Input on covers

GreatWhitehunter · Jul 4, 2012

Due to a recent job change the Dmax was becoming too expensive to operate day to day. So I decided to purchase a new car and reserve the Dmax for weekend hauling duties. Since I live in an area tha's heavily tree'd so I want to get a vehicle cover for my baby. I've been looking around online but seem not sure what's junk or not. I want a breathable cover so I eliminate any moisture issues. Does anyone have any insight or first hand experience with these covers?

Matt

Diamondpilot · Jul 4, 2012

Get a car port or garage. I have never been a fan unless its on a car or truck protected from the weather.

Chris

jeffsw6 · Jul 4, 2012

Around here you can buy portable car port kits that are basically like a big tent. They are cheap. I do not know if one would survive a strong thunderstorm, it would obviously need to be secured to the ground quite well, and the quality of the tarp and grommets would then either hold up to wind forces, or it wouldn't.

GreatWhitehunter · Jul 4, 2012

I've already got a carport, it's not high enough for the truck. The war dept already dislikes the current carport. So another one's not in the cards. A cover's my only option. I don't need it to last forever, just need to protect the truck from UV,bird,bugs.

jwstewar · Jul 8, 2012

If you put a cover on it while it is out in the weather, every corner of it will be rubbed down to bare metal within 6 months and then you will have rust. Why not just increase the height of the current carport?

yelbike · Jul 8, 2012

jeffsw6 said:
Around here you can buy portable car port kits that are basically like a big tent. They are cheap. I do not know if one would survive a strong thunderstorm, it would obviously need to be secured to the ground quite well, and the quality of the tarp and grommets would then either hold up to wind forces, or it wouldn't.

I've gone thru five of those tent garages, of varing quality and methodes of anchoring. After I got to the point of a good quality one with screw in anchors the rachet straps let go. I live in a very open area. I would recommend them unless your sure you are well covered from the wind, well anchored and only expect it to be temporary.

GreatWhitehunter · Jul 8, 2012

jwstewar said:
If you put a cover on it while it is out in the weather, every corner of it will be rubbed down to bare metal within 6 months and then you will have rust. Why not just increase the height of the current carport?

The carport I already have is full of other stuff. As I already stated I'm not getting another. Perhaps just regular waxing is the best option to protect the body from the sun.

yelbike said:
I've gone thru five of those tent garages, of varing quality and methodes of anchoring. After I got to the point of a good quality one with screw in anchors the rachet straps let go. I live in a very open area. I would recommend them unless your sure you are well covered from the wind, well anchored and only expect it to be temporary.

I bought my first carport from a dealer and it was no better quality than the TSC units. They're both made by Shelter Logic. The first one was destroyed by a wind storm. The one I have now has anchor bolts run through the four corner post. It's been up for over 5 years without any issues. It has survived Noreaster's and hurricanes. I'm starting to get tiny holes in the top, I've been repairing them with green duck tape. Seems to be working good so far. But the CP isn't an option for the truck at present.

Matt

Combustix · Jul 8, 2012

Build one that way you know the quality and how strong it is

GreatWhitehunter · Jul 8, 2012

Combustix said:
Build one that way you know the quality and how strong it is

I actually thought about that for a min. But we'll only be in this house another year or so(hopefully).
I then plant to buy in Southern NH, we'll either look for something with a large garage or build a pole barn or something. I was just looking for something simple for the time being.

Matt