Car Covers

[StuartW]

Good evening everyone.

Does anyone here use an all-weather, waterproof car cover? I sadly do not have a garage to keep my nearest & dearest in and want to protect my 3200 from the burning sun (fat chance), the persistent rain (there's every chance, I only need to look out of the window now) and the presents that the birds leave behind (living in a Lincolnshire farmhouse surrounded by trees has it's drawbacks). I think the rain will be the biggest concern based on my previous experience of Italian window seals around frameless door glass, so I feel that a cover will the best solution.

I have looked at covers such as these which are not made to measure:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Complete-..._Car_Exterior_Accessories&hash=item3cd2702519

And then have seen a tailor made, custom fit such as this one:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Full-Tail...ccessories_Touring_Travel&hash=item43ac585f39

If anyone has personal experience that they are happy to share, I would be much obliged.

Thanks all, Stuart

 

[mjheathcote]

Have you thought of those 'pram' type foldable 'garages'?
Car covers are okay, but the car must be clean and dry really every time it is used.

Something like:
http://www.canopiessouthwest.co.uk/car_ports/perambulator_folding_garage#.UcyKn8u9KK0

 

[EnzoMC]

as already said make sure your car is clean

also check the cover has a protected liner inside as any movement on any grit under the cover could scratch the car.

I looked at covers (for Audi at the time) and was going to get a standard breathable inside cover and then put a waterproof cover on top but found out that this can cause sweating - again not good for the paint.

sorry not much help but maybe someone on here with experience of a good one could point you in the right direction

 

[EnzoMC]

Have you thought of those 'pram' type foldable 'garages'?
Car covers are okay, but the car must be clean and dry really every time it is used.

Something like:
http://www.canopiessouthwest.co.uk/car_ports/perambulator_folding_garage#.UcyKn8u9KK0

good find Mike - like the look of that, the info says you will need to bolt this down and the price isn't bad

 

[roger102]

Mines from specialist car covers, yes car needs to be clean but its a small price to pay IMO but then it doesn't always need to be on.

 

[chippiepilot]

I to have a fitted cover which came with my 3200 I did find the makers name (its not there now by the looks of things) and looked it up and thankfully it was a breathable cover. they are great for keeping bird deposits off the paint and sustaining scuffs from the postmans bag etc. I think nfm bought one of these for his 4200 https://www.carcoon.com/

 

[StuartW]

Thanks everyone

I do like the idea of the 'drive in' foldable type but someone close by had one and it didn't last. It was well secured to the ground but any kind of fabric / marquee / tarp is no match for the howling winds we can get across the Fenlands so a tight fitting cover I think would be the best route so thank for the help and brand suggestions.

 

[npaskin]

I have a breathable tailor-made Weathershield one from Covercraft - available in UK from here: http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/covercraft/weathershield-hp-outdoor-cover.aspx. Very pleased with it. I agree with Roger, the car has to be clean but the results are worth the small effort that takes. My QP has been under the cover for 2 years, next to my daily driver which isn't, and you can really tell the difference with bird muck, tree sap, etc. Having a tailor made one is more pricey (mine was a few hundred pounds) but again worth it, the snug fit means no folds to gather dirt and water and no flapping about in the wind. The Covercraft one ties down under the car and also comes with a security cable and lock. Plus, it fits in the washing machine so an occasional wash keeps it clean.

Norman

 

[Geofflyn]

Have you thought of those 'pram' type foldable 'garages'?
Car covers are okay, but the car must be clean and dry really every time it is used.

Something like:
http://www.canopiessouthwest.co.uk/car_ports/perambulator_folding_garage#.UcyKn8u9KK0

These look great but if all those ribs are metal I would be terrified of it moving and creating multiple scratches. I guess if it's bolted down then that's pretty unlikely. These would be great if you love in an apartment block and were permitted to bolt to the floor

 

[Elliott653]

Mines from specialist car covers, yes car needs to be clean but its a small price to pay IMO but then it doesn't always need to be on.

I bought an all weather cover for my QP from Specialised Covers too. The cover is excellent.

 

[StuartW]

My cover has now arrived from 'Just Roadster'

I went for the full waterproof, breathable tailor made 'Stormforce' model and the quality looks very good. The proof will be when the winter comes I guess but the construction looks good as does the fit so if anyone is thinking about getting one, I think they are good value.

http://www.everycarcovered.com/187-all-year-protection/41-all-year-protection-car-cover.html