Your mobile home isn't just an investment; it's your pride and joy. As such, it simply can't do without a cover. As the name suggests, covers for caravans are specially made sheaths that protect your mobile home from wear and tear. It's been decades since they were first offered for sale with new caravans. Savvy caravan buyers have since learnt to scout for "cover included" offers, because these caravans are bound to have been well looked after. Yet, while they're all designed for the same purpose, not all of these covers for caravans are made equal.
If you're the proud owner of a caravan and you're looking for campervan covers, here are a few pointers. Be it full or partial, bespoke or ready-made, your caravan cover must be non-abrasive, water resistant, breathable, lightweight, durable and within budget. You're probably not very keen to find the right covers for your caravan by trial and error. So, please browse our list of cover types below to find the ones that tick all the boxes.
Bespoke or Ready-Made Covers for CaravansWhether they're bespoke or off-the-shelf, quality and convenience should be the deciding factors when choosing your covers. Aside from price, the main difference between made-to-measure and ready-made covers is that the former can be personalised with flags, logos, and even security related messages.
It goes without saying that custom-made covers are more expensive, especially if they're produced by the caravan manufacturer and sold as an add-on item. However, many other branded products can fit just as snugly.
Universal-fit covers, such as the ones in the
Maypole range, offer all the convenience of bespoke covers at a fraction of the cost. They can be used with countless caravan makes and models. Last but not least, no-frills generic products that fit certain size caravans offer basic protection.
The most basic covers usually come with a waterproof outer layer, a breathable membrane and a scratch-proof inner layer. More recent styles come with a 4-ply design, like the ones in the
CoverPRO range.
Full vs. Partial Campervan CoversDepending on the parts of the caravan you'd like to protect from the elements, you're bound to need several covers. You'd do well to look for full storage covers, towing covers, roof covers, wheel covers and/or hitch covers. Together, they shield your caravan from leaves, dirt, debris, insects, corrosive bird droppings, smog, dust, wind, rain, snow, and general transit damage.
All-over caravan covers are obviously the most effective. They offer all-round protection, not only when the caravan is stored in the garage, pitched up, parked in your driveway, but also on the road. They stop water ingress for vehicles exposed to the elements, and prevent the small scrapes and bumps the bodywork unavoidably gets as you manoeuvre the caravan through tight parking spots.
Look for full covers that fit snugly, because the last thing you need is for your cover to flap in the wind, damaging the caravan or other vehicles. Reinforced roof corners, bunny ears, side panels, hooded vents, spiral zips, and Velcro strips are some of the most popular features. Rucksack buckles, underbody straps, heavy-duty quick-release buckles, or elasticated skirts are also extremely convenient.
Allowances for protrusions will also come in handy, especially provisions for doors, windows, dishes, aerials, ladders, roof racks, awnings, and solar panels. Some caravan manufacturers sell model-specific covers for caravans, but generic ones are also available for far less.
Caravan towing covers or towing protectors shield the front of the caravan from the elements, puddles, and flying pebbles, as well as exhaust fumes and glare from the towing car. Some of the safest caravan towing cover designs on the market come with reinforced and adjustable straps for wind proofing. They also feature reflective blazes, straps, strips, and light panels for increased visibility. Some universal varieties feature a stretchy fabric that hugs the body of the caravan, whatever the size.
Roof covers (storm covers) are used to protect the top of the caravan from UV, frost and water damage. They also save you a great deal of time because they take away the need to clean the top if you've parked your caravan under a tree.
Hitch or A-frame covers ensure that the hitch, hand brake and cable storage ports are protected during storage.
Wheel covers protect the tyres from UV rays and extreme weather, increasing life expectancy.
