I think we can all agree that camping is a great activity for the entire family. But once you’re done exploring Mother Nature and get back home, you probably know how important it is to keep your caravan away from dirt, tree sap, bird droppings, rain and any other damages that can occur. But truth be told, not all of us are lucky to have a spacious garage or suitable extension for keeping our caravans protected, and this is the moment when covers for caravans come in.
However, choosing a proper caravan cover can become a daunting task, especially once you stumble upon the wide range of different types, features and conveniences. So, if you were about to explore the market and choose a proper cover to protect your caravan, we gathered together a couple of tips that might come in handy on your buying journey.
Determine the Right Type
Before you decide to choose from the vast of caravan covers for sale, it’s essential to get to know the different types so you can pick something that suits your needs and preferences mostly. Generally, we can split covers for caravans into four categories:
Full Covers
As their name states, full covers are made from suitable fabrics that protect the entire vehicle. This type of cover is among the most recommended options, especially if you’re keeping your caravan in your driveway or at any place where it’s exposed to all kinds of weather.
Top Covers
Top covers are ideal for those who don’t need a full cover for their vehicles, but still want to provide some sort of protection from dirt, leaves, UV rays, rain and other weather conditions.
Towing Covers
Even though often overlooked, towing covers might be one of the best investments for your caravan. This type of cover is intended to protect your caravan from chips, abrasions and different damages that can occur while in transit, especially when driving over loose and uneven surfaces. Even if this is not the case, your caravan’s exterior can easily get discoloured and even damaged from exhaust fume deposits and dirty water from the road.
Hitch Covers
Hitch covers are the perfect choice for those who want to protect each inch of their caravans, including the hitch. But if you’re wondering why is it important to cover your hitch when your caravan is not in use, it’s because it can easily get damaged or corroded by moisture and different weather conditions. Therefore, maneuvering your caravan with a damaged hitch is very hard, and you’ll have to consider a replacement.
Pay Attention to the Material
Originally, covers for protecting caravans were made from heavy and abrasive materials. And as much as they provided the protection caravan owners were seeking, this also meant scratching and damaging the vehicle. This is why manufacturers started producing covers that are constructed from three layers- an inner layer made from soft materials that don’t damage the surface, a breathable membrane and a protective outer layer.
When it comes to the inner layer, the best covers will be made from soft and lightweight materials. Elasticised hems are among the most recommended options, especially the ones that feature reinforced materials around their base which helps avoid damages caused by sharp or protruding edges.
The membrane, on the other hand, has the purpose to protect your caravan from any damages caused by condensation. This is why it’s important to choose a cover that features a breathable membrane that will prevent building up the heat between the van and the cover, and as a result, keep your van away from any condensation.
The outer layer should always be made from water and UV resistant materials without compromising for it at all, as it’s the ultimate layer that is constantly exposed to all the weather conditions when your caravan is not in use. Polypropylene is a great choice, as it’s a naturally moisture-resistant material that won’t shrink or stretch when exposed.
Except for triple-layer protection, it’s also recommended to get a model that features reinforced corners as well as double-stitched seams to additionally ensure the durability of the cover. Side zippers are also recommended, as they’re best when it comes to easy and quick accessing and fitting the cover, even when it comes to full covers.
Get the Right Size
Even if you choose the best campervan cover featuring triple protection and high-quality materials, have in mind that the wrong size will make your entire investment in vain. If the cover you choose doesn’t fit snugly, it could flap and cause damage to your caravan and is most likely to tear when the wind is up.
And as much as it seems like a very daunting task, know that determining the right size is very simple and easy. Most caravan covers have a standard RV height and width, so you’ll only need to measure the length to provide a cover that fits perfectly. For this purpose, it’s best to measure the body from the rearmost to the foremost point, parallel to the ground. Make sure you include the gas locker, but not the A-frame, as there’re special covers for it.
If the measurements you take don’t match any of the specific brand’s sizes or are in-between two sizes, it’s recommended to go for the smaller size. If you choose the larger size, know that the cover will be much more difficult to fit as the excess material will require strapping up to prevent flapping and possible tearing in heavy weather conditions. However, there should always be a little bit of allowance for the large satellite dishes that are permanently attached to the caravan’s roof.
Now that you know about all the aspects to take into consideration, don’t hesitate to hit the market and get the most protective cover for your caravan.
