How to Fit a Towsure Caravan Cover Easily

The Towsure universal caravan cover is easy to fit to a range of caravans. After you have measured your caravan for a cover and have the correct size you will want to know how to fit a caravan cover in the best and easiest way.

With a bit of preparation beforehand it is easy to fit a caravan cover when you follow the instructions and work methodically. Putting a cover on a caravan for storage is straightforward when you take your time. A hastily fitted cover may need taking off and fitting again, or need a lot of adjustment - approach the job steadily and deliberately and you will have your caravan cover fitted snugly for full protection.

You will need:

1. A dry, wind-free day.
   The ideal caravan covering day is dry and without wind. The weather of course is unpredictable and finding the pefect day for fitting a caravan cover can be difficult, especially at the end of the season if you are covering up for winter storage. A breeze and / or a light drizzle is fine - the caravan needn't be bone-dry as the cover is breathable and will allow any moisture under the cover to escape. But do not attempt to fit the cover in windy conditions, this can be dangerous and can cause damage to the cover or the caravan.
   
   
2. An assistant.
   Fitting a caravan cover can be done by one person with practice but the job is much easier with at least two! Especially on larger caravans or caravans with roof mounted accessories, solar panels, antennae etc, having an assistant to help guide the cover and prevent it from snagging as it is fitted over the roof makes life much easier. As you will most likely be using step-ladders it is much safer to have another person around.
   
   
3. Step Ladders or Platform.
   A portable platform or step ladders are useful on some caravans and essentials on others, to guide the cover over fixtures and fittings
   
   

Preparation Before Fitting the Caravan Cover

The first answer to how to fit a caravan cover is preparation. There is no point trapping dirt between the caravan and cover. Getting your caravan ready for covering makes the task simpler. Caravan covers do work best when the caravan is clean and prepared before starting to pull the cover onto the van.

1. Clean the Caravan
   It is most important that you clean the caravan before fitting a cover. If particles of dirt are trapped under the cover these can act as an abrasive. In the wind, dirt between the caravan cover and bodywork can scratch the bodywork and windows. Clean the caravan with a quality caravan cleaning solution.
   
   You can also apply an Overwintering Solution after cleaning the caravan. This guards against algae, mould and fungus whilst the caravan is in storage. This step is especially useful if the caravan is not regularly visited and aired out over the winter storage period.
   
   
2. Allow the Caravan to Dry
   Ideally, the caravan should be dry before fitting a cover. This is not essential as small amounts of water will escape through the breathable membrane although if you can, allow the caravan to dry as much as possible.
   
   
3. Close all Windows & Roof Lights
   Take care to close all of the windows properly. Work methodically around the caravan to ensure all windows and roof lights ore properly closed. This helps to keep spiders from entering the caravan to make it their winter home, and may be a condition of your caravan insurance policy. Bedding is normally removed from the caravan over winter, but if you are leaving anything inside the 'van ensure that vents are not blocked. As long as the caravan's ventilation is not blocked there should be no reason to leave any windows open on a catch.
   
   
4. Turn off all Appliances
   Ensure that the refrigerator and heaters are fully turned off
   
   
5. Apply the Handbrake and Lower the Corner Steadies
   With the caravan prepared for storage, maneuver it into place if necessary. Make sure that the handbrake is firmly applied and that the corner steadies are lowered
   
   
6. Remove or Fold Away Fixtures and Fittings
   Make sure any sharp or fragile fittings, for example aerials, ladders, guttering and awning fittings, are either removed, folded away or safely covered.
   
   

Fitting the Caravan Cover

With the caravan clean and prepared you are now ready to fit the cover over the caravan. This step is much easier with at least one assistant or ideally three people if you are new to fitting a caravan cover. Take your time the first time the cover is fitted, with practice the task will become easier.

1. Open out the cover and begin to pass it over the roof
   Begin at the front of the caravan and work towards the rear. Lift the cover carefully over any roof lights or protruding fixtures. If the cover seems to be a tight fit, relax the tension on the cover by opening the corner zips. Use a platform or stepladders to reach the top of the cartavan; do not attempt to force the cover over by pulling hard from the bottom edges.
   
   
2. Adjust the position of the cover
   Once the cover is over the caravan, carefully adjust the position until the cover fits evenly all over.
   
   
3. Close the corner zips
   Carefully close the corner zips. If one zip is much tighter than the rest you may need to repeat step 2, adjusting the position to avoid concentrating tension on one particular section of the cover. Make sure that the cover material around the sip is straight and not over-taut.
   
   
4. Pass the straps under the caravan
   Pass each strap in turn under the caravan and feed it through the corresponding buckle on the opposite side. Leave each strap loose at first until all straps are in place.
   
   
5. Tension the straps
   Tighten each of the strap so that the cover is gathered snugly to the caravan. The material should not be so loose that it flaps in the wind. Do not overtighten the straps as this may damage the cover.
   
   

When fitted, the cover should be snug but not taut. Check each zip and each corner to ensure no part of the cover us unduly taut. Congratulations, you have fitted your caravan cover correctly so that it will protect your caravan whilst not being used.

Caring for your Caravan Cover

1. NEVER tow the caravan with the caravan cover fitted
   The Towsure Caravan Cover Pro is not a towing cover and is only to be used whilst the caravan is stationary.
   
   
2. NEVER turn on gas appliances with the caravan cover fitted
   A caravan cover, whilst breathable, does not give adequate ventilation for gas appliances. If visiting the caravan whilst in storage, never use the gas heater or fridge with the cover in place. If you need to clean the caravan interior in winter and wish to use the gas heating, the cover must be removed and re-fitted when finished.
   
   
3. Open and Close Zips Carefully
   When fitting your caravan cover, or when visiting your caravan in storage, open and close zips gently and carefully. If the zip pulls tight, do not force it. Instead, loosen some of the straps on the cover and adjust the fitment. Excessive strain and forcing the fastener can cause failure of the zip.
   
   
4. Allow the Cover to Dry Completely Before Storing
   When you remove the caravan cover, allow it to dry naturally and completely before storing it away in its storage bag.
   
   
5. Do Not Machine Wash or Tumble Dry
   Caravan covers have fabric layers and treatments that are damaged by detergents and heat of machine washing and drying. Clean any dirt from the cover with warm water and a soft sponge only. NEVER use detergents, soap flakes or shampoos on caravan covers.
   
   
6. Keep Away from Flames
   Do not expose your caravan cover to naked flames, sparks or other sources of ignition