Do I need a cover for my caravan?

The need for a caravan cover not only depends on various factors, such as your location and where you store it, but also how the caravan has been manufactured, taking into account the caravan’s exterior properties.

You may want to invest in a cover if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, such as intense sunlight, heavy rain, snow, or strong winds.

If your caravan is stored over the winter months, a cover can offer a level of protection, especially if your caravan contains timber in the build.

All Swift caravans are built with SMART construction which guarantees enhanced structural integrity, improved insulation and all-important weather resistance - ensuring it can withstand touring life and help retain your caravan’s residual value. The bodyframe of Swift caravans are timberless and instead use ‘PURe’ a tough, hard polyurethane based product that is totally impervious to water.

What are the benefits of having a caravan cover?

Let’s look at some of the advantages that a cover can offer:

Protection from the elements
Caravan covers aim to shield your caravan from various weather conditions, including UV rays, snow and hail. This protection prevents damage from sun fading, water infiltration, and other weather-related issues.

As part of Swift’s SMART construction, the strong exterior includes a hail-resistant roof that is fully bonded with woven white GRP. In addition, the increased roof strength allows for any additional features including air conditioning and satellite dishes (model specific).

Prevents dirt and debris
Caravan covers keep dust, dirt, leaves, tree sap, bird droppings, and other debris from accumulating on the exterior and roof of your caravan, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.

Minimises mould and mildew
Covers can prevent moisture build-up, which is a common cause of mould and mildew inside caravans that are built with timber.

Reduces UV damage
Caravan covers provide a barrier against UV rays, preventing the exterior and interior from fading and deteriorating over time.

Preserves resale value
Regular use of a caravan cover can help to maintain the caravan's appearance and condition, which can improve its resale value when you decide to sell or upgrade.

Swift caravans use GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) which is a robust and resilient material and is manufactured on site at Swift as part of its SMART construction. GRP’s impact and scratch-resistant qualities ensure long-lasting good looks that help maintain the residual value of your caravan.

Security
Covers provide an extra layer of security, making it more challenging for potential thieves to access or tamper with your caravan.

For added peace of mind, all Swift caravans have VIN CHIP™ identification system to deter theft and aid quick recovery. While ranges including Challenger SE, Challenger Exclusive and Elegance Grande all come with an AL-KO Secure wheel lock(s).

Custom fit
For the best protection, consider using a custom-fit cover designed for your specific caravan model. These covers are tailored to fit snugly and provide maximum protection. Some custom fit caravan covers also include solar panel windows so that the panels can continue to work to preserve battery level.

Things to take into consideration

While caravan covers offer several benefits, they also come with some considerations that you should be aware of:

Installation and removal
Putting on and taking off a caravan cover can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task, especially for larger caravans. It may require the assistance of another person.

Fit and compatibility
Be sure to find a cover that suitably fits your caravan. Ill-fitting covers may not provide adequate protection and can create wear points on your caravan's exterior.

Condensation and ventilation
Low-quality caravan covers can lack good ventilation and sufficient airflow, which traps moisture underneath, leading to condensation issues, which may result in mould or mildew on the caravan's surfaces.

Cost
High-quality caravan covers can be relatively expensive, especially if you opt for custom-made covers.

Storage space
Storing a caravan cover when it's not in use can be a logistical challenge, as they can be quite bulky.

To mitigate some of these considerations, it's important to choose a good-quality cover that fits your caravan properly. Regular inspections and maintenance of both the cover and the caravan itself can help address potential issues.

What makes a good cover?

A good caravan cover should offer effective protection and be durable enough to withstand various environmental conditions. Look for covers that are breathable and made from durable and weather-resistant materials.

Good-quality covers often come with straps, buckles, or tie-downs to secure the cover in place, preventing it from blowing away in strong winds. Covers that have zippered access panels allows you to access specific parts of your caravan without removing the entire cover, which can be convenient for maintenance tasks.

A cover that is relatively easy to put on and take off can save you time and effort, and a storage bag when not in use would also come in useful.

Where can I buy a cover from?

You can purchase a caravan cover from caravan dealerships and leisure/outdoor accessory stores. If you have a specific caravan cover brand in mind, you can often purchase directly from the manufacturer's website.

Check your caravan's manufacturer or model documentation to determine the appropriate size and style of cover.

Swift recommend Specialised Covers who have a wide range of customisable storage and towing covers that are both waterproof and breathable.

What are the alternatives?

If you're looking for alternatives to a caravan cover for protecting your caravan, there are several options to consider.

Consider storing your caravan in a dedicated indoor or covered storage facility. This provides excellent protection from the elements and reduces the need for a cover.

If you have the space and budget, building a garage or open-sided carport specifically for your caravan can be a comprehensive protection solution. This provides full shelter and security.

Instead of a full cover, you can use smaller covers for specific areas that are more vulnerable to damage. Front towing cover protectors are designed to keep your caravan clean and free of road debris mud and exhaust emissions as well as avoiding more damaging stone chips while towing.

Summary

In summary, the need for a caravan cover varies depending on the construction of your caravan. For example, if your caravan is made with timber, it will be more susceptible to water damage and thus a caravan cover would help to protect your caravan. Assess your individual circumstances, your caravan’s build materials, the local climate, and your storage arrangements to determine if a cover is a good choice for your caravan.