To cover or not to cover?

[roymcavoy]

Hi there

I live in Manchester (it rains a fair amount) and have a 1981 T25 that I love. I've had it for three years now, and over that time i've kept it covered with a waterproof cover when not using it in order to protect it from the elements.

I'm not 100% sure if the cover is breathable, but it is a specialist campervan cover that was handed over from the previous owners. It has a few small holes in that i've covered with some gaffer tape but nothing major.

I always thought this was the best thing to do to protect against rust, until my dad took his van into see a mechanic for an MOT. The mechanic told him that keeping the van under a cover is the worst thing you could possibly do as that keeps the moisture in - and speeds up the rusting process.

Thus leaving me confused.

I couldn't tell you if there is any more or less bubbling on the van since we bought it, but when we leave it over the winter there is a reasonable amount of damp inside after a few months...i've solved this with a dehumidifier since.

I Waxoyl underneath before the start of every winter.

So what do people think...to cover or not to cover???

Any help much appreciated.

[kevtherev]

Not cover.
Canuba wax is all you need.

[SamsBus2012]

Got to agree. I've only had the van for three winters and bought a "breathable" waterproof cover for the last. The van "sweated" like a pig and I don't think the cover was that waterproof either as it did little to keep out the front leaks (I just need to bight the bullet on that issue and get the screen out etc). Also I live in the south west and with the winds we had down here early this year the van either resembled: 1. a spinnaker on a yacht or 2. something from some bizarre bondage film (apparently!) with the level of tying down needed to stop 1.. Van will remain au naturel this winter once more. Got a cheap cover for sale if anyone wants one!

[fazzer]

Don't cover ,covered mine for 6 months and it ruined the paint work.

[Florence79]

This has given me something to think about. I've covered my Vanagon California for the last three winters as I moved from a house where I had a car port. I've noticed that some areas of my paintwork have deteriated, and funnily enough I noticed too that it didn't stop my footwell leaks This year the mould on the roof felt was awful so I'm thinking come this winter I'll be leaving her naked!! Thanks for this post!!

[SamsBus2012]

Free and in the breeze is the only way - as Kev suggested, go for an all over waxing - getting my stocks in now.

[monster]

Can this wax be used on matt paint ?

Sarah

[kevtherev]

yes!
There's a wax for matt paint too.
http://www.swissvax.co.uk/product_detai ... wax_50ml_2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Swisswax is about the same price as any other quality wax.
It should last you years!
just apply twice a year, wash with car shampoo.