How to cover up for winter

Jacket does, even though the two models are similarly priced. Neither is it padded.

Tow Pro Elite from Specialised Covers is a top-of-the-range product, made from a material developed for the Australian Outback. Although it’s another one-piece item, this does give access to the grab handles and front lockers.

It also has a system where the top half can be lowered to clear the windows, again useful for overnight stopovers.

Neither firm recommends leaving their towing covers on for any longer, however.

The Tow Pro Elite is quite heavy, and double the price of the Tow Pro. But it’s so thickly padded, it should help protect against anything but the largest bits of flying debris.

All of the above-mentioned towing covers come in handy storage bags, and I’ve had no problems when having to put them away wet. I was converted.

Fridge vents

You might find that your fridge isn’t quite as efficient in colder weather, especially if it’s windy. Depending on your caravan’s manufacturer, you could also experience draughts inside the van, emanating from around the fridge. Some manufacturers are much better than others at preventing this.

Ideally, the back of the fridge should be sealed so that it vents to the outside and there are no draughts inside.

But if you do notice these problems, fridge vent covers are a big help. You will need to buy covers specific to your fridge brand, for example, Dometic or Thetford.

Our caravan has a Dometic fridge. The top cover is shorter than the bottom one, because there must be ventilation for the flue if you use the fridge on gas, otherwise toxic gases could build up inside the van, with potentially deadly results.

This does depend on how well the fridge has been sealed in, as mentioned earlier.

Fridge vent covers are easy to fit – they either just clip into place, or as is the case with ours, clip in at the top and fasten by turn-locks at the bottom, which need to be turned 90 degrees to secure the base of the cover.

It’s just a pity that Dometic’s white fridge vent isn’t the same white as its fridge vent covers!

‘A good quality towing cover isn’t cheap, but when compared with the cost of having to replace a window, even the most expensive ones start to look excellent value’

5 Remove the cover and the front of the caravan is perfectly clean

6 Tow Pro Elite lets you lower the top half for overnight stopovers

7 All these towing covers pack away neatly in handy carry-bags

8 Dometic fridge vent covers can be supplied in different lengths

1 Frozen slush on the front of the caravan couldn’t be washed away

9 Nigel wanted to cover his van’s fridge vents for winter tours

2 Pro-tec’s Jacket is aptly named – it zips together at the centre

3 The Tow Pro from Specialised Covers is made in one piece

4 Tow Pro Elite from Specialised Covers (dirty after travelling)

10 The fridge’s gas flue must always have proper ventilation

11 Attaching the covers – note gap left for gas flue on the right

12 Fridge vent covers fitted – but it’s a pity the whites don’t match!