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Joe Westy
Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2009
Posts: 75
Location: SLC,UT
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 Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 4:17 pm Post subject: Car Covers |
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Does anyone have experience with Vanagons, car covers, and snowy weather? Unfortunately, the tiny one-car garage attached to my old Victorian house will not accomodate the van. There's a little bar on the garage door opener that hangs down about an inch too low when the door is open. I may try and engineer a solution to get more clearance from this bar, but in the meantime I'm considering a car cover.
I live in the lower elevations of the Rockies so in the winter we'll have snow typically followed by clear and dry weather as opposed to wet and humid conditions all the time. I know some covers are supposed to breathe and allow water vapor to escape. I'm wondering if I'll still have condensation issues when dealing with cold temps and snow regardless of the material or if the benefits of a cover simply outweigh any of the potential negatives.
Is keeping snow off of the cover and removing it during stretches of mild and dry weather a smart move versus leaving the cover on all the time? I plan to drive her every week or so anyway. If anyone has had good luck with a particular brand breathing well or any winter car cover experience that they'd like to relate, I'd appreciate it. Is it worth the cost to get a good one or better to get a cheaper one and just take it off when the weather's clear? The idea of a completely naked Vanagon sitting in my driveway all winter enduring the daily freeze/thaw cycle just doesn't sit very well. Thanks guys. |
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markz2004
Samba Member
Joined: November 13, 2007
Posts: 947
Location: Portland, OR
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zerotofifty
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2003
Posts: 3755
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| Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 2:52 pm Post subject: |
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the white Tyvex car covers made by Budge are very nice, breathable yet water risistant. have keep many cars in them all winter long, no moisture probelms. have had probelms with other materials.
you might try a trick that allowed my Dad to get a cheaper rate on a ferry in Alaska in our Van, there was a charge for vehicle hieght, he was a couple inches too high for the lower rate, so he let some air out of the tires for the three day sailing . this lowered the van and we paid less.
maybe you can let a little air out to clear the bar? if long stoarage you should consider a jack to sopprt teh wieght so your not sitting on flat tires for long. (depends how much you need to let out I suppose) |
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Terry Kay
Banned
Joined: June 22, 2003
Posts: 13331
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| Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:20 pm Post subject: |
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www.Autoanything.com
Covercraft 3 ply Noah cover's are the best you can buy.
Not cheap--abut $250.00 , custom made for your Van, and they have a 5 year guarantee.
I have 4 of them on Vanagons & cars, and work very well.
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T.K. |
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edgood1
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004
Posts: 2115
Location: Plymouth, MA
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 9:00 am Post subject: |
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I bought the revolution deluxe car cover from cip1 for my splitty.
The cover literally disintegrated after just a few months of snow. After the snow melted and it dried out it was stuck to the bus. just touching the cover turned it to dust. I bought it in January and it was trashed by April. I called CIP1 to complain but they didn't care.
Avoid this one.
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1987 Syncro Westfalia powered by Subaru
1963 Panel to Deluxe Bus project :::: (photo album)
'65 Westfalia |
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dubstar
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Joined: January 17, 2009
Posts: 1438
Location: New York
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ajdenette
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Joined: February 15, 2009
Posts: 768
Location: Hope Valley RI
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WestyBob
Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2004
Posts: 2346
Location: Portland, Oregon
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:28 am Post subject: Re: Car Covers |
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| Joe Westy wrote: |
| Does anyone have experience with Vanagons, car covers, and snowy weather? |
Many years ago I bought one from BusDepot called Just Kampers that I'm still using today on my westy syncro here in the PNW (rain-rain). I've been real impressed with it's fit and durability plus two bottom cinch straps that keep the cover from buffeting the paint in winds. A few years later I bought a second one for a hard-top syncro (it'll fit these as well). They've kept my rigs reasonably dry throughout the wet season and 'breathe' as well as can be expected.
I haven't checked to see if BD still carries them -- think I paid something like $120 for each back then. |
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Joe Westy
Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2009
Posts: 75
Location: SLC,UT
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:37 pm Post subject: Car Covers |
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| ajdenette wrote: |
| Remove the arm and unplug the opener with the van out of the way then open the door. Drive the westy in and close the door put the brace back in to lock the door closed. |
Your idea may very well work, thanks for the info. That one falls into the "now why didn't I think of that" category for sure. Duh! Don't tell me I could've had it in there all summer! C'est la vie.
