The future of travel has changed, and many people have invested in Caravans, Motorhomes, Campervans or RV’s so their wanderlust thirst is quenched in a fun and safe way.
However, buying a caravan can be expensive, even if it is a worthy investment for travel lovers. To protect your investment, you should consider buying a caravan cover. Just as you would buy a cover to protect a car when stored away for a few months, getting a caravan or RV cover is vital to protect the vehicle when not in use. A good quality cover keeps away tree sap, dirt, mould, bird poop, and also safeguards the caravan from changing weather.
My friend Kate Hammaman purchased a Mercedes Sprinter campervan in September 2020 and has loved discovering parts of the UK that she hadn’t seen before. Her website provides honest, tried and tested advice, but also helps educate first time caravan/motorhome/RV/campervan owners.
Feet Do travel discuss more things you should consider when buying a caravan cover.
However, buying a caravan can be expensive, even if it is a worthy investment for travel lovers. To protect your investment, you should consider buying a caravan cover. Just as you would buy a cover to protect a car when stored away for a few months, getting a caravan or RV cover is vital to protect the vehicle when not in use. A good quality cover keeps away tree sap, dirt, mould, bird poop, and also safeguards the caravan from changing weather.
My friend Kate Hammaman purchased a Mercedes Sprinter campervan in September 2020 and has loved discovering parts of the UK that she hadn’t seen before. Her website provides honest, tried and tested advice, but also helps educate first time caravan/motorhome/RV/campervan owners.
Feet Do travel discuss more things you should consider when buying a caravan cover.
Why buy a caravan cover?
You may not think a caravan cover is among the top priorities when buying a vehicle, but it is highly recommended. Just as people buy a cover for their cars which are stored for long periods of time, a caravan or RV cover should be considered.
First and foremost, it safeguards the vehicle from various external elements, such as mildew, dirt, tree sap and bird droppings. These things may seem trivial, but they have a huge impact on the car’s paint making it more difficult to clean, especially bird droppings which are sometimes acidic. Weather damage may also result in extreme damage which could degrade its value should you wish to upgrade or sell in the future.
Other benefits of a caravan cover include:
You may not think a caravan cover is among the top priorities when buying a vehicle, but it is highly recommended. Just as people buy a cover for their cars which are stored for long periods of time, a caravan or RV cover should be considered.
First and foremost, it safeguards the vehicle from various external elements, such as mildew, dirt, tree sap and bird droppings. These things may seem trivial, but they have a huge impact on the car’s paint making it more difficult to clean, especially bird droppings which are sometimes acidic. Weather damage may also result in extreme damage which could degrade its value should you wish to upgrade or sell in the future.
Other benefits of a caravan cover include:
- It will keep you warm during harsh conditions during an outdoor trip.
- The covering is not limited to the caravan’s exterior but also benefits the inside temperature. It also protects the inside of your vehicle from the sun’s exposure, including car seats and air conditioning units.
- It helps to avoid accumulating too much dirt especially when you take frequent trips. Major issues like dust and mould build up are prevented.
Caravan Cover - Size does matter!
Did you know there is a right way to ensure you are buying the correct size cover for your RV or caravan? Manufacturers have different sizes of caravan cover depending on the RV type, and it could be hard for first time buyers to select a cover that fits their caravan. Your cover should be snug-fitting, but if you have to buy the next size up, make sure it can be adjusted, or purchase cinching straps to make sure the fit is snug
So, start by measuring the body length and width of the caravan which excludes the front and rear section, as well as the spare wheels and tool kit. Do not measure the bumpers or the spare wheel you may have stored on the back of the vehicle. Covering these could cause billowing during high winds (especially if you park in mountainous places which could cause unnecessary stress on the cover causing it to break).
The above method is called the standard measurement; the basis of most manufacturers. Show the result to the seller to help you speed up your buying process.
