Protect Van from elements

[Vndlfsn]

We are hoping to take possession of a 2013 sprinter with penthouse in the next week or so.

Because our house is built in the 50s, our garage is pretty small and low. Our beautiful new used van will need to live outside.

Any tips and tricks out there for protecting especially the pop top from the elements? Rain, snow, etc.

We were thinking about getting a tarp with some bungees on the four corners that would fit into the wheel wells or similar for when we are predicted to get heavy rain or snow.

Wondering what great solutions you all might have in place already.

Thanks!

 

[doublevan2]

Suggest a carport set up - at bare minimum something like a Costco Tent - but that probably won't last more than a couple of years. Also protect it from mice - rodents, etc.

 

[Charliesmom-SMB]

We live in Arizona. We cover our van when not in use. Multiple sizes from Classic Accessories.

 

[Mikerson]

A tarp will wear holes in the paint at the corners.

 

[doublevan2]

Tarps cause rubbing/chafing on paint - better to store under a roof - tent - lean to -

 

[NoData]

I had a custom waterproof breathable custom cover made for mine by California Car Cover (no affiliation) -fits great, soft inside not to scratch. Pain to put on and off though- need a ladder

 

[Big_ern_101]

Before I went with the cover route I would put it in covered or indoor storage somewhere. Whole-Vehicle covers are often harder on vehicles than sitting out due to trapping moisture, keeping dirt under the cover, flapping in the wind, etc. Neighbors also dont always look too fondly on big ugly vans under big floppy covers.

If I had to park my van outside, I would do the following:
Tire covers
Window covers on the inside of the vehicle
Ceramic coat the paint
Professional detail, let them know it will sit outside so they use the right wax on it.
Hit the external rubber and plastic with 303 Protectant or something else with UV inhibitors.

A carport would be yuuuuuuuuge, just get the sun and debris off of it. Otherwise build a garage.

 

[Vndlfsn]

FYI this will be our daily driver, we’re a 1-car family!

 

[Big_ern_101]

Take it to a detail shop and get it ceramic coated, take it back every 6 months and do what they recommend.

 

[Vndlfsn]

Is the SMB Penthouse plastic or fiberglass?

 

[Big_ern_101]

Is the SMB Penthouse plastic or fiberglass?

Fiberglass.

 

[Spenard]

We have stored our 2012 Poptop Sprinter outdoors with no cover in Anchorage AK for 12 years The first 10 we had no problems Now we get leaks at bolt penetrations after heavy snow events We tried a cover one winter but it froze to the van so we could not monitor the trickle charger easily
We always leave a rear side window partially open and unlatch the roof to relieve snow load deflection and allow thermal movement

 

[Spenard]

Fiberglass

 

[bidgoodr]

When we purchased our 2017 Transit with a Penthouse top we were lucky enough that our garage opening was tall enough. We moved in 2019 and our newer home has just a single vehicle garage with a 7 foot high opening. So we had to modify the opening in order to accept our vehicle. The modifications included putting in a new header and installing a new garage door which was both taller and wider. Our garage is now pretty tight but our vehicle is protected from the elements and still looks like new.

 

[Vndlfsn]

So I’m assuming that a regular roof 4x2 with the Sportsmobile penthouse is going to be about 100 inches tall? Assuming of course that we go with stock wheels and tires…

 

[bidgoodr]

We have a regular roof 4x2 with the Sportsmobile penthouse with stock wheels and tires. We have Thule Tracks on top of the Penthouse so these are our height measurements: 90.25" without Thule Cross bars mounted on the tracks and 93" when the Thule Cross bars are mounted.