Specialised Covers Bailey Unicorn IV Towing Cover
Specialised Covers Bailey Unicorn IV Towing Cover
After months of research into these things we’ve finally decided on a towing cover. They are not cheap and I was undecided on their usefulness. I’d really convinced myself when writing an article a while on towing covers :-
Caravan Tow Cover – Do I Need One?
In this article I asked if it was really necessary to have one, I pretty much came to the conclusion that in reality it wasn’t. I reasoned that in 12 years of towing a caravan around I’ve never had a stone ping up and cause any damage. Then in the article I reminded myself of a conversation I once had with a friend who was a Policeman. Just as a reminder; years ago I was undecided on buying a house alarm and he told me that most people bought a house alarm after they’d been burgled. On the basis of that conversation I bought a house alarm.
So years later I’m now haunted by the conversation and applying it to wether or not to buy a tow cover. I’m driving around towing the caravan thinking “if something pings up and damages the caravan I’ll wish I have bought a cover”. Then the other side of my brain chimes in, “You’ve been safely towing for 12 years and never had any damage to the front”
It all depends on your attitude to risk. Once something like that enters my head I’m on a one way road to spending money.
I spoke to Mrs CaravanVlogger about it and she said, “I think it’s a good idea”
Oh.
Then I started formulating an idea of having our CaravanVlogger logo on the front, that would be pretty cool. I use a rear dash-cam in some of our vlogs, how good would that be having the logo on the front cover and being able to film as we drove along. Yes, it’s quite possibly taking over my life.
Which One Did We Decide On?
Firstly, this is not a paid article, and we’ve bought the tow cover ourselves and decided ourselves which one we wanted. I feel I have to point this out. Whilst I’m being honest I also feel the need to say that Mandy obviously has the final say in these things. It was my idea to add the logo, after I got approval from the afore mentioned person obviously.
When I read an article or see a video when someone is waxing lyrical about something I want to believe them. It’s my personal opinion that if someone is being “paid”, I can’t put 100% faith in their opinion and certainly wouldn’t spend £400 on a product based purely on that person’s opinion, unless I knew the reasons for their opinion, therefore  if you’ve paid for something and have no allegiance to the product or company, you’ll give a more honest, believable review / account. With that said (I’m now hoping the more cynical of you don’t accuse me of protesting too much!) Still, I’ll continue….
Some time back I looked at both Pro-tec Covers and Specialised Covers. I looked at both “universal” and “made to measure”. ( I use the term “looked” loosely, I looked online ). I personally think that although universal ones are perfectly good, I didn’t like the way they looked, also, I didn’t want all the attachments up each side, the way they attach to the caravan. These type of things need to be easy, else I won’t use them.
Pro-tec Covers have a very good reputation and are active on caravanning social media and certainly seem well connected that way. They are very approachable and exactly the type of company I’d like to buy from. They seem to have a lot of caravanning friends on Twitter, just an observation.
Specialised Covers on the other hand, seem less “personally” involved on twitter, not really an issue for me however, I wouldn’t base my product choice on how much I like the people, well, not on something this important.
Specialised Covers Bailey Unicorn IV Towing Cover Tow Pro Elite
I think in an ideal world if Pro-tec made Specialised Covers tow covers…But they don’t. Now the reason I say this is because Pro-tec are more involved on social media, so are more engaged with their likely customers. Many Caravanners on Twitter, for example, seem to use their covers. Now, this could be because they appear better value, or it could be that Pro-tec engage more. Specialised Covers top end towing covers offer more, but of course cost more. It’s down to how much protection you want.
With the two makes I looked at, a like for like comparison is very difficult in someways. Pro-tec covers make a universal cover as well as made to measure. The universal is £170 and the made to measure is £225, both offer very good value.
Specialised covers do a few in their range. Tow Pro Lite £179, Tow Pro £199, Tow Pro + £299 and the Tow Pro Elite £399. I think a fair comparison is Pro-tec’s made to measure at £225 and Specialised Cover’s Tow Pro at £199
It’s my opinion that the Specialised Covers Tow Pro Elite is the best tow cover money can buy, it’s certainly one of the more expensive covers. However, this might be more than you want to spend. I think a few things drew me to the Specialised covers. Firstly the look of it. I think it looks better, some other tow covers look somehow baggy. Secondly, the fact that the Tow Pro Elite towing cover is padded with 8mm armour. Thirdly you can drop the cover down to expose the window. When we stop on the way down to the South of France, for example, we can up-zip the window without taking the whole cover off. It also allows access to the front locker, which would be great, except we don’t have a front locker..
