Caravan covers

Submitted: Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 02:03
ThreadID: 137575 Views:5639 Replies:5 FollowUps:4
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what are the pros and cons please of caravan covers , are they worth it , what type etc ??
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Reply By: Frank P (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 09:32

Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 09:32
Nothing beats a shed or carport to protect your van when not in use, but if you can't have that, then a decent cover is an alternative for UV and weather protection. And bird and bat droppings, which can be very corrosive on the finish.

My van lives outside, as most do, I guess. I use a cover from Stormcovers. It provides
the required environmental protection and in addition is padded so it provides protection against hail which, to my cost with another van, I found I needed.

Not cheap, but effective. At 10 years old, mine is now on its last legs but it has served well in that period.
FrankP

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Follow Up By: garrycol - Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 09:43

Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 09:43
I have a camper with the same issue. I have bought both expensive and cheap. Expensive works well but generally they break down due to UV - cheap lasts no where near as long but are a lot cheaper and overall are better value for money but you have to replace often but is still cheaper than an expensive one less often.

However I found my optimum solution - cheap or expensive it is the top that fails and always because of UV - the sides on both hold up well.

So I now buy a cheapy that I am reasonably happy with and put it on - I then cover the top with a silver tarp (not one of the blue ones) - these silver tarps (Supercheap) last about 3 years in full sun and cost about $60 - since putting one of these on top I have not had my cheaper cover fail.

Just my experience in a high UV area.
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Follow Up By: Brian - Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 12:51

Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 12:51
Thanks to Frank and Garrycool for your comments , have heard they sweat underneath which wouldnt be ideal ??
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Follow Up By: Frank P (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 15:13

Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 15:13
Only if you cover the van when it's wet.

But I suppose it depends on the kind of material used. The outer skin on mine is that silver tarp material - totally waterproof. It's not an issue - well, not with mine, anyway.
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Reply By: Darian - Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 14:14

Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 14:14
You'll see a variety of brands of the lightweight, soft grey fabric covers. I had one for awhile (Prestige). As I see it, they are designed to:
- repel water to an extent
- allow moisture that gets through to breath out efficiently
- be light weight (easy on and off)
- be compact (easy to stow)
My problem was that at 18 months, mine was in the bin ! Poor UV resistance is the killer. As mentioned above, if you can team it with a cheap silver tarp on top, that would be the go (maybe a few pool noodles or similar to seperate the two to allow for air spacing).
This can all be avoided of course by spending big $ on a tough, tailored vinyl cover....I spent even more....on a decent carport (but then...my treasured tug sits in under there too :-).
Good luck with it.
AnswerID: 622728

Follow Up By: Kazza055 - Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 17:54

Thursday, Dec 20, 2018 at 17:54
I fitted a Prestige to my previous van. After 18 months of use it had worn holes and damaged the paint surface where it had slight movement in the wind.

I actually used rope to try and stop any movement but even this did not work.

Unless you can put it under a roof or even a sail I would not waste my money, bugger of a thing to get on and off as well.

Save your money and polish it every 12 months.
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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Friday, Dec 21, 2018 at 09:05

Friday, Dec 21, 2018 at 09:05
Is this a bit like putting a cover on your house when you are not at home?
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
AnswerID: 622740

Reply By: Sigmund - Monday, Dec 24, 2018 at 07:11

Monday, Dec 24, 2018 at 07:11
Look for a version that has a breathable skirt as otherwise you can get condensation inside.
AnswerID: 622786

Reply By: Kevin oO - Thursday, Jan 17, 2019 at 15:59

Thursday, Jan 17, 2019 at 15:59
Pros: The major benefits is it gives protection against dust, wind, water and harmful UV rays which will not damage your caravan. Its always perfect.

Cons: Costly but effective.

https://www.camec.com.au/shop/awnings-screens-covers-mats/caravan-covers
AnswerID: 623254

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