Did you know there is a right way to ensure you are buying the correct size cover for your RV or caravan? Manufacturers have different sizes of caravan cover depending on the RV type, and it could be hard for first time buyers to select a cover that fits their caravan. Your cover should be snug-fitting, but if you have to buy the next size up, make sure it can be adjusted, or purchase cinching straps to make sure the fit is snug
So, start by measuring the body length and width of the caravan which excludes the front and rear section, as well as the spare wheels and tool kit. Do not measure the bumpers or the spare wheel you may have stored on the back of the vehicle. Covering these could cause billowing during high winds (especially if you park in mountainous places which could cause unnecessary stress on the cover causing it to break).
The above method is called the standard measurement; the basis of most manufacturers. Show the result to the seller to help you speed up your buying process.
Things to consider when buying caravan covers
Having some idea of which high-quality cover you want for your caravan will save you money and effort, although remember that a premium price does not always guarantee the best item.
Here are the important factors to keep in mind when deciding which caravan cover to buy:
Having some idea of which high-quality cover you want for your caravan will save you money and effort, although remember that a premium price does not always guarantee the best item.
Here are the important factors to keep in mind when deciding which caravan cover to buy:
- Type
Caravan and RV covers come in different sizes and shapes, for example you can also buy for motorhomes, pop-top caravan, and camper trailers. Each option has different levels of protection, for instance, the tyre cover requires a thicker material compared to the dashboard cover for better durability. - Quality
It is tempting to buy a cheaper RV cover, however this may cost you more money in the long run as more affordable products are not always durable, and may rip or tear in harsh weather. Ever heard of the expression “buy cheap, buy twice”?
A good quality caravan and RV cover should come with a warranty, so it’s best to compare brands to find the best deals. It is possible to buy an affordable caravan cover which ticks all your boxes. - Material Used
Over the years, manufactures have continuously changed the material used, and more innovate designs are now made. At first they used heavy materials which damaged the vehicle’s exterior, then came fabric covers which are lightweight, more breathable to prevent moisture and mould build up, but can still destroy the caravan or RV’s paint in the long run.
Today, caravan covers are made of a variety of materials, so you need to identify which one will deliver the best protection for your vehicle. Check if the material has sharp edges which could scratch your windows or other parts of the vehicle. Maybe opt for a lightweight cover, but make sure it is sturdy enough against strong winds to avoid damaging your car. - Waterproof
Caravan covers that claim to be waterproof feature are not always fully waterproof, causing vehicles to sweat and eventually form mould and mildew. For best protection, look for water resistant or waterproof covers which have a roof panel and breathable sides. - Brand
There are many brands selling quality covers for caravans at a reasonable price. Reputable brands ensure unmatched quality, continually try to be innovative and use high-quality materials, including covers that can withstand all weather conditions due to double-stitched corners and non-abrasive lining.
Where can I buy a high-quality caravan cover?
Finding a wide range of covers available for your RV or caravan is easy in today’s market, with many different sizes to choose from once you have correctly identified your vehicle’s size. Seek expert advice if you are unsure, read reviews from reputable websites, and do your research. Consider joining a caravan club, reading caravanning magazines or search online for best caravan covers. There is a wealth of excellent advice to help you decide which cover to buy, and how to purchase.
Final Thoughts
To summarise, caravan covers are designed to protect RVs from harmful elements, such as UV rays, dirt, tree sap, bird droppings and bad weather conditions. They also maintain a good temperature inside your caravan when using it during a trip. A good quality cover is a necessary investment which won’t break the bank, and is beneficial towards extending your caravan’s lifespan.
Finding a wide range of covers available for your RV or caravan is easy in today’s market, with many different sizes to choose from once you have correctly identified your vehicle’s size. Seek expert advice if you are unsure, read reviews from reputable websites, and do your research. Consider joining a caravan club, reading caravanning magazines or search online for best caravan covers. There is a wealth of excellent advice to help you decide which cover to buy, and how to purchase.
Final Thoughts
To summarise, caravan covers are designed to protect RVs from harmful elements, such as UV rays, dirt, tree sap, bird droppings and bad weather conditions. They also maintain a good temperature inside your caravan when using it during a trip. A good quality cover is a necessary investment which won’t break the bank, and is beneficial towards extending your caravan’s lifespan.
RV'ing in the USA? Check out America's Most Scenic RV Parks and Campgrounds
