to cover or not to cover

tfetterer · 09-27-2007, 11:37 PM

Have a new safari facing its first winter. We have no under cover storage for it here in Boulder Colorado. Should we get a cover for it or is the cover a waste of time and money? Is there any down side to covering the trailer?

InsideOut · 09-27-2007, 11:54 PM

Well, most will say "no - don't do it". Some have differing opinions...there is a long discussion on this very topic here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f161...eam-34310.html

This will bring you up to speed ~

Oh and BTW - welcome to the forums neighbor -from one who does not use a cover and parks outdors here in Colorado.

Shari

TBRich · 09-27-2007, 11:58 PM

You've asked a much-discussed question that has many varying opinions... Here's at least one recent thread that you can read through and see what people say... I'm sure there are more threads discussing this...try doing a search and see what you come up with. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f161...eam-34310.html

Many owners say it's not good to cover Aristreams because of the aluminum, clear coat, etc, while others say it's not a problem with newer cover systems, etc... Like I said...lots of opinions on this.

We have chosen not to cover ours with a cloth cover or canvas, but it is protected under a "Bambi Port" we built on the side our house...and we keep it washed and will wax it about every 6 months to keep it looking new and fresh. Older Airstreams may have difference needs, too, as the aluminum and clearcoat on older ASs are different than newer ones.

Good luck! What it really boils down to is what you're comfortable with and what makes sense to you...
TB

Fyrzowt · 09-27-2007, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfetterer

Have a new safari facing its first winter. We have no under cover storage for it here in Boulder Colorado. Should we get a cover for it or is the cover a waste of time and money? Is there any down side to covering the trailer?

Most say no soft cover that will touch the trailer. By all means if you can get it under a roof of some sort.
Do check out the thread provided above, it will give you a lot to think about.
Dave

tfetterer · 09-28-2007, 12:26 AM

All,
lots of info here and I appreciate your input and references.

68 Overlander · 09-28-2007, 01:53 AM

I'd say it depends on why you bought it. I have a 68 in storage that has cost me more that its worth under cover and I've never slept in it. Total waste of money but it is what it is.
I also have a brand new TC and an older 81 AS that I let get wet and snowed on but it's my "cabin" so I want it ready to go in a minute.
Boulder is brutal territory so why not see if the girl will winter and decide next year. I like testing extremes with them so you have a reference for the future. Can you tend to it over the winter? I would not cover it with a tarp or anything that touches the skin but I know people do.

craftsman · 09-28-2007, 06:26 AM

I'm one of the few advocates for covers as you'll read on the recommended thread. I think a lot of the advice for not covering an Airstream comes from a time when the clear coat was sprayed on by Airstream themselves. In conversations with both Alcoa and Airstream I'm comfortable in covering my new 2007 Classic. I don't think in any post that I've read on this forum has the opinion for not covering an Airstream come from first hand experience. The factory , if asked will tell you that they don't recommend covers but if you persist and dig a little deeper you get a slightly revised answer. No one recommends throwing a plastic tarp over your Airstream for protection but ask yourself why a $250, 000.00 exotic car can survive a quality cover and a new Airstreams clear coat can't hold up. My advice would be to do your own research because the party line is "you can't cover an Airstream".

FreshAir · 09-28-2007, 07:42 AM

We get snow here on the west slope of the Sierra occassionally. Last Feb we got 9" on top of what is in the photo. It was a good test for the Trade Wind but this year it is going under the portable garage I kept the convertible in. I extended and heightened the garage to be sure all of the TW is under it. The only downside is having to go out in the snowfall to knock any accumulation from the garage covering. But your snow in CO. would be too much for my type of garage. There are approved snow load portables available. Oh.....the convertible is getting it's own new p-garage

dantheman972 · 09-16-2008, 01:14 PM

I would recommend something that does not actually lay on it directly. the best option is a overhead carport.