Apologies again a question from a new member asking something that may have already been discussed to death. When we got our new Troll GT it was so silver and shiny that we decided to buy a bespoke breathable cover for it to keep off the worst of the winter weather.

Now that weather is upon us we are having second thoughts on putting the cover on. We have noticed that many people who live near us with caravans don't bother with any cover at all and this made us think that if they were such a good idea everyone would have one. When we first got the Eriba we did have a large tree that shed lots of leaves on the roof of the van but we have since had to have the tree taken down for other reasons, so this is no longer a factor.

What are the pros and cons of covering your Eriba and would people recommend it or not? Thanks in advance.

I think a cover is very beneficial in the winter months. If you got one I would recommend you use it and apart from winter weather it helps protect from ultra violet damage. Can be a faff getting it on especially when it's windy but worth it I think. Best of luck , Paul

They're absolute rubbish !

More trouble than they're worth.

I've heard of people being blown into the next county just trying to put one on.

Then you'll have to put up with the comments from the neighbours!

No don't bother.

Mind if you want to get rid of it, and bearing in mind we should be helpful on this site, I know someone with a troll who'll take it off your hands(cheap).















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Remember to take the precaution of protecting your chimney

No brainer. Cover it if you don't intend using the van before March / April.

Stewart

Well just to put my tuppence in, I would and do cover mine. The winter months are wet that encourages verdigris and moss, also birds poo stays slimy and the acid in it can deeply stain the roof and bodywork, leaves also site on the roof and stain it a nice brown colour that is quite difficult to erase. Unless you are a polishing fanatic a cover can save a lot of hard work in the spring. The only time that I would not cover it is if I was a winter caravaner , which I am not.
Mine has now been covered since the end of October and won't be uncovered before March.

Definitely cover it, for starters you are avoiding the degradation of the GRP roof fronm the UV sunlight whilst it is on. Algae needs sunlight to thrive so you are cutting out their food source and the build up in the gutters and poptop rubbers etc. You are also cutting down the risk of water getting into small gaps, freezing and then blowing. If you don't cover it you will have to wash it regularly during the winter months to keep the black streaks at bay and the roof clean, especially if your van is near trees, bird line will burn the gel coating on the roof if you don't get it off quickly, leaves can also stain the GRP as they decompose.

The secret is to prep your van before the cover is placed and you will be rewarded with a gleaming van in the spring when the cover comes off..

cosy.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte) NO ! Don't cover it, buy our house and keep it in the barn, it is big enough for 3 Eribas

Quote: Bryn wrote in post #8

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NO ! Don't cover it, buy our house and keep it in the barn, it is big enough for 3 Eribas

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Cover it in the barn essential. Birds and bats can have a field day!!!

Stewart

Ours is in a lock-up. Nice and dry and airy. It doesn't cost very much but she has, apparently, always lived indoors and I'm sure that's why she's in such great shape for her years!

I have done exactly as Aaron but have added a 500 watt convection heater at a low setting. Have done this for several winters without mishap.

Stewart

For the last two years I haven't used any heating in the van when winterised ever since my mates mini oil rad produced a leak and nearly set fire to his house... , I have toyed with the idea of a garage frost heater.

Instead of an oil heater I bought one of these and have found it to be very effective.
Unlike an oil heater it heats up very quickly.
It is only 700w max and has a temperature setting and so can have a range of uses.
We had it going when we were 'adventuring' and the weather was really cold a couple of weeks ago.
It was very effective. Also being small it fits nicely in the wardrobe cavity for storage.

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