In this guide, we will answer the following question: Can you put a caravan cover on a wet caravan? We will explain how to choose the best quality caravan cover and how to install it.
Can you put a caravan cover on a wet caravan?
It is not recommendable to put a caravan cover on a wet caravan. If the cover is made of cheap materials and it is not breathable, it could cause dump and bigger issues long-term speaking.
To find out how to properly put on a caravan cover, you can consult the installation guide supplied with the protective cover. It is very easy to install a tarpaulin on a caravan, you just have to follow these simple steps:
- Leave the caravan to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Once the caravan is clean and dry, unfold the cover on the roof of the vehicle. Be sure to open the front zippers.
- Unfold the panels on the sides one by one.
- Close the zippers without forcing. The cover should be a little bigger than the motorhome.
- Attach the straps that go under the vehicle.
Note: The installation steps may vary depending on the type of cover you have.
What are the best caravan covers?
Before putting on a caravan cover, you should know that there are several types that adapt to the vehicle model and dimensions.
There are covers for:
- nasturtium motorhomes
- profiled motorhomes
- integral motorhomes
- converted vans
- caravans.
There are also different protective covers depending on the use of the tarp. There are winter covers, which cover the entire vehicle, and protective covers which cover only part of the vehicle.
Protective windshield covers in winter are very useful and provide insulation against cold and humidity. They prevent condensation from forming in the vehicle and on the windshield. We explain how to prevent condensation in a motorhome in this article.
There are many brands that offer very good quality motorhome covers and tarps. Here are a few:
- Fiamma motorhome covers
- HB Collection motorhome covers
- Hindermann motorhome tarpaulins
- Tyvek covers
- HTD motorhome covers.
Other questions you may be interested in
How do I remove water stains from my caravan ceiling?
Does my car charge my caravan battery?
Do caravan covers cause dampness?
The pros and cons of using a caravan cover
Covering your caravan or motorhome with a protective cover can dramatically extend the life of your camping equipment. If you choose not to wrap it in a cover, and especially when your caravan or motorhome is outside, your camping gear could be damaged by inclement weather and other environmental factors. It would be a shame!
A cover, therefore, guarantees that your camping equipment is kept in optimal condition. A protective cover keeps your caravan or motorhome dry and protects your camping gear from dirt, dust and UV rays.
If your caravan or motorhome is stored in a dry place in a garage or shed, it is also recommended to wrap it in a cover. In fact, anything that is not used gradually covers itself with dust. To convince yourself of this, just look at your showcase cabinet in your living room.
The same applies to your caravan or motorhome when it is immobilized for too long. So let’s be quick: Use a cover if you don’t feel like cleaning your camping gear from top to bottom when the weather is nice when you can get back on the road.
What should you watch out for when buying a protective cover?
To the cover’s length and width. There are protective covers of all sizes. To get the exact size, all you need to do is measure the trailer from the tail light to the front of the drawbar box. Note: It is not necessary to include the drawbar in the measurement. A motorhome should be measured along its entire length. The width of a caravan or motorhome is generally in the range of 220 to 255 cm.
Good quality materials: If you do not use a breathable cover, it may happen that your camping equipment absorbs moisture causing mould and/or corrosion, which is detrimental to the quality of your caravan or camping-car! So get yourself a breathable canvas and never use an ordinary oilcloth. Although waterproof, an oilcloth does not breathe.
Protective covers are marketed with or without zippers. If you put away your camping gear to only use it again after several months, you can wrap it in a cover without a zipper.
On the other hand, if you have to enter your caravan or motorhome from time to time during its “hibernation” to carry out repairs or to put the beautiful camping gift that you received at Christmas, a protective cover with a zipper is very practical! You can then easily enter your caravan or motorhome by simply opening the zippers.
The quality and size of the caravan cover are essential
By “quality of the cover” I mean here not only its material of manufacture but also and above all its technicality. The tarpaulin is always multi-layered. It can have more than three layers, each having its own specificities for better protection of the car. It is always necessary to check the presence of reinforcements in the most vulnerable areas.
A word of advice: make sure you check that you are dealing with breathable material. Otherwise, you run the risk, with use, of trapping the air which will condense inside and turn into mist, and therefore, moisture, which would only cause damage.
We would tend to choose a motorhome cover that fits the vehicle well because that is reassuring. No doubt, but allow a slight margin for accessories such as the bicycle rack or others. If you find the perfect supplier, you can order a custom cover, but you should take the measurements before you buy. Here is how you will do it:
Measure the total length of your motorhome. Add the margin mentioned above. Then take the height of the body, wheels excluded (note that partial protective covers dedicated to motorhome wheels exist).
These dimensions that you have noted will serve as a reference when you choose the size that will suit your vehicle.
Final advice
Caravan covers are essential during winter. Besides protecting your caravan from dirt, dust, winds, rain, snow – it also is a great ally against dampness, mould and burglaries.
By covering the vehicle, you will have the satisfaction of finding it clean in the spring and you will only have to carry out small annual maintenance work before setting off again on the roads.
Please let us know if you have any comments or questions on the content.
FAQ on Can you put a caravan cover on a wet caravan?
How to instal a caravan cover?
It is easy to install a caravan cover. Follow these steps:
- Fold the antennas, mirrors, bike rack
- Protect the protruding parts with cardboard or bubble wrap to avoid puncturing the cover.
- Optional, reinforce the cover on the protruding parts by sticking our adhesive patches on the back of the cover (sold separately).
How to measure a caravan cover?
To measure a caravan cover you have to know the dimensions of the caravan. The size is determined based on the width and length of the caravan. To get the exact size, it is important to measure the width and length.
How to protect the roof of a caravan?
To protect the roof of a caravan use a protective cover. It covers a motorhome that usually sleeps outside. It is never advisable to leave a motorhome outdoors for a long period, it is damaged and degrades more quickly (bodywork, gaskets, batteries, tires, etc.)
How do I prepare my caravan for wintering?
Here are a few tips to prepare your caravan for wintering:
- Empty the water heater.
- Empty and clean the toilet tanks.
- Remove the gas cylinder (s).
- Put the windows in the ventilation position.
- Open the bathroom door.
- Do not unscrew the feet.
- Do not put plastic sheeting on the caravan.
- Put the clean trailer in the garage.
