Caravan Covers for winter. Good idea?

[Johnh2]

We've just bought our first van in 20 years. A new Abbey Vogue 495. Other than the known about water pulsing issue, we're pleased with the van.

The van is, and will be parked at the front of the house and will take the full brunt of the prevailing South Westerly weather. I know winter is a few months off, but I'm interested to know how many people use these caravan covers. Do they scratch the windows? Is there the risk they'll take get ripped off by the wind? Do they really keep the van clean underneath?

Any advice welcome.

John

 

[Russell_374247859]

Hi John

We have used a cover for 3 years and it has been a real asset. Where we store our van (a C+CC site) is closed for 5 months, so we cant access the van through the winter. We wanted something that would give it some protection (as its under trees). The one we got was a tailored-fit by Specialised Accessories and it came with soft fabric to cover the windows (to prevent scratches). Its breathable, and has storm straps so its a snug fit.

Its a bit of a faff to put on, but when you get it out after five months its clean as a whistle!

Some people say it can make the van damp, but we had damp tests, and for the last 3 years our readings have actually gone down. Make sure you get a breathable one though.

Russell

 

[Johnh2]

Thanks Russell. It's sounds like an essential buy. Our van will get no shelter, apart from a Northerly, when the house will provide some. I do building surveys, so have a damp meter.

John

 

[Gafferbill]

Hi John

I will put another point of view.

Your caravan will be in front of your house so you have ready access to it.

In this case you do not need a cover as you can quickly react to the weather.

If it is dry and sunny open the roof vents to give it ventilation.

Cold and frosty give it some heat for an hour a day.

This keeps mildew at bay.

If you keep the battery charged you are ready to go for a week end away at anytime with the minimum of fuss.

Do not forget security, fit an alarm that you can hear from your house, loud enough to wake you up.

Many sites are open in winter!

 

[madmechanic]

Hi The only other thing we would recomend is that you make sure it is always a tight fit. A flapping cover will sctrach/damage your van. ours is on the drive aswell and i try to check the staps at least once a week just to make sure they havnt come lose. We also have a small dehumidifer (if thats how you spell it) that when we plug our van into the mains (once a month) that keeps the battery charged and the inside dry....hope that helps...Nige/Suzy

 

[Billy3fish]

Hi John

We have used a cover for 3 years and it has been a real asset. Where we store our van (a C+CC site) is closed for 5 months, so we cant access the van through the winter. We wanted something that would give it some protection (as its under trees). The one we got was a tailored-fit by Specialised Accessories and it came with soft fabric to cover the windows (to prevent scratches). Its breathable, and has storm straps so its a snug fit.

Its a bit of a faff to put on, but when you get it out after five months its clean as a whistle!

Some people say it can make the van damp, but we had damp tests, and for the last 3 years our readings have actually gone down. Make sure you get a breathable one though.

Russell

Hi Russell

I saw that you have an SA cover and have used the soft fabric they supplied to cover the windows. We bought one of their covers but haven't used it yet. Could you tell me the best way to fit the fabric over the window please? I was thinking of cutting pieces slightly oversize, opening the window pushing the edges inside and then closing the window to trap it in place. The only concern I had was whether this would put a strain on the window fasteners. Would be most grateful for your advice please. Thanks - Bill

 

[Johnh2]

Thanks. All very useful tips.

John

 

[Russell_374247859]

Hi Russell

I saw that you have an SA cover and have used the soft fabric they supplied to cover the windows. We bought one of their covers but haven't used it yet. Could you tell me the best way to fit the fabric over the window please? I was thinking of cutting pieces slightly oversize, opening the window pushing the edges inside and then closing the window to trap it in place. The only concern I had was whether this would put a strain on the window fasteners. Would be most grateful for your advice please. Thanks - Bill

Hi Bill - sorry, missed your note (message seems to get tucked away and lost).

Did exactly as you described. Dont think it strains the windows - its very thin material. We certainly had no probs.

regards

Russell