I have a heavy cover with a foam rubber liner stitched in that has lasted for years, but is now to dangerous for me to install. After watching some of the 'how to install' videos on YouTube I am wondering how long the lightweight covers shown last when van is stored outdoors. My son had one but it deteriorated in a couple of years and developed mould on the van.
My research indicates that 2 to 3 years is about normal.
I have always used large heavy duty silver tarps. The best that I can find, overlaid by my shadecloth floor. At least 5 years.
Doesn't look as good but way cheaper. The tarps cost about $110 & the shade cloth lasts for decades.
Once you develop a technique they are easy to put on & off.
I roll mine up & standing on a step ladder at the rear I roll it forward, over broccoli boxes tied 3 across each end & one on top of the A/C unit. A long rope tied to a piece of rigid conduit in the centre of the roll helps to pull the roll forward. A long piece of plastic conduit can be used as a lever to help it over obstructions, like the A/C unit. Ropes threaded through the chassis slots provide anchor points/tie downs using large rubber bands (made from inner tubes) and hooks made from clothes hangers. After the shade cloth is installed with ties at each corner, I throw a restraining rope over the top across the van to prevent it flapping in strong winds.
The use of broccoli boxes stops the tarp from rubbing on the van paint & provides a cooling air gap. It also, in theory, improves hail protection. I close all the roof vents but as the tarp is wide enough I can leave windows open a bit to allow cooling air flow thru the van. I only close them if a violent storm is predicted. I've been doing this for 20 years. SHOULD HAVE BUILT A CAR PORT!!!
-- Edited by Cupie on Tuesday 6th of April 2021 10:01:35 AM
In my experience commercial covers only last on average 2 years before they are useless. In the long run it is better to build a simple car-port with an acrylic panel over solar panel/s, fit cafe roll-up blinds to end and sides, also adds value to house.
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In my experience commercial covers only last on average 2 years before they are useless. In the long run it is better to build a simple car-port with an acrylic panel over solar panel/s, fit cafe roll-up blinds to end and sides, also adds value to house.
I'd have to agree but my design would use top quality silver 'shade cloth' roll ups (similar material to coast to coast privacy screens) at the ends & aluminium slats on the side. My clear plastic cafe' roll up blinds on the eastern side of the back deck quickly deteriorated (appx 5yrs)in the Qld. sun while the shade cloth ones on the north & west sides are still as good as new. A good opportunity to imbed a stainless steel security tie down in the slab.
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 7th of April 2021 02:32:08 PM
Im tempted to use similar good shade cloth like cover next time ! I find its mainly sun that does most the damage . Ive popped riveted, Sikoflexed some plastic sliders on ends of solar panels etc so it pulls over and doesnt chaff through cover !
Cannot tell from your online details where you are from, but living in Perth, commercial covers will last between 2 and 3 summers. I say between 2 and 3 because it depends on how much you use your van, and how protected the van location is from prevailing winds.
We are on our 6th cover currently, we have purchased cheap covers and expensive ones and it does not seem to matter how much you pay, or what brand you purchase, they all have a similar life time so the cheap ones are the best value for money.
I do believe in covering my vans, I have used covers on Jayco, Coromal, Nova and Lotus vans, none have suffered damage from the cover (ours is reasonable protected) and I believe that van was better for the covering when time to resell.
Thanks for responses. We already have a shed in the back yard and a 2 car carport in the front yard, I doubt the council would allow another for the van, besides the wife wants some lawn to mow. I do have some 80% shade cloth so I might give it a go over the silver tarp and broccoli boxes suggested by Cupie.
Regards
