Van cover

C

crankedup

New Member
Looking to purchase a auto-sleeper pop top, unfortunately it’s not going to fit into my garage owing to lack of height. It’s a standard size garage
of the 1960s.
In the past I have used a breathable cover for my vintage caravan, is there such a thing that will fit the van off the shelf?
Thanks.
 
The Just Kampers covers are breathable but are NOT waterproof, I've recently bought a VW Type 2 'StormForce' from Cover-Zone - a bit more money than JK but it is confirmed waterproof.
Unfortunately my gazebo garage, whilst a fab temporary workshop space, simply won't stand up to strong winds :-(
 
Last edited:
Yes I do have room for a framed marquee type cover but it’s fairly breezy where we live, don’t think it would last long.
The waterproof covers, I am concerned the lack of breathability will cause more damage than save from damage.
Wife suggested altering the garage roof to offer more height. I am concerned that the cost would be prohibitive although justified. Likely it’s going to be the breathable cover.
Thanks for comments.
 
Paul Goldsmith said:
The Just Kampers covers are breathable but are NOT waterproof, I've recently bought a VW Type 2 'StormForce' from Cover-Zone - a bit more money than JK but it is confirmed waterproof.
Unfortunately my gazebo garage, whilst a fab temporary workshop space, simply won't stand up to strong winds :-(
Click to expand...
Hi, I would be interested to hear your comments regarding your new cover.
 
I built a carport with a lorry sheet as a temp roof with cheap marquee sides for sides if needed. When I get round to it I will get a company to make a bespoke sheet for roof and sides as they don’t charge over the odds and the do double weave sheets which is very heavy duty
 
My only experience with a cover ended in a disaster as it caused micro blistering all over my mgb resulting in a complete respray. It was confirmed as both waterproof and breathable. From what I can make out condensation builds up during the night/early morning then the sun comes out and heats everything up and causes a kettle effect on the paintwork. I had researched and read up for months prior to purchasing to find what I thought was the best. I know that some say that they should not be used with vehicles that use old paint systems ie cellulose so maybe if your van is 2pak it will be OK?. Jimmy is now in 2pak but I won't risk it until I can be positive all will be OK.
 
Years ago, my then neighbour used to spray synthetic for fun/favour/pocket money. He would warm it first so no thinners required and the black he applied to my then TR7 was a lovely shiney flat finish but softer compared to cellulose. I imagine a cover would soon have ruined that.
 
I had high hopes for the Stormforce cover on my Traveller, and most people found they OK, but the car sufferered terribly a few winters ago when under it. It just didn't seen to keep it dry and the roof became micro blistered and the wood work rotted out in places.
 
None of this is good news! Looking at the cost of dry storage in my area, works out around £130 month. Add to that the inconvenience of having to travel to the storage when I want to use my (once I find a purchase) van, and of course the return journey. Maybe raising the roof of my garage isn’t so crazy after all, but the cost of the work is likely to be thousands of pounds!!
Our lad uses a outdoor carcoon which has proved to be excellent, but life restricted to about five years at a cost of £500 or so. Covering the van the carcoon is likely to cost £800 but over. five year period it looks good value!
 
Those car cocoons seem highly recommended, I agree their value over time works well.

Some lateral thinking re. using your garage ...

Commers usually run either 14" or 15" rims. I recall somebody running 15" rims getting a set of 14" and swapping to those with partially flat old tyres which then allowed their camper to just fit into their garage. The PCD for a Commer is 5 x 127, so possibly 13" rims might work if more height clearance is required, having no tyres would gain a few more inches. The only downside would be changing wheels each time, probably OK for over wintering ...
 
My garage was built in the 1930's so has double doors, there's just enough headroom to drive the Auto-Sleeper in. The previous owner of the house had a caravan so he made a hinged flap above the doors and fitted big double doors to the other end of the garage so he could push the caravan right through to a hard standing at the back. If there's enough headroom inside your garage it maght be worth considering the flap option.
 
Have you measured from the bottom of the lintel to floor? If high enough could you put in barn doors with no timber top piece?
 
Just measured and mine is 2200mm to bottom of 9in aprox ‘catnic’ lintel (truss roof, plasterboard ceiling 2400mm) could swap steel lintel for concrete and pack up and that woulf give you a few more inches. So that might work unless you have a floor above and a high top coach built commer, then you’re probably stuffed???
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top