Kitty is kept outside - i don't have a garage - and looking at her now in the heavy rain and knowing that she has a couple of scabs, I'm thinking I need a raincover to help keep the worst of the wet off. But is it worth it. I know she will get scabby and will need attention here and there and that ground moisture causes as many issues as water from above. So do get a cover or not?
They're fine if you open it up and let it blow through on windy days. They're (mostly) not fully waterproof though.
I absolutely detest them. Breathable or not they trap moisture and can flap about on paint work marking it over time. Best thing you can do if you leave the bus for periods of time is to cover the engine vents to prevent water getting into the engine bay. It sits there and doesn't really dry out due to poor air circulation. Best thing you can do is make sure your bus is well rust proofed, clean and polished. If your worried about sun damage to the upholstery then draw the curtains.
We were given a jk one in sept. 10 days later, mould growing in the van , and damp. We removed it, and have left her uncovered all winter without problems.
Ive got one but only used it for a while ,then as couldn't get bus in garage built a carport. If you lived close you could borrow it, Ive only kept it to use as protection, if it has to stand in workshop to protect from marmite or spray.Like Birdy says they do sweat and its a bit of a pa lava getting on and off if your using it quite a bit, far be it to say if you use your van regularly that's the best thing for it ,keep it aired and your engine getting warm will keep your vents dry. Polish does work too if you can deal with the stigma of having a shiny van ^-^
^ what they said. I had a JK cover, but stopped using it as it used to get sodden and stick to the sides of the bus. If you've got scabby bits, they're going to get scabbier whatever you do . IMO a cover will speed up the rot.
I have been using one for about 8 months or so, It does mark the paintwork in places where it rubs, this is nothing that a bit of t_cut doesnt fix, I like it, i live near the coast and it keeps the seagulls sh1te off the paintwork, and of course the salty sea air doesnt help either, I have never had any problems with moisture, there's usually a light breeze to keep the air moving around the van, although I do keep a couple of trays of salt inside the van to prevent mould ,moisture or condesation build up, I bought the just kampers one, it fits and works fine.
I have a just campers one and it works very well. I also have a dehumidifier that runs on eco inside the campervan. It might be a little overkill but it takes all the moisture out of the van and keeps it very dry inside. The water runs out into the sink. All the bedding and fabrics curtains are all perfectly dry and ready to when we go camping. I would like to think that it also draws moisture out of the panels as well but maybe that's wishful thinking .
Best covers I've ever seen and recommend are those ones that are like pop up tents that you drive into like in the picture.
hmmmm. maybes i'll give her a bl@@dy good clean and wax over as soon as the weather improves then and leave it at that - she tends to get used every weekend so only stands for 5 days at a time.
i don't like covering cars up although i do worry about the vents letting in water to the trays, it's on my list of thigs to do, anyone drilled holes in the trays, bad idea? i keep loads of silica gel bags in the van to stop damp.
The main reason why I use a cover is to stop the water running down the windows past the seals and down into the door panels
What are those ones like in the wind ,birdy do you know?? Trouble is when its peeeing down its normally bl&*dee windy too.?? Me carport with drop down weather cover.
Those ones generally have a part that you drive onto. And from what I've seen they stand up to the abuse quite well over the years. Ricky your bus should have a drain hole in each battery tray. Some have bungs in for some reason. If they don't then get drilling. One is more than enough to help. Also if your battery tray is made from a plain sheet of steel, make sure the battery is on little lifts to prevent water being trapped underneath it.
cheers chaps - i think this weekends project is to design and make EAR covers for the van to stop water getting in and then putting some drains in the trays. Am thinking 2 or 3mm perspex with 3 rubber H fittings to hold the perspex and twist into and off the vents I did notice a couple of tablespoons of water on top of the floor under the bed earlier that i think crept under the window seal but the way its been raining sideways today its hardly surprising. I waxoyled all the interiors of the panels before putting the thermal layer and the door cards in so it should be okay.
