Best cover for FJ80

[ToyotaTruck]

I know there are a few threads on this - and I've read a lot in order to get some ideas, but I am looking for an outside cover for my 97 Land Cruiser. It is stock except for a lift. I see that carcovers has a Platinum car cover - has anyone used them and be willing to post their experiences? Everything seems legit and their cover seems like it would do the trick but I see mixed reviews on the paint fading and/or wearing off from their cover. And this issue might not be limited to this specific brand but covers in general. The LC gets waxed twice/yr. and washed at least a couple times/week but I live in an area of intense sun and snow (I know - weird to have that combo) and I want to protect the paint (which is still in great condition) as best as possible. Thanks for any insight.

 

[YotaTrail]

garage / carport. I've been through many car covers and they always disintegrate including heavy tarp in the sun.

 

[ToyotaTruck]

Thanks YotaTrail. But if I don't have the option of garage/carport, are you saying that no cover is better than a cover?

 

[YotaTrail]

Thanks YotaTrail. But if I don't have the option of garage/carport, are you saying that no cover is better than a cover?

I would use the interior sun blocks for sure to protect your dash and seats but having it outside is a mixed bag. Sometimes it scratches your paint if it's not tied down well, you will have spider webs, creatures etc depending on how often you take off the cover. My cruiser is white so a claybar will always restore the paint to like new since there is no clearcoat that can peel off. But if you insist on a car cover, perhaps this guys has found one

 

[ToyotaTruck]

Thanks again. I'll check out the video

 

[Kernal]

Did I miss it in the video or did anyone catch the name of the company/brand/part number of the black cover above??

 

[YotaTrail]

Did I miss it in the video or did anyone catch the name of the company/brand/part number of the black cover above??

Looks like the op in the video won't disclose the brand but sells them. He probably does it for profit. It's in the comments

 

[YMT]

I got an Amazon special, Coverado XL (I think), made for Suburbans. Have had it a couple years now, and has handled the UV and temp extremes in CA very well, especially for a cheapy cover; it was about $70, if I recall.
It fits very well around the body and is very snug, even in winds- only issue is it's a bit longer than the 80 body- a hitch basket, folded up, was perfect for tightening it.
Has faded, but is still in great shape.

 

[YotaTrail]

eZshade got good reviews on caranddriver and amazon but not sure what size you would need, possibly like an escalade size s5 or s6 but don't take my word for it, might have to measure and call the company since I didn't see landcruiser listed

 

[SoCal80series]

I bought the Car and Driver model off of Amazon. It was around $50. My first one lasted a little over a year. I wasn't careful and I tore it on my roof rack. The current one I've had for around six months. I looked at the expensive ones, but figured I could buy six or seven of these over the span of paying for one them. I've been completely happy thus far. I bought the size designed for SUVs and vans. It fits perfectly.

 

[CruiseCruise]

Looks like the op in the video won't disclose the brand but sells them. He probably does it for profit. It's in the comments

It's from www.carscover.com

 

[mudgudgeon]

are you saying that no cover is better than a cover?

IMO, yes.
Cover gives a false sense of security. They tend to rub and scratch paint.

Better off waxing more frequently or have a ceramic treatment done.

 

[YotaTrail]

It's from www.carscover.com

interesting they have several models with the cheapest around 90. Wonder if the $130 the dude charges is for the lower model

 

[CruiseCruise]

interesting they have several models with the cheapest around 90. Wonder if the $130 the dude charges is for the lower mo

 

[CruiseCruise]

I believe so...I bought one

 

[ChaseTruck]

Can't speak to the fit of covers for the 80, but: My K5 in AZ lives under a Gold Shield 5L cover from carcovers.com. The Gold version ($180) seems to hold up better; the cheaper version typically lasts just 1 year before it gets brittle in the Phoenix sun and temperatures. The current Gold is on for the second summer, and it also has started to micro-crack but it’ll last to the winter. The Gold version has a soft cotton-y layer on the inside, and fits well; it doesn’t move much when strapped down, although I do have a front bumper with high radiator protection - without that there’d be some slack. As for paint, well, that’s faded for a long time already, and I’m more concerned about the drivetrain on that truck than on looks.

 

[YotaTrail]

if the covers last only a year, might as well just get a heavy duty tarp from home depot / lowes and they will last longer

 

[ChaseTruck]

if the covers last only a year, might as well just get a heavy duty tarp from home depot / lowes and they will last longer

Not in Phoenix. I’ve used tarps, and the covers last longer. YRMV.
Tarps offer more purchase to the wind, and they will rub the paint.