I may be stuck buying a cover anyway if my wife continues to insist on parking her beloved little spotless '99 Honda Prelude, of all things, in the garage instead of the Vanagon this winter. She really loves the Westy, but commutes every day and would love to keep her sporty little baby out of the snow and in the garage. We may have to negotiate something on this one. It's a vintage vehicle thing baby! The 10-years-younger Honda will be just fine out in the snow and cold. Wait, how about a car cover for the Honda instead! Ok, now we're thinking....
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'90 Vanagon GL
Last edited by Joe Westy on Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:58 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Busdepot
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Joined: March 24, 2004
Posts: 1358
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:58 pm Post subject: Re: Car Covers |
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| Quote: |
Many years ago I bought one from BusDepot called Just Kampers that I'm still using today on my westy syncro here in the PNW (rain-rain). I've been real impressed with it's fit and durability plus two bottom cinch straps that keep the cover from buffeting the paint in winds. A few years later I bought a second one for a hard-top syncro (it'll fit these as well). They've kept my rigs reasonably dry throughout the wet season and 'breathe' as well as can be expected.
I haven't checked to see if BD still carries them -- think I paid something like $120 for each back then. |
Yes, we still have it, although we're awaiting a new shipment (due in about 6-7 weeks). It's a great cover, and really keeps your Vanagon dry (having been designed for the British market, where a sunny day is a rarity  ) One unique feature is that it has zippers allowing you to get inside your Vanagon to retrieve belongings or start it periodically. For all but the nastiest winter climates, it's definitely what I'd buy. Here's the link:
http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=A0273
We also sell a Stormshield cover for $279 that is probably the best cover currently available for severe winter climates (although it lacks the zippered access):
http://www.busdepot.com/details/covers.jsp
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The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com |
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ajdenette
Samba Member
Joined: February 15, 2009
Posts: 768
Location: Hope Valley RI
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:46 pm Post subject: |
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Wait a garage is for parking a running car?  we rarely do that but my garage s not tall enough to have the rear of my Syncro in the air and open the door so this is a regular move for me occasionally the top of the door is also notched to even allow the electric opener track to occupy the space. We have a 2 car garage and can’t remember parking 2 cars in the garage with license plates since it has been finished.  There is almost always one car in pieces in one bay. 
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1985 2wd Westy with 2000 Subaru 2.2 current driver
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=685635
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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=732777
1990 Vanagon Syncro Base awaiting body work |
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jnocher
Samba Member
Joined: January 29, 2008
Posts: 2
Location: Montgomery IL.
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| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 6:25 pm Post subject: Car cover |
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| Try letting some air out of your tires you should gain a inch or so for clearance to pull in your garage.Hope that helped John |
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2dogs1van
Samba Member
Joined: September 17, 2013
Posts: 113
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2015 9:34 am Post subject: Re: Car Covers |
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Hi all. Relative vanagon neophyte here, so thank you for your help! I'll be spending the winter in Florida and I have to leave my vanagon in an uncovered driveway this winter as I can't find reasonable covered storage. I have a custom made vanagon car cover but Im wondering if it would only trap moisture (which we have a lot of in Seattle) in the van and cause damage. A search turned up this thread, but I'm wondering if anyone has any more information or new advice. Should I cover the van and put "damp-rid" inside? Should I also disconnect the batteries? Or plug in a trickle charger? Thank you very much.
Mark |
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yiucycle
Samba Member
Joined: August 22, 2007
Posts: 421
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2015 9:48 am Post subject: Re: Car Covers |
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I use Damp-rid and im in Southern California inland where is mostly sunny and dry. Im surprise how much moisture it capture from damp rid. Def recommend it.
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1980 2.8LV6 Fiero ASI/Riviera Vanagon
"there is no point in being embarrassed of all the stupid shit i done and will continue to do"
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davevickery
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005
Posts: 2887
Location: Fort Collins, CO
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2015 10:04 am Post subject: Re: Car Covers |
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I bought one of those fairly thick 3 or 4 layer custom fit ones from covercraft or a similar company. It was about $250 so not a cheap one.
Couple thoughts on what I found and did not initially think about.
1. The thicker they are the bulkier to store and harder to put on. It would provide a little extra cushion for hail.
2. The custom fit is nice and snug and looks awesome, also makes it a little harder to put on. Adding a roof rack rocket box or other accessories like a tire rack and it won't fit.
3. The 3 or 4 layer still isn't waterproof so it will get wet and take longer to dry which is probably not a good thing have the moisture right up against the van. Then when it refreezes it sticks. Most seem to be made of similar soft almost absorbent material although the outer layer does shed water, no way the van stays totally dry.
