Specialised Covers - not the cheapest by any means, but probably the best, waterproof, breathable and tailor-made in Yorkshire. Also very good customer service in our experience.
Aldi will almost certainly have bought in and simply re-branded with an in-house brand a commercially retailed cover, rather than had one manufactured specifically for them (it's their normal practice), so that should be a warning that some of the budget end covers (which may be identical!) may be of no better quality/functionality!
Many of Aldi's products come with a 3 year warranty, I'd have though a caravan cover would have been of sufficient value that it may also have. Always found that a replacement or refund was easy to obtain in the case of a fault.
We have had both Specialised Covers and Protec and can confirm that Protec are a little easier to put over the caravan with the roll up rear section.
This is a somewhat difficult task for us anyway as Young Auntie does not have the strength to lift the cover over and it is more a question of her holding alternate sides in place as I go from side to side to lift it.
Incidentally, having watched the manufacturers' videos on how to do this, I notice they show 2 people lifting the cover at the front and the next shot is of them tucking it down at the back. Never how they manage the in between part of lifting it clear of roof obstacles.
We have a Protec which we used a few times. One year I took it off and it had left black rubbed marks on the front of the caravan on the parts that are not GRP which I was not impressed with although that year it was very windy and although it was made to measure it was wafting in the strong wind and I think that is what caused it. I think that it is not a good idea to polish your caravan before you cover it or for that matter use wash and shine as I think that as the cover rubs against the surface it keeps polishing the paintwork.I haven't used it since sorry to have to burst your bubble folks but I have read about this happening before.
Quote: Originally posted by camcroft on 08/1/2022
We have a Protec which we used a few times. One year I took it off and it had left black rubbed marks on the front of the caravan on the parts that are not GRP which I was not impressed with although that year it was very windy and although it was made to measure it was wafting in the strong wind and I think that is what caused it. I think that it is not a good idea to polish your caravan before you cover it or for that matter use wash and shine as I think that as the cover rubs against the surface it keeps polishing the paintwork.I haven't used it since sorry to have to burst your bubble folks but I have read about this happening before.
We have been using covers for a good many years and never experienced this problem.
I am only stating what happened to me I have read about tiger marks on caravans before and I will say it took a long time to get rid of them. Other years it was fine and as I stated it was very windy that year and our van is in quite an open area.
I stand to be corrected but my understandng is that the black marks which are usually to be found below window openings are due to the oxidation of the rubber seals.
Even if you use a cover during the winter months this oxidation will occur during the summer and will be washed onto the paintwork by the rain.
Why the use of a cover would make this problem worse I cannot understand.
I am talking about Black rub marks at the front where it slopes down from the roof where you normally see the makers logo not below the windows. I think that you are referring to what is known as black streaks.
We have used a couple the generic fit type covers on some of our previous caravans. Some are better quality than others.
I currently have a bespoke fit Pro-tec cover with the easy fit (rear opening) system. I do have to get my son to help when fitting as it gets a little heavy lifting the cover when you get towards the rear of the van.
As someone else mentioned Specailised covers. They also have a very good reputation and I don't think there is much to choose between either of these covers. Just a matter of personal choice.
Both brands are about the same sort of cost not cheap but some say well worth the money when you think of the value of your caravan.
Just so happened I went for the Pro-tec brand same as my towning cover.
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Topic: What Cover to buy
via mobile 08/1/2022 at 1:19pm
