Covered or Un-Covered

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Perez_In_Wales, Oct 16, 2019.

  1. Straight away I am going to apologise if this has already been covered...

    I've got a 1978 Bay in really good condition and want to keep it that way. I did get a rental on a garage however it isn't quite big enough. :-(

    So for the time being the van is on the drive until I can sort out something a little cosier.

    What would people recommend in terms of protection from the elements in the interim? Should it be covered or un-covered?

    I've seen a cover on JustKampers - J29370 - Is this recommended for outdoor use? Is there anything else that someone might recommend??

    If there is someone near the Caldicot area with a big garage that would also be wonderful ;-)
     
  2. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    Park it on hardstanding rather than mud / grass.
    I covered mine for a few years pre-garage. You do need to let it dry out pretty regularly as the covers trap moisture. Loads of people don't cover theirs.
     
    Soggz and bernjb56 like this.
  3. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    I did the whole cover thing over a few winters.

    It was only a cheap JK one so everytime I took it off the van was soaked.

    I now don't bother. You'll be more likely to drive it if you don't have to pull a cover off it each time.
     
  4. If you are going to cover it, a breathable one is more expensive but better.

    +1 for the hard standing, stop moisture rising upwards.
     
  5. Soggz

    Soggz An inquisitive supporter

    Also, with a cover, span the van with 2 or 3 lengths of wood, wrapped in cloth, under the cover to keep it from touching the van too much. This helps the air to go through it easier.
    :thumbsup:
     
    Mark S, paradox and Pony like this.
  6. We had a pro tech breathable soft lined cover.... it caused loads of issues, microblistering of paint, condensation to name a couple.
    Problem is that the cover gets wet which stops it breathing, trapping moisture inside.. you get the same effect with a "cheapy" jk one
    The other big issue is that they flap, the protech had 5 straps side to side and 2 front to rear yet it moved a lot in the wind causing lots of scuffs to the paint/ bumpers.
    Until we found dry storage ours spent its life uncovered with a dehumidifier in it and was better for it
     
  7. Thanks for the tips folks.. I think I'm going to have to keep an eye on it!

    With all this rain we are having, it is turning me into one of those over-protective parents... ;)
     
    old man in a van and Merlin Cat like this.
  8. The covers will stop water, or a good amount of it, from getting past window seals etc, but even the best covers will sweat.
     
    paradox likes this.
  9. Give it a good and I mean good wash and then wax it to within the proverbial inch of.
     
  10. Covers cause condensation to be trapped and encourage the dreaded mould, which is a health hazard and difficult to get rid of. I park mine in all weathers on the driveway and always keep it aired and drive it of course. Before winter, I clean the body and give it a heavy waxing so the water runs off.
     
    Lasty and JamesLey like this.
  11. Just cover it if snow or frost is forecast - that does the most damage, not rain.

    Although Caldicott is virtually on the Severn, so it'll rot like a slug in a salt bath anyway.
     
  12. Wash it, polish and wax it!
    Buy yourself a Maypole cover on EBay
    Most other covers can cause micro blisters
    Obviously a garage would be better


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  13. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    The only regular cost of not covering it is that any cheap indicator lenses will fade, along with paint.

    And my felt hat I keep in the bus fades.

    Expensive indicator lenses fade slower.


    My bus stands on sloping tarmac in the full force of the wind and all I do is cover the engine air vents with bits of plywood. Which I often have to replace after a gale.
     
  14. Day

    Day

    I know that a good wax is great for preventing the elements doing too much damage.
     
  15. Soggz

    Soggz An inquisitive supporter

    Clear wax oil is the best. Messy, but good.ACF50 is also good, but expensive. Another good one, funnily enough, is good old pure beeswax furniture polish. 00A7CA0D-84D2-4D98-A1CD-320E38507B6B.jpeg
     
    Day and Merlin Cat like this.
  16. A good wash and wax and a maypole cover.

    Mine lives outside all year round, was recently painted last year and so far so good, often take it off on a weekend or the night before good weather and bring the cover inside to ensure its dry.

    IMG_20190924_175659.jpg
     
  17. +1 for the Maypole cover. Mine also lives under a carport during the winter months which helps.
     
    grandmst likes this.
  18. redgaz

    redgaz Supporter

    +1 on the Maypole.I think mines well worth the money ( about £80 )
    I always wash the van before putting it on to avoid scratches.
    I've had no issues with it as it breaths.
     
    cunny44 and paul2590 like this.
  19. Thanks peeps.. So is the Maypole better then the JustKampers one?
     
  20. You’re paying for the JK stamp


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