It’s a great way of protecting your caravan investment – whether in storage or out on the road. We’re talking caravan covers, of course.

Cover versions

Three versions of them – full cover (for when your ‘van’s being stored); towing (for protection when you’re out on the road, e.g. from spray, road dirt, bugs etc); and roof covers (for when you want something overhead).

Such covers also provide protection from anything the weather brings – from frost, hail and rain to direct sunlight – particularly when tucking away your caravan into storage in winter.

The initial cost for any of these can soon be overcome when you realise how helpful they are in keeping your tourer in as original condition as possible, right up to the protection they can afford from any potentially serious damage.

A few years ago a cover actually saved one of our customer’s caravans from serious damage when a tree branch fell on it.

For full caravan covers, a universal product might suffice, although you might prefer to spend a bit more and invest in a tailor-made fitting that’s as snug as possible and won’t move as much (it’s the movement of cover against bodywork that can result in small scuffs taking the sheen off your paintwork and windows, or even damaging sealants). More personalisation is possible, too, in terms of clear screens for solar panels, access to locker doors and windows, overcoming roof fittings such as TV receivers and heater flues etc.

Caravan cover tips

• Fabrics should be breathable, to prevent the possibility of build-up of condensation, which in turn could mean damp, mould or mildew. Applying a layer of overwintering fluid or similar before fitting the cover can also help here, especially if you are leaving your cover on for a long time.
• Ideally, always clean your caravan before adding a cover for any period of time. It’s the best way of preventing any small scratches as a result of small pieces of grit being rubbed onto the paintwork.
• Keeping the caravan cover clean will also optimise its overall performance, including its breathability. Check with individual suppliers about recommended ways of cleaning the fabric.
• Note, that any kind of caravan cover can also protect from unwanted minor dings, scrapes, and damage from debris flying around in high winds.
• Do remember if you’re changing your storage location always let us know so we can update your caravan insurance

Star Player #1

Protec Full Caravan Cover

Providing ultimate protection in all weathers as well as from tree sap, bird droppings and more. The key thing here, though, is every full caravan cover from Protec is bespoke made to the exact make and model (including year) of your caravan. That includes being able to add clear panels for any fitted solar panels, and tailored access points for mains hook-ups, exterior gas points etc.

Like all Protec Covers this is designed for year-round use, using the company’s own exclusive CaravanShield fabric and Easy-Fit system – which includes a roll-up rear section, plus extendable poles (you literally walk the cover onto your caravan: it takes two of you) that means you don’t need to use a step ladder to put the cover on.

As Protec puts it: “All of our covers (both full and towing) are made from a non-woven fabric which is manufactured exclusively for us by a company in Scotland. It’s a three-ply fabric with a waterproofed outer layer, a breathable membrane and a non-abrasive inner layer. We had our fabric independently tested and found it actually over three times more breathable than our nearest competitors.”

Available in grey, green or blue, there’s also the option to add your own logo.

Price from £390

Key features Protex 003 exclusive three-layer fabric with high breathability in a choice of colours, three-year warranty, heavy-duty strapping, easy-release buckles, optional fitting poles, breathable bag, A-frame cover included, free delivery

More info www.pro-teccovers.co.uk

Star Player #2

Specialised Covers Tailored Storage Covers

A leading manufacturer and supplier of bespoke fittings for caravans, as well as cars, the Specialised Covers service starts with computerised 3D modelling of your caravan, for the most exact of fits.

Typical lead time is three weeks and every caravan cover comes with exact door access (including heavy-duty Velcro fastening), plus allowances for flues, TV aerials, solar panel Perspex screens etc. Latest versions also have the option of a fully opening rear section.

The company stresses its fabric is waterproof (not just water resistant) and breathable. As well as a choice of blue, green or grey finishes, you can even go two-tone!

Specialised Covers also make tailored caravan roof covers using the same Torrent material as their full covers so they’re waterproof, breathable and non-abrasive.

