Protec or Specialised front towing cover?

Surfer
Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303
500 Comments 100 Likes
edited June 2016 in Parts & Accessories #1

Our first towing universal cover was from Specialised covers and did not even last 6 months as it frayed on the bottom corners. 

We had a hassle getting a refund and then bought a Protec cover which we have had for about 4 years however as we are buying a new caravan the front towing cover needs to be replaced.

The new Specialised Tow Pro cover looks very nice and easy to fit however, it is not high enough when covering the front.  It also seems that the front clips onto the caravan body underneath the front and we are a bit wary about this.

The Protec does not look as nice with all the straps, but covers the top of the front of the caravan. The concern is getting up to tighten the top straps you will need steps or a ladder. Another concern which we experienced with our current towing cover
is the straps flapping in the wind marking the side of the caravan unless cut short which then leads to fraying of the straps.

Both have good and bad points which is why we are unsure which to buy?

Comments

  • Trini
    Trini Forum Participant Posts: 429
    edited June 2016 #2

    Weve had a Protec for 5 years and use it every school holiday and so far holding up well.

    A little fraying of the green top layer where straps are but nothing to excessive as yet.

    We use the caravan steps if needed to fasten top straps but generally can reach ok. We have not cut the straps instead folded them around the fastener which keeps them from flapping around when driving.

    IMO I would say the best is the one that covers most of the front as thats what you want to protect.

  • golfneil
    golfneil Forum Participant Posts: 40
    edited June 2016 #3

    We have a protec but not happy with it, although advertised as tailored it does flap a bit,so will change to a specialised cover at the NEC show.

    Neil

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited June 2016 #4

    We have a Catch 22 situation with both suppliers.  Specialised Covers offers a 3 year warranty however if you use the towing cover outside the UK, the warranty is voided.  This indicates to me that they do not have much faith in their covers. 

    Protec only offer a 1 year warranty so again one wonders about the quality of the goods they are offering?  Dilemma

  • scratchgolfer
    scratchgolfer Forum Participant Posts: 40
    edited June 2016 #5

    Specialised covers every time for me on my 3rd cover from them due to changing vans. After sales service excellent and very good value for money compared to replacing a broken window or repairing stone damage imho.

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #6

    We have a Catch 22 situation with both suppliers.  Specialised Covers offers a 3 year warranty however if you use the towing cover outside the UK, the warranty is voided.  This indicates to me that they do not have much faith in their covers. 

    Protec only offer a 1 year warranty so again one wonders about the quality of the goods they are offering?  Dilemma

    Write your comments here...Why??? Is the dirt mud and stones different to ours?? Whatever you decide on, I wouldn't tow without one now. My Protec cover has failed at the bottom at the 2 eyes that hold the bungee under the A frame but it still works fine
    and I arrive with a clean van!! 

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #7

    We have a Specialised cover, had it a year and covered several thousand miles and it is excellent.  I can put it on and take it off alone in about 2 minutes.  Yes it does clip onto the bodywork at the front and clip under the tow hitch but thats not a problem. 
    Best accessory we have purchased.  Wouldn't be without it particularly in autum and winter when the sugar beet lorries are on the move!

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited June 2016 #8

    We have had a towing cover for the past 6 years and are aware of the benefits.   I think we are leaning towards the Protect cover as at least the warranty is intact no matter where you use it but the Specialised cover the warranty is voided if used outside
    the UK.  Secondly the Protec cover covers far more of the front than the Specialsied cover even though the Specialised cover looks nice, but then looks count for nothing!

  • Richard12
    Richard12 Forum Participant Posts: 112
    100 Comments
    edited June 2016 #9

    We purchased a Specialised Cover, very easy to attach, just slides into the awning channels very easily. Now had it for three years it gets used about ninety days a year with no problem. very pleased

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited June 2016 #10

    We eventually decided to buy another Protec cover as it covers a lot more of the front than the Specialised Cover.

  • lesbunny
    lesbunny Forum Participant Posts: 133
    edited June 2016 #11

    We eventually decided to buy another Protec cover as it covers a lot more of the front than the Specialised Cover.

    Surfer, We don't cut the straps on our but simply tuck the excess under the buckles without problems, but if you do decide to cut them just run a cigarette lighter over the cut edge as this will melt the fibres together & prevent fraying.

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited June 2016 #12

    We eventually decided to buy another Protec cover as it covers a lot more of the front than the Specialised Cover.

    Surfer, We don't cut the straps on our but simply tuck the excess under the buckles without problems, but if you do decide to cut them just run a cigarette lighter over the cut edge as this will melt the fibres together & prevent fraying.

    Thanks.  This time we wil look at tucking them away rather than cutting them.  I suspect that the last time we cut them we never applied enough heat etc to stop the ends fraying after awhile.

  • facilitym
    facilitym Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited July 2016 #13

    I bought a Protec towing cover earlier this year that arrived by the delivery date they gave us: but it was a poor fit. Protec seemed very helpful and acknowledged that they had supplied the wrong cover and arranged for it to be collected in mid June.

    Have heard nothing since, despite emailing them. Have tried again today but wondered if anyone else had difficulities with them?

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited July 2016 #14

    Try phoning them and speaking with someone.

  • Snozzer1
    Snozzer1 Forum Participant Posts: 17
    edited July 2016 #15

    Towpro elite from specialised is excellent, yes it doesn't cover the high level Windows but tailed to fit and very well made......

    i have had an issue with their caravan covers thou......not happy on this one.