First impression on Covercraft Weathershield HD cover

JDookie · 01-12-05, 12:55

I received my new Covercraft Industries Weathershield HD car cover today for my 04' Expedition ($400, plus shipping, etc.) and I must say that I am not too impressed with the level of softness for the inside of the cover. I am judging purely by feel, but the inside of the cover feels like a very rough nylon that would scracth a painted surface very easily.

The outside seems just fine, and performance is yet to be discovered because I haven't put it on my car yet.

I called Covercraft today to address my concerns, and they told me that this particular cover was designed to be the most durable for outside, extreme weather use and not intended for indoor show cars. This tells me that it *will* scratch my car, so I asked what can we do here, and they instructed me to send the cover back to them ($26 Priority Mail w/ insurance, my expense) so they can put a soft flannel type material over the seams on the inside of the cover since this seems to be the roughest area. I agreed to this because it does seem to be a great cover for outside protection, but the seams really scared me.

I sent the cover to them today, and will post the conclusion of this review after I get it back and have time to test it actually on the car. I just hope it doesn't scratch my car. After spending $500 on a car cover that scratches my car, I will be upset to say the least.

ZaneO · 01-12-05, 01:04

Sounds like you may be in need of two covers. A plush to put down first, and the HD to put over that.

Bill D · 01-12-05, 01:19

Jason,

If you can, when you get it back, post some pics of this flannel material they are going to install on the seams. If this was a concern for anyone I'm puzzled why they don't come stock like that

JDookie · 01-12-05, 03:25

Zane,

I agree, I do need two covers, but at $500 for this one and $250 for a second one, that's getting a little steep. Aside from the fact, that every time I want to use my car I have to take two covers off. I'm selling this car anyway, so this is only until it's gone. I just don't want it scratched.

Bill,
No problem, I will post pics after it comes back. Actually, I bought a second HD (not knowing it was going to be so rough on the inside) for my mom's new car that I went to Atlanta to pick up yesterday. I ordered the cover over the weekend, and I asked them about her cover while I was on the phone with them, and they said that it didn't leave the factory yet, so I am having them cover the seams before it is sent to me, so her's will arrive before mine gets back. I will post pics on the inside of the whichever cover arrives first.

I don't understand why they don't do this to begin with either, or why they don't just line the entire inside with something softer. For $400+, you'd think they could at least do that.

JDookie · 01-12-05, 03:30

Here's a copy of the reply to my original email concerning this issue I sent to Covercraft's sales dept.:

Black does tend to show scratches very easily.

The place where this will be most apt to occure will be where the seams
are. In some instances we have lined the seams with Tan Flannel
material to make them softer against the paint.

You may want to contact our Customer Service Department before using your cover. They are the ones who deal with
customer complaints and can tell you what type of feedback they have had
on this fabric and scratching.

Bill D · 01-12-05, 03:44

Jason,

Actually, you do not have to take one cover off at a time. You can removed them both together. I do it all the time. The key is positioning the covers on the mirror pockets first both when putting on and removing. My covers are rolled neatly in my trunk ready to go on ASAP.

Even with extreme care in putting on and taking off I can still do so fairly quickly because I've had a lot of practice. However,I must say windy weather conditions slow you down no matter what .

JDookie · 01-12-05, 03:51

Hmm, very interesting. I may do this then on my mom's car so there's no chance of it getting scratched from the cover. If I were keeping the Expedition, I'd get a second one for that too but I'm not so there's no need.

Which one is the best for the first layer? Would an indoor type cover be better for underneath an outdoor cover or just stick with two outdoor's? Your first layer cover is a Noah, right?

Bill D · 01-12-05, 04:07

Yes, my first is a Noah and it's topped with a WS. He he, first it was topping sealants with carnuabas now here's the idea of topping one cover with another

I decided on the WS and Noah rather than an indoor flannel type cover underneath because I only need my covers when a garage is not available. I wanted the ultimate protection from the elements on the market at the time and the WS and Noah were it so that's what I got.

Pats300zx · 01-12-05, 05:23

JDookie...

WOW..thats very interesting. I have been using my Weathershield HD on my black 350Z with no issues whatsoever.

I always make sure that the car is clean before putting it on. I admit that I was suprised at how the cover was on the inside. However, the protection that the cover gives for an outside stored vehicle is unmatched.

NO scratching or marring so far.

<fingers crossed>

hirosh · 01-12-05, 06:27

jason,

that's great that you can get the flannel material for just $26 more. i guess the inside of the weathershield isn't all that soft as it lightly scratches my car since the wind causes it to rub against the paint. i mainly get very light scratches on the areas above the door glass, top of the fender/ body panels, pretty much the areas that "stick out." then again, i also wonder if that is because my car isn't entirely clean and dust free, not to mention my cover being entirely clean either.

i should point out that it does take a while for this very light scratches to reappear after i polished them out, maybe 3 weeks if my work place is windy and dusty, which it usually is. so maybe the inside isn't *that* bad.

maybe i should be like bill and get two covers, a nice indoor type with a weathershield on top.

Bill D · 01-12-05, 06:48

Oh yeah, regarding windy condtions that can move the cover(s) around a bit:

Get a bungee cord preferable with plastic hook ends and loop them through the loop holes on the bottom of each side of the cover(s). This is a lot easier to install and holds much better than the flimsy piece of rope that comes with the cover.

JDookie · 01-12-05, 07:43

I read Pats post and got very excited and then I read Hirosh's post. I hope the flannel lining over the seams will help a lot, but regardless, hearing that the cover doesn't really scratch paint all that bad makes me feel at ease. I will play this by ear at first, and as soon as I see a scratch I will take it off and order a Noah before it gets worst. On the other hand, if it never scratches my car I will leave it alone. Thanks guys!