Price from £449

Key features Top quality materials, A-frame cover included, choice of three colours, three-year fabric/one-year manufacturing warranties

More info www.specialisedcovers.com

Star Player #3

Maypole MP9534 Caravan Cover

A long-term name in the caravan cover market, wholesaler Maypole’s ready made universal fitting products can be found in most leading caravan accessories outlets.

The MP9534 here is, says Maypole, its most popular size (it’s for body lengths 5.6m-6.2m/19ft-21ft, with six other sizes available).

It comes in green and features a four-ply non-woven polypropylene fabric that’s breathable and water resistant. Maypole quotes an impressive 10,000mm hydrostatic head rating as far as the latter is concerned.

The fabric is bonded, to help withstand excess strains and stresses.

Price from £160.99

Key features Four-ply fabric, supplied with fitting and care instructions, elasticated hem, hitch cover included, full complement of reflectors and adjustable straps

More info www.maypoleltd.com

Star Player #4

Leisurewize WR Breathable Caravan Cover 12ft-14ft

Keenly priced, from a range of full caravan covers, all otherwise universal fitting, this is for tourers with body lengths from 12ft to 14ft. A choice of five other sizes go all the way up to 25ft.

Each comes with an elasticated hem as well as nylon straps and buckles to help make sure you get as tight as fit as possible.

The main fabric is three-ply and water resistant.

Price from £225

Key features Zips on both sides, double seams, three-layer 110gsm fabric

More info www.streetwizeaccessories.com

Star Player #5

Protec Towing Jacket

As well as its full cover, Protec offers a range of towing covers, using the same exclusive, non-woven fabric as its full caravan covers – that is, a three-ply material with waterproof outer, breathable membrane and non-abrasive inner.

It’s a two-piece construction – each section slides onto the awning rail on either side of the caravan, then zips up in the middle. It’s a two-way zip, so you can access the front locker or open up from the top for window access (when not towing), meaning you don’t necessarily have to remove the cover when you’re on-site.

Price from £295

Key features Protex 003 exclusive three-layer fabric, four colour choices, optional grab handle access, three-year warranty, heavy-duty strapping, easy-release buckles, optional fitting poles

More info www.pro-teccovers.co.uk

Star Player #6

Quest Breathable Caravan Towing Cover Pro

Quest Leisure lays out reasons for its choice of four-ply fabric for this towing cover, starting from the inside: soft-feel and breathable, for non-abrasion of your caravan and wicking away any moisture; waterproof polyethylene for protection from moisture getting in; reinforced non-woven fabric for more protection, overall strength and padding; a coated, non-woven outer that’s even more hard-wearing, also waterproof and water-repellent for ultimate protection.

This cover will fit caravans between 215cm and 250cm (7ft 6in to 8ft) in width. Kador strips run through the awning rails, plus adjustable straps, make sure it’s a perfect fit.

Price from £89.99

Key features Four-ply breathable, waterproof fabric, LED marker lights (batteries not included), A-frame cut-away and buckle strap, hitch strap kit included, storage bag.

More info www.questleisure.com

Star Player #7

Maypole Caravan Top Cover

Although it won’t offer the complete protection of a full cover, one of the advantages of a caravan roof cover is you still have easy access to doors and windows. The cost is considerably less too. They’ll prevent any build-up of moisture on the roof as well as protecting from the usual tree sap, bird lime, dirt and debris build-up etc.

In a choice of six sizes, starting at up to 4.1m (14ft) roof length, Maypole’s roof covers are easy to store and easy to put on.

Price from £70

Key features 150D polyester with reflective coating, non-abrasive, fitting straps with nylon-coated steel hooks, storage bag and additional straps included

More info www.maypoleltd.com

Over to you…

Do you have any advice on caravan covers to pass on to fellow caravanners? Or has a cover saved your tourer from damage? Feel free to add your comments or stories below.