Car cover use when trailering car

[Guest]

I was wondering how well a car cover would hold up when it was on a vehicle on an open car trailer at highway speeds?

[The Old Guy]

It has been my observation that when a cover is left on a car towed at highway speeds that the cover usually beats the car and then destroys itself. If it is a heavy cover it may not tear,but it will raise havoc with the finish. I have seen bras installed to keep the stone chips from the front of cars that did much more damage then a stone ever could. Just my $.02

[Dave@Moon]

It would depend on the fabric, but I'd reccommend very stronly against using a cover if you'rer using an open trailer. The blowing of the fabric at hurricane speeds for prolonged periods will wear and damage the paint in ways no thunderstorm can match.<P>This, by the way, is also a problem with car "bras". No matter how tight you attach them, the 90+ mph winds (you do drive into the wind on occasion) that they are buffetted by invariably cause the fabric to move and wear at the paint surface. <P>If you're talking about an enclosed trailer (which would be suprising to me for several reasons), I doubt there'd be much difference among car covers. Just be sure that the trailer is as well sealed to wind intrudsion as possible.

[Guest]

If possible, check into that "wrapping stuff" they put on new cars, I think you can buy it from dupont, or companies like that...

[Guest 70 Electra]

I agree. In addition to buffeting, a "bra" causes damage by allowing dirt and grit to get trapped between the fabric and paint.<P>Regarding the new vehicle coverings: These are adhesive, and therefore they theoretically cause no damage from movement (buffeting). I say theoretically, because most of us have passed by a car transporter on the highway and see some of these plastic coverings flapping wildly in the wind! <P>I had a brand new SUV that had to have the hood repainted due to the severe clear coat damage (during shipment) from a loose piece of "protective" plastic!<P>I would think the most effective protection for a car on an open trailer would be to make sure the front of the trailer has a wind/dirt shield of some sort, to prevent grit, rocks, and debris from being thrown up onto the front of the trailered car. <P>This might involve something that would be counter-productive for aerodynamics and fuel economy, but HEY, it's all about protecting our cherished cars, right?<p>[ 03-19-2002: Message edited by: 70 Electra ]

[Guest]

Thanks all for the advice.