Outdoor covers

[velocemitch]

Probably been discussed before, but given the Pistonheads search function is a bit... well
I’m looking for a new cover for my Alfa, I’ve been using what was purportedly a good quality breathable one, it’s delaminating and wearing out after just over two years, so that’s one make I will be avoiding. I won’t name it directly.
I’m willing to go up to about £200.00
Any good experience?

[healeyfan]

Just don't. Spend the extra money on a Carcoon it's worth it.

[w1bbles]

I'm having the same discussion at home. Carcoon's website is a bit vague about the buying process. If your size is not in stock you go onto a waiting list. I dropped them an email to ask at some point last week - I'm about to give them a call to follow up.

[healeyfan]

Demon Tweeks is your friend but as with everything now delays are the norm. Blame BJ.

[velocemitch]

healeyfan said:

Just don't. Spend the extra money on a Carcoon it's worth it.

Haven’t the space, I did consider it and would much prefer one though.

[TC7]

Buy a Stormforce all weather cover, as long as the cars clean you'll get light hazing if that.I had one on my Focus RS for 5 years before i had a garage and it was mint. it looked like it delaminated a bit, but stayed bone dry underneath and the straps are a bit crap after the wind pulls at them but employ the mother in law with a needle to reinforce them like i did and it'll be fine :

[velocemitch]

TC7 said:

Buy a Stormforce all weather cover, as long as the cars clean you'll get light hazing if that.I had one on my Focus RS for 5 years before i had a garage and it was mint. it looked like it delaminated a bit, but stayed bone dry underneath and the straps are a bit crap after the wind pulls at them but employ the mother in law with a needle to reinforce them like i did and it'll be fine :

Won’t be buying another Stormforce........

[lowdrag]

Well, if a Stormforce doesn't suit and you don't have the space for a Carcoon (which I give five stars) then I think I have the solution for you. Sell the car

[velocemitch]

lowdrag said:

Well, if a Stormforce doesn't suit and you don't have the space for a Carcoon (which I give five stars) then I think I have the solution for you. Sell the car

Don't tell the missis that.....

[//j17]

velocemitch said:

...it’s delaminating and wearing out after just over two years...

In my experience you've actually done well to get 2 years out of one. My history with outdoor car covers is one summer worth of natural UV treatment is enough to make it a bit brittle, then a good winter storm will have it tearing in the most brittle patches.

Either spash the case on a Carcoon or temporary garage or just keep washing and waxing it over the winter.

[darrenw]

My Mk1 Golf has spent the last three years living outdoors under one of these: https://www.concoursautoproducts.co.uk/ - the "Eclipse" level material I think it is. Can't fault it tbh, hasn't marked the paint (just make sure the car is clean and dry before you cover it), and there's no sign of it deteriorating or anything like that.

[aeropilot]

Blimey, OP is brave wanting to keep an Alfa under an outdoor cover.....!

[Plus8]

My advise would be don’t bother with cover, they become such a faff. Tied too tight and they ruin your paint, make it difficult to get in the car and look terrible. Too loose and the wind/rain/leaves will eventually damage it and the car it is supposed to be protecting. As stated the only viable option is a carcoon or a garage, neither of which the OP can consider. Keeping a classic car outside all year round is a nightmare.

[Deep Thought]

w1bbles said:

I'm having the same discussion at home. Carcoon's website is a bit vague about the buying process. If your size is not in stock you go onto a waiting list. I dropped them an email to ask at some point last week - I'm about to give them a call to follow up.

I had the same problem with Carcoon. Didnt like the idea of being on some vague waiting list and they never got back to me on timescales

So i went with the alternative from In The Garage

https://inthegarage.com/

Bought it off Amazon as it was the same price and better returns capability, but i'm well pleased with it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084ZXW3LM/ref...

Very thick plastic, robust, and i have a really soft elasticated indoor cover on the car first and then the carcoon, sorry "outdoor car shield" over it.

Not cheap, but much cheaper than getting a shed or garage built.

They rate well, their comms is much better and theres no issues getting parts etc.

[POORCARDEALER]

I have turned up at Carcoon and bought “bubbles” off the shelf on several occasions .

They are not great at answering the phone though !

[tracer.smart]

Deep Thought said:

I had the same problem with Carcoon. Didnt like the idea of being on some vague waiting list and they never got back to me on timescales

So i went with the alternative from In The Garage

https://inthegarage.com/

Bought it off Amazon as it was the same price and better returns capability, but i'm well pleased with it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084ZXW3LM/ref...

Very thick plastic, robust, and i have a really soft elasticated indoor cover on the car first and then the carcoon, sorry "outdoor car shield" over it.

Not cheap, but much cheaper than getting a shed or garage built.

They rate well, their comms is much better and theres no issues getting parts etc.

How are you going with the InTheGarage alternative in your second winter - still holding up ok?

[fox50]

Have a Moltex cover from Hamilton Classic,on my third one,they last around three years,my 987.2 Boxster is still unmarked,the new version has much better straps than before,would recommend.