Towing Covers - Thoughts Please

HamSandwich
HamSandwich Forum Participant Posts: 13
edited May 2017 in Parts & Accessories #1

We have been toying with the idea of getting a towing cover, especially given the mess that the front of the caravan gets into in winter, but I'd like to get thoughts from members who use or have used them.

What's prompted me to ask is that today I drove about 70 miles down the M6 between about 1130 and 1300.  Of the 44 caravans we saw only 3 (<7%) were using towing covers.  I'm assuming the majority of these were going either to or from a site, as opposed to to or from storage.  Therefore, I'd love to hear your opinions on whether they're worth it.

Many thanks.

 

 

Comments

  • Navigateur
    Navigateur Club Member Posts: 3,880 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited May 2017 #2

    Keeps the front clean and greatly reduces the likely damage if a rock hits one of the front windows.

  • HamSandwich
    HamSandwich Forum Participant Posts: 13
    edited May 2017 #3

    Many thanks for this.  I guess I wanted to try to get a bit of an understanding of why, if they are that beneficial, I didn't see more in use today in my admittedly small sample on a sunny day in May.

     

     

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2017 #4

    Personally I think they are a good idea. A damaged front window from a stone is an expensive fix...... 

  • Navigateur
    Navigateur Club Member Posts: 3,880 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited May 2017 #5

    why, if they are that beneficial, I didn't see more in use today in my admittedly small sample

    It is probably because the covers are a dark colour and you don't notice it - unlike seeing a livid white behemoth looming towards you.

  • KenofKent
    KenofKent Forum Participant Posts: 209
    100 Comments
    edited May 2017 #6

    I had a window damaged a few years ago and the subsequent problems this caused encouraged me to use a towing cover.

    I chose one from specialised covers which was made to measure. This prevents flapping which can cause damage to the bodywork.

    It is important to make sure the front is cleaned before fitting, it only takes a few minutes to slide it on and clip the underside.

    I wouldn't be without it now. You can get a small club discount on purchase.

    Ken

  • Alex Cassells
    Alex Cassells Forum Participant Posts: 159
    edited May 2017 #7

    I agree that only a small percentage of vans have them. I think most people do not see the need, for whatever reason. More hassle, not needed, unable to fit it, buy new van every few years etc etc.Our first van, brand new, suffered from a few stone chips, the front lost its shine after 8 years and the windows ended up having lots and lots of very fine scratches, spoiling the view. Hence we invested a couple of hundred quid in a towing cover when we changed vans. 

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2017 #8

    I am surprised motorhomes don't have them too.

  • Trini
    Trini Forum Participant Posts: 429
    edited May 2017 #9

    When purchased one when after our first couple of trips we suffered stone chips towards the bottom of the front panel. 

    Used it on 2 vans now and as they say 'wouldn't leave home without it'

    Keeps the front of the van clean and we go away whenever schools are on holiday. Before fitting it we use waterless cleaner over front of the van.

    Simple to fit takes 5 mins and use the steps to get to the top straps if needed.

    As for 'flapping' when towing the wind moulds it to the front of the van so never had a problem with that happening.

    Ours was from Protec some 6 years ago and still doing the job.

  • HamSandwich
    HamSandwich Forum Participant Posts: 13
    edited May 2017 #10

    Thank you all for your thoughts on towing covers.  Sounds like people who do use them wouldn't (as stated above) leave home without them.      

  • Randomcamper
    Randomcamper Club Member Posts: 1,062 ✭✭
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    edited May 2017 #11

    With our last caravan it had a lounge at each end, hence a rear window, and towed behind our Disco we had through vision in the rear view mirror............

    That would have been the only reason to stop me having one.......

  • Broonie
    Broonie Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited May 2017 #12

    My son who shares our van bought one from Specialised Covers, fits like a glove and takes 10 minutes to fit. I would not tow without it now, after a long tow in the wet it is filthy not to mention the protection from stone chips.