FAQs
Here we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions but should you have any further doubts or questions then just give us a call on 01274 780088 and we be glad to be of assistance.
FAQs
Why should I buy a cover from Pro-Tec Covers?
Pro-Tec Covers have been trading in this market for over 20 years and during this time, we have used our existing skills and innovative thinking to be able to offer a market-leader in protective covers. Our fabric has been sourced specifically for the requirements of a long-lasting, quality product. We have been able to develop our ideas and techniques to produce covers that meet all the needs of the customer. Our fabric is waterproof, breathable, UV stabilised and has a soft inner lining. Unlike many other covers available, these qualities ensure a Pro-Tec cover repels water, allows moisture to escape from under the cover, doesn't disintegrate in the sun and won't damage windows or paintwork. Pro-Tec Covers is a family run business, who prides itself on the quality of its products, but also its service and we will strive as much as possible to go the extra mile for our customers. We are also extremely proud that unlike most other cover companies, all elements of our caravan covers and motorhome covers are not only sourced from, but manufactured within the UK.
Will the Pro-Tec cover cause condensation?
Unlike many lesser quality covers, the fabric used in Pro-Tec's covers has a patented breathable middle layer. Independant tests have shown that our fabric is 5x more breathable than our nearest competitors. Due to this, any moisture beneath the cover, or naturally occurring moisture within the air, is able to breathe out through the fabric and won't be trapped, reducing the risk of condensation, mould or mildew.
Will it scratch my van?
As long as the van is clean and free from debris when the cover is fitted, the soft inner lining will ensure no scratches or damage are caused to any area of your van.
Do I need to cover my windows before fitting the cover?
No, the soft inner lining of our fabric means no further covering of windows is required. In fact, we are still the only company to demonstrate this by placing some of our fabric onto a polishing buffer drill and working it against a perspex window. Nb - we have heard from customers who have been advised to cover their windows with cling film as a precautionary measure. Windows should never be covered with cling film under any circumstances. There is a chemical within the cling film that reacts with the perspex and can cause bubbling and severe damage to the window.
Do I have to wait until the van is dry or a dry day to fit the cover?
Thankfully despite the British weather, no you don't; due to the patented breathability of Pro-Tec's fabric, any moisture left on the van prior to fitting a cover, will breathe out naturally.
How long will my cover last?
Although Pro-Tec full covers are guaranteed for 3 years (towing covers 1 year), depending on location and usage our full covers generally range from 5-10 years lifespan. We have heard from customers who have had covers for up to 13 years. To help you increase the longevity of your cover, follow our easy cleaning instructions below.
How long can I leave my cover on for?
Pro-Tec's covers are designed to be an all-year round cover. With its UV stability, you are able to keep the cover on throughout the summer, as well as winter should you wish to. We have heard from a customer at a show who had told us how due to ill health he had left his cover on constantly for 3 years and upon returning to his caravan, found it to be in the same pristine state as when he had stored it originally.
Do you make roof only covers for either caravans or motorhomes?
Although in the past, we did make roof only covers for caravans and coachbuilt motorhomes, these were very difficult and cumbersome to fit. With the introduction of our exclusive EasyFit System® and the ease in which this enables full covers to be fitted, we made the decision to cease the manufacture of roof only covers for any vehicle type.
Can one person fit the cover?
It is possible for one person to fit the cover, however, for ease we do recommend two people do this, one either side. We have useful videos available that show how simple it is to fit our covers no matter the size of your vehicle, particularly now that all of our full covers come with our EasyFit System® as standard, a feature that is exclusive to Pro-Tec Covers.
Is there a zipped door access?
No zips are used on any part of the Pro-Tec full cover, instead we use heavy duty velcro for both our door opening and EasyFit System®, so any scratching risk from zips is removed?
Is the cover 100% waterproof?
Pro-Tec's fabric is waterproof up to 1metre of water, simply put this means that 1 metre depth of water can sit on top of the fabric before any moisture will seep through. This provides an extremely strong protection from water ingress, but still allows the cover to have its breathability, giving you the peace of mind that your caravan is not going to sweat under the cover. It is impossible for a cover to be both 100% waterproof and breathable. The only fabrics that are 100% waterproof are such things as plastics and vinyls, and you can guarantee that if you hold these to your mouth you are not going to get a single breath through it. Beware companies with this claim.
Does the cover allow for items on my van e.g aerials, flues etc?
Yes they do, all of our covers are fully tailored to your requirements, and as such as manufactured specifically with relevant additional allowances for any external items that may be fitted to your vehicle, be they factory standard or fitted post purchase, whether it be a simple aerial or a bike box.
Will my cover come with provision for my solar panel?
We provide all of our customers with the additional option to have a clear insert placed into their cover to allow a solar panel to continue working whilst the cover is on.
We have been made aware of other companies warning against this practice; however, the clear PVC that we use is not only fire resistant but also UV stable, so you do not have to worry about it becoming brittle and cracking under sunny conditions; and they do not cause any damage to solar panels with overheating. The method of sewing we use also ensures that it is water tight and does not create any weak points within the cover.