That said, it is the most expensive cover. Do you get what you pay for? Well, at the moment I can’t be sure, as it hasn’t yet arrived. However, once it arrives I’ll put some more information here as well as some photos and possibly a vlog on how to fit it.
If, in the meantime, you need any info about where we purchased from and details of ordering / lead times etc get in touch, I’m happy to answer any questions.
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It Finally Arrived
So, our tow cover finally arrived. What do we think of it?
Well, so far, so good. We actually went for the Specialised Tow Pro Elite, as I mentioned earlier in this post. (I hadn’t forgotten I’d already mentioned it). In the video I don’t mention it. As they hadn’t paid me to make it, or given it to me, or asked me to review it, I withheld the product details 🙂 Actually that’s not why I did it, I didn’t want anyone to think I was being somehow biased. As mentioned at the top of the post, it’s important to me to be able to give an honest opinion.
I did fit it without looking at the instructions, it wasn’t like some find of Kypton Factor type challenge, I mean, they’re really not that difficult. Having said that they aren’t exactly intuitive the first time you fit them.
They are wonderfully light I have to say (I don’t HAVE to say!). However, I can’t easily get the damn thing back in the bag. Why to manufacturers do this? A lot of them do it, an item will come in a lovely snug tight fitting bag. But of course, the item was put in the bag by some 14 year old child who does this type of thing 20 hours a day, it’s easy for them. Fold, fold, inserts.
( Caravan Vlogger in no way supports or endorses the use of child labour in any product, especially not Caravan accessories )
Of course I’m not saying that Specialised Covers use child labour, heaven forbid! I just wanted to clear that up. If they did I wouldn’t have bought it 🙂
As you’ll see from the video, once you put it on incorrectly it’s easy to put it on correctly. Naturally I intentionally put it on the wrong way first, just to make you look good when you do it, so you should thank me…
Anyway, it really is very good, as you’ll see we also had our logo put on it, just for a bit of fun. The tow cover does go on easily, it is light and of course it protects the front of the caravan.
Watch Me Fit It
So, here I am, clown of the year putting my tow cover on, unaided and without the use of instructions. BTW the instructions are really good and include nice photos of how to do it…
It’s not a “review” it’s not even a “how to” it’s just me fitting my tow cover for the very first time. Please be aware, this is my first attempt, you will definitely learn by my mistakes and hopefully you won’t (will) laugh.
Just as a PS. I do intend fitting it properly before we next go one a trip! I know those of you who take this sort of thing more seriously won’t be impressed and for that I’m truly sorry. Actually, I’m not, I wanted to try out the tow cover, just I did exactly that…
Amazon Best Selling Towing Covers
- PROTECTION: The cover is designed to help protect your caravan from stone chips, dirt, bugs, overhanging branches. The cover also helps protect delaminated windows whilst travelling.
- MATERIAL: A 4 layered construction, beginning with a soft non staining, non marking white backing, is designed to be robust and durable without impacting nose weight.
- VISIBILITY: 2 x LED battery operated lights and 2 highly reflective strips, running from top to bottom, optimise visibility on poorly lit roads.
- DIMENSIONS: The protective cover measures 7 foot 1 inch wide (2.16m). The 7 easily adjustable, double stitched securing straps can be further extended up to 10 inches on either side to help fit far reaching awning channels if required.
- PLEASE NOTE: This cover is not recommended to be left on for storage- for towing only. This Caravan Towing Cover will only fit vans with 2 working awning channels. Batteries are not included. IF YOU HAVE AN 8FT CARAVAN PLEASE SEE OUR OTHER LISTING.
- Protection: Our LTR caravan towing front cover acts as a sturdy shield, safeguarding the front of your caravan from stone chips, scratches, and other potential damage caused by flying debris.
- Universal Fitting: Our caravan cover is designed to fit most standard caravans, making it a versatile accessory for caravan enthusiasts. Whether you have a small or large caravan, you can rely on our towing cover to provide optimal protection during your journeys. The protective cover measures 7 foot 1 inch wide (2.16m). The 7 easily adjustable, double stitched securing straps can be further extended up to 10 inches on either side to help fit far reaching awning channels if required.
