What is the best outdoor cover?

[gnewman79]

My Caterham is mostly going to live outside and so to protect it I'd like to invest in a high-quality outdoor cover. I'd like something that is reasonably easy to take on and off, but most importantly offer great protection and the car to 'breathe'.

What is you experience of outdoor covers and are there any you would recommend please?

[RupertJames]

My Seven lives outside, and I bought a Hamilton cover after doing a good bit of research. I bought one as it seemed to keep popping up on various forums as one of the best covers for those whose pride and joy lives outside.  

It's 5 layers (if I recall correctly) and semi-fitted - this means that it's not a super tight fit, which can be slightly concerning at first as it seems a bit baggy, and not the super tailored fit of an indoor cover. I have read that this is in important design feature so the car can breathe, which makes sense. It does dissipate moisture very well, as I've found the car and cover to dry out surprisingly quickly after heavy downpours (I've never taken the cover off to find a wet or damp car). 

I'm pleased with mine so far, but I've only had it about 2 months so can't give any long term insights. It does appear to be pretty robust, so I don't have any doubts about it lasting a good while.  

Hope that helps!

Rupert

 

[Terence]

I don't know about "the best" as I have only used the one, but the Storm Car Cover I have is excellent. I can fully recommend it. I purchased the Voyager as it is both waterproof and breathable.

It is designed for the Seven, fits very well, and certainly protected mine last winter when I was having building work done at home. If you page down on their blog page you will see my green with yellow stripe car shown both half-undressed and fully covered!

https://www.stormcarcovers.co.uk/blogs/news

HTH

 

 

[SM25T]

.... a garage ? ....... sorry ... you did ask.

[Colin Cooper]

Mine has lived outside for the whole twelve years of my ownership (Terraced house SM25T). 

I have had several different types of cover including Caterham, but have settled on the Cover Zone Stormforce. Its a tailored fit, and seems to do the job. I did spray the latest when new with tent water proofing, that also has UV properties as the car faces directly south. I would recommend this as it certainly sheds water better than an untreated one. They come with a two year guarantee. 

It is also flexible enough to remove during cold weather; I use the car all year.

A thumbs up for Cover Zone by the way. I previously mistakenly bought the Monsoon, which is for summer only use that de-laminated. CZ replaced it without quibble, just charging postage.

Col 

 

[david2]

I have a specialised covers Stormshield plus and its great, fits like a glove with pockets for the mirrors, lights and even the spare tyre is a perfect fit. For the winter I have just invested in a permabagto try and keep everything in good nick, i'll see how that goes after its first winter with me.

[gnewman79]

Thanks for your suggestion and love the pic of your car :)

[gnewman79]

Thanks very much Rupert, an excellent recommendation I shall look forward to researching further.

[gnewman79]

Thanks Col. Great to read that CZ provide such great support.

[gnewman79]

I admire your commitment with the permabag.

[david2]

it looks like an ice covered zepplin at the moment, fingers crossed it works.

[GJKInce]

Another vote for the Specialised Covers Stormshield. I didn’t go for the Plus version as wasn’t fussed but the soft lining. The customer service is outstanding. I have spa mirrors on my stanchions which didn’t fit the cover when it arrived, “no problem we’ll arrange dpd to collect it, then send some more pictures and measurements and we’ll fix it and send it back. So sorry it wasn’t right” etc.

Perfect tailor made fit