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.
Haven't got a cover and don't want a cover, but did look into one a while ago, so here's a few points that I gleaned from research:
The (expensive) quality brands seem to be a better investment in terms of life and fit, the cheaper ones are 'universal fit' and seem to often wear out/fail in a season or two in some cases! A leaking cover is probably worse than no cover, it keeps the van cocooned in a damp 'bag' (not good for internal damp levels!) and muck can build up under the cover, staining the van.
A custom fit cover generally gives you access to gas locker and habitation door without removing the whole cover, they have zipped 'doors'. They can also have clear 'windows' to match solar panels, so that they continue to function with the cover on (keeping the leisure battery charged). Universal covers are unlikely to have that facility as vans vary between make and model. Many of us give our vans a periodic 'once over' every so often during out of season storage, so good access can be useful.
Depending on where you store your van (at home or remote storage), the age old question of WTF do I do with it when removed from the van arises! It's potentially wet and mucky, and it's quite bulky, it's a bit of a PITA if you have to store it in the van/car when using the van (caution if stuffing in front gas locker, it may compromise your nose weight! - a dry cover can easily be 10-15Kg, a wet one maybe 25Kg!), or do you only use it over winter and leave off for the camping season, storing it at home? Like an awning or tent, it'll need drying before storage (anything more than 2 or 3 days max) to stop it going mouldy!
I'm mostly a solo van user, so fitment/removal would be a struggle for me alone. From what I've seen of my neighbours on the storage yard, it can be a bit of a struggle for two in even not too strong winds! Seen a few over the years that may rival the classic awning scenario of 'divorce in a bag'! I'm guessing that like many things camping, practiced 'technique' can be the difference between ease and struggle.
To avoid scratching the van paint/windows from dust and debris acquired when uncovered, and avoid excessive damp if it's wet, it's recommended the van needs cleaning and drying before fitting the cover EVERY time! - TBH I don't see people doing that on my storage site, but there is the occasional story of covers having chaffed the paint/windows/skylights!
Had my van 8 years now (it's near 10 years old in total), it's in open storage without any overhanging trees and mostly doesn't get particularly filthy over winter storage. Probably gets dirtier in use over the summer from road splash and assorted 'muck' from overhanging trees on camp sites, in fact it's probably been on occasions cleaner in spring after winter storage than it was when put to bed at end of last season, thanks to the rain washing it!
On the large storage yard I use, covers are a bit sparse, most owners don't bother, perhaps only 10-15% using them. I think most of us find our vans wash up quite well after winter storage, so not so much of an advantage really. If using to prevent damp ingress, then you've got a leaky van, and it's gonna leak when the cover is off anyway!
Just my viewpoint and acquired knowledge, others may well disagree on some or all.
I find if the van is stored outside it's essential that the washroom roof light is left open in summer and the washroom door left open. If not, the inside temperature can melt the hot melt glue used to hold things together.
Any cover must allow that or limit the temperature in some other way.
Thanks forcthe feedback. Had a cover for my old van as we had trees behind the storage plot. They're trimmed right down now but a cover did help. This is only for the winter so it is to protect from the winter environment
Thanks a lot 👍
I have a cover for winter on my caravan wished I had from new. It saves the seals and plastic. No spring cleaning just take the cover off and it's clean. Yes its best covered when clean and spend some time looking for sharp edges that could cut or rub the cover. I use foam practice golf balls cut to fit and foam pipe insulation. My cover is a Maypole and has access to door and front locker and is cheap enough to replace. Yes it is a pain to put on and take off but you get better with practice !
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Topic: Caravan cover
via mobile 27/10/2025 at 8:53pm
I'm guessing that like many things camping, practiced 'technique' can be the difference between ease and struggle.
