Van Covers - Keeping Your Bus Dry

[Baldrick]

Just one thought...the Pro-Tec cover can have door openings but the Specialised one doesn't.

I'm not sure of the pros and cons of that, its just another difference.

Specialised is a bit cheaper!

Apparently the Sultan of Brunei is a customer...so you could tell everyone that you have something in common with him!!!

 

[AndyDC]

Just one thought...the Pro-Tec cover can have door openings but the Specialised one doesn't.

I'm not sure of the pros and cons of that, its just another difference.

Specialised is a bit cheaper!

Apparently the Sultan of Brunei is a customer...so you could tell everyone that you have something in common with him!!!

I'm also looking for a good cover.. And I'm prepared to pay a bit more for one that's durable and works. My main fear is mould and mildew because the driveway points north and is shaded most of the day. But of course I also want to protect against rust and any damage to the paint from whatever's pouring from the heavens.

I found this firm today - http://www.hamiltonclassic.co.uk/acatalog/OutdoorCoverCar.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . They say 5 layers and £150. Anyone have any experience of this ?

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

AndyDC
Just noticed this clause in their info -

*Covers are designed to cope with general weather conditions, in storms or excessive winds we are unable to guarantee against damage to the cover.

 

[AndyDC]

AndyDC
Just noticed this clause in their info -

*Covers are designed to cope with general weather conditions, in storms or excessive winds we are unable to guarantee against damage to the cover.

That doesn't seem too unreasonableto me .. the kind of thing that lawyers insist on. There will always be extreme conditions that can damage any cover i guess. My driveway is pretty sheltered from the wind, so I'm more concerned about normal usage and conditions. this one says 5 ply and breathable. I ubderstand breathable is vital to stop condensation and therefore rust and they say 5 ply means pretty waterproof. The fleece lining seems to indicate no paint damage. But I'm still investigating. If necessary i'm prepared to spend more. Even £300, but i need to know it's worthwhile.

But I also want to know if anyone has a cover that fits a front mounted wheel and a Devon pop top. I also have a fiamma bike rack on the back, though I could take it off for the winter if i can't get a cover to fit. Any thoughts anybody ?

OK _ I just realized this thread goes back several pages and there are comments about Hamilton Classics previously. I'm going to have a good read of all the comments before stumping up with my hard earnt..

 

[Baldrick]

I've gone for the Pro-Tec cover. I was more expensive than the specialised, but specialised wanted me to start taking measurments so if I got it wrong it would be down to me.

Pro-Tec have all the various sizes on record so it was a bit more "off the shelf".

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

Just received the samples from Pro-tec and they do seem a little thin. However, the sample I got took quit a bit of tugging to rip. 30 mins ago, I put it on the kitchen worktop and pored water on it and it has yet to soak through. It is sitting on the top of the material.

I contacted http://www.specialisedcarcovers.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; through their website and asked for a sample.....I have yet to receive a response to my email.

I am learning towards the Pro-tec cover as I like the idea of an opening for the sliding door so I do not have to take the whole cover off just to get in the van. They say the fabric is guaranteed for 3 years.

 

[AndyDC]

Just received the samples from Pro-tec and they do seem a little thin. However, the sample I got took quit a bit of tugging to rip. 30 mins ago, I put it on the kitchen worktop and pored water on it and it has yet to soak through. It is sitting on the top of the material.

I contacted http://www.specialisedcarcovers.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; through their website and asked for a sample.....I have yet to receive a response to my email.

I am learning towards the Pro-tec cover as I like the idea of an opening for the sliding door so I do not have to take the whole cover off just to get in the van. They say the fabric is guaranteed for 3 years.

I can see some advantage for having a door opening available. Sod's law says you'll put the cover on then a few days later you'll need to go inside the van for something.

I've emailed Protec with a query about accommodating a pop top, front spare and bike rack. will see what comes back. And would be grateful if anyone on this same track keeps posting any info or discoveries.

 

[simo]

I am- has edging towards the hamilton cover meself - has anyone tried for an Earlybay Discount from them?
Also anyone have one of their covers already?

 

[Haveacamper]

Hi all

I've just been in touch with Pro-Tec and they said that the sample are for demonstration purposes of what the backing material is like and the colour. The finished product has a different composition and cannot be torn.

I don't want to be their spokesman but they did seem helpful when I spoke to them. I spoke to a guy called Mark Read.

I guess we just have to make a judgement call.

i have been watching this thread since the start as i will be inthe market for a cover when the van s done.

i can understand not sending out hundreds of samples of the expensive material they use, but to send out shitty quality that doesnt represent the covers preformance then there is almost no point in sending out the sample full stop.

NaFe

 

[5erge]

You boys are taking forever to sort out a cover :roll:

I bought one in my first week of ownership and have had it on the bus now for over a year in all sorts of weather, no leaks, kept my bus nice and dry in all sorts of weather and half the price of the ones touted at the moment. Okay it's lost its colour and now has a small tear near the strap mounting where I pulled too hard but for £160 it did its job admirably.

My bus is now in my garage but I'll keep the cover for when I visit friends, camping out in bad weather etc...

Des

 

[simo]

Have just emailed pjcovers.com as they do 4 different options, but the stormforce one sounds good!
4 layer breathable with a 2 year warranty. Tyring to find out if they will offer an earlybay discount, will post when they reply

 

[5erge]

Have just emailed pjcovers.com as they do 4 different options, but the stormforce one sounds good!

That's what I have. 8)

Des

 

[simo]

Had a reply-no discount im afraid
Price is £150 = £10 postage. Comes with 2 year warranty
They are closed for hols tho from 11th to 27th!

Same covers are available from a few different sellers tho, one being carcoveruk who do it for £165 = £10 postage!

Been trying to track down the actual manufacturer who may offer the best price but no luck so far............

 

[simo]

Update- just ordered a Stormforce 4 layer breathable cover from coveryourcar.co.uk
£160 delivered (fedex) should be here on tue!

Good website with live chat feature so that you can ask questions etc. very helpful and answered all my questions ok.
will let you know what i think when it gets here 8)

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

I will be very interested what you think as I am about to order one from Pro-tec.... a lot more money and am now wondering if it is worth it.

 

[Baldrick]

I will be very interested what you think as I am about to order one from Pro-tec.... a lot more money and am now wondering if it is worth it.

The problem is that only time will tell!

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

Baldrick,

Have you received your cover yet from Pro-tec? Just be interested to see what you think of it when you get it? Also, how long did they / do they take to deliver........our restored westy should arrive early December and I want to make sure it is covered from day one so we need to make a decision real soon

Many thanks.

 

[Baldrick]

Baldrick,

Have you received your cover yet from Pro-tec? Just be interested to see what you think of it when you get it? Also, how long did they / do they take to deliver........our restored westy should arrive early December and I want to make sure it is covered from day one so we need to make a decision real soon

Many thanks.

Hi...there is a 3 week lead time so I'm expecting something to happen soon.

I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

Baldrick,

Thanks, I will give it another week and wait to see what you think. I really like the idea of the door opening as at least you could get some air into the van on days were it is a little warmer but you do not want to take the whole cover off.

 

[simo]

I will be very interested what you think as I am about to order one from Pro-tec.... a lot more money and am now wondering if it is worth it.

put some pics up on a new thread of the Stormforce cover tonight!
Havnt had a chance to take the hosepipe to it yet :evil:
looks well made tho and nice and light.