Caravan Cover Expert Advice

Introduction

Selecting, fitting and maintaining a caravan cover is often more straightforward than many owners expect. However, a few simple considerations can significantly improve the fit, performance and service life of both the cover and the caravan beneath it.

The following advice is based on the practical experience gained from assisting Australian caravan owners since 2017.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

One of the most common mistakes when purchasing a caravan cover is relying on the advertised model length.

Do not rely on advertised caravan lengths found online, in AI search results, in sales brochures or in Owner’s Manuals. Most manufacturers refer to ‘internal’ specifications when advertising their length dimension, and there is no standard way in which these dimensions are advertised. Caravan Cover Shop follows the ‘MMM’ principle — Manual Metric Measurement is KEY. Always measure your caravan manually, in metric, using a tape measure.

For detailed measuring instructions, refer to Chapter 5 — Buying Guide.

A Good Fit Is More Important Than an Exact Size

Many customers believe the objective is to purchase a cover that exactly matches the caravan’s advertised length.

In reality, the objective is to achieve the most secure overall fit which limits unnecessary movement in windy conditions. This helps prolong the life of the cover as it is less at risk of rubbing and abrasion over the various surfaces around the caravan body panelling.

A properly fitted cover should sit securely over the caravan while allowing the securing straps and elasticised hem to work as intended.

Should You Cover the Storage Box?

This is one of the most common questions received by Caravan Cover Shop.

The answer depends on two factors:

• Whether there is sufficient space between the storage box and the caravan body
• Whether you prefer to protect the storage box rather than leave this exposed

Caravan Cover Shop recommends fitting a cover to the body panelling only wherever possible. Covering the body panelling only achieves a more secure fit against possible movement in windy conditions, which should achieve a longer cover life as it is not moving across the various surfaces around the caravan, particularly the corners and edges of storage boxes and similar accessories. If there is a gap of approximately 50mm between an accessory and the body panelling, the cover can slide down between them. If no suitable gap exists, or you would simply prefer your accessories to be protected, these need to be included in your overall length measurement.

TIP for Aussie Covers owners: if you need to cover your storage box at the front, rather than connecting the male and female side-release buckles in the middle across the front cover panel, try connecting them to the buckles on the shorter straps that are stitched to the hem on both sides toward the front. Doing so may result in a better overall fit across this front panel area.

Should You Cover Rear Accessories?

The same principles apply to rear-mounted accessories.

Items such as:

• Spare wheels
• Bike racks
• Jerry can holders

can either remain outside the cover or be included beneath it, depending on the available clearance and the customer’s preference.

Why Cover Length Affects Roof Overhang

Many customers are surprised when covering front or rear accessories results in additional fabric extending beyond the roofline.

This occurs because caravan covers taper from the roof down toward the base. Increasing the required base length naturally increases the amount of fabric extending above the caravan roof. (As a guide, a cover’s roof length is generally around 400mm–600mm shorter than its base length, depending on the brand, which accounts for the angled front panel profile of modern vehicles.)

This is a normal consequence of protecting additional accessories rather than an indication that the cover is too large.

Observe the Cover on the First Windy Day

After installing a new cover, Caravan Cover Shop recommends observing it during the first windy day. If excessive movement or billowing is noticed, an additional securing strap can usually be fitted to improve tension and reduce movement. Caravan Cover Shop can recommend an inexpensive securing strap option if needed.

These kinds of actions taken early can improve the long-term performance of the cover.

Protect Sharp Corners

Wind movement causes covers to move slightly during normal use, and some wind movement is unavoidable.

Where the fabric repeatedly rubs against sharp corners or protruding accessories, premature wear is more likely to occur.

Consider placing something soft over any sharp corners or edges to help protect the cover in areas at risk of rubbing and abrasion in windy conditions. A cut-off section of a ‘pool noodle’ is ideal for this — pool noodles are inexpensive, readily available, and can be easily cut to size and placed wherever you feel the cover will benefit.

Roof Accessories Rarely Require a Larger Cover

Customers often assume that air conditioners, solar panels or antennas require purchasing the next cover size.

In most cases, roof-mounted accessories do not require a larger cover. Modern caravan covers are manufactured from flexible materials that naturally conform over common roof-mounted accessories such as air conditioners, solar panels, TV antennas, satellite dishes and roof vents. These accessories may slightly raise the fabric immediately beneath them, but not so much that the side panels become exposed.

Prevent Water Pooling

If a caravan is parked perfectly level, rainwater may occasionally collect in low areas of the cover.

Where practical, slightly raising or lowering the drawbar, or parking with one side on a caravan leveller, can create a gentle slope that encourages water to run off naturally.

This simple adjustment may reduce prolonged water pooling during heavy rain.

Breathability Is Just as Important as Water Resistance

Many customers assume that a completely waterproof cover must always be the best choice. For this reason a customer may search for a ‘waterproof’ cover online.

A common misconception is that caravan covers should be completely waterproof. In reality, most quality caravan covers are designed to be water resistant while remaining breathable. Breathable fabrics allow trapped moisture vapour to escape from beneath the cover, helping reduce condensation and the conditions that contribute to mould and mildew. A completely waterproof, non-breathable cover may trap moisture beneath the fabric. For long-term caravan storage, the most effective covers balance water resistance with breathability.

A Cover Should Protect the Caravan — Not Damage It

When correctly selected, fitted and maintained, a quality caravan cover helps protect the vehicle during storage.

However, dirt trapped beneath the cover, loose securing straps or prolonged rubbing against sharp edges can contribute to unnecessary wear.

Regular inspection, correct tensioning and keeping both the caravan and cover clean will help maximise performance.

Different Storage Environments Require Different Solutions

The ideal cover for one customer may not be the ideal cover for another.

Factors such as:

• Outdoor storage
• Coastal environments
• High UV exposure
• Dusty rural areas
• Storage beneath trees
• Undercover storage

can all influence which cover is most appropriate.

For this reason, Caravan Cover Shop also considers the storage environment before making a recommendation.

Expert Recommendations Are Personalised

No two caravans are exactly alike.

Differences in body dimensions, accessories, storage conditions and owner preferences mean that recommendations should be made on an individual basis.

Our objective is always to recommend the cover that provides the most appropriate combination of fit, protection, practicality and value for each customer’s circumstances.