Winter cover

Ph1lTurner replied on 10/10/2018 21:28

Posted on 10/10/2018 21:28

Hi All,

May I ask a question about winter covers. We've just bought our van and looking at wintering storing it.

Everywhere I look people recommend a cover as long as it's breathable and that it is good for the van.

Just discussing something with a friend whose family has been caravanning for a long time and they say you shouldn't put a cover over the van. I said from what I've read as long as breathable it should be fine. His response was "It makes the windows craze and the van sweat regardless as to whether it is breathable. That moisture has to go somewhere".

Was wondering if people have any thoughts on this. Cover a van or not? Is it worth spending the extra money on one of those "Specialised Covers" (https://www.specialisedcovers.com/) or is a generic cover just as good?

What do people do?

Many Thanks

Phil.

Bakers2 replied on 11/10/2018 08:26

Posted on 11/10/2018 08:26

Hello and welcome to our great hobby and CT.

What a first question 😉I'm sure you'll get a very mixed lot of replies 😂 proving there isn't just one way or method!

Somewhere on this forum are discussions about the subject but the search facility isn't great and I can't at this moment remember any titles 😂.

We motorhome but don't use it in the coldest months, its SORN, but we don't cover the van. We do close blinds, another debatable subject and put our silver screen windscreen cover on. We do move it, a drive around the storage site 😉 to move the wheels. We pull cushions away from the walls, open doors to cupboards, fridge etc to allow air to circulate and remove clothing towels etc but wrap duvet and mattress toppers in their original plastic - so far 12 years no problems.

I have read somewhere where there has been mould and damp in covered vans.

I think there's a recent thread on over wintering I'll post a link if I can find it.

Of course there's no reason not to use it all year, but that's your choice.

 

replied on 11/10/2018 09:55

Posted on 11/10/2018 09:55

I have never covered any caravan in 35 years. In the past I have opened drawers and doors to ensure good air flow and propped up seat and back cushions. No longer do that as all the cupboards are well vented and there are stand offs behind rear seat backs which are fluted. Also base cushions are on slats over well vented bases. I just prop open fridge doors and inbuilt freezer compartment during times when I won't be using, which for me is a period of 11 weeks before mid December and 13 weeks after December.

 

paul56 replied on 12/10/2018 11:49

Posted on 12/10/2018 11:49

As has been said you will get 'for' and 'against' arguments. I have always put a cover over the van and never had a problem. I feel if it keeps the worst of the wind, rain, snow, leaves etc off the van then so much the better.

As with EasyT we always open all cupboards, doors and stand the cushions on end. I invested in a pair of axle stands and jack the van up and rest it on those for the duration to protect the tyres. 

Tigi replied on 12/10/2018 19:29

Posted on 12/10/2018 19:29

I tried a breathable once kept the outside clean but spent a day wiping off mildew spots on the inside.

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