Ok we keep putting it off blaming the fact that it's raining or the caravan won't be completely dry etc etc but really it's because we can't face it!! Our caravan is stored near trees now so it needs to be covered. We have a new cover still wrapped up in its bag. Hubby has made covers for the tv aerial etc so we have that planned, but does anyone have any tips for the best way to put it on??
Take it out of the bag, unfold it and lay it flat, topside uppermost, so that the inside (which goes next to the caravan is on the bottom). Note which end is the front and which the back. Roll up from the back to the middle, from the end to the middle, so that there is a sausage of cover on the top, then roll up the front end to the middle. Now you have two sausages rolled up on top of the cover.
Throw this over the middle of the van and roll down the sausages to each end, and fit. Some people use the line prop/mop/brush handles to do this. I just use a stepladder and reposition to continue unrolling until its all done.
Then fasten down with the straps, remembering to tighten them up so they don't flap and rub in the wind.
Hope this is helpful.
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We put ours on from front to back using brush handles to lift over aerial etc don't pull the cover by the straps or you will rip it like I did if it comes with some soft padding use it on the front windows and sharp edges it is best done when van is dry and not a windy day
good luck.
We use two telescopic line props. We extend them a little and place the plastic end inside two corners of the cover (don't over extend the props as they will bend)just enough to help clear the roof. With a little bit of dexterity it usually goes on ok but the status ariel with the spike needs the spike covering or removing. The props also come in handy when passing the straps under the caravan ( easier than trying to throw them under the 'van). We work from the front to the back but I suppose you could work side to side or from the back to the front. We've not tried those due to the access to the van when in storage.
Thanks for your prompt replies!! I feel enthused that we can do it now! I particularly like the sausage idea and I think we will try that first. Thank you for all for your responses. Will let you know how it goes. That is if it ever stops raining. When we are up for putting it on, it rains and when we are busy the sun shines.
HI Folks I have just read all the previous posts about fitting a caravan cover. I personally will no longer fit one due to the damage they can cause to your van unless you have made a very expensive tailor fitted cover which will have extra bits on top to cover your aerial and chimney exhaust for your caravan fire. if you dont you are left with a gap between these high points and the roof of your van. if its bigger and you have slack on the top, the wind moves the slack and scratches all your roof lights it does,nt really matter if you have an opaque toilet vent and omni-fan covers but the heki 1/ 2/3 transparent cover can get badly scratched as well as your van windows. even so called breathable covers can increase the condense in side the van. I found all my cupboard hinges had gone rusty and the push button catches had seized even with tubs of moisture absorbing crystals sat in the van sinks. I used two heavy duty extendable paint roller handles to fit my cover. i have since learnt that you must cover all windows and roof vents with heavy duty cling film before hand and use a extra couple of ropes over the roof to prevent cover movement in high winds [ not provided by cover makers] So now I just wash complete van, dry, and spray with wax. which is easily removed by hand hot water in spring.
Quote: Originally posted by naturlist123 on 17/12/2013
HI Folks I have just read all the previous posts about fitting a caravan cover. I personally will no longer fit one due to the damage they can cause to your van unless you have made a very expensive tailor fitted cover which will have extra bits on top to cover your aerial and chimney exhaust for your caravan fire. if you dont you are left with a gap between these high points and the roof of your van. if its bigger and you have slack on the top, the wind moves the slack and scratches all your roof lights it does,nt really matter if you have an opaque toilet vent and omni-fan covers but the heki 1/ 2/3 transparent cover can get badly scratched as well as your van windows. even so called breathable covers can increase the condense in side the van. I found all my cupboard hinges had gone rusty and the push button catches had seized even with tubs of moisture absorbing crystals sat in the van sinks. I used two heavy duty extendable paint roller handles to fit my cover. i have since learnt that you must cover all windows and roof vents with heavy duty cling film before hand and use a extra couple of ropes over the roof to prevent cover movement in high winds [ not provided by cover makers] So now I just wash complete van, dry, and spray with wax. which is easily removed by hand hot water in spring.
NEVER use cling film on caravan windows I read it reacts with the plastic.
Like Jax365 I have my cover inside out but rolled up as one. Put the step ladders at the back of the van and perch the cover on top while I climb the steps then lift it and ease it over the roof with the help of a boom. My van has a sloping front end so when it gets about 3/4 of the way over momentum takes it over the front, then pull the sides down into place, zip-up and secure the straps. Easy.got the tip from another lady on this site. I don't have anyone to help me but it only takes about 15 minutes altogether and I only have a small caravan.
Well we used to put a Protec cover on our old van and we brought from (Purpleline) two things in black foam they fit around the aerial and the flue . And we had no problems what so ever..
Let us know how you get on! It's always harder the first time, but it gets easier with practice!
And the reward is a van that isn't covered with all sorts of debris, including tree sap, bird poo and general dirt. In the spring, you take it off and it only needs a bit of dusting, or a quick wash and wax - no horrible green stuff or black streaks to elbow grease over.
As has been said,we pulled our cover over or caravan from front to back,after removing the top spike off the aerial.This is our first ever caravan,so as it is quite old we decided to cover it because it is perfectly dry inside and we want to keep it that way.If you decide to cover your caravan,we were given the advise to leave the windows in the vent position,and put some form of moisture absorber inside the caravan to prevent dampness.
------------- If the moon reflects the suns light,why does it not reflect the suns heat?