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quoteIf you want protection for your motorhome – whatever the time of year, but particularly if you’re putting it to rest for a while through the winter – a cover must be on your wishlist. Maybe you already have one?
In a recent poll of Caravan Guard blog readers, we found that over a third motorhomers who voted already use a full cover.
There are three types of such covers – universal fitting, part-tailored, and fully tailored. As you can probably guess, prices move upwards (generally) as you head towards a cover that’s fully tailored to your specific vehicle, including allowances for roof-mounted fittings (aerials etc), and more.
Benefits of a motorhome cover
If you’re not using your motorhome over winter and putting into hibernation during those colder months then a motorhome cover can be a good investment. A full cover can protect your pride and joy from not just any bad weather, but also bird droppings, tree sap, airborne pollution, black streaking, and so much more. Flying debris, such as branches, during stormy weather can often cause damage to a motorhome’s bodywork and a cover will add an extra layer of protection.
There are other benefits. In terms of security, a cover will hide the identity of your motorhome, to a certain degree. Or if you’ve left any items of value inside – although we’d caution you should remove such things if you’re not using your vehicle.
It also means you don’t have a major cleaning job on your hands when you do take the cover off after an extended period.
Any motorhome cover will also protect your vehicle’s paintwork – plus any rubber seals and internal fittings such as curtains – from the sun’s UV rays.
More recently, the increasing use of solar panels has seen cover manufacturers tweaking their designs to allow the panel to continue to operate. That can be crucial if you rely on solar power to keep batteries topped up that are integral to your leisure vehicle’s alarm and/or tracking systems.
Top tips for using a motorhome cover
- If you’re putting your ‘motorhome into storage for an extended period, don’t forget to let us know.
- If you have a motorhome solar panel fitted then make sure you choose a cover with panels to allow this to operate with the cover on, particularly if it’s helping to power any security devices.
- Choose a cover with an opening for your habitation door so you can access your motorhome whilst the cover is on – also make sure it’s on the right side!
- Choose a cover that’s a good fit so it won’t flap about when it’s windy.
- When buying a cover make sure you know the length and width of your motorhome and take account of any awning rails, bike racks and storage boxes as you’ll need to make sure it will cover over these.
- Condensation means mould and mildew. Get a cover that uses a fabric that is breathable and allows moisture to evaporate to overcome this.
- Most motorhome covers these days are non-abrasive. That means their inner is soft so as not to cause any scratching as the cover inevitably moves about. In particular, windows, graphics and light fittings can be vulnerable to such abrasion. Lower-priced covers may come with extra pieces of softer material that you can use to stop any such scratching.
- You’re probably going to need some help and some steps for fitting a cover to your motorhome. A long-handled brush or pole is also good for pushing the cover onto the roof and to push any straps underneath your motorhome!
- Make sure your motorhome is as clean as possible before fitting a cover. If it’s free of particles of grit etc there’s less likelihood of any unwanted chafing. Some folk like to leave a layer of polish, or over-wintering fluid, on their vehicles before adding the cover.
- Similarly, keeping your motorhome cover clean will optimise its breathable properties. Generally, you can clean a cover with warm water and a cloth. Using detergents may affect breathability.
- Check for damage each time you use it to make sure it’s offering the best protection for your pride and joy.
- Go for better-known makes and you’re more likely to be able to source replacement parts, such as straps and buckles, etc.
Star Player #1
Protec Covers
This specialist boasts over two decades of experience, using what they claim is the most breathable fabric available today, and their fabric is also water-resistant and can repel up to 1m of standing water!
All Protec’s full motorhome covers come with an “Easy-Fit system” – making fitting the cover really simple – plus, access to the habitation door, fitting poles, an A-Frame cover, a storage bag and delivery all free of charge.
Protec Covers says: “We’ve been making protective storage covers for caravans and motorhomes for more than 20 years. Our fabric is the most functional on the market, being water-resistant, breathable, and soft on the inside, so it doesn’t scratch the paintwork. The industry’s biggest names have also tested our award-winning designs and features for quality assurance.”
Protec’s motorhome covers come in a choice of three colours: green, grey or bright blue
Prices from £410 for motorhome covers (van conversion/coachbuilt/A-class motorhome covers)
Key features Breathable tailored covers, original Easy-Fit System makes fitting the cover super-easy, door access, storage bag, fitting poles and A-frame covers as standard.
For more info www.pro-teccovers.co.uk
Star Player #2
Specialised Covers
Described as “top notch quality” by one leading retailer, Specialised Covers supplies its products with extendable poles to make fitting easy – you use these to literally push the cover over your vehicle.
