Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes Looking for a cover to prevent rain

I am looking for a cover to prevent rain since it rains a lot in my local area during this season. I searched up it up on Bruce's Custom Covers and there are too many choices so I dont know which one to choose. I am thinking to get either the Wrap around or over the top Canopy Cover. My instructor said getting a tarp from home depot would be a cheaper alternative. Any thoughts?

Thank you in advance.

Your instructor likely flies mostly in other people's airplanes, so what does he care about a tarp abrading the paint off when it flaps around in the wind. Bruce's covers are made from a material that is tough and UV protected on the outside and soft against the paint on the inside. The stitching, corners, straps, and grommet pockets are sewn to also not cause damage. Their covers last for years.

I don't know where you're based, because you haven't yet filled out your profile (please do, so we can get to know you!), but if you're somewhere it rains or snows you'll want the over the top canopy cover to keep water from intruding.

Ben, I have a Bruce’s wrap around.

I like it for its compactness when folded. It’s nice that it’s customized with my N number. I don’t like that it does not cover the roof! It covers the glass and door panels.

I’d go for the full Bruce’s cover if I were to do it again. Oh, also there was quite a wait. Weeks. Order now for the cover next Spring.

Geoff

Also look at MAC's Airplane covers. IMO they are just as good as Bruce for function. They fit as "well enough". Meaning they are not the perfect drum tight skin that Bruce seems to aim for - but have enough adjustments in the straps to get a fit that doesn't chafe or look awful. They are usually available in the time to make it up after order. And they are cheaper for the same materials.

If you go for Bruce - ask for 10% straight off the top and if they won't give you it when you order - wait for any aviation event like SunNFun / Oshkosh etc when they will offer a 10% coupon anyway. (I'm a cynic when it comes to this sort of stuff).

I've had Cabin, Wing and a padded thermal cowl covers from MAC and was very happy with them. In particular the shiny patch added to the inside of the cowl cover to catch the oil drip from the breather and so allow it to be wiped off - instead of soaking into the padding of the cover.

I've had Wing and Cabin covers from Bruce - they missed with the horizontal stab covers - despite a very careful run around the measurement sheet - they remade them without question or cost to get it right. This is why I think sometimes aiming for skin tight can be a bit of a lottery - they were just a hair too tight.

Whoever you go for:

- Get "batwings" on the cabin cover - to cover the fuel caps.
- Pay for the embroidery of your N number on the cover (s) as a theft deterrent.

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To answer the literal of your post title Pay for a ticket to send club member Ron "Rainman" Stewart to the polar opposite side of the world from your location - he will take (most) of the rain with him.

Everything Kendel said is accurate. A tarp will beat your plane to death.

There are cabin covers like Geoff described, ones that cover the cabin, wings and cowling and also full plane covers that Mike Marra has shown in another post.

These are all mission specific products that are the best options if you must park outside.

I have Bruce’s custom cover, have used them on several of airplanes I have owned. Never a complaint ,always happy with their product.

Thank you everyone for the advices. I just ordered a over the top cover from Bruce's custom cover. Hope it will arrive soon.

I just called them to ask for a coupon code and they gave me 10% off which is pretty nice.

I've bought covers from vendors other than Bruce's. They were cheaper but they also weren't as well made.