As I mentioned earlier in this post, we use a full cover over our caravan, but only because our neighbour insists on feeding seagulls next to where it is parked so is used as a perch while waiting to be fed. As soon as as I am fit again, I plan to fix 2 high posts to our fence and use them to drape a garden net above the roof.
Covers are a bit of a marmite subject, some love them, some hate them! Personal thing, but I've shunned covers in any form, for two major reasons, firstly the van SHOULD be perfectly clean and preferably dry before fitting a cover, clean so that movement (flapping etc.) of the cover doesn't grind dirt and grit into the paintwork and leave scuff marks and damage, dry to minimise condensation build up inside the van from moisture trapped under the cover. Cleaning and drying the van EVERY time I use it is far too big an ask!
Secondly I'm solo when getting the van in and out of storage yard, and handling what amounts to a huge 'sail' on my own seems both risky and too much like hard work. I've handled MUCH smaller car and boat covers on my own and even the slightest breeze makes them a challenge!
Thirdly I suppose, what do you do with a bulky potentially wet and dirty cover once you've removed it? I certainly don't have suitable stowage space in my caravan for it! The obvious place of the front gas locker, is a real no go zone on my van as I struggle to keep nose weight down, and even a few extra Kg is too much!
Personal take on things, others will disagree, and some seem to cope OK.
Monty15 thanks for your thoughts re: covers. Some interesting points to bear in mind, especially as I haven't got much spare cash to be throwing at an item that will be of dubious benefit....
Ancient Uncle: Don't get me going on Seagull feeders My neighbour does it. Fortunately they don't seem to drop much poo on my side of the garden but the food she leaves down for them attracts rats...
------------- Life without dogs? I don't think so!
Quote: Originally posted by CyberCynth on 31/12/2024
.... especially as I haven't got much spare cash to be throwing at an item that will be of dubious benefit....
.....
I think there is a fairly general consensus that the cheaper covers are often poor value in the longer term, many seem to fail in some way after a year or two in use, the most satisfied users seem to be the ones who spent large with one or other of the quality cover brands, so that may influence your budget conscious thinking further!!!!
Not sure it applies to all, but some roof covers on some vans come down the walls far enough to cover the top of the door, that means if you want to do periodic checks or otherwise get to interior of your van during storage, you may need to at least partially release the cover to be able to open the door! Not insurmountable, just another aspect to having a cover.
I'm neither for or against covers per say, they are just not for me under my circumstances, others will agree or disagree according to their own experiences/circumstances.
CyberCynth, question do you wash your car at home?
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Has anyone ever tried one of these Spray and leave products as some of them say they are ok on PVC etc to remove algae from awning rail cover strips etc
------------- Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow
Hi folks, a couple of posts on this thread I've only just caught up with: Monty15: I've gone off the idea of getting a cover for the Freedom.... your thoughts about the top of the door being covered was an aspect of their use I had thought about, and yes, something else to consider - and have to fiddle about with! During nice sunny, breezy days I do open up the 'van and let it air off a bit, I don't want any extra 'faff' during that task!
Blueexpo97: yes, I always wash the car at home. Any reason for your question?
Newtoabbey: No, haven't used a leave-on-spray so can't comment on their effectiveness I'm afraid.
Here we are in February and I still haven't ventured up my new ladder yet, to finish cleaning the caravan roof! Too cold and windy....
------------- Life without dogs? I don't think so!
Any decent car wash & wax(shampoo) will also do your caravan.
No need to buy anything else.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
I had this problem a couple of years ago. The answer is to get yourself a pressure sprayer (you can pick one up for less than a tenner) and some patio cleaner. Then spray the roof of your van and leave it! The patio cleaner will kill the algae and the next time it rains it will wash it all off.
And before anyone asks.......NO - it doesn't damage the paintwork.
Now, that's the best advert for caravan cleaning products I've seen so far! Obviously works well on an older 'van, too. Does it deter re-growth of algae though?
Thanks for posting.
------------- Life without dogs? I don't think so!
Just re-read some of the posts in this thread, and somehow seem to have missed one about a couple of brush products. The Kampa microfibre one looks a useful bit of kit. The Freedom roof has quite a difficult surface to clean, with its pop-top lid. I wouldn't be able to use one of the rectangular brushes mentioned, as it wouldn't be as easy to get to all the awkward little ridges, spaces between them, and areas around the pop top.
I have been trying to find a company to give my caravan a service before I start this year's touring, but still haven't cleaned off the algae from the difficult-to-reach parts - I'd be ashamed to take it out at the moment! Yes, I know - find a mobile servicing person - everyone seems to be booked up at the moment.
------------- Life without dogs? I don't think so!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Shifting Algae from Caravan
via mobile 30/12/2024 at 4:48pm
My neighbour does it. Fortunately they don't seem to drop much poo on my side of the garden but the food she leaves down for them attracts rats...
