Caravan Cover Fabric & Brand Comparison
Understanding Caravan Cover Construction
Not all caravan covers are constructed in the same way.
Different manufacturers use different combinations of fabrics, panel layouts and construction techniques to achieve varying levels of durability, breathability, weather resistance and ease of handling.
The following comparison provides an overview of the cover ranges available through Caravan Cover Shop.
Cover Comparison
| Brand | Roof | Front / Rear | Side Walls | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aussie Covers | 600D Oxford Polyester | 600D Oxford Polyester | 600D Oxford Polyester | Heavy-duty construction throughout the entire cover for long-term outdoor storage |
| ADCO Olefin HD | Proprietary 'Olefin HD' fabric | Olefin HD (front), 4-ply polypropylene (rear) | 4-ply polypropylene | Premium UV protection across the roof and front of the caravan |
| Prestige | Triple-layer UV-stabilised waterproof roof fabric | Water-resistant polypropylene | 3-ply polypropylene | Lightweight cover with a reinforced waterproof roof and breathable wall panels |
| Kaiser | 300D Oxford Polyester | 300D Oxford Polyester | 300D Oxford Polyester | Full polyester construction for general outdoor or undercover storage |
| Kaiser Durapoly | 600D Oxford Polyester | 600D Oxford Polyester | 600D Oxford Polyester | Heavy-duty polyester construction throughout the entire cover |
| Camec | 300D Oxford Polyester | 3-ply polypropylene | 3-ply polypropylene | Practical everyday protection at an affordable price |
| Samson | 3-ply polypropylene | 3-ply polypropylene | 3-ply polypropylene | Economical, breathable protection for general storage |
* Some published Samson specifications indicate a four-layer roof construction on certain models. Specifications should always be confirmed against the current manufacturer’s information.
Understanding the Different Fabrics
600D Oxford Polyester
600D Oxford Polyester is a heavy-duty woven fabric recognised for its strength, durability and abrasion resistance.
When used across the entire cover, it provides consistent protection over the roof, front, rear and side wall panels.
Benefits include:
- Excellent durability
- High abrasion resistance
- Strong tear resistance
- Suitable for demanding outdoor environments
- Good long-term performance
This construction is used throughout the entire cover on both the Aussie Covers and Kaiser ‘Durapoly’ ranges.
300D Oxford Polyester
300D Oxford Polyester offers many of the same characteristics as heavier polyester fabrics while remaining lighter and easier to handle.
Benefits include:
- Good weather protection
- Easier installation
- Reduced overall weight
- Good durability for many storage situations
This construction is used throughout the standard Kaiser range and as the roof material on Camec covers.
Olefin HD
Olefin HD is ADCO’s proprietary roof fabric.
It has been developed specifically for long-term outdoor storage, particularly across the roof and front of the caravan where ultraviolet exposure is greatest.
The remaining wall panels utilise breathable multi-layer polypropylene.
Multi-Layer Polypropylene
Polypropylene is widely used throughout the caravan cover industry.
Rather than relying on a single heavy layer, manufacturers often use multiple bonded layers to achieve an appropriate balance between protection, breathability and weight. Depending on the manufacturer, covers may utilise three-layer or four-layer polypropylene construction.
Benefits include:
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Moisture resistant
- Easy to handle
- Suitable for long-term storage
Breathability & Water Resistance
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.
This assists in reducing the conditions that contribute to:
- Mould
- Mildew
- Condensation
- Moisture-related deterioration
For long-term caravan storage, breathability is generally considered more important than absolute waterproofness.
UV Protection
Australia experiences some of the highest ultraviolet levels in the world.
Extended UV exposure contributes to:
- Fading
- Oxidation
- Decal deterioration
- Seal ageing
- Premature weathering
Quality caravan covers help reduce this exposure by shielding the caravan from direct sunlight during storage. Different manufacturers achieve this through different fabric constructions, specialised roof materials and UV-stabilised fabrics.
Choosing the Right Cover
There is no single caravan cover that is the best choice for every customer. The most suitable cover depends on factors including vehicle type, storage environment, weather exposure, preferred fabric construction, ease of installation and budget. Caravan Cover Shop recommends products based on each customer’s individual requirements rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The objective is not to recommend the most expensive product, but the cover that provides the most appropriate balance of protection, durability, practicality and value for the customer’s individual circumstances.