A Guide on Choosing the Right Caravan Cover

One of the best ways to keep your caravan in mint condition is by investing in a caravan cover. Caravan covers are great for protecting your recreational vehicle (RV) against the elements, especially if you don’t park it inside a garage. Considering that a caravan is one of your biggest assets, it should be in your best interest to keep it well-protected and prevent excessive wear and tear from occurring. Caravan covers have come a long way from using heavy, abrasive materials to lighter, more breathable fabrics that safeguard your caravan from all sorts of weather conditions.

For most people, a caravan is their home away from home. It serves as their great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. While most of us like traveling and going on holidays, the fact is that your caravan is continually exposed to all types of weather conditions. If you don’t protect it, your caravan can suffer from premature aging and extensive damage.

Considering how harsh the Australian climate can be, it should be in your best interest to purchase a caravan cover that’s durable and dependable. If you’re looking for the right cover for your caravan, then you came to the right place. This guide will cover everything you need to know about caravan covers and help you make an informed purchase.

With brands like ADCO and Camco leading the way, there is no shortage of high quality caravan covers out there on the market. But not all caravan covers are created equal and choosing the right one for your vehicle can prove quite challenging. This guide will cover everything you need to know about choosing the right caravan cover for your mobile home.

Why you need a caravan cover

Some caravanners argue that a caravan cover is an unwarranted expense while others believe it’s an essential accessory. While it is true that caravan covers are not for everyone, there are instances where you should consider buying one. If your caravan sees long periods of non-use, it’s wise to keep it covered and shield it from harm. Not only will a caravan cover protect your RV’s exterior parts, but it will also protect interior furnishings from the sun’s harmful rays.

Caravan covers also protect your RV’s windows against scratches. If you store your caravan outside, the windows can be scratched by particles carried by the wind. Perhaps the ones who need caravan covers the most are people who don’t have a dedicated caravan garage for their RV. It’s not worth exposing your caravan to the outside elements so it’s best to keep it protected by covering it when not in use.

Types of caravan covers

There are four main types of caravan covers that are suited for the following RV types:

• Conventional caravans - Conventional caravans are basic RVs that feature a full height hood and four solid walls. They feature several furnished rooms and built-in equipment that provides a homey feeling for most caravanners.

• Pop-top caravans - As the name implies, pop-top caravans feature a pop-up roof to provide more headroom in small RVs. Due to the retracting top, these types of caravans go through less wind resistance when driving on highways.

• Camper trailers - Camper trailers feature a pop-top roof similar to pop-top caravans as well as extendable tenth berths at either end. Camper trailers can be towed by any vehicle and boasts a more spacious living space than the aforementioned RVs.

• Motorhomes - Motorhomes are built for long-distance trips. It functions both as your car and your home, meaning you’ll have to take your entire home with you whenever you want to go sightseeing or drive downtown.

There are plenty of other RVs out there that require their own caravan cover. If you’re unsure about which caravan cover best suits your vehicle, don’t hesitate to ask the seller.

Choosing the right size

If you’re looking to purchase a caravan cover, then you have to get the measurements right. This means you should measure your caravan (which is easier than most people think) to get the right fit. Most, if not all manufacturers use standard RV measurements in terms of height and width. The only thing you need to find out is the length of your caravan.

To do this, simply measure the RV’s body parallel to the ground, starting from the rearmost point all the way to the front. It is important that you do note include the A-frame, front tool boxes, and rear bumpers when measuring your caravan as this can stretch out the cover and risk tearing them.

The caravan cover should fit like a glove and should not flap around when the wind blows. We do recommend choosing the next size up if the length of your RV falls somewhere in between the manufacturer’s sizes as cinching straps can be used to adjust the fit of the caravan cover to your vehicle.

Pay attention to quality than the price tag

It can be tempting to purchase cheap caravan covers in an effort to save money. But like we said before, your caravan is one of your biggest investments and buying a low-quality caravan won’t do a good job of protecting it from damage. For example, moisture can build up on cheap caravan covers and lead to mould, mildew, and even rust formation on your caravan’s exterior, leading to more expensive repairs down the line. 

When choosing a caravan cover, get the best one you can afford. Premium caravan covers from reputable manufacturers like Camco and ADCO use high quality materials that are built to last. They’re less likely to tear, rip, and disintegrate over time The best part is, they come with long-term warranties of up to 3 years to ensure your caravan is always protected.

Caravan covers were a rare sight just two decades ago. But with the introduction of lightweight, breathable, and non-abrasive fabrics, more and more caravanners are looking into buying one for their RVs. Hopefully with this guide, you’ll be able to purchase the right caravan cover that will protect your pride and joy from all sorts of weather conditions.

Fitting a caravan cover

Once you’ve picked up the right sized cover for your caravan, the next step is to fit it. But before you start, make sure your caravan is clean and free of dust, dirt, or debris. Otherwise, these particles can turn abrasive and scratch your caravan’s paint, windows, and other exterior parts. Remove or stow any obstructions like antennas, steps, and swing down legs. Close all the windows and the roof vents as well prior to fitting.

Locate the front end of the caravan cover (where a logo usually resides). To make fitting much easier, use a pair of tent poles and ask another person for help. Tread the spigot ends of the tent pole through the eyelets of the caravan cover and raise the cover on top of the vehicle. Start at the rear and walk slowly towards the front of the caravan, making sure the cover flows smoothly over the vehicle and is not caught up on any protrusions.

Unthread the tent poles and tug the sides of the caravan cover to completely cover your vehicle. All that’s left is to secure the cover by strapping it underneath the caravan and across the front and rear sides. The caravan cover should be firm enough to prevent fabric movement and is not overly to prevent rips and tears.

Other things you need to know

Many first time buyers are wondering if caravan covers are waterproof. While most caravan covers aren’t fully waterproof, the top portion of the cover however is designed to prevent water from seeping through. Caravan covers don’t have sealed seams or full waterproofing because it can cause moisture buildup and lead to exterior damage. The caravan covers need to be breathable so that any trapped water can evaporate.

Keep in mind that caravan covers are designed to protect your vehicle in an open environment, not as a protection for a leaky roof. If anything, you should at least have a caravan canopy in order to protect your caravan from the elements before you go out and purchase a caravan cover.

Another thing to keep in mind is that plastic/acrylic windows are prone to scratching as a result of the flapping/rubbing of the caravan cover. We strongly suggest cleaning your caravan first before using a caravan cover to minimize the risk of scratches on your vehicle’s paint and windows. Again, it all comes down to choosing the best fitting cover for your caravan. If you’re really concerned about the safety of your caravan’s windows, you can use cling wrap and attach it to the windows for added protection.

Buy the best caravan covers you can afford. Don’t be tempted on cheap covers that can tear easily or those that don’t breathe as well compared to premium brands. By following these tips, you’ll be able to select the right caravan cover that will safeguard your prized possession from the elements.