opinions please on caravan covers will be leaving the van whilst away october to may.Got back this year quite a job cleaning after being left so long
caravan covers
- Thread starter cabapino
- Start date
Hi Roy,
I don't use one myself, but others have reported some problems with condensation, and fabric of the cover scratching the windows where they touch.
I don't use one myself, but others have reported some problems with condensation, and fabric of the cover scratching the windows where they touch.
I have had a 'Specialised Accessories' cover for three years. More costly than some of the cheaper options, but has so far been brilliant. No condensation at all. It's a bit of a beggar to put on, but two people have it fitted in less than 15 minutes.
You do need to protect it from sharp edges - e.g. the alloy strips that seal the gap between the front and rear roof panels on a Bailey caravan and the aerial (remove the spike) with bubble wrap or similar. I actually used a fine file to round the edges of the alloy strips at then end.
Other than that - it's been great. Keeps the van clean and dry all winter and the first use in the spring sees it gleaming.
Mine came with a lot of extra material for 'patching' should it be needed - mine did before I filed off the sharp edges on the roof sealing strips (it rubbed through over the course of the winter). Just a case of sticking a small patch on either side with Bostic 'Instant Grip' and it was sorted.
You do need to protect it from sharp edges - e.g. the alloy strips that seal the gap between the front and rear roof panels on a Bailey caravan and the aerial (remove the spike) with bubble wrap or similar. I actually used a fine file to round the edges of the alloy strips at then end.
Other than that - it's been great. Keeps the van clean and dry all winter and the first use in the spring sees it gleaming.
Mine came with a lot of extra material for 'patching' should it be needed - mine did before I filed off the sharp edges on the roof sealing strips (it rubbed through over the course of the winter). Just a case of sticking a small patch on either side with Bostic 'Instant Grip' and it was sorted.
Hi S
Thanks for info going to buy a cover,not cheap the one i am going for comes with a three year guarentee.Should be fun putting it up both in our seventies
Thanks for info going to buy a cover,not cheap the one i am going for comes with a three year guarentee.Should be fun putting it up both in our seventies
I have just purchased a van where the previous owner had used a external cover from a well known maker , Two of the windows bear scratch markes where the cover has chaffed them.The cover will remain in my garage unused untill I sell the van.
Royston
Royston
its amixed message really, you have to choose your priorites. I've had a couple and they do impart scratches on the soft plastic of the windows. However, these do polish out with a bit of work. the alternative is to leave all your plastic panels and, possibily more importantly, all those mastic joints exposed to rain, wind and UV.
A cover has many faults, but personally I found it a great comfort to know that that melting layer of snow on the roof couldn't seep into any failing mastic joints. (even an optomistic mastic manufacturer would have to admit it has a short life span when exposed to the elements) Also the van stays clean and doesn't fade in the sunlight, meaning it looks much better tan other vans when you come to sell it after 10 years. I've only ever had the tailor made ones though, and even they flap about in the wind, increasing scratching - don't think I'd go for a baggy multipurpose one.
A cover has many faults, but personally I found it a great comfort to know that that melting layer of snow on the roof couldn't seep into any failing mastic joints. (even an optomistic mastic manufacturer would have to admit it has a short life span when exposed to the elements) Also the van stays clean and doesn't fade in the sunlight, meaning it looks much better tan other vans when you come to sell it after 10 years. I've only ever had the tailor made ones though, and even they flap about in the wind, increasing scratching - don't think I'd go for a baggy multipurpose one.
With regard to the windows scratching,
I'm not sure if someone hasn't already suggested this, but if either individual panels of a soft cloth were made to fit over each window or a layer of cling film put on each window before the cover goes on, these might prevent the marking, prevention being better than cure.
I'm not sure if someone hasn't already suggested this, but if either individual panels of a soft cloth were made to fit over each window or a layer of cling film put on each window before the cover goes on, these might prevent the marking, prevention being better than cure.
Thanks Steve & John for your coments I am going for a tailor made one.As this was the first year we left the van september thru to end of march and we will be leaving it each winter i can see the need for a cover.We pop over to Andalucia to our daughter's (She wants us near her i Think she see's us in God's waiting room)Thanks all for your help.This is a great site for advice.
ive had a specialised accesories one and also one from discover leisure i wouldnt have one again. they are a pain to put on and my last one my cushion and bedding felt damp after only 5 days on i sold them both.
jo
jo
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