers are created equal and you do get what you pay for. If you’re looking to purchase a caravan cover, we recommend buying the best one you can afford as these covers feature breathable materials, weatherproofing, soft inner linings, and more.

Perhaps the most important part of buying a caravan cover is UV protection. The sun’s rays are bad for your RV’s paintwork and it can cause premature fading over time. While most people think that an RV’s paint job is for aesthetics only, the truth is that it acts as a barrier to protect the vehicle’s plastic and metal pieces. Caravan covers also conceal your RV from potential thieves that are secretly eyeing your driveway.

Why you shouldn’t buy a caravan cover

There’s very little reason why you shouldn’t buy a caravan cover unless if you’re really trying to save money. High-quality caravan covers aren’t cheap and they can range anywhere between $250-$500 and up depending on the brand and the size of your RV. Care must be taken when buying a caravan cover since picking up the wrong one can do more harm than good. For example, an ill-fitting caravan cover may tear up easily, flap excessively during windy conditions, and rub against the caravan’s exterior which can cause scratches on the bodywork and windows.

What you shouldn’t buy are those cheap, low-quality caravan covers that do very little in terms of protecting your RV. They don’t last long and the materials used can cause moisture problems and a whole host of other issues. We always recommend purchasing caravan covers from reputable brands like ADCO and Camco to ensure adequate protection for your RV. While you may be saving money initially by not buying a caravan cover, you will eventually have to pay for repairs and replacement parts which will cost more in the long run.

Choosing the right caravan cover

If you do decide to pick up a caravan cover, understand that fitting is everything. You want a caravan cover that’s not too lose so that it doesn’t flap around and not too tight so it doesn’t tear up easily. To get the right fit, measure the length of your RV starting from front to back, making sure not to include the gas bottle or the A-frame. Use this measurement when selecting caravan covers to ensure a proper fitting.

The materials of the caravan cover are another factor worth considering. Most modern covers have weatherproofing features, but the best ones use breathable fabrics for better airflow and fewer chances of mould/mildew growth. Fitting a caravan cover can be quite challenging so if you plan on fitting it by yourself, you may want to opt for a lighter weight fabric. From there, it’s all about the extra features like non-abrasive inner linings and storm straps to hold the cover in place during inclement weather.

Bespoke caravan covers are also available for those who are struggling to find the right size. They may be more expensive than a ready-made cover, but the benefits far outweigh the costs like for example customizability and superior fitting.

The bottom line

So, should you buy a caravan cover or not? In our opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. Caravan covers are well worth considering and you should definitely spend your money on the best cover you can afford. It makes sense to invest in your RV’s protection if you wish to keep it in pristine condition. Do your research on caravan covers and only buy from reputable brands to ensure you get a long-lasting cover that’s built with premium materials.