I think you want them to dry as quick as possible. So now I'm thinking a breathable tyvek type lightweight cover would be better. |
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dobryan
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Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 17131
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2015 10:26 am Post subject: Re: Car Covers |
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| markscullen wrote: |
Hi all. Relative vanagon neophyte here, so thank you for your help! I'll be spending the winter in Florida and I have to leave my vanagon in an uncovered driveway this winter as I can't find reasonable covered storage. I have a custom made vanagon car cover but Im wondering if it would only trap moisture (which we have a lot of in Seattle) in the van and cause damage. A search turned up this thread, but I'm wondering if anyone has any more information or new advice. Should I cover the van and put "damp-rid" inside? Should I also disconnect the batteries? Or plug in a trickle charger? Thank you very much.
Mark |
I'd wash it and wax it. Use the damp rid or similar, battery trickle charger. No cover.....
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2010 Subaru EJ25 (Vanaru) and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646
Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371
The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794 |
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WestyBob
Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2004
Posts: 2346
Location: Portland, Oregon
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2015 11:21 am Post subject: Re: Car Covers |
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Mark - some things I do to winterize in Pdx when leaving outside ...
Crack the two front door windows slightly about 1/2 inch. If you have a skylight, crack that open about the same amount.
Remove the battery(s) and store somewhere warmer/dry if possible. If not, disconnect them.
Remove any water from the inside like bottles, jugs, etc.
Empty your westy water carrier if you have one.
Put your cover on and make sure it's secured so it doesn't flap in wind or it could burnish your paint.
There's a trade-off with weather covers. Absolute waterproof means greater potential for inside water damage ala mold and etc. if there's enough water moisture in the (inside) air. Water repellent covers of different grades will allow some moisture weepage to the vehicle outside but will also allow breathing.
The venting I described above will help dissipate inside moisture (humidity), especially during those days between rain and etc. when it may get some sun and dry out a bit.
The 'weeping' covers will not harm your paint or etc as the little amount of moisture getting underneath will likewise dissipate during clear days. You just don't want it to be wet all the time.
Last, if you have time, try to find out what type of cover you have. |
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Busdepot
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004
Posts: 1358
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2015 12:05 pm Post subject: Re: Car Covers |
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| Quote: |
| Many years ago I bought one from BusDepot that I'm still using today on my westy syncro here in the PNW (rain-rain). I've been real impressed with it's fit and durability plus two bottom cinch straps that keep the cover from buffeting the paint in winds. A few years later I bought a second one for a hard-top syncro (it'll fit these as well). They've kept my rigs reasonably dry throughout the wet season and 'breathe' as well as can be expected. |
We now have a new 4th generation version of this cover. I would definitely recommend it over anything else even remotely near the price (including the other ones that we sell). I use the previous version on my Westy and it takes anything Pennsylvania can throw at it. We get more annual rainfall here than Seattle does, plus 2 feet of snow in the winter and temps near 100 degrees in the summer.
Also it has zippered doors that allow you to access the van, which is really useful for airing it out, retrieving belongings, and starting it up periodically.
Prior versions fit both Bus and Vanagon. The new one is Vanagon specific, which allows it to be just a tad larger. As such it will now accommodate Vanagons and Westies with retractable awnings as well.
Link: http://www.busdepot.com/J39910
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The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com |
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2dogs1van
Samba Member
Joined: September 17, 2013
Posts: 113
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2015 8:06 pm Post subject: Re: Car Covers |
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| Thank you all for your helpful advice; I'll follow WestyBob's suggestions since he has experience in Portland which has a similar climate to Seattle. And I think I'll ask for new BusDepot cover from Santa this year! Mark |
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connorsvw2
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2008
Posts: 358
Location: Denver, CO
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2015 10:46 pm Post subject: Re: Car Covers |
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I like the Noah for year- round use in Denver. 3 issues though:
1) it can freeze on in snow/melt cycles and you won't be getting it off until next warm day.
2) my repainted clear coat doesn't like cover contact points and wants to peel off. Factory clear coat seems fine.
3) squirrels like to chew chunks out in the deepest part of winter, presumably to augment their nests in extreme cold. I remove the cover in deep winter to prevent damage. Can ruin a $250 cover very quickly...
YMMV.
Connor
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'85 Westy Wolfsburg camper/2002 2.5 Subaru since 2003.
'85 GTI 1.8L 1-owner 8v-gave up on 9A 2.0L 16v transplant. Keeping her stock!
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, 16" wheels
