Pros and Cons of Getting Caravan Covers

Caravan coverings are effective in helping with moisture control and preventing the growth of mould bacteria that could otherwise harm the exterior of your caravan. While they appear to be useful and valuable items for your motorhome, some people are hesitant to get them. In this article, we will find out the various advantages and disadvantages of getting one in for your caravan. 

Pros of getting caravan covers 

1. Caravan covers prolong the life of your caravan.

In addition to protecting your vehicle from natural elements, a caravan cover will also shield it from scrapes to the paintwork caused by tree sap and UV fading. The more you use a cover, the less wear and tear your vehicle will experience, and therefore the fewer repairs and maintenance tasks you will have to accomplish before putting it on the market. 

2. Caravan covers will keep your vehicle dry. 

Even though most caravan covers are not waterproof, they do feature some type of water resistance at the roof panel to protect the rooftop accessories on your caravan.  Furthermore, many caravan owners choose to cover their vehicles because they believe it will help prevent dampness by keeping water from contacting the exterior of their caravan. 

3. Caravan covers help prevent scratches on the vehicle's exterior. 

Most people assume that caravan covers are the root cause of unwanted scratches, but that is not true in most cases. Traditional window covers made of inexpensive materials such as tarpaulin can leave blotches and haze on windows. However, modern window covers are constructed of higher-quality materials to avoid this problem. Specifically, slipcovers will aid in the prevention of damage, particularly to the windows. Speaking of the quality of these items, caravan covers now have longer lifespans and are created with more reliable equipment and procedures.

4. Caravan covers will help you have a better resale value.

Since caravan covers will help you increase the lifespan of your vehicle and prevent surface damage, it will help you sell it for a reasonable price. 

5. Caravan covers will help increase the security of your vehicle.

One additional advantage of using a caravan cover is that potential thieves will not be able to recognise what caravan model you have clearly, nor will they be able to see what you have stowed within the caravan. In return, it helps prevent thieves from easily targeting your caravan.

Cons of getting caravan covers 

1. Caravan covers take a lot to put on and remove.

It definitely takes time to come to terms with how challenging it can be to put on and remove these items. Although this might vary depending on the brand of your vehicle and the design of your cover, it can be inconvenient to have to uncover and then re-cover your vehicle constantly. 

2. Caravan covers can cause dampness. 

This scenario is not at all common to those who use caravan covers, but this affected a lot of people's views towards the product. Many people claim that their caravan cover has caused their caravan to become moist. In some cases,  moisture gets trapped between the cover and the vehicle when water manages to penetrate through the cover and then cannot leave because the cover is too thick. Others, on the other hand, have the opposite experience. Many caravan covers are breathable and can help prevent water from accumulating on the surface. 

3. Caravan covers can cause scratches. 

As mentioned earlier, some have experienced seeing scratches on the exterior of their caravan after using covers. When caravan covers were first introduced, they were not built to the highest standards. As a result, many were constructed from materials that were extremely scratchy and might cause damage to the windows and paintwork. However, when you buy a recognised brand of caravan cover, you won't have to worry about harsh or scratchy materials being used in the construction of the cover. 

Overall, the problems tied to caravan covers are greatly influenced by the material and the item's brand. If you find a more reliable and high-quality product, you will definitely get the most of your caravan cover. 

With that said, it is imperative that you know how to choose among the different items. 

Choosing the right caravan cover 

There are ultimately two main types of caravan covers: 

1. Caravan covers for protection 

If you are looking for a cover specifically for protection, opt for a highly water-resistant product to safeguard your air conditioners, hatches, and antennas.

2. Caravan covers for storage

Since storing your vehicle for a long time may cause the accumulation of mould and other bacteria, you will need to find a breathable product to limit the likelihood of moisture accumulating beneath it. 

Furthermore, if you do decide to purchase a caravan cover, remember that size matters. Before you even step inside the store, you should know the accurate measurements of your vehicle. To find the dimensions of your caravan for a cover, simply measure the caravan body from the rearmost point to the frontmost point, parallel to the ground, including the petrol locker but excluding the A-frame, from the rearmost point to the first point. 

If you cannot find the right size for your caravan,  you might want a cover designed specifically for you. A custom-made caravan cover will suit your vehicle perfectly, including all of its features such as aerials, entrances, and flues. 

Another choice is to go for semi-tailored covers created for specific caravan models and consider the differences in profile design between models. 

With that said, it is safe to say that purchasing a caravan cover is worth it. While there may be some disadvantages, the key to preventing them is finding the best quality available on the market.