At first, the answer to this question seems simple — of course you should use a caravan cover since it protects your caravan from different kinds of damage. However, there are also a lot of other factors to consider when it comes to using a caravan cover, which makes a lot of caravan users avoid them. Although they have been designed to protect caravans from outdoor elements such as the sun’s rays, rain, and snow, they sometimes cause damage to it as well. There is often a difference of opinion when it comes to using a caravan cover.
In this blog post, I will be looking at the two sides of the caravan cover debate while also explaining the different types of caravan covers that are available and what to look for in a good caravan cover.
In the blog post below, I will be discussing the following:
Different types of caravan covers
When it comes to buying a caravan cover, the first thing you need to do is decide which type of caravan cover will be best for your particular caravan. There are generally three different types of caravan covers that fit onto caravan in different ways. These include:
Universal covers
These types of caravan covers are some of the cheapest ones available that usually cost around £70-£150 depending on the size that you need. They are sold in different sizes and can be tightened up with a strap underneath and an elastic hem at the bottom. However, these covers are the type that usually cause damage instead of preventing it, which is why they are not recommended by many caravan users.
Since this cover hasn’t been tailored to your caravan, it can cause scratches to your caravan while you’re putting it on, or if the cover is a little too big for your caravan, then the wind can cause the material to flap which means it can damage your caravan underneath the cover. If you opt for a cheap universal cover, then the material may not be of high quality and water may be able to penetrate through the material.
Semi tailored covers
Semi-tailored covers are usually built for a particular make of caravan. This means that it won’t fit perfectly to your specific caravan model as it will be designed to fit multiple variations of the caravan model, however, it is more size appropriate than a universal cover and can help to reduce the chances of damage to your caravan.
Tailored covers
If you do decide to get a caravan cover, then these ones are the most recommended. These are made to measure your specific caravan which means they will also be more expensive than the universal or the semi-tailored covers. However, paying extra for these covers means they are made to protect your exact caravan model and reduce all the negative factors of having a caravan cover.
These covers can end up costing around £350 if you want to purchase a high-quality one. It is important to ensure that the material is breathable as this will allow trapped moisture and condensation to escape.
Features of a good caravan cover
When looking for a good quality caravan cover there are certain features to look out to ensure you are getting the most protection out of your cover for your caravan. Here are some of the features of a high-quality caravan cover.
Good fitting
As mentioned above, if the fitting of the cover isn’t right, then it can result in damaging the caravan. If the cover doesn’t have a snug fit, then the flapping could cause damage to your caravan, but it can also tear if the wind is really strong. Another thing that ensures a good fit is having features to keep the cover secure. This can include features such as buckles that make sure the cover doesn’t move around.
Easy to use
The perfect caravan cover should allow you to install it onto your caravan quickly and easily, even if it is a full caravan cover. High-quality covers have features such as zips, Velcro, or straps that make it easier to get over the caravan and make the fitting process much faster and simpler.
Breathable material
The majority of full caravan covers are usually designed with a number of layers consisting of a softer inner layer that protects the caravan from scratches and damages, and then a breathable-material membrane and finally, a UV resistant and water-resistant on the outer layer. Having breathability is very important as it prevents condensation from building up underneath the cover.
Pros
- Protection from the elements: One of the main purpose of a caravan cover is to protect your caravan from things like the rain, dirt, and other things that could cause damage. Even bird droppings are known to damage the paintwork. This is one of the main reasons why caravanners purchase a cover to protect the exterior of their caravan from any unwanted mess and keep it clean.
- Protection from UV fading: UV rays can fade paintwork on your caravan and intense sun rays can even damages the seals on the windows and doors. As a result, this can cause your paintwork to flake or crack if exposed to severe heat. Having a caravan cover is important in hot climates as it can protect against these harmful rays from damaging the exterior of your caravan.
- Security: One added bonus of having a caravan cover is that it stops people from being to identify what caravan model you have, or what you have stored within the caravan. This can prevent thieves from targeting your caravan while its parked up on your drive.
- Protection for scratches: While traveling, a caravan cover can prevent damage from any debris on the road flicking up on to your caravan while driving on the motorway. However, there is also an argument against having a cover due to the cover actually causing scratches itself, I will explain this further in the cons section of this blog post.
Cons
- Can cause scratches: Although the purpose of a cover is to protect the caravan from scratches, sometimes it can do the very opposite, especially if you have a cheaper cover that doesn’t fit properly. However, that being said even a more expensive cover can cause scratches.
- Can cause damp: Many caravan users have claimed that their caravan cover has caused their caravan to have damp due to the cover not having breathable material and not being water resistant. This happens when the water penetrates through the cover. Condensation builds up and can’t escape. When it gets stuck in between the cover and the caravan, damp can occur in your caravan.
- Can cause mould: Your caravan may even experience some mould and mildew problems. If the caravan is kept moist under the cover and not clean before putting the cover on, the cover does not have breathable material to allow the moisture or condensation to escape and over a period of time, this can cause mould.
- Caravan can overheat: Although one of the pros pf having a caravan cover is the protection it gives the exterior of the caravan, this can also be seen as a negative. Many caravan covers don’t use breathable materials causing a greenhouse effect within the caravan, which can lead to the electrical components within the caravan such as the leisure battery to damage.
Conclusion
Now that I have explained the difference in opinions when it comes to caravan covers, It is clear that both sides hold some very valid arguments. When deciding whether to get a caravan cover or not, you should take your own personal preference into account. It may also depend on where you have your caravan stored. If it is in a sheltered place, then it should be quite safe as it is.
It is also important to mention here that some of the issues with caravan covers can be avoided if you purchase a high-quality cover that is made from a breathable material as this will allow condensation to escape and prevent damp and mold from building up.