Cover Time

Hello all,

I’m after a bit of advice really as I’ve never used a cover on the van in winter before and want to know whether or not you think it’s worthwhile.

I’ve read (and seen) horror stories in the past about when people have used covers that have had their paint bubble and I really don’t want that to be happening.

Therefore, while there is a discount at some of the traders on here I fancy buying one ready for winter. Are there any that you recommend? Which ones are better, tight ones or ones that are loose fitting to allow more breathing? Or should I just keep it out in the elements which is what we’ve done for years?

I just don’t want to have to take the cover off at the start of next year and be faced with a re-spray!!

I have done a search and seen that Kiteman asked the question last year, has there been any advances in 'cover' technology since then?

Has any one seen a double one that can fit two cars in length ways?

So many questions

We heard similar stories about covers
Tried looking into a Dub-Hut but the company seems to have dissappeared?
A dub-hut was like a semi permanent tent with poles/ties that could bolt into hardstanding
It had a large door at each end and "was designed for the VW Camper"
But they have now gone so Scooby remains "free range" all year round

The dub hut was sold by Protech Shelters who in turn were owned by ABTech Europe Ltd and who (according to companies house) went into liquidation at the end of March this year.

Oh well.

We had seen those dub huts but then couldn't find much about them. I assume for the reasons that Tallulah has said.

They did look pretty decent too.

Does anybody have any other suggestions? or just go naked like every other year?

I've read good things about these ones, but no first-hand I'm afraid.

http://www.caravancovers.org.uk/products.php?type=customcovers&view=3

Excellent, thanks Bloke_Off_The_Internet. I'll see if I can find any more info about them.

JK sell one, anyone got one?

JK cover

Hello Tallulah

we used one last year, was impressed until I pulled the straps off.



I had the same concerns about the cover damaging the paint work but it did the job perfectly with no problems to the paint

Need to get my cover sorted in the next few weeks

Dave

That one does look ok. There is an old bay with a JK on the estate and I thought it looked pretty decent.

So, the JK cover gets the thumbs up although the straps may come off, and a small heater might be useful to keep the condensation at bay providing the bus is plugged in.

Any other winter proofing tips?

Empty out the fresh water tank and drain the pipes?

Pull the curtains?

Prior to Roobarb, we had an Eriba pop-top caravan. I used to put that under a custom made cover which worked very well. The only trouble with them is that the van has to be absolutely clean before putting on the cover otherwise the slightest dust or dirt will damage the paint with the rubbing action of cloth on bodywork. You also have to ensure that the cover doesn't drabble on the ground as you are putting it on. Also 2 or 3 seasons and you need a new cover.

When we got Roobarb, we decided to just keep using him all year. Keep the cleaning /waxing / touch-up routine going and it has all stayed looking good. It also means that if you do get some nice weather you can just get and use your bus, rather than thinking whether you can be bothered to get the cover off or not.

You definitely need to drain the water, and I pull out the fuse for the water pump and leave the tap open. This stops any chance of the tap being damaged by frost.

You can get anti-condensation systems from caravan shops, which consist of crystals in a trap - these do work, and I was surprised how much vapour they'd grabbed by the end of a winter lay-up with our Eriba.

I really like the idea of the Dub-Hut, shame it has disappeared because it did seem to be the next best thing to a garage.

We've used a small moisture trap a few times by way of a test and it seems to work quite well so we will get a larger one for use over the winter.

Having your bus 'accessible' without having to unwrap everything sounds quite good too.... hmmmmm..... decisions.....

Pro-Tec Covers are advertising in the latest Camping & Caravanning Club Magazine.

www.caravancovers.org.uk

No price on the site but I've filled in the enquiry form and will let you know when I get a response.

That was quick!

Quote :

The price for a high top camper van cover would be £389.00 fully inclusive of door access, storage bag, delivery and VAT. We also make allowance for your roof items (such as aerials, aircon, and flues). If you are a member of one of the clubs you would qualify for a discount (phone for a price)

It is possible to pre-order covers now, this ensures guarantee delivery when you want the cover. No payments are taken prior to the cover being manufactured, and no deposits are required.

Covers come in a choice of two colours, Green or Grey, and the fabric is guaranteed for 3 years. The fabric is waterproof and breathable (the manufacturers of the fabric have a patent on the membrane which, gives it breathability that cannot be copied and is substantially more breathable than that of our competitors). The fabric is also UV stabilised so you can use the cover all year round without affecting your warranty. There is also a soft white lining to prevent any damage to your van, removing the need for customers adding extra protection to perspex windows or paintwork, unlike with many of our competitors' fabric.

We would always recommend not only researching the different fabrics available, but also getting samples to test and compare yourself, as many companies claim to have the required properties for a quality cover. The most important of these tests is to try breathing through the fabric, but also testing both sides of the fabric for water resistance. If you would like to receive samples of our fabric and further information, please confirm your postal address, if you haven't already.

Protec Covers have been tested by Bailey as non-detrimental to their caravans. Protec covers was also chosen by Bailey and the Caravan Club for the last 3 years to supply the covers for the Caravan Club's caravan of the future as well as our normal caravan covers.

If you would like further information or to order a cover please call us on 01274 501820. Delivery is at present approximately 3 weeks and is included in the price, within mainland UK - Delivery takes place using a registered courier meaning we can track your parcel to the door.

Pro-Tec covers were on this weeks Dragon's Den and received investment from Duncan Bannatyne and Hilary Devey.

The samples they sent me were very good and the 'breathable material' demo they did on the show looked very good.

Tallulah still gets used occasionally through the winter and when she is parked up properly out of sight there is limited space for a cover to be put on or taken off - not impossible, but not easy either so not something we would want to do every time we did want to use her - so I doubt a cover of any type is really for us, but anyone who puts their kombi under wraps for winter should certainly consider one of these.

Scooby remains "free range" all year round - due in part to the points raised in this thread.
It does allow a quick run out at short notice - which Scooby does like

Saw this advertised in the Sunday motoring section, for anyone with the space.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/clarke-cig1216-heavy-duty-instant-garage

Looks big with a little car in it, but is it long enough?

Scooby wrote:

Looks big with a little car in it, but is it long enough?

Dims (LxWxH): 4.9 x 3.7 x 2.6m

Yep, and you might even be able to put the roof up!

Looks great value. Id like to see one in person as if the frame isn't up to the job it could bend and blow away !

jj123vw wrote:

Looks great value. Id like to see one in person as if the frame isn't up to the job it could bend and blow away !

Scooby would too!

How about one of these for half the price:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Round-roofed-H-D-Portable-Garage-Carport-Shelter-Car-Canopy-White-6x3m-/180745378828?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a15439c0c

Again...Its all about the frame. Knowing the cost of engineering I cant see how it can be done......Need to see it in the flesh?

Tbh anything with a soft side is going to get blown about. It would really need to be firmly fixed to the ground.

I had a portable folding garage for my first car - had a pram hood mechanism effectively. It was ok until the weight of snow caused the bars to bend and then it was pretty hopeless. Also if it was raining, sometimes it was impossible to lift it up and over the car due the amount of water sitting in it.

Hard to tell with the mocked up image, but the one that DL posted looks considerably sturdier than the eBay one.

At least a cover that physically attaches to your Kombi won't get blown away, providing it is properly attached of course.