- Premium Quality Materials: We understand the importance of durability, which is why our caravan front towing cover is made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials. The protective cover is built to withstand the rigors of the road and provides protection against the elements whilst towing. The cover also features a soft non marking white backing to prevent any marks or scratching to the caravan.
- Easy Installation: Say goodbye to complex setups and welcome simplicity. Our towing cover features a user-friendly design that allows for quick and effortless installation and the adjustable straps ensure a snug fit. This cover also comes with 2 x LED battery operated lights and 4 reflective strips for maximum visibility at night.
- Practical Storage: We’ve included a handy storage bag, so you can neatly store your towing cover when not in use. Compact and lightweight, it won’t take up much space in your caravan locker, ensuring you have ample room for other essential items. This cover is light enough yet still sturdy enough to protect and will not affect the nose weight of the caravan.
- ULTIMATE PROTECTION & DURABILITY: Crafted from premium quality four-layered non-woven reinforced polyethylene fabric, this front caravan cover provides comprehensive protection against the elements. Shield your investment from potential hazards like stone chips, cracks, debris, dirt, dust, and even intrusive bugs.
- HIGH VISIBILITY & REFLECTIVE SAFETY: Enhance your towing experience with the GADLANE Caravan Front Cover featuring integrated High Visibility LED Lights and Reflective Strips. Whether you’re navigating dimly lit roads or setting up camp at night, these safety features ensure that you and your caravan remain visible to other motorists, promoting safe travels.
- NOSE WEIGHT OPTIMIZATION: Engineered for efficiency, the GADLANE Front Caravan Travel Cover strikes the perfect balance between strength and weight. Designed to be sturdy yet lightweight, it won’t compromise the nose weight of your caravan while towing. Experience smoother handling and peace of mind, knowing that your caravan’s stability remains uncompromised.
- EASY STORAGE & PORTABILITY: Our caravan towing front cover is not just about protection; it’s also about levelling up the convenience of caravan accessories and caravan equipment. The included breathable, compact, and lightweight carrying case ensures effortless storage without taking up valuable space in your caravan. Whether you’re on the road or at home, keeping your cover neatly stored has never been easier.
- UNIVERSAL FIT & ADJUSTABLE STRAPS: Versatility meets practicality with our universal-sized front caravan cover. Compatible with renowned brands like Bailey caravans and Swift caravans, this cover is designed to accommodate a range of models. The seven adjustable, double-stitched securing straps provide a snug fit, and they can be extended by up to 10 inches on either side. This feature allows you to adapt the caravan front cover protector to different awning channel placements.
- ????DURABLE MATERIAL: Asteri caravan front towing cover is made from high quality 3 layers non-woven fabric, which means it is breathable and is more durable with longer service life. The 3 layer material add impact resistance and provide extra cushioning.
- ????QUICK INSTALLATION: Towing cover is equipped 7 adjustable securing straps each side. It can be easily attached on the awning rails. With the adjustable strap you can secure it around the A shaped frame.
- ????PTOTECTION: The caravan protector in high-quality can protect the caravan front against sand, dirt, rain, snow, heat and UV rays, keep your caravan clean and reduce damage and wear.
- ????SAFETY: Asteri caravan guard full cover is designed with reflective strips and the package comes with 2 bright LED lights, so that give a better visibility when you travelling at night and ensure your safety.
- ????UNIVERSAL FIT: Size of the caravan tow cover is 220cm/86.6″ x 192cm/75.6″, it fits universal almost all motorhomes. But we suggest you measure the length to make sure that the size is suitable before buy the cover.
- Protection Function: Our caravan towing front cover acts as a sturdy shield, safeguarding the front of your caravan from stone chips, scratches, and other potential damage caused by flying debris.
- LED Lights & Reflective Strips: Enhance your towing experience with the Caravan Front Cover featuring integrated High Visibility LED Lights and Reflective Strips. Whether you’re navigating dimly lit roads or setting up camp at night, these safety features ensure that you and your caravan remain visible to other motorists, promoting safe travels.
- Thicken Fabric: Front towing cover is manufactured from high quality 4-layer non-woven fabric, fully waterproof, soft but durable, provide a high level of protection. The fabric is breathable to allow moisture to escape and UV stabilized to give long life. It has improved softness and provides excellent protection against dust, dirt and scratches.
