I'm in Virginia too, and my experience has been different. It all
depends on the quality and type of car cover you get, in my opinion.

We get both a lot of sun and freezing temps, so a cheap car cover
will likely rot pretty quickly. You also need a car cover that can
breath so that moisture doesn't stay under it (allowing it to freeze
to the vehicle).

I bought a Stormshield (or Stormking) style and haven't had a problem
with it on 4 vehicles. It is heavier than other styles. I've had ice
rip lighter styles when I tried to lift them off the vehicle.

On Aug 19, 2007, at 10:51 AM, Jeff Stewart wrote:

> <Obviously something like a carport would be better, but that's not an
> option where I am>
>
> IMHO, and after years of experience (and frustration) car covers
> aren't worth a damn. Especially trying to cover a van/Westy. In the
> winter, the damn things freeze to the vehicle, making it impossible
> to get off. Dirt (lots of it) still get under them, and then when
> they blow in the wind it scratches the paint. A few years ago I
> bought a Shelter King "instant garage" for $399.00. For a few years
> it worked well, even in freezing temps here in Virginia I could
> warm it up nicely inside with a keresene heater. It has a fairly
> sturdy metal frame, a top cover and two end panels with zippered
> "doors". Now, despite Shelter Kings claim the cover should last 15
> years, mine rotted in 4. The end panels are still in good shape.
> Sooo, I called Shelter King about a replacement top portion-
> $299.00!!! When I expressed my displeasure with the price, the girl
> on the phone offered to cut the price to $249.00-still no good in
> my opinion. So, I headed to Tractor Supply and bought a heavy duty
> tarp in a
> size that would cover the top, cost less than $50.00, but doesn't
> come down all the way to the ground on the sides like the original
> cover. So, while it won't hold in heat anymore, it still keeps my
> Westy out of the sun, rain, hail, leaves and bird droppings. Jeff