Marine grade sunbrella is what I use in my custom color tilts. It has
a 5 yr warranty from Sunbrella.  The big thing w/ any cover,
especially in areas w/ humidity, rain, snow, etc. is creating an area
where moisture/condensation, etc.  gets trapped between the cover &
the top of the vanagon.  This facilitates mold & mildew growth which
is not so good. Try to create an air space between the cover & the
vehicle so that the moisture that gets trapped between the 2 can dry
out, or take the cover off frequently to dry out.

For much  less than $250, you can get a lovely 10' x 20' portable
garage w/ windows/doors vent at the top, etc. that will impress your
neighbors & keep your vanagon covered, but accessible while not
trapping moisture?  The cover will only last about as long as the
$250 car covers, however.

YMMV,

Mr. BZ-don't try this in a "nice" neighborhood & confirm w/ SO before
purchasing?

On May 2, 2008, at 12:05 PM, Walter Houle wrote:

> 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