A caravan protective cover is a good way to protect the caravan from dirt, dust and environmental influences. Thanks to a tarpaulin, the paint and structure of the vehicle are better protected against weathering and premature aging.
Protective covers must be breathable and water-repellent
Even if you have packed your caravan well, some air will always rise under the cover. If this cannot escape, water will collect on the inside of the protective cover. Too much moisture in one place over a long period of time, usually over five months, causes enormous damage to wood, plastic, sheet metal and aluminum.
For this reason, you should definitely choose a protective cover that allows air to circulate so that water droplets can run off. This way you avoid waterlogging caused by too much moisture.
A protective case of the right size
It is important that the cover fits well on your caravan, but is not too big. Covers that are too large offer more surface area for gusts of wind to attack, meaning the cover could slip off the roof, freely hanging parts of the tarpaulin could scratch the paint or the entire hood could fly away. It is important that the cover can be pulled over comfortably.
Measure the caravan or check the vehicle registration document.
The size of the protective cover is made up of the width, length and height of your caravan. The drawbar is not included.
| If you have installed a bike rack, this must also be measured. |
Cover the caravan protective cover correctly
Anyone who has ever tried this alone has probably failed miserably, because it only works if there are two of you:
• At least 2 people are needed to cover the tarpaulin
• It is easier to get the tarpaulin over the roof with a ladder; a stool is also sufficient for tall people
• Make sure that you do not get caught on chimneys, skylights, satellite systems or air conditioning units when attaching them
• A long stick or broom will help you put it on
• At the end, the tarpaulin is lashed down with tension straps, which are often connected to each other under the vehicle
Throwing over the tarpaulin only makes sense if you are standing for a long time, otherwise it would be too time-consuming to put the cover up and take it down again and again.
| Attention: If you want to remove the protective cover from your caravan in the winter months, you should make sure that no ice has formed on the roof, as the heavier weight of the frozen water could cause the tarpaulin to tear when removed. Simply sweep away the ice and snow with a broom beforehand. |
Tarpaulin with or without door opening
There are protective covers that have a zipper on the side of the door so that access to the inside of the caravan is easy. This is always practical if you want to keep an eye on your little one during the winter months.
Correct tensioning of the protective cover
When purchasing, make sure that you buy a high-quality protective cover whose straps are securely sewn. It is important that you tension the tarpaulin well and that it lies neatly.
Sometimes roof profiles or gable profiles made of foam create a better fit for the tarpaulin. These parts make unclamping easier for you. These spacers also create optimal air circulation.
Some tarpaulins also have tension straps on the front and rear of the caravan, which of course makes the fit and feel even better.
Be careful of sharp edges
It is not uncommon to find sharp edges, especially at the corners of the caravan, for example at the transition to the chassis. Normally your fingers shouldn't be there, but that's exactly where you need to go when attaching the tarp. On the one hand, make sure that you don't hurt yourself and, on the other hand, that your tarpaulin is not damaged. Leftover foam can serve as edge protection here.
Rather bad: tarpaulins from the hardware store
These cheap plastic tarpaulins are completely waterproof. However, this means that the moisture that collects under the tarpaulin cannot escape and mold could form. In addition, the air cannot circulate well under such a tarpaulin and accumulated water from ice and snow cannot drain away. Sooner or later, the roof could be damaged by too much moisture.
Alternative: roof protection tarpaulin
If you're looking for a different protective solution because you don't necessarily want to fit a protective cover around your entire caravan, a roof tarpaulin might suit your needs:
Pros：Easier to attach because it is lighter and less bulky
Pros：Optimal guying because you can better regulate the size of the tarpaulin with the guy ropes
Pros：Always access to the caravan door
Cons：Additional accessories required.
The spacers and foam corners prevent the straps from rubbing on the caravan's outer skin.
Conclusion: a cheap and well-protective solution
For the cleanest, driest solution, place your house on wheels under a solid roof, such as a barn. However, since not everyone has such options, attaching a caravan protective cover is a cheap and well-protective alternative solution.
We hope you can start the new season without any damage!
