Overall Storage Cover

Never used one. My neighbour used to but when he bought his latest caravan we discussed it. He has some mobility problems and he decided to have his new van paint sealed instead. Makes it easy to wash off. I would personally prefer that solution over a cover. I suppose it depends whether you are storing in the open or beneath overhanging trees etc. 

This has been discussed at length before and there are two sides to the argument. We tend not to use our van between Dec and Feb and so for 3 months it is covered (with a breathable cover) and up on axle stands and I'm sure it is 'happier' out of the elements. I certainly am.

Our caravan is now seventeen years old, and has been covered with a waterproof but breathable cover for about the last twelve of those.  Initially it was on a windy hill top in West Yorkshire, and the cover kept it dust free and clean when we took it out again the following.  Then it was stored in a large dusty warehouse in France, where once again it was covered each winter, to keep it dust free.  Now it's out in the open again and covered for the winter.  This spring it was uncovered and it 's great to see it emerging in spring  clean and shiny, instead of it being covered in black streaks and green moss!

I can't say that it has affected the van at all - there are no areas of rubbed paint, not scratched windows, and absolutely no problems which could possibly be related to the cover.  Certainly nothing that we've noticed could possibly affect the resale value - after all how are potiential buyers going to know that it has been covered - they will just see a very clean and still shiny van at the end of the winter.

The cover isn't an expensive one - bought from ebay, green on the outside with corner zips, and strong straps - and after twelve years of use there is nothing wrong with it other than a small repaired tear to one bottom corner, where a sharp end to an awning rail (after someone had stolen the end bracket - uncovering it and unscrewing two screws) caused it to tear.

Many thanks to EasyT, pau56 and VAlDa for their comments and helpful remarks.   I enjoy having a clean shiny van an am almost sure that I shall make the investment, once we get back from Skye and the Black Isle.

I have been considering wether to purchase a caravan cover as newly stored under trees. Having researched the differing qualities and the reviews I shall this Autumn clean and prepare the caravan with fen wicks and Bobby dazzler as I am concerned as regards internal damp. I believe one should check regularly on your investment anyway and will therefore continually monitor it's condition. Also, that caravan construction ( not quality of build) has perhaps reduced the possibility of water ingress over the years.

Will hopefully be able to report positively.

The thing that kills a caravan is not rain but UV light. Degradation of plastics is the main result and keeping UV light off it is a good move. As Valda says, it’s nice to see a nice clean van in the spring - and no crazed plastic either!