The Best Van Covers for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Jason Fogelson
by Jason Fogelson

Vans come in many sizes, but share a lot of features and benefits. Perhaps the greatest benefit, though, is versatility. A van can be configured to carry a lot of passengers, or a ton of cargo. It can be outfitted for duty as a camper or as a work space. It offers the utility of a pickup with the security of an SUV. So, van owners, shouldn’t you protect and care for your van by getting and using the best van covers?

Exposure to weather, sun, and environmental contaminants can damage your van and shorten its life cycle, which means rapid depreciation for your big investment when left unprotected. A small investment in a van cover, however, can extend the useful life of your van, as well as preserving its appearance. Your van says a lot about you, whether you use it for work or for fun. Shouldn’t it say that you care about taking care of yourself and your possessions?

We’ve checked out the available covers, and have come up with this list of the best van covers on the market.

1. Budge Protector IV Van Cover

Available in three sizes, the Budge Protector IV Van Cover is a reliable weatherproof solution for van storage. Size V1 fits minivans up to 216" L x 60" W x 60", Size V2 fits vans up to 216" L x 72" W x 72" H, and Size V3 fits up to 228" L x 72" W x 72". The 100% waterproof van cover is UV-resistant for superior outdoor protection and is made from a durable four-layer material, with an inner fleece-like layer that is non-abrasive, so it won’t scratch or mar your paint and chrome.

It includes straps and buckles for easy tie-down, and to prevent billowing in windy weather. The manufacturer specifies that this van cover “shields against paint overspill, grass clippings, wild animals, and bird droppings.” Few covers claim protection against wild animals. That’s impressive.

Pros

Includes straps, buckles, and a storage bag, comes in three sizes for three kinds of vans

Cons

Tan color is a little blah, some reviewers complain the plastic grommets are poor quality

Promoted Product: CarCovers.com Platinum Shield Van Cover

CarCover.com’s lineup of products is specially engineered to provide the right size cover for your van. Use the convenient drop-down menus on the company’s website, and select your van’s year, make, model, and body to match the exact right product with your needs. The Platinum Shield Van Cover is the company’s top-rated option, giving you top level protection against the elements, from rain to snow, wind, UV rays, sunlight, heat, and anything else the environment can throw at you – like bird droppings and tree sap. The reflective polyurethane coating provides excellent water resistance, shedding water as soon as it hits the cover, while double-stitched seams protect your van from leaks.

While the Platinum Shield is certainly tough when it comes to water and dirt, it's gentle on paint and chrome, thanks to a soft fleece inner liner. It’s also breathable, preventing mold, mildew and rust buildup and further protecting your finish, thanks to its lightweight yet durable woven polyester material. Add the CarCovers.com guaranteed fit and commitment to customer service, and the Platinum Shield Van Cover is a top option for van owners.

*This is a sponsored placement.

Pros

All-weather solution, durable fabric with soft fleece underlining, comes with limited lifetime warranty

Cons

Costs more than lesser competitors

Bottom Line

The ultimate in all-weather protection for your van

2. CarsCover Custom Fit Mini Van Cover

If you drive a minivan, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. Minivans are among the most useful versatile and useful vehicles on the planet. So take some pride in your ride, and protect it from the elements between uses with a minivan cover like the CarsCover Custom Fit Mini Van Cover. Constructed from five-layer fabric with a fleece lining, this will protect your minivan’s paint and chrome from scratches and abrasions during installation, removal, and storage.

Put your minivan to bed clean, and when you remove the Mini Van Cover to drive again, your van will be as pristine as it was the day you parked it: the Mini Van Cover is dustproof and waterproof, and will protect your minivan against tree sap, bird droppings, snow, rain, hail, industrial pollutants, and other potential hazards. A storage pocket is built in to the Mini Van Cover, and a tie-down strap with attached buckle is also included.

Pros

Storage pocket comes built in, custom fit

Cons

Only one color available

3. CoverMaster Gold Shield Van Cover

Universal fit covers can be great if you’re on a tight budget, but a vehicle-specific fit will provide a cleaner look, a tighter fit, and a more weather-tight experience. The CoverMaster Gold Shield Van Cover comes in vehicle-specific fits, so you can get the exact right cover for your van. This can really save your vehicle from damage in high winds, when a loose-fitting cover can flap in the wind and potentially cause abrasive damage to paint – or worse.

The CoverMaster Gold Shield is composed of three layers of Polypropylene Plus, making it waterproof. It also has one layer of microporous film, which allows the cover to breathe and prevents moisture build-up and oxidation. It is lined in a layer of super-soft cotton fleece, for further protection of paint and chrome.

