Towing cover

chasstreet
chasstreet Forum Participant Posts: 57
edited January 2018 in Parts & Accessories #1

hi all 

what the thoughts on leaving a towing cover fitted whilst in storage.

i know a few people who do this without issue, but before I buy one I want to understand the pros and cons 

 

Comments

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2018 #2

    I have wondered that as well,when asking the makers the good quality? Ones say not to be left on as debris can get between the cover and the c/van which can cause damage to the plastic windows

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2018 #3

    I believe that the grime and dirt cause the windows to get badly scratched with any movement from the wind etc.

  • AJB
    AJB Forum Participant Posts: 120
    edited January 2018 #4

    I think this is considered a definite 'no'.

    We have a TowPro Elite and I think the inner material would be damaged badly if you did this!  

    Thinner tow covers may fare differently, but then they don't give the same level of protection when towing.

  • ClubMember9AFDA8904E
    ClubMember9AFDA8904E Forum Participant Posts: 50
    edited January 2018 #5

    I've had a fitted front cover since buying my last van  in 2014.   The pros and cons for me.

    • towing in the wet keeps the front clean, but water gets in between the cover and van.
    • offers some protection to front damage when towing
    • makes the van dark when stopping for short periods.
    • grime gets between the van and cover in dusty environments either towing or static. 
    • Has created very small abrasions on the windows, probably caused by above. 
    • needs drying out before refitting.
    • need somewhere to store it, despite being relatively small packed up.
    • adds to weight of van when towing
    • left in on all winter the first year, front of van dirtier than the rest due to water running down inside. 

    Only used it the first year, became another great idea stored in the shed. 

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
    500 Comments
    edited January 2018 #6

    A pair of rear mud flaps are a better idea. I`ve towed our current two year old van for some 6500` and have`nt any chips on the front panel or scratches on the front windows, and the same applies to our previous vans. I used to keep a cover on a panel van front a few years ago and found dirt collected under it but at least in stopped the rain getting into the engine compartment.

Categories