Are Caravan Covers worth the trouble

Great question as I to am picking up a new van and doing the storage out side and am very interested in the response you get from your question

To add to my question above.

I used to own a camper and had a cover for it. I found thta after some very hot weather the pole holder had sagged in the middle - I think due to the heat.

Whether this would have happened without the cover I am not sure.

I have a pop top with a solar panel on the roof - which I wan't need for storing.


Richard

Good thought, I put one of those supposably breathable covers over my boat and it obviously got wet so borrowed a plastic tarp that stopped the water but the condensation under it was almost as bad.

Yes I know it's a boat and gets wet in the water but I wanted it dry when not used so it would not get mouldy etc.

Maîneÿ . . .

We store ours half inside and half outside with a cover over it. The cover is breathable and so water dries out. They are expensive, but it is better than sun damage and it keeps the van relatively clean. We've had two covers and would say the tighter the fit the better as there is less flapping. Eventually the sun breaks down the surface and they flake but better the cover than the van. From memory I think they cost somewhere around the $400 mark (maybe more or less). Can't remember the brand, but we have bought ours from a caravan accessory store. We also use one (much smaller) to cover our Kimberley Kamper when it is not in use.

Bruce and Di

Hi Richard, We keep ours covered. I'm not sure of the brand, but you can buy them at most Automotive retailers & I think I saw them a couple of years ago in Big W. They used to come in three sizes & cost about $450 when we bought ours.

The roof section is water proof & the sides & ends are made from some sort of breathable material. I have read on this Forum that some people have experienced the cover rubbing & resulting in damage to paint work.

We have not had this problem nor any other problems with it. They come with ample straps & tie down points. Just make sure you use them to keep it nice & snug so it doesn't flap about in the wind. Ours is now about five years old & still in good nick & they are well worth having in my opinion. Good luck.

Look here

http://www.coverworld.com.au/

The best in Australia Also can be the most expensive if you like the top of the range

I have one I bought from Camec and has lasted over 4 years Cost about $400.


The cheap ones from Auto places dont cut the mustard, are not as UV resistant and I wouldnt bother.

Mine sat out in an exposed paddock for 18 months and didnt rip or rub the paint.

Good enough for me

We have a Prestige van cover - about $400 - thin, lightweight soft grey fabric - I think it's worth the mucking about - provides good protection from bird poop, rain and most importantly, the high summer radiation. Our van is full height and 18' and I can (if I need to) get it on and off by myself. Said to last about 3 years +....... The fabric is good in that the rain beads off and anything that gets under it in long wet spells breathes out during sunny breaks. The maker suggests that every sharp edge up top has to be covered prior to putting it on - too much trouble for me - as a result I've got a few small holes - I just patch them.

Thanks all for the replies.

I will get one I reckon as I have a few trees close and they make a real mess.

Not the best spot for it but the only one I have.


I have seen the Prestige one around and will closer during the week.

I am prepared to buy a good one as I have spent a lot on the van so a bit more for the cover is worth it - just have to do without food for a week:)


Richard

Hi,
A bit of a stupid question

Do you store the pop tops with the roof up or down under one of these covers.

This is my first van.

Richard

No question is stupid Richard if you don't know the answer!! & I'm not professing that I have the right answer! However, we have a pop top & store it with the top in the "up" position.

As far as I'm aware all the covers are designed for full vans, so if you whack one on yours in the down position you will have lots of slack on the under side. This is not realy a problem as you are able to tension it up with the straps that come with the cover.

We choose to store ours in the "up" position as we feel that there is less chance of mildew on the canvas. I believe the lifting mechanism when locked in place takes the weight off the gas struts but you can purchase purpose made corner "props" that are supposed to take the weight off the struts.
Best bet is to get out there on the road & use it & forget about storing it!!

Congratulations on the purchase of your Pop Top, you wont be disappointed in this concept, we love ours.Cheers.