Best Outdoor Cover

[nealf]

I have been speaking with a fellow coupster about this and wanted some more opinions. He suggested Covercraft Weathershield. Anybody else able to endorse? I live in PA, so lots of rain, some snow from time to time, and lots of tree debris at my house. This is for my soon-to-be-painted Bavaria.

Thanks.

nf
'70 2800CS (fresh off a 1000 mile trip to V@V)
'72 Bavaria 3.0
'73 2002

 

[30csl]

I'm thinking of getting an outdoor carcoon for a merc sl I have. They seem to get good reviews as long as the car doesnt need to be taken out that often - so ideal for winter put away.

Anyone here used one?

 

[bert35csi]

I concur with your friend about the Covercraft Weathershield. It's ultra compact and repels moisture and rain pretty well (not water proof), any moisture that is on the car will evaporate within a few hours. I used mines almost on a daily basis for about 6 years before the cover finally started tearing. The reason for it's longevity is the Weathershield fabric is wovened whereas most other covers are laminated bits and pieces of synthetic materials (pretty much like particle boards) and they are very bulky. These lesser covers will start to disintegrate within 2 years or so. I've also owned one of these cheaper ones also so I know about their shortcomings.

If your car is newly painted, do not use a car cover on it for at least 6 months. Apparently the new paint is still giving off fumes during this 'curing' time and has not fully hardened, thereby the paint is easily scratch, especially by all the sewn seams of the cover. This is exacerbated by the constant tugging of the cover by the flapping wind and by the taking off and putting back on of the car cover.

The only negative thing about covercraft is that their covers for the CS don't come with side mirror pockets (your request for mirror pockets will be ignored). So you'll need to readjust your side mirrors constantly, just a minor hassle.

Bert
72 3.5 CSi
88 M6

 

[bmwmadman]

I bought a Weathershield cover from Coast Car Covers. (www.coastcarcovers.com). Since I have a 2 yr old, I also elected to have them sew in an additional layer of Block it 400 around the perimeter of the car - So there would be some cushion in case he was swinging a stick or something. For an additional price they can also make custom mirror pockets. I am very happy with the cover. It is made for outdoor use, but I also live is a sunny climate. If your in the Northeast of somewhere that is harsher, you might elect for a portable garage units or something.....

 

[blumax]

Suggestion for Neal--after V @ V and return to SoCal

Contact John Lazenby @ Royze, Inc. an import parts distributor now in Anaheim, California @ 800-421-2011 and ask for John "regarding a BMW matter"--tell them Murray Fowler sent me.

John is the owner, a good friend and dedicated BMW owner--the Bavaria was always one of his favorites and he has been in mine--he used to drive the "Neu Klasse" cars from the original BMW Long Beach Harbor receiving facility starting in about 1966 to one of the first BMW Dealers here in Orange County--he also has one of the finest collections of early Chrysler 300's in the country along with a rare, surviving, low mileage 1956 Chrysler NY station wagons--one of 4 or 5 left--and a stunning 1955 Chrysler Imperial hardtop.

John has been representing Covercraft and other sources for many years here in SoCal and willl give you sound advice for the best solution to your need..

Good getting acquainted with you Neal at V@V.

 

[cpeavey]

I've used car covers regularly for over 25 years. I used cotton covers most of that time, when I was living in CA. On the east coast, I switched to NOAH and most recently to the Weatherguard material on my 2002.

The Weatherguard cover is holding up the best in regular, all-season outdoor use. But it's an absolute pain to handle. Even without any wind, it has almost no friction against the car and wants to slide off onto the ground while being folded. I always fold covers up from the sides and then roll them from front to back. This one starts sliding off as soon as I fold up one side and I have to race around to the opposite side before I lose it. Add a little breeze, and forget it! The NOAH fabric is a lot easier to handle. So there is a tradeoff, depending on how frequently you will be putting it on and taking it off. Something to consider.

Charlie

 

[tightbox]

Murray's guy John recommends a Noah cover for long term outdoor (wet) storage, regardless of price.

 

[Bill Riblett]

Another vote for the Weathershield covers. Buy the Heavy Duty version - they last longer.

 

[glenn in encinitas]

Another vote for Weathershield HP. Their biggest problem is the elastic edge fails after a year or so and it's easier to stitch in a replacement than it is to return it.

 

[vraned]

I've used Noah for the last 10 years on a number of cars. The cover on my bav disintegrated about a month ago after about five years of constant exposure to the Bay Area climate. Pretty good weight against driveway & garage rash. Although, I always found a layer of fine dust on the car after rain: especially noticeable on a black car. There might be better materials to protect against this.

 

[Tyler]

Rohan, I have an outdoor Carcoon for my Abarth, and can wholeheartedly endorse the product. It takes me about 5 minutes to remove it and roll it up, most of that from letting the air out so its easier to roll. It even comes with a battery trickle charger.

I use a Covercraft Weathershield for the CSL when I'm too lazy to get it back to the garage over a weekend. Its not even remotely comparable to the Carcoon, but still a very good product.

 

[decampos]

I bought a custom made (E9) storm-proof cover from these guys here in the UK.
http://www.specialisedcovers.com/
Fits like a glove and is easy to put on.