Which Cover Suits My Caravan?

Owning a caravan allows people to enjoy many road trips in greater comfort and convenience. For many people, it is a huge investment that is meant to last many years. However, due to the often-harsh climatic conditions of Australia, it is also an asset that can be highly vulnerable. 

When exposed to harsh sunlight, torrential rains and even hail, it is not uncommon for these vehicles to suffer substantial damage. Caravans are made up of a variety of materials including plastic, fibreglass, wood, glass, paintwork, and aluminium cladding. When these materials are exposed to harsh elements, they can cause the caravan to prematurely age or suffer other costly damage. 

Caravan covers have been a popular means of protecting caravans from all kinds of severe weather conditions, dripping tree sap and bird droppings, mould, and more. Many of the early versions of this protective cover were made using heavy abrasive materials that not only would damage the vehicle itself, but were also not very long-lasting. 

However, many of the modern choices of caravan covers are more lightweight and durable. The fabrics are gentle on paintwork and are breathable to allow for good airflow, hence reducing the risk of mould developing. They also do a good job of protecting your caravan when not in use from dust and UV light. 

Even for those that hit the road on a grand adventure regularly, there are prolonged periods during which you will leave your caravan parked. It is important to ensure that it is well protected so the time you need to use it, you do not have to worry about damage from exposure. More so if you lack a garage or other shelter in which to store your caravan. The use of a caravan cover will also reduce the need to regularly wash your caravan and keep it presentable looking. 

A caravan cover is a solid investment if you choose the right size from a quality brand. They can last several years, assuring you of dependable protection for your vehicle. In choosing which cover to choose for your caravan, you need to start by assessing if you actually need it. 

Is a caravan cover necessary?

Consider where you store your caravan when not in use and what condition you typically find it when ready to go travelling. If you have a good shelter for your caravan that keeps it away from the elements and other nuisances like tree sap and bird droppings, then you likely do not need extra cover. 

However, if you are not using a shelter and keep your caravan parked outside, then a caravan cover is a good idea. It will limit exposure and the risk of damage to your caravan. It is not just about preserving the functionality and aesthetics of your vehicle. If you invest in a quality caravan cover and install it correctly, you can better preserve the condition and resale value of your caravan. Follow this guide to choosing a caravan cover to find the right choice for your vehicle. 

Pick the right size

The first consideration when choosing a caravan cover has to be knowing what type of vehicle you have. There are four main categories of recreational vehicles (RVs). These include caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and pop-top caravans. Caravans and pop-tops have a sloping front side that will require the cover to have a shorter roof length. 

You will find that the brands that manufacture caravan covers will categorise them according to RV type so you have a better idea of where to start. If your RV does not fall within standard sizes, as can happen with hybrid or off-road models, consult with the supplier beforehand. 

Once you establish what type of RV you have, the next step is to pick the right size of the cover. Cover sizes are usually indicated in a format of Length x Width x Height. RVs of all brands tend to have fairly standard sizes when it comes to width and height. However, it is not advisable to just follow the manufacturer's size specifications as per the owner's manual or from an online search when it comes to length. This is because there is often confusion as to whether the specifications refer to the internal or external measurements of the RV and the possibility the owner has added on accessories. 

To avoid confusion and ensure better accuracy, we recommend manually measuring your vehicle using the metric system. Measure the metric length of the vehicle, from its longest point to the longest point along the bottom length. If it has extras like a drawbar, spare tyre, bike rack, storage box, or another part that would extend the length, exclude them if you typically store them separately. Measure just the body length. 

However, if for some reason you do store your RV with these extras still on, you should add their length to your measurement and ensure you place some padding over them to avoid damaging the cover material. 

Once you have taken this measurement, be sure to add an extra 10-15cm to the length and choose a cover that is as close to this final tally. This will ensure you have a good fitting without worrying the cover will be too tight. Avoid going beyond this allowance as a cover that is too big may need to be pinned or strapped. A poorly fitted cover may also cause damage to the paintwork or windows. 

While you will want the cover to fit snugly, choosing too small a size may make it unusable or difficult to get on without damaging your RV. If your measurements fall outside the available sizes for the caravan cover manufacturer, always choose the next size up. You can use cinching straps to adjust the cover and get a better fit on your RV. 

Quality

Although caravan covers have come a long way in terms of design, there is still some variance when it comes to quality. Just like most other products, you often get what you pay for. Cheap deals can easily be found, especially online. However, this also often means low-quality materials have been used. 

For the best quality, we recommend choosing top brands like Camco and ADCO that provide a 3-year warranty. While the pricing on their products may be higher, you are assured of a durable product that will serve you well for years to come. Choosing cheaper quality brands will likely result in the cover deteriorating faster, forcing you to make a repeat purchase sooner than expected. 

Choosing a brand

As said, Camco and ADCO are Australia’s biggest and best brands when it comes to caravan covers. Let us look at what makes them popular. 

• Camco 

Camco has a good reputation for providing quality yet affordable caravan covers. They have been in business for over 45 years and provide a 4-year warranty on all their covers. They use dual material composite that allows for waterproofing of the roof section with weather-resistant and breathable material covering the sides. This allows for moisture to escape and evaporate, preventing the formation of mould and mildew. 

Their covers provide excellent protection from not just harsh weather conditions, but also industrial pollutants, acid rain, tree sap, dust, and bird droppings. They cater to all types of RVs and offer a wide selection of sizes to choose from. The elasticised skirt and nylon straps help ensure a snug fit, with strategically placed zips that allow for easy access to your caravan when you need it and without having to remove the cover. 

• ADCO

ADCO has produced over 30 million units of caravan covers and has earned an enviable reputation as one of the best brands to choose from in the industry. They offer both standard-sized covers and custom options. Their covers can be found in use in different parts of the world, however, they do considerable research to identify the best materials that will work for particular climates. 

In Australia, they partnered with Coast RV to develop quality caravan covers that come with a four-layer Olefin HD top panel which can reflect sunlight and ensures better cooling inside the RV. they also come with extra reinforcements along the top and bottom to help protect against tears and snags. These durable and innovative covers also come with up to a 3-year comprehensive manufacturer warranty. 

Tips for when installing a caravan cover

First, ensure that your caravan is clean and dry. Installing the cover when there is dust and other debris will create an abrasive effect that could damage the paintwork. Put away or remove any accessories or sharp objects. Close all windows and vents. 

Identify the front and rear sides of the cover. The front is either marked or will be the side with the manufacturer logo. You do not need a step ladder to install the cover, though this may be helpful. You simply need an extra pair of hands and to use tent poles. Thread the tent poles through the D-rings or eyelets of the cover and use them to raise the cover over the caravan, starting from the rear. As you move to the front, ensure the cover slides smoothly over the van. 

Once you get to the front of the caravan, unthread the poles, pull down the cover around the caravan, and then you can secure the cover in place using the cinching straps under the body and across the front and rear.  

Prolonged exposure to the elements can cause your caravan to suffer untold damage and shorten its life span. Getting a caravan cover is a simple and effective way to protect your investment so that when you are ready to travel again or even sell it, you find it in good condition.