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quoteWant to make a clean arrival after a long journey? How about a caravan towing cover…
Covering up, moving on
Ever wondered why some owners add a cover to the front of their caravan before venturing out on the roads? It might look a bit strange, but it’s a proven, effective way of adding a layer of protection to your pride and joy.
Interestingly, it wasn’t until a major caravan manufacturer introduced a new bodywork construction that the concept of a towing cover was first mooted.
The story goes, Protec – already established as the leading exponent of covers for caravans kept in storage – was approached to apply its technology to a cover that could offer protection whilst on the move.
More recently, we’ve seen ever curvier profiles to new caravans that have meant moving on from a generic, one-cover-fits-all, to tailored designs. Towing covers are now also referred to as towing jackets.
What does a towing cover or towing jacket do?
It’s an effective barrier to dead insects, mud splashes, stone chips, general road muck and grime, and even water damage, which the front of any caravan is prone to when it’s being towed.
Even fumes coming from your tow car’s exhaust can mark your caravan’s glistening white bodywork. And powerful sun can also have a damaging effect on your caravan.
One other aspect – a towing cover can cut out any glare caused by bright lights reflecting off the caravan’s front windows and/or bodywork – including the glare off a rear foglight.
Look on it as an added layer of protection. A good quality towing cover will prevent all manner of minor damage to bodywork and windows.
So, never mind a clean getaway, these items are about making a clean arrival. It’s also true to say more and more owners are discovering the benefits of such covers – you can see the evidence for yourself on towed caravans on our roads – as well as the particularly immaculate fronts when they’re parked up on site!
Top towing cover tips
- Although not necessarily illegal, make sure any road lights aren’t obstructed by a cover. Likewise, if you get the right cover it will also allow reflectors to still be seen.
- Packing away is easy. Covers are really just like large, waterproof sheets. A quick shake should be enough to get rid of any excess water, then they can easily be folded up and tucked away.
- Get an interior lining that won’t soak up water. You might also want to consider the suggestion from Protec, that the underside of the cover should be white, to avoid the risk of transferring any colour from the fabric to the bodywork.
- Remember, these covers are designed for towing and are not to give protection when your caravan is stationary, e.g. in storage.
- Your cover should be clean before you add a towing cover. That’s because any bits of grit, no matter how tiny, can have an abrasive effect as the cover moves during any journey – which could cause scratches to appear on the caravan.
- Don’t forget, also, other covers are available for specialist items, such as bikes, that you might want to cover up whilst towing.
Star Player #1
Protec Towing Jacket
Launched in 2018, Protec Covers says their Towing Jacket revolutionised the towing cover industry.
These two-piece covers are incredibly straightforward to fit. Protec Covers claims one person can install the jacket in a couple of minutes, making it the easiest-to-use towing cover on the market.
Every Protec Towing Jacket is tailored to specific makes and models of a caravan for a snug fit and they’re made from a breathable fabric with a soft lining so it won’t scratch your paintwork.
These towing covers are available in black, blue, grey, and green and are made from a water-resistant PROTEX003 fabric. You can also have optional grab-handle access and the ability to customise or personalise your cover with bespoke logos or names should you wish.
Price from £245 to £305
Key features Easy to fit, road legal, exclusive Towing Jacket design with heavy duty zip, 3-ply fabric, one-year warranty, gas and locker box access
More info www.pro-teccovers.co.uk
Star Player #2
Crusader Caravan Front Cover
A one-size fits all budget product that comes with eight adjustable attachment straps at each side. As well as reflective strips, this towing cover comes with twin, built-in, LED lights, powered by three AAA batteries.
It offers four-layer protection from UV rays and is water-repellent. It is 215 to 250 cm wide.
Price from £99
Key features Four layer protection, breathable non-woven fabric, even adjustable straps on each side, and reflective strips
More info www.crusaderproducts.co.uk
Star Player #3
Tow Pro
Made using Specialised Covers’ innovative and best-selling Stormshield fabric which is strong, waterproof, durable, and breathable, Tow Pro covers are one of the most popular ranges of covers on the market.
Featuring zip-fitting elasticised side panels, resulting in a snug fit, the Tow Pros are easy to fit and can easily be put on and taken off by just one person.
The Tow Pro comes in six different varieties – the Tow Pro Lite, Tow Pro, Tow Pro+, Tow Pro Infinity, Tow Pro Elite, and the Tow Pro Infinity Elite – with prices starting from £199.
