MH Covers

[wingman]

Haven't seen a post on covers for some time and the most recent didn't get any replies.
My question is, can you get bespoke covers with a small clear roof panel to allow sunlight to a solar panel?
Question 2: If so, how does the condensation escape from this area because presumably, that part would not be semi-permeable.

Anyone got a cover with an aperture for a solar panel?

 

[timetochill]

Good question interested to await the response
Good thing about this site always helpful and loads of knowledge and experience we are learning fast fron FUN

 

[Wombles]

Bespoke covers with clear sections for solar panel to work definitely exist - will try & find out which company. Not sure if that popular as read that not a lot of output from panels in the winter (in UK) when most covers are usually used the most. May still be enough to trickle charge batteries though extra cost of cover might make plugging it into mains more viable? All depends on your individual application though....

 

[PaulyP]

I would have thought that they will have to be custom made as solar panels could be fitted anywhere on the roof.

 

[Wombles]

Found a comment on Out & About Live forum from 2008 that suggests that Pro-tec covers could make a bespoke cover with clear panel for where your solar panel is located. Couldn't find anything about this on their website so don't know if possible but worth calling them see http://www.pro-teccovers.co.uk/
email: info@proteccovers.com · tel: 01274 780088
Please let us know any outcome
We thought about this option but bought our 6m cover for £90 & very good so Pro-tec starting at around £379 are out of our budget although did notice that 10% off if Caravan Club members. They always have queues at the NEC Motorhome Show so probably offer special show prices too.
Our cover is this http://www.maypole.ltd.uk/Motorhome-Covers_56719 & best price I could find today is from here Broken Link Removed
Used these Maypole covers for many years when we had caravans & just as good on the motorhome - keeps it clean & it's breatheable so great budget option.

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[DuxDeluxe]

Bought a pro-tec cover for the first van. We were offered the option of a clear panel for solar.

The cover was used once only. It was a total pain in the backside to put on and to take off. Also a lot of stories about even top quality covers damaging the van by rubbing.

 

[Wombles]

Good to hear Pro-tec do that option for those that might want it I've also read about covers rubbing but in 10 years with caravans & the last year with our motorhome absolutely no sign of wear or any apparent damage or damp from using the Maypole breatheable covers & wheel covers Think having the straps tensioned & an elasticated skirt on the bottom edge helps stop most movement. Did do a couple of years with a caravan & no cover & had to keep washing it off (lots of birds poo) when not in use & even worse was the UV degradation as the newly fitted caravan plastics went yellow in a year! Using a cover kept our next caravan exterior like new - so much so that we made a good profit when we sold it. Caravan awning rails can damage covers but on the motorhome just have to cover the reversing camera with foam lagging & no other problems. They are a bit of a pain to put on but with 2 people, some brushes or poles & a bit of practise it's ok - once it's on top just pull along holding the sides. Always wash then Bobby Dazzle so no grit & slides on easier. Can understand why those lucky enough to be able to go away often might not bother though. In an ideal world would be nice to have a tall enough garage to drive the motorhome in to - note to self to buy Lottery ticket!

 

[wingman]

Thanks for all of the replies lads.
I've been umming and arring for some time about this covering malarkey; price, ease of fitting, damage etc.

Unfortunately, the MH is not parked on the drive, so I can't charge via an EHU. I just rely on the solar to keep leisure and vehicle batts topped up. The 'enhanced' solar controller harvests enough, even in winter.

I can get the MH out and bring it round for a wash (which I did last Sunday). I love cleaning it, but it's a shame to bung it back in its parking place for it to become rotten as a pear again! Despite best of intentions, I probably wont use it from November to February.

I'm aware of Protec's good name, but have been looking at a Company called 'Specialised Covers' ( specialisedcovers.com ). They do lots of bespoke Caravan and MoHo covers and the product seems similar to Protec. You can specify entry points, flues, aerials etc., but they don't mention solar panels.

I'm also aware of those that say that they bought one and don't use it because it's a nuisance to put it on. There are two of us, so it shouldn't be too much of a performance It was interesting to hear Wombles say that his Caravan exterior was like new, so pro's and con's eh?

Will probably give the above company a bell and do yet more umming and arring

 

[Wombles]

Specialised Covers is the other main bespoke cover company (again a large company with a busy stand at NEC Show) so will be interesting to know if they do clear panels for solar too. Wonder if anyone has done a diy clear panel on a cheaper cover & how well it works? Would also be interesting to know how many years different makes of covers last? In the past we have changed the Maypole every 2-3 years then sell it while still in reasonable working condition to help pay for a new replacement but we are fussy about keeping it clean & it does get bombarded by birds & with leaves!

 

[martin2603]

cover-systems.co.uk will make as required.01933 410851

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