Hi, I am the proud owner of a 1977 Ace Rallyman caravan, I just love her! As this will be my first winter, does anyone have any advice on the best cover I can get to fit her? Many thanks x
a few posts here. Large mug of coffee/tea and huge packet of biccies required.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
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Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
A cover may keep the outside clean but they can cause some condensation issues which can eventually lead to damp problems. The caravan needs to breathe instead of being suffocated so of course you won't notice this in the short term but any long term use could eventually show signs of fusty smells or visual signs of damp. It's not only extra storage space needed but requires at least two active people as well to be able to fit and remove a cover and I have neither so don't bother with one as it only takes just one person to clean the outside of the caravan.
Some people like them........some don't.
I bought one for our last 'van (Swift Challenger) and it was still in the box 2 years after!
There's pluses and minuses.
I decided it wasn't worth the risk of condensation and damaged to bodywork during stormy weather, so it was never used.
Maybe if the van was under trees I would use a roof cover but that would be all.
Choice is yours.
------------- I came into this world with nothing and I've still got most of it left.
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 08/9/2017
A cover may keep the outside clean but they can cause some condensation issues which can eventually lead to damp problems. The caravan needs to breathe instead of being suffocated so of course you won't notice this in the short term but any long term use could eventually show signs of fusty smells or visual signs of damp. It's not only extra storage space needed but requires at least two active people as well to be able to fit and remove a cover and I have neither so don't bother with one as it only takes just one person to clean the outside of the caravan.
Couldn't disagree more, and much of the above post is factually incorrect!
1. Most caravan covers are breathable so won't cause condensation.
2. Condensation is not the cause of "the" damp in a caravan. Most times damp is caused by water penetrating from the outside into the framework of the caravan between its outer and inner skin through screw holes, or failed sealant at joins.
3. I'm just shy of 70 and can easily put the cover on myself.
The cover keeps the van clean and dry. On my less than a year old van, it kept it watertight throughout its first winter. The first time it rained when I removed it after the winter, water poured through the faulty roof seam. Had I not had the cover, all the internal fabric of our van would have been ruined over the winter.
I have an Explorer cover and have been very pleased with it.
Quote: Originally posted by Kelper on 09/9/2017
I use a cover .... caravan still looks like new, unlike those that are stored outside with no covers ....
Would you leave your bike out in the rain all year?
Thanks everyone, certainly given me something to think about! I think my main concern was that as my van is 40 years old, she may have needed some extra protection, although she is bone dry and I have completely resealed her. Many thanks everyone x
Use a cover and takes your chance, plenty folk use them and have had no issues.
I put a pro-tec cover on my pride and joy and when it was removed, couldn't believe my eyes... tiger stripes all across the front and one side. Still there 5 years later when I sold it.
Quote: Originally posted by Kelper on 09/9/2017
I use a cover .... caravan still looks like new, unlike those that are stored outside with no covers ....
Would you leave your bike out in the rain all year?
Quote: Originally posted by julesandron on 09/9/2017
Thanks everyone, certainly given me something to think about! I think my main concern was that as my van is 40 years old, she may have needed some extra protection, although she is bone dry and I have completely resealed her. Many thanks everyone x
We spoke to some one while away with a Carlight caravan this year, it was gorgeous he said he stores it under cover and has had it resealed .
Older vans have so much charcter .
Can you find storage under cover I think this may be best but might be costly . I don't think you will have the problems that new van have .