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Topic: Towing cover?

GingerFiFi

07/9/2015 at 1:33pm
Location: Liverpool
Outfit: Sterling Europa 570

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We're still brand new to this caravanning lark, after picking up our van on Saturday and only staying in it one night before putting it in storage until next weekend.

My husband works with a guy who is full of advice, and he's said we really need to get a towing cover for the caravan, to protect it while we're towing/storing it. Is this right? I don't see many on the road with protective covers? The van is second hand, but immaculate and good as new, so I'd like to keep it that way! But is this a step too far and an expense we don't need, or a worthwhile investment? Guidance would be appreciated! Where should we be looking, and roughly how much should we expect to pay?

Thanks!

Rainbowsend

07/9/2015 at 1:43pm
Location: Staffs Cheshire bord
Outfit: None Entered

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We've not been tuggers for long, having a motorhome previously. My understanding is that we're recommended to leave curtains open when towing. In ours if the curtains are open we can see through the back and side windows, giving a bit better vision. A cover would prevent this. To me its another job when arriving on site but useful if you're one of those people who have to clean the front when on site.

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Hairywol

07/9/2015 at 2:46pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Challenger Sport 524 + Volvo V90 D5

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Can of worms you've opened - some swear by their covers, others wouldn't have them given free.

I don't use a cover because:
- you need to ensure your van is washed and free from grit before using a cover to prevent scratches - particularly on windows.
- I use my van all year round, so don't park it up for 6 months
- it is a vehicle designed for outdoor use after all - I don't muffle up my car at the weekend.
- I have a solar panel that trickle-charges the battery on the roof - many vans do nowadays. It wouldn't work under a cover.
- I have nowhere to store a cover when the van's in use.

One reason I hear for using them is if the caravan is stored under a tree to save it from sap & bird crap. If there's nowhere else to store it then that seems reasonable.

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Graeme_Cooke

07/9/2015 at 3:07pm
Location: County Durham
Outfit: Elddis Encore 254

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We have a towing cover and baring nasty stone chips or other road debris all it does is keep the van clean of flies and dirt from the road. Well at least the front of the van.

If we didn't have one and we got to site and found a cracked window I'd have thought I wish I'd bought a cover. Up until that point you'd be thinking why would I need one?

It is quick and easy to put on and we only use it in transit. As soon as we reach our destination it is removed and stowed in its own bag. You do need a clean front to put it on or risk scratches. The issue is they aren't cheap and as you've stated you see a lot more vans without covers.

It's really your choice. Protecting your van from damage that may never happen. Its not a right or wrong thing just personal choice.

Grampian91

07/9/2015 at 4:19pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

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if something hit a windows hard enough to crack it would a flimsy material cover prevent that? Doubtful.

We bought a cover some years back and it was a right PITA, It was from towsure and started falling apart within a year anyway. Straps were rotten when we removed them to go away.
But because we reported this on our return Towsure were not interested as it was over 12 months.

The cover started crumbling away soon after also.

Yes it will keep sap and bird much off the van, but where do you put the cover thats covered in sap and other muck? I always felt diry after removing the cover.

Cleaning the van is easier than cleaning the cover.

Graeme_Cooke

07/9/2015 at 4:26pm
Location: County Durham
Outfit: Elddis Encore 254

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Of course that depends upon the quality of cover. The Specialised Tow Pro Elite is anything but flimsy. It is a padded cover which I'd imagine would give a lot of protection. They had the material at the NEC last year and it did feel good. Of course at £399 it should!

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