From RVs to Boats: The Ultimate Vehicle Covers Guide

Whether you’re navigating Australia’s breathtaking coastline with your boat or taking a road trip in your RV, protecting these cherished investments is a must. With our country’s diverse and often harsh weather conditions, a high-quality cover is your best defense against relentless sun, heavy rain, and everything in between. This guide will help you choose the perfect cover to keep your RV or boat in pristine condition, no matter where your adventures take you.

Why Vehicle Covers are Essential

RVs and boats in Australia face challenging environmental factors, including intense UV rays, saltwater exposure, and unpredictable storms. If you’re wondering how to choose a boat cover, look no further than a high-quality cover that protects your vehicle from fading, mildew, and weather-related damage.

Whether you’re storing your vehicle for the winter or need protection while it’s parked outdoors, a reliable cover ensures that your RV or boat stays in top condition for years to come.

A vehicle cover offers benefits like:

UV Protection: Australia’s intense sun can cause fading, cracking, and deterioration of your RV or boat’s exterior and interior. UV-resistant covers act as a shield, blocking harmful rays and preserving the vibrant appearance and structural integrity of your vehicle.

Waterproofing: From torrential downpours to coastal saltwater, a waterproof cover will keep your vehicle dry.

Long-term Storage: When your vehicle is not in use for long periods, vehicle covers for long-term storage keeps it protected from dust, dirt, and pests, keeping your RV or boat in top condition and ready for use whenever you need it.

What Fabrics to Choose for Your RV or Boat Cover

Choosing the right material can make a world of difference in how well your cover holds up against the elements. How to choose boat or RV covers that offer the best protection starts with selecting a durable, weather-resistant, and breathable fabric that allows for airflow. Below are the best fabric options for Australian conditions:

Polyester (Vinyl-Coated and Non-Coated): Polyester is lightweight, durable, and offers decent UV resistance. Vinyl-coated polyester is an excellent choice for both RV and boat covers. It offers superior water resistance and UV protection—ideal for Australia’s harsh sunlight and coastal climates.

Polypropylene: This synthetic fabric is breathable, lightweight, and resistant to both UV rays and moisture. Perfect for boats, polypropylene covers allow air circulation, reducing the risk of mildew and moisture buildup, especially in humid coastal areas.

Canvas: Canvas covers offer strength and durability, making them a great option for all-season vehicle covers in Australia. While canvas is naturally resistant to water and UV rays, it can be bulkier than synthetic materials. However, when treated properly, canvas provides exceptional protection against the elements.

Solution-Dyed Acrylic: This premium fabric is ideal for marine covers. It’s highly resistant to fading, mildew, and UV rays, making it perfect for boats exposed to constant sunlight. This material is designed to endure Australian weather and maintain its colour for years.

Heavy-Duty Vinyl: Offering excellent waterproofing and UV resistance, this heavy-duty RV cover material is ideal for long-term storage, especially in regions that experience heavy rain or scorching heat. It’s a solid option for RV covers, boat covers, and boat motor covers that need extra protection.

Solution-Dyed Polyester & Solution-Dyed Woven Polyester: Both the fabrics are excellent alternatives to acrylic. They offer exceptional UV resistance and colour retention. These materials are specifically engineered to resist fading and harsh elements, ensuring that your covers stay vibrant and functional over time.

Choose Custom-Fit Covers for Maximum Protection

Custom-fit vehicle covers are tailored to your vehicle’s exact specifications, ensuring a snug and secure fit. While universal covers may suffice in some cases, a custom-fit cover provides superior protection by covering every curve and contour of your RV or boat, reducing wind flapping and protecting vulnerable areas.

Benefits of Custom-Fit Covers

Perfect Fit: A custom-fit cover is designed to match your vehicle’s specific dimensions, offering full coverage without gaps.

Better Protection: A snug fit ensures the cover stays in place during strong winds and storms, preventing damage.

Durability: Custom-fit covers are often more durable because they’re made to last longer with your specific vehicle in mind.