The Tow Pro, Tow Pro+ and Tow Pro Elite are available for all 2012 caravans onwards and are tailored for each make and model. The Tow Pro Lite version offers a universal option for caravans prior 2012 with two awning channels and no wider than 2.5m. The Tow Pro Infinity is taller to protect caravans with panoramic windows.
The customisable models allow for front locker access, zipped window access, perspex windows for caravan lights, and come in a choice of colours.
Specialised Covers have more than 35 years’ experience in the industry and are the official suppliers for Swift, Bailey, and Lunar.
Price from £199
Key features Stormshield fabric, quick-fit clips, clear lighting panels, contoured design, made in Yorkshire
More info www.specialisedcovers.com
Over to you…
Got any advice on choosing or using a caravan towing cover to pass on to other caravanners? Feel free to add your comments below.
Seems a fairly useless review to me where the reviewer has just used regurgitated the marketing blurb of the various companies. I don’t see any signs that the reviewer has actually tried to fit the covers to a caravan and then tried to tow the caravan with teh cover fitted to determine how it performs in the real world.
Our researcher is a seasoned caravanner so although hasn’t tested the product on this occasion, is very tuned into what makes a good product.
This advertisement is a bit outdated when was the last time you updated it?
It’s not an advertisement John it’s a gear guide. It was written in May 2016.
Very useful comments and article.
I used a Towing Cover for the first time last week end delighted to say it was easy to fit, arrived at our destination with no problem’s No Road Filth or Dead Insects, Stone Chips very easy to remove and store just the job for keeping our caravan clean,
Delighted with the result thank you very much Towsure
Interesting article We have just bought a winter cover and been looking for a towing cover but couldn’t make up our minds as to which one, this as helped thank you
Glad we could help.
Very interesting article and the price range is very good, definitely would like to invest in one
Hello dimmelow yes there is a towing cover that fits in the awning rail and the other side is secured with suction cups which work fine. If you are interested i have one which has been on a unicorn and the van is going next weekend.
Use the “Tow Pro” towing cover from Specialised Covers on my Bailey Unicorn 2 Valencia for 3 years now. Did develop an issue with the zip stitching pulling away from the elastic but Specialised Covers were quick to fix it. The cover is fantastic fits in seconds the material is just the right duty and light quick to dry and easy to store. I don’t know what state the caravan would be in without it …………….all that cleaning no thanks ! . (but quick wash the front windows before fitting to ensure there’s no dust/grit)
HAVE GOT BAILEY UNICORN MADRID YEAR 2011 WHICH ONLY HAS AWNING RAIL ON ONE SIDE,IS THEIR A COVER TO COMPENSATE THIS PROBLEM?.
I bought my first towing cover last year (a tow pro+) but the first time I put it on, the stitching started pulling holes in the elastic material. In no time this started ripping and fraying. I contacted Specialized Covers by email and included photos but never received a reply. I tried again then gave up.
I’m afraid the next time I’m considering buying one, I’ll:
1. Use a different manufacturer!
2. Keep away from the ‘custom’ versions that use elastic to tension the cover instead of straps.
3. Keep emailing and phoning if there’s a problem-it seems making yourself a nuisance is the only way to get attention.
Hi Alan
We contacted Specialised Covers to highlight your concerns and here is their response:
“We are very sorry to hear you are having issues with your cover. I can assure you at Specialised Covers our customer’s concerns are taken very seriously. We have checked our records and unfortunately cannot find any email or details regarding a return issue. We will however be calling you today to follow up on the issue and get it resolved asap. Again, we are sorry for any confusion we have caused.”
Thanks
Katie
We’re pleased to report that Alan has now had his cover repaired by Specialised Covers. Here’s his response:
“I’m happy to be able to tell you that my tow cover has now been repaired by Specialised Covers following your help in contacting them on my behalf.
They duly contacted me and made arrangements for it to be picked up at my convenience.
A couple of weeks later, they informed me that it was being despatched on a next day service.
Really excellent response from them but also a big thank you to you as I had given up!
Now looking forward to getting out and about again and seeing more of this lovely country we live in.”
Thanks for the update Alan and happy caravanning! 🙂
good useful article. I was in the process of buying a cover and this has helped the decision on which supplier to use, however the link to the competition does not work- it will accept details but not log the entry
Thanks Sarah. Sorry about the problems with the form – it’s working now.
Interesting article – but when I came to enter the competition to WIN a towing cover, the link wouldn’t work! So less than impressed by that!
Thanks for your comments Lindy. We’ve fixed the link now and it’s working if you want to try again. Good luck!