Pros

Free storage bag, lock and cable, and antenna patch included, lifetime warranty

Cons

A little pricey, only available in one color

4. Motor Trend 7-Series Defender Pro Waterproof Van Cover

Layers aren’t everything, but the Motor Trend 7-Series Defender Pro Waterproof Van Cover uses a seven-layer construction – the most of any cover that we found in our survey. The reinforced material uses multiple heavy-duty layers with impermeable woven polyester, and a sealed scratch-proof liner to protect painted and chromed surfaces.

It is 100% waterproof, and is designed to endure extreme conditions and outdoor intensities. It has an elasticized hem and front and rear straps to insure a snug fit. A cable and lock are also included to add an extra layer: added security.

Pros

Seven layers, integrated front and rear straps, cable and lock included

Cons

Prominent “Motor Trend” logo on exterior

5. CarCovers Weatherproof Van Cover

The better your van cover fits your specific van, the better protection it can offer. It will be easier to install and remove, reducing unnecessary abrasion and potential scratching during the process. It will fit snugly, so there will be less billowing and fewer opportunities for moisture to sneak in under the cover. It will also look better, since any vehicle is going to look slouchy underneath a wrinkled, ill-fitting cover. Luckily, the CarCovers Weatherproof Van Cover can be ordered in size and fit to match a multitude of vans and minivans.

Reinforced seams reject moisture and dirt, and add to durability. The CarCovers Van Cover includes free high wind straps, a cable lock, a large storage bag, and an antenna patch. It’s the whole package.

Pros

Semi-custom fit, durability, comes with plenty of extras

Cons

Only offered in grey

6. SBU All Weather Mini Van Cover

The SBU All Weather Mini Van Cover provided year-round protection by shielding your van for sun, rain, snow, dust, dirt and other pollutants that can harm your finish. It’s breathable as well, allowing air to circulate under the cover, preventing moisture buildup and making it ideal for high-moisture climates.

An elasticized hem ensures a tight fit, while scratch-proof grommets are built-in, allowing you to lock your cover with a cable lock (not included). Comes with a five-year warranty. Users praise the SBU cover and its semi-custom fit, but some claim the durability leaves something to be desired.

Pros

Users praise the perfect fit, comes with a five-year warranty, made of 100% breathable material

Cons

Durability a potential issue, lock not included

7. SavvyCraft 4-Layer Mini Van Cover

The SavvyCraft 4-Layer Mini Van Cover is another semi-custom minivan cover that features an elastic hem for a secure fit as well as non-scratch, tie-down grommets and rope. SavvyCraft covers provide outdoor protection and storage for your car and is made of a 4-layer water-resistant material. Non-abrasive, soft cotton backing protects the car’s finish.

It also comes with a storage bag for easy handling. The semi-custom cover protects against dust, dirt, pollution, bird droppings, tree sap, and UV rays that can cause paint fading. While four layers may not offer extreme weather protection, the SavvyCraft 4-Layer Mini Van Cover is a good choice for indoor storage, or for outdoor storage in milder climates.

Pros

Semi-custom fit, non-abrasive backing, comes with storage bag

Cons

Only 4-layer protection means less heavy-duty protection, better for indoor use

8. Xtrashield Custom Fit Black Minivan Cover

This Xtrashield Custom Fit Black Minivan Cover is probably better suited for indoor use than outdoor, considering it consists of only two layers. That said, it is specially designed to withstand high heat and damaging UV rays, thanks to a naturally UV-resistant acrylic fiber material, making it a solid option for those living in warmer, drier climates with less inclement weather. While breathable and water-resistant, the Xtrashield cover is not fully waterproof. It does, however, provide solid protection from dust.

An attached buckle and strap aid tie down, while grommets are included on each side for use with a cable lock set for added security. The custom sizing ensures a snug fit while mirror pockets lessen the likelihood of ripping and tearing.

Pros

Made of UV-resistant material, good for dry, sunny climates

Cons

Not fully waterproof

9. Budge VB-1 Lite Van Cover Indoor

Matching a cover to its intended use is a big part of the job. If you're just looking to keep your minivan clean and protected and live in a warm climate, you don’t necessarily need to shell out for an expensive, heavy-duty cover. A lightweight, inexpensive cover like the Budge VB-1 Lite Van Cover may be just to tool you need if you're planning on short-term outdoor storage in mild weather or indoor storage. Protect your minivan with this single-layer polypropylene cover that can repel dust, debris, liquids, paint, falling objects, and moderate UV exposure.

Its double-stitched seams provide added durability, and non-abrasive interior protects paint and chrome from inadvertent scratching. An elasticized hem holds the cover in place during windy conditions, and sewn-in grommets discourage theft and vandalism by allowing for a cable lock system.

Pros

Lightweight, very inexpensive, made of breathable material

Cons

No storage bag or cable lock included, only single-layer


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Main photo credit: alexfan32 / Shutterstock.com

Jason Fogelson
Jason Fogelson

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