Have used a bespoke Protec, very good with the custom door in the right spot to allow access. No scratching or damp issues. On our last van we bought a cheaper one with corner zips and although not made to measure like the Protec, served the purpose with no issues. Have recently changed van again and this time have gone for a lightweight roof only cover, lot easier to get on and off but still defeats the pigeons and the cherries from the tree under which the van lives.......Mick
They said they had problems in the past with covers coming loose in high windows and causing damage to the caravans next to them. I would imagine a loose cover in high winds could be quite destructive.
Just glad we didn't buy a cover before we booked the storage.
We put a cover on last year for the first time. Wouldn't bother again unless it was a tailored fit. That would be mega expensive so wouldn't do that either.
The one we put on was a loose fit. Always flapping about and needing tying in.
Caravans are designed to be outside. Dealers leave them out uncovered all winter & they should know.
Wouldn't use one I am afraid as covers cause condensation between the cover and the caravan which in turn can lead to areas of dampness.
My caravan was designed to be outside all year round so thats how it will be. You wouldn't put a cover on your car you would leave it open to the elements and then wash it... so the caravan will get washed at the end of February.
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If an uncovered caravan awning rail or window seal starts to leak water will leak into the framework of the 'van every time it rains (pretty much 24/7 these days). The framework will become saturated and will eventually rot, as there is no way it can dry out.
A covered caravan with a leaky rail or seal will take longer to deteriorate as it won't leak whilst covered.
A cover will help to keep frost out of seams and seals and generally keep the ravages of the elements at bay.
A cover can't cause a caravan's seams and seals to leak. Leaking seams and seals cause water ingress. A cover can help prevent this.
I've used a cover for the last 2 years. Haven't had any problems with damp or condesation. I've just put it on this weekend. Gave the van a good clean, inside and out, popped it's cover on and it's all tucked up for the winter. Come next spring off comes the cover and it's virtualy ready to go. It's a Maypole cover, so not made to measure but does the job just fine even though it's a bit big as my caravan is only 12ft and the smallest cover you can get is 12 - 14ft, but with the ties secured it wraps well under and I dont get any flapping about.
I'm with the cover too, we have a protec tailored full cover, so no black streaks or lying snow on the van, we always keep it covered AYR and also use a protec front cover for travelling, no stone chips and always arrive with clean front windows, no damage to the windows and since it's breathable no extra damp
Lee8810, bought the roof cover at Camping International Gillingham Kent, but most of the larger dealers/shops do them. They are not tailored to fit but providing the vhf spike is removed from a Status then wouldn't be a prob. Ours is made of a thin fabric that is silver on the outside, NOT breathable, but then it doesn't need to be as the air circulates under it. It came with very long bungee cords all the way round plus a load of spare ones in the bag.
It was pointed out that there would be both for and against postings on this thread, which has proved correct. The one thing I would pick up on (and this subject has been discussed many times) is the fact that all of the postings citing damage caused by covers have not been from personal experience but from heresay. Now, I could be wrong and would welcome any input from any member with first hand experience of a cover damaging their van. You never know, you may persuade me to change my mind, but until then, I'm a great beleiver in covers...........Mick
I have wanted to buy a Protec tailored cover for the last couple of winters, to save me washing it during the period when not using it. I would only cover it from end November to end of January maximum as like to use the van as late as possible.
Problem is like some others, I am concerned with moisture sitting between cover and caravan when it gets wet and causing possible condensation inside the van. Some have indicated that it will take longer for water to penetrate a leaky seal. but we keep the van serviced regulary every year in the Spring with full damp check reports, if a problem was found at the service (if not spotted earlier) it would be sorted.
I am fortunate that I can keep the van on our drive, so if we get a nice weekend in November, December and January I will give it a wash at least a couple of times during this period.
Maybe I am lucky, but I have kept my caravans on my drive for the last 10 years uncovered, just washing them a couple of times during the November - January Period (when there is no ice or freezing temperature forecast) , keeping them serviced /damp checked by my dealer every year and (touch wood) in 10 years over 3 vans never had an issue of damp anywhere at any time.
One thing I do however, is when we have had a heavy snowfall and seen a foot or more sometimes of snow on top of the van, I have gone out with a broom and set of steps and pushed the snow off, not right down to the roof or roof lights in case of scratching it, but leaving an inch or so. This keeps the weight of snow off and should avoid putting pressure on the roof and seams for days whilst thawing .
Bear in mind you may get the looks though from neighbours LOL, I was out with steps clearing my roof of the heavy snow WHILST it was snowing heavily in the last snowfall at 10.00 pm at night because it was already about a foot deep. (yes I am mad LOL) flipside I have never had leaks, damp or otherwise....and the van is out all year with no cover in all weathers.
I resealed all the caravan last year and cleaned and polished it. It did not take long for it to become dirty. I bought a green 'Wilderness Trail' cover last January, Ebay, new, £42. 17 /19 ft. I have covered my 16 year old caravan since when not in use. It does not seem to cause any problems and keeps it protected and nice and clean. Only needs a quick going over after a trip away. Easy to put on with a little help from a second person. The patter is that it is. Non abrasive and waterproof. Breathable - lets moisture escape. I will report back next spring when it has had a full winter.
Fred.
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Topic: caravan covers
