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Which type of caravan cover do you need?

Choose the body style before the brand. Caravan, pop-top and camper trailer covers are cut to different heights and shapes.

Full caravan covers suit fixed-roof caravans. Check the cover’s length, width and height against your van rather than choosing by length alone.

Pop-top caravan covers are designed for pop-tops with the roof lowered for storage. As the shape and height differ from a full-height caravan, a cover designed specifically for a pop-top can provide a better fit.

Camper trailer covers suit wind-up campers in their packed-down position. The range includes options for popular Jayco models, with sizing guidance to help you find a suitable fit. It’s worth comparing the cover dimensions with your camper and any accessories before choosing.

How to measure your caravan for a cover

A cover labelled 18-20 ft gives you a useful starting point, but the best fit will depend on your caravan’s actual dimensions. Take your own measurements and compare them with the sizing guidance for the specific cover you’re considering.

1. Measure the external body length: Measure in a straight line between the longest points of the body, excluding the drawbar and hitch. The model name or advertised internal length may not give you the measurement you need for cover sizing.

2. Check how accessories affect the fit: Take note of rear bumpers, spare wheels, ladders and storage boxes, and check whether they need to be included in your measurements. Measuring methods can vary between covers, so it’s worth following the instructions for the specific brand and model.

3. Check width, height and roof clearance: Compare the cover’s dimensions with your van in its stored position. If you have roof-mounted equipment, check the cover’s recommended clearance to make sure there’s enough room.

4. Compare the metric size range: Covers with the same size label in feet can have different metric ranges. If your measurements are close to a size boundary, check the recommended allowance before choosing a size.

5. Aim for a close fit, rather than excess fabric: Too much loose material can rub against the van, while a cover that’s too tight can put extra strain on seams and zips. Use the securing straps as directed and keep them comfortably tensioned.

Our caravan cover sizing guide includes a Camec measuring video, and it’s worth reading alongside the instructions for your chosen cover.

If you’re unsure about the dimensions or sizing information, contact Campsmart before buying and we can help you check the options.

Built for storage: what to look for in a caravan cover

Roof material and breathable sides

Compare the roof fabric, side-panel construction and ventilation. Water-resistant roof panels help shed rain, while breathable sides help moisture escape. A waterproof roof material doesn’t make the whole cover a sealed waterproof enclosure.

Secure fastening and practical access

Look for reinforced corners, an elasticised skirt and straps that help take up slack. If you need to get into the van while it’s covered, check the position of the zipped access panels. Access features vary by body style and model.

ADCO, Camec or Explore: compare the options

The comparison below covers the listed 18-20 ft full-caravan models. Pop-top and camper trailer versions may have different features. Check the exact model, size and availability before ordering.

Brand / range Roof and side panels Fastening, access and extras Manufacturer
warranty
ADCO
Olefin HD
Four-layer Olefin HD roof; four-layer polypropylene sides with a soft lining. Front and rear cinching; passenger-side zip access; weighted underbody straps; storage bag and repair patches. 3 years
Camec
standard
300D water-resistant roof; breathable, water-resistant sides with ventilation flaps. Reinforced skirt, adjustable end straps and zippered side panels. 3 years
Camec
Premium
White roof material described by Camec as waterproof; four-layer breathable polypropylene sides. Adjustable end straps; roll-up zipped sides; reinforced reflective corners and reflective strips. 4 years
Explore Three-layer water-resistant roof; single-layer breathable polypropylene sides. Four underbody straps; zipped door access; reinforced elasticised skirt; storage bag and repair kit. 2 years

Warranty terms shown are manufacturer warranties for the compared models. They are additional to your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

There isn’t one cover that will suit every van. Fit is a good place to start, then you can compare materials, access features, warranty terms and price. A longer warranty can be useful to consider alongside these other factors, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate how well a cover will protect your van from the weather.

Will a caravan cover protect against rain, dust and UV?

A storage cover helps keep dust, tree sap and bird droppings off your van and reduces its exposure to the weather. Protection depends on the fabric, fit and conditions. Check the model’s UV-protection specification rather than assuming all covers offer the same performance.

Water-resistant fabric can still let some rain through. ADCO’s Australian distributor, Coast to Coast, notes that water may penetrate its Olefin HD covers in heavy rain. Don’t rely on a fabric storage cover for hail protection. Fit it while the van is parked and remove it before towing.

Fit the cover over a clean, dry van. Follow its instructions for protecting sharp edges, securing straps and checking the fit after windy weather. Let the cover dry before packing it away.

For more advice, see our caravan care tips and guide to managing condensation in a caravan.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right size cover for my caravan?

Measure the external body length, excluding the drawbar, then check the specific cover’s width, height and accessory allowances. Compare the metric size range. If you’re near a boundary or the instructions are unclear, contact Campsmart before ordering.

What’s the difference between a pop-top and full caravan cover?

A pop-top cover is cut for a pop-top stored with its roof lowered. A full caravan cover is made for a fixed-roof van. Choose the matching body style and check all dimensions rather than treating the two as interchangeable.

Do Campsmart caravan covers come with a warranty?

The models compared above carry manufacturer warranties of two to four years. Check the terms for the cover you choose. These warranties are additional to your Australian Consumer Law rights. See Campsmart’s warranty information for the claims process.

Are caravan covers waterproof?

Don’t treat a breathable storage cover as a sealed waterproof enclosure. Some models use water-resistant roofs; Camec describes the Premium model’s roof material as waterproof. That describes the roof material. It does not mean the complete cover will keep out all water.

Can I return a caravan cover if I order the wrong size?

Caravan, pop-top and camper trailer covers are excluded from Campsmart’s change-of-mind returns. This does not affect your rights under Australian Consumer Law if a product is faulty, not as described or otherwise fails a consumer guarantee. Confirm the measurements before ordering.

Measure up, then choose your cover

Once you have your van’s body style and measurements, you can compare the options above and see which covers are a good match.

If you’re unsure about a cover’s measurements, call 1300 553 189 or contact Campsmart with your measurements and the product code, and our team can help you check the fit before ordering.

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