CARAVAN COVERS

[lucky13_374352098]

HI, Iwas contemplating using a caravan cover but I have heard conflicting reports concerning mould and mildew being a problem can anyone please comment.

TNX

 

[Guest]

You are correct. There are conflicting reports so comments will encompass both 'for' and 'against' followers.

I have one, and like it, but others disagree so really at the end of the day, the decision is yours.

 

[MikeA]

Hi Lucky,

As Scotch Lad says, there are mixed views and experiences about covers. I am also in the positive camp.

We have a lime tree overhanging where we park the van and the resulting sticky mess each year is a nightmare if the van isn't covered. So we have a long history of covers - almost 20 years on and off - on four vans.

The modern versions from the more up-market suppliers - say, Protec and Specialised Accesories for example - are pretty good in my experience. They fit well and do a good job. I can put the cover on our van, on my own, in about 20 minutes. Most of that time is spent rolling the straps under the van and clipping them on. The only time I need a hand from Sue is if there is more than a light breeze, tending to turn the cover into a kite!

We have never experienced any rub marks, condensation, mould or mildew - though others certainly have. It is a joy that the van comes out from under the cover as clean as it was when you put it away. It is also possible that the van is less desirable to theives because of the hassle in getting the cover off. Having said that, I can get the cover off, irrespective of the weather, in 10 minutes.

On the less positive side, I remain unconvinced that the green "breathable" fabric used by Protec et al is very long lasting. The longest we have kept one is five years and by that time it seems to be getting very brittle and is starting to tear at the corners quite easily. That hasn't so far been a problem to us as the deterioration with each one has coicided naturally with the time we wanted to move on from that particular van, but it has given me pause for thought about value for money for anybody wanting to use a cover longer. They have cost about

 

[TD42]

I have a cheap

 

[Chrissylizzie]

Hi lucky13

I am one of those who had a bad experience with a cover. We paid

 

[WilliamLX]

I have no personal experience of these as I use my caravan every few weeks all year long. However the Caravan Club does not recommend there use, and I have seen similar advise in the various Caravan magazines quite regularly. The caravan is designed to be weather proof in it's own right. Tress deposits are a problem however so if you store your caravan near trees you may feel that the benefits out weigh the risks, but for normal dirt I would say that given the price and how hard they can be to put on, you may be better just washing your van come the start of the season.

 

[adam_374374842]

I purchased a cover 3 years ago after hearing conflicting reports - but has proved the best buy i have ever done i wax the caravan in November - cover up until March - take off cover and its almost spotless - although its not quite like the picture illustrates when trying to put on and off.Adam.

 

[Guest]

As mentioned before we have a cover and like it. However, it is not all 'sweetness and light'. Putting it on is actually not to difficult but use a brush instead of the supplied poles to lift one side. I also use a step ladder on the other side and once it is over the 'hump' of the heater chimney it tends to fall into place itself. As mentioned the longest part is doing all the straps. I dso find a layer of dust on the roof in Spring but that is easily washed off. I also find that I am often too agressive on the straps and have torn a few. Ok, I tie a few knots in the straps and they work fine. The cover also has a few splits where it rubs against awning lioghts, but again it is not a big deal, especially when I look at the green slime covered other vans in the compound.

One big warning though.

Do not leave the cover on over the summer. I did one year due to being abroad working and came back to find mastic had oozed out and even worse the front window had warped in the outer pane due to the heat build up under the cover.