- Feb 23, 2018
- 905
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I know that towing covers divide the community; some say they cause more damage than they prevent, some swear by them - Horses for courses. But I wanted to share my experience with a cover. I had a new Sprite and I wanted to keep it looking good, so purchased the Pro-Tec tailored towing jacket from the NEC show in February. Saw the demo on a Swift caravan, so knew it fitted well.
Unfortunately, the delivery of the cover was delayed. We picked up the van at the end of March and planned to go away the week after. We did not have the cover for the tow home, but to their credit, Pro-Tec sent me their generic cover as a stop-gap for the longer trip.
This generic cover seemed to go on quite easily; 2 strips which feed into the awning rail, with a large panel which covers the front and clips into buckles on the strips. What was immediately evident was that these strips do not like the compound curve of the Swift caravan front panel; they seem more suited to a caravan with side and front panel at right angles. Also as the Sprite awning rail does not run to the bottom edge, a 2-3" gap was left. across the front.
All looked OK, until 60mph: the small overlap of the main panel with the awning rail strips, meant the air could rush in and cause the fabric to come loose. If the strips had been a few inches wider there would not have been an issue. As it was, I could see fabric billowing in the towing mirror and caused a fairly obtrusive blind spot. Each stop meant strap adjustment on the cover.
Now I have received my Towing Jacket and had a chance to use it, I can say the difference in price is worth it. The cover fits down to the bottom of the caravan and covers the area which got covered in crap with the generic cover and fitting does not require 20-odd straps to be adjusted just right. It zips up the front, so care is required to keep the zip from contacting the window, but it does mean the windows and gas locker can be accessed without removing the cover and there is no loose fabric.
I doubt I would change anyone's mind with the post, but thought it was worth sharing.
Paul.
Unfortunately, the delivery of the cover was delayed. We picked up the van at the end of March and planned to go away the week after. We did not have the cover for the tow home, but to their credit, Pro-Tec sent me their generic cover as a stop-gap for the longer trip.
This generic cover seemed to go on quite easily; 2 strips which feed into the awning rail, with a large panel which covers the front and clips into buckles on the strips. What was immediately evident was that these strips do not like the compound curve of the Swift caravan front panel; they seem more suited to a caravan with side and front panel at right angles. Also as the Sprite awning rail does not run to the bottom edge, a 2-3" gap was left. across the front.
All looked OK, until 60mph: the small overlap of the main panel with the awning rail strips, meant the air could rush in and cause the fabric to come loose. If the strips had been a few inches wider there would not have been an issue. As it was, I could see fabric billowing in the towing mirror and caused a fairly obtrusive blind spot. Each stop meant strap adjustment on the cover.
Now I have received my Towing Jacket and had a chance to use it, I can say the difference in price is worth it. The cover fits down to the bottom of the caravan and covers the area which got covered in crap with the generic cover and fitting does not require 20-odd straps to be adjusted just right. It zips up the front, so care is required to keep the zip from contacting the window, but it does mean the windows and gas locker can be accessed without removing the cover and there is no loose fabric.
I doubt I would change anyone's mind with the post, but thought it was worth sharing.
Paul.