Van Weather Cover

[Lorksalordy]

Hiya.

I park my van outside and in the week it gets covered in tree sap and bird cack. I have an SWB with a factory bike rack, and thought I might get a t6 LWB weatherproof cover ('bout 99 quid on ebay) to protect it + rack from the elements. Anyone recommend a cover, manufacturer, or have the same problem?

Thanks,

D.

 

[Pauly]

@Tourershine has mentioned this before and pointed out the potential for paint damage caused by the covers rubbing in any dirt present when putting it on

 

[Tourershine]

Hiya.

I park my van outside and in the week it gets covered in tree sap and bird cack. I have an SWB with a factory bike rack, and thought I might get a t6 LWB weatherproof cover ('bout 99 quid on ebay) to protect it + rack from the elements. Anyone recommend a cover, manufacturer, or have the same problem?

Thanks,

D.

Pauly is correct. My business specialises in fixing the issues caused my covers for around the first 3 months of the year, when people uncover their Caravans and Motorhomes after the winter, and this principal is the same for a Camper (T6)

Covers are totally fine to use, providing the cover fits without flapping, it's breathable, and your T6 is perfectly clean every single time you cover it up.
The other reasons covers cause issues are not relevant with a T6, so it's just the above rules for cover use. Follow them to the letter, and you can use a cover trouble free.
Ignore just one of those rules and you will need a good detailer and a lot of paint correction work, which can be very costly.

Lastly, bare in mind that as annoying as the tree sap is, it's at it's peak at the moment, and will stop shortly.

 

[Brennanpj]

Any one using a cover over their van while not in use .
My van only comes out to play at weekends so it’s sat on the drive all week getting a nice coat of dust on it . Being black it’s a pain in the backside. As I will often wash it after a weekends use, then it’s filthy before I use it again .

Any recommendations for reasonably priced covers . Or will I look a nobber covering her up !!

 

[Tourershine]

Although I'm a big advocate of covers in my industry (Caravans and Motorhomes) I'm not sure I'd want to cover a Black van.
Basically if you have any dust on the paint, and you put a cover over this, theres a high chance this will damage the surface.
I understand the frustration, but I'd be careful using the combination of Black VW paint and a cover.

I'm not saying you cannot use one, just be very careful and make sure it's absolutely spotless before covering.

 

[Loz]

I used to cover our Touareg to keep the dust and bird poo off and as its under a cherry tree.

As @Tourershine says you need to clean it first then cover, use, clean, cover and use and so on etc. You also need to get it on and off on your own without difficulty.
Also you need it to fit well and be tight enough so that it doesn’t chafe in the wind.
I did my research and bought mine from Specialised covers.
I considered getting one for the Cali but it would be difficult to put on and off without it touching the dirt.

 

[Tourershine]

We use a lot of Car Covers, Caravan Covers & Motorbike Covers from Specialised Covers covers, and Protec Covers - Pro-Tec Covers. Caravan Covers, Motorhome Covers and Tailored Covers for Vehicles. They are not cheap because they are more of a tailored cover, but the quality and fit is exceptional.

 

[Brennanpj]

Thanks for the advice guys , I totally see the issue , and highly likely to scratch it a lot ! I’m having second thoughts now . Black , what a knightmare colour !

 

[Tourershine]

Thanks for the advice guys , I totally see the issue , and highly likely to scratch it a lot ! I’m having second thoughts now . Black , what a knightmare colour !

Yeah, but boy does it look amazing when it's detailed up

 

[True Romance]

Any further recommendations for T6 winter covers?

Thanks.

 

[Teesix]

How about a portable carport?

 

[True Romance]

A little extreme

 

[True Romance]

Nobody else use a cover over winter??

 

[James1000]

Nobody else use a cover over winter??

Me - well I intend to but not tried it yet - would like to know if people do what do the do for battery / condensation etc do the trickle charge and heat it now and then

 

[True Romance]

Me - well I intend to but not tried it yet - would like to know if people do what do the do for battery / condensation etc do the trickle charge and heat it now and then

so have you purchased one and if so which one please?

 

[True Romance]

Opinions please?

VW T6 LWB Tailored Car Cover | Volkswagen | Car Covers

Luxury Breathable Van Cover Long Wheel Base VW T4 1990–2003, T5 2003–2015 & T6 - JKLuxT4/5LWB, - :: Just Kampers

 

[KiwiDaveNZ]

I am looking at this one as well for my pop top T6 camper, but I noted on their website "Please Note: Will not fit fixed hightops and pop tops, side awnings and may not fit vehicles fitted with side steps.", I am also looking at putting side bars on my van at some point, but these may be OK , as side steps stick out more than side bars. I would be interested if anyone with a standard poptop had give this one a whirl, and if it fitted OK?

 

[True Romance]

Couldn't find any tailored covers that would fit my lwb with roof bars other than made to order at £300+

Ended up with a maypole universal one that fits pretty well. Guy next to me (T5 lwb) on the storage yard used the same. £79.

 

[KiwiDaveNZ]

I am looking at this one as well for my pop top T6 camper, but I noted on their website "Please Note: Will not fit fixed hightops and pop tops, side awnings and may not fit vehicles fitted with side steps.", I am also looking at putting side bars on my van at some point, but these may be OK , as side steps stick out more than side bars. I would be interested if anyone with a standard poptop had give this one a whirl, and if it fitted OK?

In the end went for a Kampa T5/T6 cover, and got a local sail maker to add a clear panel on the top for the solar panel to operate when covered.

 

[Keefff]

Looking at parking my van up for long periods, can anyone advise / recommend on where I could get a quality cover from? (Ideally with access zips).