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We have bought a cover for our new van and are wodering if it is ok to put the cover on while the van is still damp or should we wait for all raindrops to dry out? 

With the frost, snow and now rain it seems that it is never going to dry out completely.

If the cover you have is a breathable one then it should be ok to place it on a wet van. However, in some areas (particularly industrialised ones) the rain can bring down particles which, if they are on your van when you cover it, could potentially cause scratching. The cover may have instructions in that regard. Best to give the van a good look over and if necessary wash it down to remove any bits

Phil 

It is supposed to be breathable so I think i will give it a go if the rain stays off till this afternoon. 

Thanks.

Just check the roof for ice and bird droppings and get those removed.

Phil

The van sits next to a tree and the roof will go green and slimy without a cover.  I thought modern covers were made so that they don't scratch the paintwork like older covers.  We have bought the cover now.  I don't really feel much like using solutions as I intend to use the cover throughout the year when the van is not in use.

Timw will tell.

Hi brianconwy

Dont shoot the messenger this was the information printed in the Practical Caravan by an expert Doug King I was just passing it on to help you. I would think the reason he advises against is because if contaminants like dust get into the inside of the cover - mother nature (wind) may cause the cover to rub the paintwork and cause excessive wear - I dont know email the expert at Practical Caravan.

Doug King actually commented (Dec 2010) that if you use a cover you must ensure that the van is clean before you put it on and that, importantly there is no dirt or grit on the van. Further, when packing the cover away ensure that its inside is kept clean so that no stones grit etc could rub against the van when the cover is replaced.

Grit and dirt aside, many covers, such as the Protec ones, have been developedso as not to scratch your van.

We put awnings up that are not wholly fitted in to the awning rail (e.g. Porch awnings) with the sides of the awning having direct contact with the van/side window. They then rub against the van in winds etc and we don't have scratches.

Pollution can degrade the gel coating of a caravan which is one of the reasons that regular cleaning is recommended. It is not as easy to clean regularly during winter months and if you have to store it under a tree it is at greater potential risk.  

Phil

I wasn't shooting any messenger, I was just saying that I don't want the van green and slimy.  I have heard about covers potentially scratching vans before on here.  I think a lot of minor van damage will occur when being towed.

The manufacturers claim it is a new non-abrasive material.  As I say time will tell.