canopy covers

scsmith · #1 11-10-2008, 05:56 PM

Hey,
whats the general consensus on canopy covers? Is the cover sold by Van's a good choice, or are there other suppliers that offer better quality or value?

This will be for an RV-8.

Redwagon · #2 11-10-2008, 06:28 PM

Steve,

Take a look at Bruces. They are local in Sunnyvale. I think it may be a bit bulky for travel and camping, but great for parking outside at home if needed.
They have a wide selection of materials and I've used their products- high quality, excellent fit, and everything can be customized for the customer.

Tim

craigvince · #3 11-10-2008, 06:32 PM

We use Bruce's canopies on all of our LSAs. They hold up very well in the rain and heavy winds. They're worth the extra couple of pounds in my book.

mannanj · #4 11-10-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scsmith

Hey,
whats the general consensus on canopy covers? Is the cover sold by Van's a good choice, or are there other suppliers that offer better quality or value?

This will be for an RV-8.

I have Van's lightweight canopy cover for my RV-8. I recently used it on an 11 day coast to coast trip. Got rained on a couple of times---one time at Land Of Enchantment Fly In where there was a very heavy downpour lasting several minutes. Nothing inside got wet, not even any water on the skin underneath the cover. It seemed to shed water very well.

On this trip it worked well for me. I can't vouch for Oregon weather where you might have rain for days on end , so others will have to chime in here.

If you're only going to use it for short trips and your plane is normally hangared, I would recommend it.

You will get numerous recommendations for Bruce's Custom Covers. They're great, and they are the uncontested choice for extended outdoor tiedown.

I think for short 2-3 day trips where your plane will be tied down outside, you will find that Van's lightweight cover is totally acceptable.

kevinh · #5 11-10-2008, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwagon

Take a look at Bruces. They are local in Sunnyvale. I think it may be a bit bulky for travel and camping, but great for parking outside at home if needed.
They have a wide selection of materials and I've used their products- high quality, excellent fit, and everything can be customized for the customer.

I have Van's heavyweight cover and I think Bruces makes it. It looks identical in construction to the old Bruces' cover I had for a different airplane.

But since you are in the bay area, just call Bruces and pick one up.

cbo111 · #6 11-11-2008, 10:45 AM

In my experience, the lightweight cover works well.....except when you try to put it on by yourself when the winds are greater than about 5 kts. I think the heavy cover stays put to allow one person to attach it without the thing blowing all over the place.

Chuck Olsen
Tehachapi, CA
RV-7A

chrispratt · #7 11-11-2008, 12:43 PM

I've had good luck with Van's lightweight cover for my RV-8. I like that it has three tie-down points.

Chris

Ted RV8 · #8 11-11-2008, 12:44 PM

If you decide on the Bruce's and are going to get it right away, tell them you saw them at the AOPA booth.

Ask them if they would be kind enough to extend the 10% show discount to you.

Worth a try.

Ted

Jamie · #9 11-11-2008, 01:05 PM

I use the cover from Cleaveland on my -7A. My plane has gotten stuck in the rain several times, including once in a HUGE downpour. Nothing inside got wet, even with my unsealed tip-up canopy. Nary a drop was to be found. This cover is very light weight.

I would recommend this canopy cover to anyone.

Steve · #10 11-11-2008, 02:06 PM

My 9A is hangared so the lightweight cover from Vans is more than sufficient. I used it at the Three Forks Montana fly-in this past summer during an all-day rain storm. All was dry.
One item tho, the cover will roll around the fuse if the plane is parked in a crosswind. I don't know if the heavyweight or Bruce covers have the same tendency. Some RV'ers have addressed the issue by sewing 2 additional straps to hook in the flap push holes.

Steve