How to Measure for Marine Vehicle Covers

For a custom-fit boat cover, getting the right measurements is essential. Here’s how to accurately measure your boat to ensure the best fit:

Measure the Length: Measure from the bow (front) to the transom (back) to get the full length. If your boat has an outboard motor, make sure to include it in the measurement to ensure complete coverage.

Measure the Beam (Width): The beam is the widest part of your boat. Measure the width at the centre to make sure the cover will accommodate your boat’s full width.

Measure the Height: Measure from the bottom of the boat (keel) to the highest point, such as the top of the windshield or any accessories like antennas. Add a few extra inches to ensure the cover can wrap around any protruding parts.

Hull Measurement: For a more precise fit, measure the hull of your boat at the waterline. This measurement is particularly helpful for custom boat covers.

Include Accessories: If your boat has accessories like a boat motor, bow rails, or radar, include these in your measurements to make sure the cover fits perfectly.

How to Measure RV Covers

Accurate measurements are vital to ensure the cover fits your RV perfectly. Follow these steps:

Measure the Length: Measure the RV from the front bumper to the rear bumper, including accessories like ladders or spare tyres. For motorhomes, include the rear ladder or bike racks in your measurements.

Measure the Width: Measure the RV’s widest point, typically across the side mirrors or awnings. Ensure the width accounts for any side attachments, such as slide-outs or steps.

Measure the Height: Measure from the base of the RV (excluding wheels) to the top of the roof, including features like air conditioners, antennas, or solar panels. Add a few inches for a more relaxed fit around roof-mounted equipment.

How to Install Your Boat or RV Cover

Once you’ve selected the ideal cover, it’s time to install it properly. Here’s how to install custom-fit covers for both boats and RVs:

Clean the Vehicle: Before installation, clean your RV or boat to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris. This will prevent scratches and ensure a smooth installation process.

Position the Cover: Start by positioning the cover at the front of the vehicle—at the bow for boats or the front of the RV. Ensure it’s aligned with the front edges.

Pull the Cover Over: Gently pull the cover over the vehicle, working your way from the front to the back. For boats, you may need assistance to maneuver the cover around the hull.

Secure the Cover: Most covers come with rustproof brass grommets and straps to secure them in place. Ensure the cover is tightened around the vehicle, but not overly stretched. Make adjustments as needed to achieve a snug fit.

Tighten the Straps and Clips: Use the provided straps, clips, or elastic hems to secure the cover. Tighten them to prevent the cover from blowing off in strong winds or storms.

Accessories to Look for in Boat and RV Covers

To enhance your cover’s performance and make installation easier, here are some helpful accessories:

Storage Bags: Protect your cover when it’s not in use. Storage bags keep the cover clean, organised, and safe from the elements.

Tie-Down Straps: These straps provide additional security for your cover during windy conditions, especially if your RV or boat is stored outdoors.

Grommets: Rustproof brass grommets, positioned at key points, allow for secure tie-downs using ropes or straps, ensuring the cover stays firmly in place.

Vents: Ventilation holes allow air to circulate beneath the cover, preventing moisture buildup and mildew growth, crucial for long-term storage. This is especially important if you store a boat cushion inside your boat, as it helps maintain the cushion’s condition and comfort.

Windproof Clips: These clips help secure the cover tightly, ensuring it remains in place even in areas prone to strong winds.

Mirror Pockets: Many custom-fit covers include dedicated pockets for side mirrors, ensuring comprehensive protection without compromising fit.

Tightening Straps: Adjustable straps enable you to achieve a snug fit, especially around curves, edges, or protruding parts, enhancing the cover’s performance.

Conclusion

Protecting your RV or boat with a quality cover is essential for maintaining its appearance, functionality, and value in Australia’s diverse and often extreme climate. By choosing the right fabric, ensuring a custom fit, accurately measuring your vehicle, and using the proper installation methods and accessories, you can guarantee that your vehicle stays in excellent condition for years to come. Whether you need UV-resistant covers for the harsh Australian sun or marine covers for your boat, investing in a durable cover will save you money and protect your prized possessions.