Tow Covers

Pippin
Pippin Forum Participant Posts: 24
edited March 2016 in Parts & Accessories #1

Hi,   I am tired of cleaning the front of my van every time we have a weekend break.   I wonder if anyone can give me the pros and cons of a Front Towing Protecter, and what to look out for in making an choice.

Comments

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303 ✭
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    edited March 2016 #2

    We purchased a Protec cover about 3 years ago and it saves stone chips and fly being quished on the front.  We would buy another cover when the time comes.

  • Richard12
    Richard12 Forum Participant Posts: 112
    100 Comments
    edited March 2016 #3

    We purchased a Specialised Cover about three years ago and are very pleased. We like it as ther are no straps just into the awning rails and zip it up.

  • artyboo
    artyboo Forum Participant Posts: 457
    edited March 2016 #4

    If you are going to get one, buy new! We bought a used one and it was a waste of time. The cover was so dirty we had to clean the van after we had used it and the straps caused even more dirt on the sides. I do agree, it stopped all the dead flies but that
    is the only positive I can say about a used one.

  • Pippin
    Pippin Forum Participant Posts: 24
    edited March 2016 #5

    Thank you  Surfer, arty boo and Richard 12 for your helpful comments.   I now know what to suggest for my next birthday!

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,690 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #6

    Pippin - I bought a Specialised Cover just after we got our new van last year - have been delighted with it and wouldn't tow without it.  However, to answer your questions, some people believe that they can do more harm than good by trapping debris between
    the cover and the 'van, thereby causing chafing damage.  I have not experienced this but always make sure the van is clean when it is put on and go to great lengths to make sure you don't pick up any muck on the inside when packing it away.  Another thing
    to bear in mind is that - as happened to us at Christmas - we arrived on a CL with it soaking and covered in cr.p on the outside.  How do you then store it when it is soaking?  We were fortunate the the CL owner very kindly offered to hang it up and dry it
    in one of his sheds.  Without that, there may have been a slight problem.  Finally, I assume your caravan has awning rails along both sides - which are required if fitting a cover like the SC one.

    For me, there wasn't a decision to make - having invested a lot on a new caravan and having a car where it is difficult if not impossible to fit rear mud flaps, the extra £130 or so, was well worth it.

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303 ✭
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    edited March 2016 #7

    What ever make you decide on buying be aware that when the caravan is in storage remove the towing cover otherwise it may do more harm than good.

    The reason is because while it is stationery and in storage dust, grit and other nasties can get between the cover and the caravan front.  When you set off these nasties are trapped and rub between the cover and the front of the caravan leaving marks which
    cna be difficult to remove.

    Got that t shirt and never again!

  • malc1945
    malc1945 Forum Participant Posts: 74
    edited March 2016 #8

    we had a towing cover for about 3 years the when we went to france i was a bit to strong on tightening the straps and pull the stiching out on some and ripped the fabric on others its now in land fill some   where in France lol I have just order a new one as i do like them   malc  ps just watch when putting it on not to get grease on it from jockey wheel ect  .

  • lesbunny
    lesbunny Forum Participant Posts: 133
    edited March 2016 #9

    If you are going to get one, buy new! We bought a used one and it was a waste of time. The cover was so dirty we had to clean the van after we had used it and the straps caused even more dirt on the sides. I do agree, it stopped all the dead flies but that
    is the only positive I can say about a used one.

    This depends on how old the cover is & if it was a decent make to begin with. I currently have a pro-tec towing cover for Bailey Unicorn series 2 for sale, which was purchased last October & used just once before we changed our van. It is in as new condition,
    so not all second hands are rubbish. I have bought a new one for our Elddis as I would'nt tow without one now.

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2016 #10

    Wouldn't be without mine. The stone chip damage has stopped!

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