The multi-layered fabric is waterproof (as opposed to water-resistant) and breathable – that’s thanks to a directional membrane that allows any condensation to evaporate, as well as being non-abrasive on the inside.
As well as Velcro, the cover has buckles and straps to fasten under the vehicle, to make sure that once fitted it stays that way, whatever the weather. “Windows” or Perspex openings can be fitted to individual needs for solar panels, as well as door access, and all covers are fully tailored to take account of any roof furniture, awnings, etc.
Specialised Covers says: “All our covers are made to your specific make and model of motorhome and are the premium protective storage cover on the market.”
Prices from £899
Key features Velcro door access, National Caravan Council verified, choice of three colours, free UK delivery, three year fabric warranty.
For more info www.specialisedcovers.com
Star Player #3
Fiamma Motorhome Cover Premium
Available in Medium for motorhomes up to 7.1 metres long and Large for motorhomes up to 8 meters long, the Fiamma Motorhome Cover Premium boasts a belt tension system for a snug fit.
It’s suitable for both left and right-hand drive vehicles and has three “hinges” on each side so you can access your motorhome with the cover on. Velcro fixings keep those side panels open.
Air vents provide ventilation and help to prevent any build-up of condensation underneath the cover and Fiamma says its light breathable fabric keeps your motorhome cool inside.
Prices from £396
Key features Four buckles with locking system, opening side panels, six zip fasteners for easy access, air vents, reflective strips
For more info www.fiamma.com
Star Player #4
Maypole motorhome covers
Maypole says it has more than 20 years experience of in manufacturing and supplying covers to leisure vehicle owners and the key feature here is a 4-ply material for both its motorhome covers.
Universally fitting, Maypole’s motorhome covers are made from a breathable, heavy-duty, non-woven polypropylene fabric, which will allow moisture to evaporate and reduce the risk of mould, mildew and algae. Your vehicle is protected from scratches with a soft backing and high UV protection.
Maypole provides six motorhome covers in a range of sizes, from up to 5.7m, to motorhomes that are 8m long.
Prices from £139.99
Key features Three zips, adjustable straps, elasticated hem, reflectors on the front and sides, water-resistant, and handy storage bag included
For more info www.maypoleltd.com
Over to you…
Got any advice motorhome covers to pass on to others? Or has a cover saved your motorhome from damage? Feel free to add your comments or stories below.
I have a 3 layer breathable cover on my caravan parked on my driveway.
Can anyone advise how to prevent cats from using it as a scratching post.
I purchased a Kampa Prestige Ultimate 3 Layer Caravan Cover in 2013. It was advertised as Green Breathable Caravan Covers Fits 7 – 7.6m 23/ 24/ 25 ft. After the Winter I opened the up the caravan to find considerable condensation and some of the wood panels including the door frame into the bathroom had warped. I removed the cover, turned on a gentle heat and ventilated the caravan. Most of the wood panels recovered over the following weeks.
Not a good experience with an apparently breathable caravan cover. I have not used one since.
We’re sorry to hear about your poor experience Gary.
Very helpful article and comments, thanks, it’s decided me against a full cover for my Citreon Relay based van conversion … i fitted a silver screen inside the window of my Autocruise Stargazer cab, held in place by the sun shades and triangular door corner pockets, which I reversed so they were on the outside of the doors … Protects the cab from UV and extends the life.of the silverscreen … I don’t like using the concertina cab blinds as I’ve found extended exposure to UV/condensation degrades their properties.
tried to buy a cover from Specialised Covers .said they could not make one.dont have a pattern .I have a auto-sleeper kemerton.
I purchased a cover from Specialised Covers, which has been excellent. It was custom made, and Specialised covers got me to take various measurements, and take photos of the hardware on the roof (such as the TV aerial) before they made it. The cover came complete with all the straps to fasten under the van, two extending poles to aid fitting, and padding. It fitted very well. The Velcro door made it easy to access the van during the winter. It is breathable, and I have had no issues with condensation. As with all covers you do need to pad and cover any sharp projections to prevent them rubbing on the inside of the cover in windy conditions, I found the rain gutters above the front window needed extra padding. I used bubblewrap and tape to hold it in place. The cover came with a repair kit, which I’ve not needed yet, and on removal in the spring the van looked like new underneath it. I have been very pleased with it, and can recommend Specialised Covers. (I have no connection with the firm, other than being a satisfied customer)
Had a cover on our Swift caravan (Mayflower Breathable)and after a very wet winter it caused mould in the bathroom (was only left unchecked for a month) luckily it wiped off but I have read reports of it causing serious mould on some caravans. We didn’t put the cover back on. We now have a new Coachman and have no intention of putting a cover on it. Yes it might get a bit dirty over the winter months but its easily cleaned.
