We were thinking of getting a New Cover and A Frame ( Pro tec Caravan Cover )

[Beachball]

At the begining of the week my wife saw on Ebay a ( Pro tec cover ) going in good condition and comes with everything including poles to help us to put it on and what a bargain we got it for this cover cost £350 when new a year ago. Whats your verdict on this ?

 

[Gagakev]

Hi Beachball, have a look in the Technical section under really bad stains
There is a few idea's/ opinions from quite a few members, you can make up your own mind.

 

[Gagakev]

Forgot to say I would'nt use one

 

[Beachball]

This is the second year with the cover on so far touch wood the van is always nice and shiny and it does not say what cover was used with my husband disabled it saves him washing it when it comes out for the first tme

 

[andre]

Hi beach ball, I am on my third protec cover and I have never had a problem. make sure your caravan is clean before you put the cover on and the inside of the cover is clean and you will be o.k I must admit I do cover the windows with soft cotton cloths prior to the cover going on. our `van starts the season nice and clean, I know a lot members will not agree with me, but provided you buy a quality cover and prepare the `van before covering you will be o.k
regards

 

[ValA.]

We bought a new cheap caravan cover from ebay, (similar to the one in the link) and we think it's great. It's not a ProTec, but is a breathable fabric, with a very soft feel to the interior face of the fabric. It really keeps the van clean and dry, and is easy to fit. It has zips on the corners and each of us uses a sweeping brush in the lead corners to lift it up, over the roof vents, and once past there we can just pull it into place. We find it easier to fit starting at the front rather than the back. It hasn't scratched the caravan or the windows, as I posted in the thread mentioned above which complained about a Protec cover making marks on the van. Our storage site is in an exposed situation, on the top of a very windy hill, so the cover gets plenty of work, but it keeps off the dust, the black streaks, and the rain and it's a joy to unwrap when we go away, seeing the van just as pristine as we left it. It also protects the paintwork from the sun, keeping the shine longer once it's polished.
It doesn't have a 'door panel' but we can manage to get inside (just) by opening one corner zip and slackening the ties, so we don't have to take the cover off all the time. I think, apart from the caravan itself, it's one of the best things we've bought!
I know lots of members disagree with the use of covers, but we've had lots of our nieghbours on the storage site asking what we thought of ours. When we first put our van on the storage site, there were no vans with covers - now there are lots.

 

[BigTim]

Hi Beachball
I'm sure you will be happy with the Protec cover - we're very happy with ours.
We have a green colour Protec cover which we have used on our Bailey Senator Arizona for nearly 3 years. We've use it all the time that the 'van is not in use so that's 3 winters and short periods during the rest of the year.

Pros
(1) Keeps the 'van lovely and clean
(2) Makes the 'van more secure as it disguises the make and would have to be removed to steal it!
(3) Good customer service - Protec have replaced 2 strap buckles quickly and free of charge
(4) No problems with damp seats- we stand our cushions up on edge and leave the electric heating on lowest thermostat setting
(5) Model specific good fit
(6) Protects the seal and tyres from sun/weather degradation - we have optional tyre covers

Cons
(1) A bit of a pain to put on/take off - a 2 person job for us and still a bit of a struggle.
(2) Expensive to buy
(3) Susceptible to wear from any sharp parts on the caravan - Ours developed a hole from rubbing on the front roofing strip. Cary mended it using part of the large piece provided free when we bought the cover. We now pad protrusions with foam pipe insulation - tv aerial, roof joins, fire chimney and it has been okay since we have done that.
(4) A strap, also, tore off not quite sure how, whilst fitting the cover - again Cary sewed it back on.
(5) Hitch-cover does not fit our hitch - when we queried this we were told that that part is NOT made-to-measure. Cary has not yet got around to altering it!!!
(6) Storage bag handle tore away soon after we received it but quickly replaced immediately with a reinforced bag by Protec

We bought the optional, larger storage bag, wheel covers and storm straps as we live in an exposed place in the windy North West.

Although, as you can see, we have had a few problems we are glad that we bought it. We have had absolutely no problems with paint or window scratches from the cover although we live on windy hilltop and the cover certainly does move with the wind.
A LOT LESS cleaning needed, especially a lovely clean roof without cleaning. Cover off and the 'van is all clean and shiney and ready to go.

Hope this helps.
Tim

 

[Thelma65]

had my protec cover for 6 yrs - best thing ive bought -
always clean b4 put on - but it keeps the water ingress at bay - as an added protection and van is clean after a long winter
also a good theft deterrant
you will not be dissapointed !!!!