<Date:    Sun, 19 Aug 2007 18:26:56 -0600
<From:    vanagonvw <vanagonvw@GMAIL.COM>
<Subject: Re: Vanagon Cover

<snip>

<I would love to buy one of those freestanding "tarp garages" one day.
<Seems like that would be the best, but for now, the money goes to
getting it running, and keeping it that way :-)

...don't waste your hard earned, buddy. They have a half life of about
one month, or until the first decent wind comes along. The frames aren't
all that bad but the cheap fabric deteriorates rapidly in the sun (I
doubt it is even UV stabilised) and they tear to shreds before too long.
Unless someone makes a good quality one locally (which won't be cheap )
you will find they are all imported from China and while they may seem
like good value....they aren't. It won't be long before you are spending
way too much time repairing tears with Gaffa or duct tape, making new
eyelets and constantly replacing the supplied crappy eyelet ties with
cable ties. 
According to the instructions, you are supposed to dismantle them
whenever high wind or storms are likely. That alone gives you a fair
indication of their quality....or indeed, lack of.

FYI.....buyer beware.

Steve O
NSW Australia
'92 Transporter WBX Kombi
'00 Transporter Double Cab
'03 Transporter Double Cab (work truck)
'07 Passat Variant TDI
'78 Land Rover Series 3 soft top ute (ex-Aust.Army)