We used one for a few years, but I wouldnt recommend same. VERY awkward to put on even with 2 people, trying to get it over a full height van with aircon, solar panels, aerial, etc.  Then if you need to get into it at times, awkward again despite the zip door flap. If in windy conditions, the constant flapping of the cover against paintwork not ideal.  Many caravanners are on the road full time and van does not get covered. Good paint finishes these days, do not deteriorate easily. Too much trouble for little benefit.

I think an Aldi cover is a good short term place to start as they are light weight and at $100 shouldn't break the bank.

As far as fitting them with a bit of effort you'll develop a technique that is best suited to you and your'van.

We always have a cover suited to our van and is fitted when we are not going to use it for a reasonable amount of time. For example ours would normally be on most of December and January and on occasions during the year.

My simple one person method to install a good quality cover on our 20 foot van is to lay the whole cover flat on the ground with the top of the cover facing up and all the zips undone.

Then fold all the walls back onto the top of the roof cover so you have your cover that resembles looking down on the top of your van.

Next roll the cover into two rolls from each end to the center.

With a ladder safely leaning against the center of either side of the 'van (preferably not against the awning roller) put the rolled cover in the center of the roof and just push each roll toward each end of the'van.

The rolls will roll to the ends and with some added encouragement reach ends and you can just pull the parts of the walls down that haven't already fallen down.

I've been using various methods over the last 20 years but I've found this the easiest for small and large 'vans, it's worth doing to protect your investment from UV, bird and bat poo etc.

Keith. 

I used a proper Caravan cover till it fell apart after about three Years.  It never actually stopped rain water getting through,  about $100.00 worth

Decided a Bunnings GREY Tarp was far better value. I still have the Grey Tarp and it still is in good nick.

When I had my van made in 1999 our strategy was to do the lap & have a few coastal trips over the next few years & then sell it to fund overseas trips.  So I decided not to build a carport for the van.

Big mistake.  Still have the van & have had lots of OS trips.  The best, long lasting & easiest solution would certainly have been a carport.

I use the best heavy duty silver tarps that I can get at around $110 each & then put our original HD shade cloth floor over the top of the tarp.

A tarp lasts about 3 or 4 years in the Queensland sun.

It is a bit of a PITA to put it on & remove it but you soon develop a technique that suits your situation. 

I secure mine to ropes that I run along both undersides & through the slots in the chassis cross members of the van. 

I fit brocolli boxes, 3 across each end & 1 on top of the A/C unit, to stop the tarp rubbing on the roof & to provide that important air gap.

At each tarp eyelet I attach it to the ropes using extra large rubber bands made from old inner tubes (shock absorbers) & hooks made from old wire coat hangers.   

The ends are tied down to the tow hitch & the rear bumper, after neatly folding the ends like wrapping a present.

A rope is thrown over the lot at the half way point to stop it flapping in the wind.

I leave an 'awning' section at the entry door, that I attach to hooks screwed into the house wall.  This allows easy entry & protects against rain from blowing in.

I leave most windows & the door open  (just double lock the screen door).  Allows breezes to pass through & as well as keeping the temperature down, stops the van from getting a musty smell.

If a storm is in the offing, I close up the doors, windows & door 'awning'.

It all takes a bit of time but well worth the effort .... but I should have built an awning 20 years ago like my neighbour did.

ps. 

I always put the van up on axle stands placed under the suspension spring hangers.  This allows me to check & service the running gear & to check the underneath stuff.   

I connect power via an adjacent 15A external GPO to float the AGM battery, & to test out the electricals before each trip.

EDIT ...  Meant to say that I purchased a set ALDI of awning privacy screens and they were terrible.  Thin material that wouldn't hang properly, retaining their creases & loopy bottoms & sides.  They were a bit small too.  Looked terrible.  Can't say a good thing about them except for the price.  In the bin with them & got a set of great Coast to Coast privacy screen ends.   I'd have a very close look at ALDI van covers before spending my hard earned.