So if you don't have the ability to hook your caravan or motorhome up to the mains whilst you aren't using it, fear not, we've got you covered.
Will I have to provide measurements?
During our many years of manufacturing, we have developed an extensive range of patterns. In the rare instance that we do not hold a pattern we will source one to measure locally if possible or offer a free measuring service at our premises. If this is not possible, our staff will confirm this and you will be asked to complete a simple dimension sheet, but do not fear our technical staff are always on hand should you need any advice.
Occsionally, we may ask for a few simple check measurements, usually relating to body length and door position, this is purely to ensure that we use the correct pattern as some models can change within a cerain year.
In the case of external fitments, we may ask you to confirm placement and sizes, particularly for items such as solar panels; again this ensures the proper allowances are placed into your cover, resulting in the perfect fit.
Do poles come with every full cover?
We provide free fitting poles with all of our full caravan, motorhome and horse trailer covers as standard, as part of our exclusive EasyFit System®.
How much will the cover weigh?
When our covers are shipped (including all extras provided), the general weights are as follows -
Caravan - 8kg
Motorhome - 10-12kg
Horse Trailer - 8kg
Folding Camper - 6kg
Towing Covers - 1-2kg
Is it legal to tour with a towing cover/skirt on?
UK law dictates that all caravans must have front lights visible at all times, and you must be able to operate these from your towing vehicle. Every cover in Pro-Tec's Towing Range comes either with a clear insert built into the cover, or in the case of our Classic Towing Cover, a light panel to kit for you to place in the correct position. There are many towing covers/protectors available, that offer a manual light panel (push button etc.) These are not road legal as you have to physically turn them on at source and cannot do so from the towing vehicle, something very difficult to do if you hit sudden bad weather whilst half way down a motorway.
Can I keep my Towing Cover on for storage purposes as well as touring?
All of the covers in our Towing Range are designed purely with the remit of protecting your caravan whilst touring in mind, and as such as are not deisgned for storage purposes. We would not recommend keeping these covers on for extended periods of time, whilst storing your caravan, as dirt and debris can run off from your roof (particularly in wet conditions) and become stuck behind the cover.
For storage we would recommend getting one of our EasyFit cover to provide your caravan with the full protection it needs.
I have damaged my cover, what do I do?
In the unfortunate instance of damage occurring to your cover, please do not hesitate to contact our team. In most cases of minor damages or wear, these are simply solved using the spare fabric we provide at the time of receiving your cover. This can be used to patch/ reinforce any area of concern either by stitching or the much easier option of Evo-Stick 528 Contact Adhesive to glue it into place. Should the damage be more significant, please send us a picture of the damage so we can consult our Technical Team and see if we are able to offer any help with repairs. Please note that any covers sent back to us for any reason, must be in a clean state free from dirt, algae, bird mess etc. All covers are handled manually by our staff, from inspection to sewing and due to Health & Safety we are not willing to place our staff at risk from dirt and germs on a cover.
Will the EasyFit System weaken my cover?
Absolutely not! Like all Pro-Tec products, The EasyFit System® is designed, tested, redesigned and road tested over and over again, until it is perfect. The Pro-Tec EasyFit Cover® will not strain or weaken your Pro-Tec Cover.
How do I fit my Pro-Tec Towing Cover?
The caravan towing cover is really easy to get on. It should take you no more than 5 mins to get the cover on the caravan. You can also see a cover being fitted on this video Please click here for towing cover fitting instructions
How do I clean and care for my cover?
For full covers we recommend you clean your cover at least once a year, this prevents blockage of the pores and increases the longevity of the cover. To clean the cover use warm water with a soft brush (baby's hair brushes are ideal), a hosepipe may be used but we do not advise the use of power washers (unless you have a low spray option). Do not use any detergents or chemicals as this will affect the hydrophobic properties of the fabric. However, if you have any stubborn stains that will not be removed with just warm water, you can add soap flakes (the type you would use to wash delicate clothing) to the warm water to aid the washing.
Towing Covers are likely to face more challenging conditions in terms of road dirt, dust and exhaust fumes, you may want to clean these on a more regular basis, again using the same principles as with the full covers.
We are also pleased to offer a waterless cleaner in a handy spray bottle that can be stored in your vehicle and even taken on the road. This is ideal and non-damaging for covers, and as an added bonus can be used on your bodywork without the hassle of having to find a water source. You can purchase this from our webshop
Do you ship overseas?
We are pleased to confirm that we can ship overseas; unfortunately our webshop does not have the facility to allow this at present, so please contact our office to obtain a quotation.
All our covers are designed and manufactured in-house in Bradford, West Yorkshire by Pro-Tec Covers Ltd. None of our caravan or motorhome covers are outsourced. Our material, CaravanShield, has been exclusively developed in the UK and we are proud to say that it continues to be manufactured here in the UK