Caravanning Tips: To cover a caravan or not to cover?

Caravan vacations are one of the best ways to embark on outdoor activities in great comfort and with a sense of independence. Not only that, but they are convenient to keep. While you can preserve them in your garage, some caravan owners wonder if it is possible to keep them under the sun or exposed to the natural elements. 

Caravan covers are believed to be effective in protecting these vehicles. However, some remain sceptical in terms of their extent of usefulness. If you want to know whether they are worth buying, we will answer some of the most asked questions about these items and help you decide whether you should get them or not. 

Do caravan covers have zippers?

Some caravan coverings include zippers, which make it easier for owners to access their vehicles. This is especially useful if you keep items in your caravan and need to open them every now and again. The use of a zipper eliminates the need to remove the entire cover just to get inside the vehicle. 

Are caravan covers breathable?

High-quality caravans are often breathable, which prevents mould growth. This quality makes it possible for moisture to escape, thus keeping the vehicle dry during storage.

What size should I get for my caravan cover?

The size of your caravan will significantly depend on your vehicle. You can get a perfect-fitting cover by measuring the caravan's length and width. It would also be helpful if you knew the dimensions front to back.

Moreover, these are the types of covers to choose from: 

Ready-made covers: Otherwise known as universal covers, the sizes of these materials won't fit exactly your caravan. However, if you have to choose between two sizes, it would be best to choose the smaller size. This way, you won't have to deal with excess material in securing your caravan. 

Semi-tailored covers: Meanwhile, these covers are made to cater to the specific make. To find a cover that perfectly fits your vehicle, you should know its particular model and precise dimensions.

Made-to-measure covers: This may be the best choice when looking for a caravan cover. It will allow you to consider any added features you have added to your caravan, including awnings, roof-mounted air conditioners, and TV antennae. They are highly beneficial because if the cover fits snuggly, the fabrics will rub against your caravan and can destroy the paintwork.

Now that we know some of the basics of caravan covers let us move into the various pros and cons of getting one to help you decide whether they are worth it. 

The advantages of using caravan covers 

#1 It keeps your caravan clean

Natural elements such as dirt, dust, sand, and leaves accumulate as your caravan sits idle, eventually causing damage to your vehicle. By sheltering your vehicle from the weather, caravan covers will make it easier for you to maintain it clean.

#2 Protection of paintworks

Rain, hail, and frost are all elements that can damage the paintworks of your caravan. Moisture can also contribute to the build-up of rust on the surface of your vehicle. If you keep your caravan outside, you should expect bird droppings and tree sap to damage your coatings by seeping into the colour. Caravan covers will act as a protective layer to keep all these damaging elements form harming your paint. 

#3 Protection against UV rays

The sun can significantly damage your vehicle by causing cracks, chalking and flaking. Aside from these, UV rays can also make the colour of the paintings look dull and lose its shine. When you cover your caravan, you prevent direct contact between the sun and the surface, therefore lessening any potential damage.

#4 Prevention against scratches

Caravan covers will help protect your vehicle from debris that flickers up from the roads trim branches that fall from trees. 

#5 Maintain a high resale value 

While you may not think of having your vehicle on sale yet, there comes a time when you need to. Having the cover will reduce the wear and tear to your tourer, thereby maintaining a higher value for your caravan in case of resale.  

The disadvantages of using caravan covers 

#1 Hassle in putting on and taking-off of the cover 

Some covers can be time-consuming to put and take off. The process can also become more complicated depending on your vehicle's model, design, and shape. An additional challenge is when your caravan is tall. In some cases, you'll need a ladder and a companion to cover your caravan correctly. 

#2 They can cause scratches

Low-quality covers made of harsh materials may cause scratches when it flaps during a strong wind. Having a cover that does not perfectly fit your vehicle can also create visible scuffs and scrapes over time. 

#3 Build up of dampness, mould and mildew 

Some claim that covers cause damp mould and mildew. Cases like this may be due to water penetrating the surface that cannot escape. However, this is not the case for all covers. When the fabric is not breathable and water-resistant, moisture is left inside, causing mould and mildew formation. 

 Get only quality caravan covers. 

As you can see from the pros and cons presented above, you are only most likely to experience damages if you purchase low-quality material. This is why you should only buy from a reliable supplier who only offer guaranteed and high-quality products. 

RV Parts Express is an online retailer in the recreational vehicle sector. We assist clients throughout Australia and have over 35 years of industry knowledge and expertise. We provide the best caravan covers on the market and ensure that vehicles are adequately protected from damage while covered by our products.