We’re approaching the time of year when many of us will be thinking of hibernating our tourers for the winter months. Whether you decide to keep it on your drive or at a storage facility, it’s inevitable that there will be heavy downpours during the colder months, which is why many caravanners ask are caravan covers waterproof?
We all want to look after our tourers, with the elements capable of taking their toll on our home on wheels – this is where the best caravan cover comes in. One of the traits of the standout options on the market will be its Hydrostatic Head – this, essentially, tells you how waterproof it is.
The Hydrostatic Head is the scientific gauge used to determine just how waterproof a particular material is. When considering “are caravan covers a good idea?”, our expert John Sootheran explains how to envisage Hydrostatic Head: “Just imagine a column of water sitting on a piece of material – its height in millimetres, before any water seeps through the fabric, is used as the measure of how waterproof that material is.”
Just how much this is varies, as our expert John Sootheran explains: “Opinions vary somewhat as to what is truly ‘waterproof’. The MOD, for example, says that it’s under 1000mm, while some outdoor clothing manufacturers stipulate 4000mm (that’s 4m of water!). “
Something to remember – even if an expanse of fabric is waterproof, as soon as you introduce seams by stitching two panels together, it’s going to lead to weak points. This is why it’s worth looking for products with minimum seaming, to ensure it is as waterproof as possible.
Waterproofing is not the only important thing to look out for though – it needs to be supported by a breathable membrane layer. If there is heavy snow or torrential rain, it’s inevitable that some moisture will seep through. This is where the breathability comes in, allowing moisture to vaporise before water ingress can develop.
These two are, essentially, a balancing act though – as one increases, the other decreases. One which offers both is sure to help you protect your tourer for the next season of touring – when you think of it like that, it’s easy to see why a cover is considered to be one of the essential caravan accessories.
The verdict on are caravan covers waterproof?
So long as you know what your cover’s Hydrostatic Head is, you’ll be able to work out whether it is waterproof or not. The higher the number, the better its waterproofing will be. Check how many seams there are too – the more there are, the greater the likelihood there is of weak points developing which allows moisture to seep through, as well as possible tears occurring.
One final point from us – be sure to look for a breathable membrane too, to help prevent water ingress, something which can rapidly shorten the lifespan of your tourer.
Just like a cover, an awning can be another essential item for caravanners. If you’re thinking of buying one, make sure you know how to measure a caravan awning to ensure you’re getting the right size for your tourer.
Lead image: Getty
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