Towing and storage covers.

May 24, 2014
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Does anyone use either or both towing covers and storgae covers. Are they worth the expense or just another faddy bit of junk to accumulate. I can see possibly a use for the foam armour towing covers, but I do wonder why they only cover the lower half of the front, i.e. windows that are easily replaced (if stock is available). But they never seem to go high enough to cover the higher panoramic windows which I can honestly say from experience are a right pain to get fixed.

As for the storage covers, I have heard so many old timers expound on the fact that they can get dirt trapped underneath and scratch the caravan over time. Im not saying this is the case, just something I have heard in passing.
 
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Jun 16, 2020
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I find full covers a total pain to put on and mine has been in the loft for about 10 years.

For front covers, I have twice had damage due to items thrown up from the road. That is what spired me to get one. At first I had a half height one but it was a poor fit as it was not designed for my van. Next I bought a universal one, Specialised tow pro lite. I am glad I got it from Amazon as it was easier to return. Again a pain to fit each time. Next I got the Tow Pro plus. still have is and it’s very good. I would recommend. 2 mins to fit, keeps it clean and protects from flying objects to a certain extent.

I have never seen one that does the panoramic window, but much less chance of damage up there.

Specialised.


John
 
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Jul 8, 2020
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I got a universal one, used it for a year now don't bother, my tow car is a santa fe with a roof box on so not much will get past that to hit the van lol.

I have towed all sorts for years being a driver and not once have i had anything thrown up to hit or damage any trailer ,caravan, etc.

fingers crossed it stays that way lol.
 
Jan 3, 2012
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Mine was a good fit it came with eight straps you have put the 8 buckles in each side of your awning rail and then adjust hitch strap buckles i found it becoming a pain .to fit
The latest one i have now got a Specialised Cover Tow Pro Lite I have been told it a lot quicker we will see on our next outing ,
Winter Season
We have a 4 ply Breathable Cover on ours it been on since we started caravanning Nov - March
 
Oct 22, 2019
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We use a specialised tow pro elite - managed to get it better than half price of a new one off the auction website. Don't know if I'd fancy paying £400 for it. Just give the front a wipe over and fits in a jiffy. Handy as you can still get into the locker as we always have something last minute to put away.

Wouldn't like one with all the straps to fasten - too fiddly. Always use it and does keep it clean in wet weather.
 
Nov 6, 2005
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I use a front towing protector - the downside is that it can only be fitted if the caravan front is clean, to avoid damage from grit, etc, and that's not always possible on a multi-stay tour.
 
Jul 18, 2017
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We always wipe down the front of the caravan before fitting cover even when touring. If it is wet from rain I use one of those wipers that they use on cars to remove excess water on the body after a wash.
 
Jan 3, 2012
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We use a specialised tow pro elite - managed to get it better than half price of a new one off the auction website. Don't know if I'd fancy paying £400 for it. Just give the front a wipe over and fits in a jiffy. Handy as you can still get into the locker as we always have something last minute to put away.

Wouldn't like one with all the straps to fasten - too fiddly. Always use it and does keep it clean in wet weather.
We also manage to get a good deal on our Specialised Tow Pro Lite someone was packing up only used it a couple of times it like new i also did not like paying for a new one .our front of the caravan got our old front cover on on in storage so the front is always clean ;)
 
Jul 18, 2017
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Only experience of towing cover. I wouldn’t tow without it, but get a specific made to fit one, miles better than the universal ones( had one- great but a bit faffy) yes you have to give the front a quick swill before fitting but not a big problem.
I use one for damage prevention not to keep front clean (although it does).
 
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Jun 16, 2020
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Jan 3, 2012
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The advice from ‘Specialist Covers’ is to NOT leave it on in storage. But annoyingly, they don’t say why.

John
Hi John We don"t leave the Specialist Cover on in Storage (I don"t know why either?)
I use the old one that been on it since we have owned the caravan . ;)
 
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Jul 18, 2017
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We have a low cost universal one which is nice and snug and no faff to fit. I feel it does provide added protection when towing and also leave it on in storage. View attachment 2017
They're around £20 on ebay, this is a link to one like ours. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/294270311530?hash=item4483e09c6a:g:GXYAAOSwvRBg6-t4&LH_ItemCondition=1000
Bad idea to leave it on while instorage as it not recommended by any manufacturer of towing covers. It is easy for dust, dirt, leaves etc to get behind the towing cover while stationary. This then marks the window and bodywork as it rubs up and down while towing.
 
Jan 3, 2012
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Bad idea to leave it on while instorage as it not recommended by any manufacturer of towing covers. It is easy for dust, dirt, leaves etc to get behind the towing cover while stationary. This then marks the window and bodywork as it rubs up and down while towing.
Well at our caravan storage most of them leave them on before we go out we always check behind our old front cover take it off and give it a quick wash and the rest of the caravan and then put the new one on for towing next day :)
 
Jul 18, 2017
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Well at our caravan storage most of them leave them on before we go out we always check behind our old front cover take it off and give it a quick wash and the rest of the caravan and then put the new one on for towing next day :)
However while the caravan is stationary the wind blows and moves the cvoer up and down causing scratches to front of the caravan. After all manufacturers do recommend not having the cover on while in storage as it was never designed for the purpose. They must have a good reason.
 
Jan 3, 2012
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However while the caravan is stationary the wind blows and moves the cvoer up and down causing scratches to front of the caravan. After all manufacturers do recommend not having the cover on while in storage as it was never designed for the purpose. They must have a good reason.
Just remember you have your choice I prefer it my way it easier for me ;)
 
Feb 23, 2018
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Towing cover & full cover user here, both by ProTec and both made of the same lightweight fabric.

The towing cover is their ' https://pro-teccovers.co.uk/index.php/products/protec-towing-covers offering in a fetching blue colour. Its quite easy to fit, I can do it by myself. Front does need to be clean before you zip it up. However, as the front stays clean with cover on, I can remove it on site, fold it up and store in the gas locker, then clean the windows and front panels with a AG Fast Glass & Quick Detailer with a microfibre to remove any dust or whatever and refit for the drive home/onwards.

Also have the full cover in green, which tones down the bright white box when in storage. Real task to fit or remove, so its on or off for the duration. Needs two people to lift over, but the supplied lifting poles and roll-up back panel make it easier. Have spotted that the awning rail Herzim strip has come out - not sure why, but the cover is probably to blame. If you take it off when its wet, its a huge tent to try and dry.


Moderator Note: The original link to the towing cover has been removed as it was not a secure link.
The above link is secure.
 
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