I always use a cover over winter on my Coachman caravan and find it very useful keeping it nice and clean and protected from the elements. Only slight damage I have experienced is the metallic paint on the skirt of the van got rubbed off by the strap in high wind so now I put pipe insulation around where the strap touches the caravan.
I bought a cover from specialised covers for my brand new bailey unicorn cadiz 2013 model.when i removed it after the first winter a gust of wind came along and tore it from my hands and it ripped 8ft along a seam,specialised covers said it was storm damage,it cost me £120 to repair.removing it after the second winter i noticed one day in june that the windows on one side of the caravan had very fine circular scratches also the large window at the front,i also noticed that the paint work on one side had the same circular marks but you could only see any of them in certain light conditions.My dealer replaced the large front window trough the warranty. I have replaced the caravan this year with a(2018) Bailey unicorn valencia but i will never use another cover again as i believe it was the cover that caused the damage to the caravan,The winter winds blowing in one particular direction causing the cover to flap and grit going between the cover and caravan leaving damage to the windows and paintwork. I will say this however, the caravan after winter was left clean and fresh and you could see the difference.
Ordered a Pro-tec at a Birmingham show, and when it arrived did not match what I had ordered. Pro-tec insisted I had the correct item and then placed the onus on me to pay for it’s return, and if nothing was wrong cost down to me! Subsequently used it, second year of use, when I took it off there was serious levels of mold found in the van, not experienced before or since. Would not buy another. Specialised Covers I have before with no problems of service or in use
Sorry to hear of the problems you appear to have had with your cover Tony. I’m sure Protec would have resolved the issues had you returned the cover as they pride themselves on making quality products and providing good customer service.
I use a Kampa cover on our Coachman Vision 575/4 which fits almost like a second skin. It can be a bit of a struggle to pull over using the securing straps. Once on it secures very well and does not move at all even in the highest of winds. I leave the power connected via a timer which charges the battery 1 hour per week, also recharging the two dehumidifier packs inside the van. It’s a delight removing the cover to find the caravan pristine clean, having cleaned it thoroughly inside and out in late Autumn.
We had a full breathable cover on our old van and found it very difficult to handle and getting up. We then put new van in barn and thought no probs don’t need cover, so sold it!
Be warned after 3 months what a mess, bird mess, spider spots, grit and worst rust stains from condensation from old steel beams. The solution – Fiamma lightweight half top cover with elastic
straps. £90 perfick! To fit, 2 kids pop shoot bottles half filled (wrap in foam) tie 5 metres good string to neck then on to two eyelets one side. Now throw to assistance over van,pull both slowly and jobs done,might catch on dish or vents so have pole ready.Sail Chandlers have since fitted a clear window for Solar panel,job done.
Need custom cover for my Ford Transit Duetto camper van.. can you advise ?
Hi Peter, try Auto-Sleepers aftersales service: http://www.auto-sleepers.com/contact-us/
I used a Kampa cover on our Bailey motorhome for two winters. It claimed to be breathable but the van suffered from so much condensation that I had to buy a dehumidifier too. It also made wear marks on the paintwork where it touched any corners. I threw the cover away as I was so disappointed. Never again. I now use just a cab cover ( from Vancomfort), and leave the rest polished.
I don’t think you emphasis enough how important it is to make sure that the van and cover are immaculately clean before fitting. Even the smallest amount of dirt (microscopic) can and will damage the van, which will mean expensive repair bills.
Thanks Mike – it’s a very important point to note.
We purchased a Pro-Tec cover for our Autotrail motorhome which we used for the first time at the weekend and I have to say it is an impressive piece of kit. The only downside was one of the easyfit poles bent with the weight of the cover being pulled over the van so my husband got on the roof and pulled it over on his side. Now its on and tightened with the substantial strapping we are very pleased with the result.
I have a Silver Screen windscreen cover and live in an extremely windy place and some days it’s nearly been ripped off. It’s a one piece screen and hooks over the top corners of the doors of the cab with triangular pockets and impossible to tighten. Are there any screens that can be tensioned so the wind cannot get underneath. Last Sunday night it pushed the wipers up off it and I am frightened it will damage them. I have no inside storagefor the motorhome
It might be worth contact Silver Screen for advice on this and to make sure you have a screen which properly fits your base vehicle. Silver Screen and Taylors are the main suppliers of external screens in the UK and both manufacture to fit most motorhome base vehicles and can easily be contacted online.
Taylors can be contacted on 01484 661 918 or email [email protected] and Silver Screen’s contact details are here: http://www.silverscreens.co.uk/Contact%20us.html
I do like the motorhome cover I may see how work goes first