- Universal Fitting: Our caravan cover is designed to fit most standard caravans, making it a versatile accessory for caravan enthusiasts. The protective cover measures 210 x 175 cm. The 7 easily adjustable, double stitched securing straps can be further extended up to 20cm on either side to help fit far reaching awning channels if required.
- Practical Storage: We’ve included a handy storage bag, so you can neatly store your towing cover when not in use. Our towing cover features a user-friendly design that allows for quick and effortless installation and the adjustable straps ensure a snug fit.
- Durability: This front caravan cover and tongue jack cover is made of high-quality multi-layer non-woven reinforced polyethylene fabric to provide comprehensive protection. Protect your investment from potential hazards such as gravel, cracks, debris, dirt, dust and even invasive bugs.
- LED Lights and Reflective Strips: The caravan front cover comes with integrated high-visibility LED lights and reflective strips to enhance your towing experience. Whether you are driving on dimly lit roads or camping at night, these safety features ensure that you and your caravan remain visible to other drivers, promoting safe travel.
- Caravan Front Towing Cover Protector: The caravan front towing cover protector can effectively protect the trailer’s tow bar or box lock, making it less likely to rust. It can also prevent ice in winter. Our trailer jack cover effectively blocks sunlight and resists strong UV damage to the interior and tires, effectively extending the life of the covered parts so that they are still as bright as new.
- Universal Fit: Our caravan cover is designed to fit most standard caravans, making it a versatile accessory for caravan enthusiasts. The protective cover measures 210 x 175 cm. 7 easily adjustable double-sewn fixing straps can be extended a further 20cm on both sides to accommodate long-distance awning access where required. The caravan hitch cover measures 103x30x67cm and comes with snap fasteners, so you don’t have to worry about the towbar cover being blown away by the wind.
- Easy Storage and Portability: The included breathable, compact and lightweight carry bag ensures easy storage without taking up valuable space in your caravan. Whether you’re on the road or at home, it’s easy to keep the cover neatly stored.
- Includes LED lights (batteries not included) plus full height reflective strips for improved visibility.
- Long reflective strips for improved visibility and safety
- Protection from stone chips,cracks, dirt and dust
- Adjustable straps secured with reinforced double stitching
- Includes breathable carry bag.
- Premium Quality: Caravan front towing cover is made of waterproof PU material, thickness, tear-resistant, UV-resistant, windproof. Prevent dirt, bugs, stone chips, and light reflection. Upgrade the sewing process and extend the service life of the cover.
- Protection: The cover is designed to help protect your caravan from stone chips, dirt, bugs, overhanging branches. The cover also helps protect delaminated windows whilst travelling.
- Extra protection: Improved 4 ply breathable thicker material for added impact resistance to give extra cushioning,which is desiged to protect your caravan windows from road debris damaging.This caravan front window cover also well protects against stone chips, dirt, bugs and light reflection
- Safety design: This swift caravan front cover is designed with 4 fluorescent reflective strips to provide improved visibility.Package comes together with extra 2 LED lights (batteries not included) for more safety when travelling at night
- Universal fit: Size of the caravan tow cover is 220cm/86.6″ x 175cm/68.9″, it fits universal almost all motorhomes. But we suggest you measure the length to make sure that the size is suitable before buy the cover.
- Premium impact resistant 3 layer material
- Protects against stone chips, road grit, dirt, exhaust fumes, bugs
- Waterproof breathable material with soft inner lining
- Incudes adjustable straps & buckles to ensure best possible fit
- Caravan own lights visible through PVC windows
- PROTECTION: The cover is designed to help protect your caravan from stone chips, dirt, bugs, overhanging branches. The cover also helps protect delaminated windows whilst travelling.
- MATERIAL: A 4 layered construction, beginning with a soft non staining, non marking white backing, is designed to be robust and durable without impacting nose weight.
- VISIBILITY: 2 x LED battery operated lights and 2 highly reflective strips, running from top to bottom, optimise visibility on poorly lit roads.
- DIMENSIONS: The protective cover measures 7 foot 1 inch wide (2.16m). The 7 easily adjustable, double stitched securing straps can be further extended up to 10 inches on either side to help fit far reaching awning channels if required.
- PLEASE NOTE: This cover is not recommended to be left on for storage- for towing only. This Caravan Towing Cover will only fit vans with 2 working awning channels. Batteries are not included. IF YOU HAVE AN 8FT CARAVAN PLEASE SEE OUR OTHER LISTING.
*Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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