Bill -

I've used covers for my van made by an outfit called Coast Car Covers out
of San Diego. Last I heard their covers were actually made in Arkansas.
I've used three different types of fabric over the years. All lasted about
2 to 3 years before rotting thru. The last one I got was made from a
fabric called "sunbrella". It's similar to heavy canvas, and it has been
great - very durable. I can't tell you how long will last because the van
has been garaged for the past 4 years and I only use the cover
occasionally now. its over 5 years old now and it still is fine. If you're
going to store your van outdoors and keep it covered 24/7 I would
recommend spending the extra money for the sunbrella. The other's just
won't hold up. If I remember correctly, the light covers were approx. $250
and the sunbrella was $400. Go to www.coastcarcovers.com. Note - I just
tried them and saw that they have been sold to a company in Montana.

Walter
85 Vanagon 1.9

>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>From: Bill Bowman <bill@bnnta.com>
>Date: Fri, May 2, 2008 at 6:35 AM
>Subject: Need advice on a van cover...
>To: Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com>
>
>
>Hi all,
>
>I'm shopping to buy a nice quality outdoor bus cover for my '87 pop-top
>Westy (must be for a pop-top, not a regular Vanagon).  Looks like I'll
have
>to store her outside for the immediate future and I want a car cover that
>fits snug but not super tight, that will stand up to year-round Missouri
>weather (rain, sun, occassional snow and wind), will repell most water but
>is breathable.  Can anyone who has already been down this path give me a
>recommendation on a cover and place to order it from.  Obviously, the more
>reasonably priced the better, but I want quality and will pay a bit more
for
>it.  It's a bitch to own so many old cars and run out of inside storage
for
>all of 'em...
>
>Thanks for any suggestions.
>
>Bill Bowman