Protect Your Trike with the Best Covers on the Market
Protecting your trike from the harsh elements and potential damage is crucial for maintaining its longevity and appearance. A quality trike cover serves as a barrier against dust, dirt, snow, sun, and even theft, ensuring your vehicle stays in pristine condition.
This guide will walk you through the benefits of using a trike cover, the various types available, and the key features to consider when selecting the perfect cover for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- A trike cover is essential for protecting your trike from environmental damage, including the sun, snow, dust, and dirt.
- Different types of covers offer varying levels of protection, with options available for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Choosing the right trike cover involves considering factors such as material, fit, and additional features such as an elastic hem and built-in straps to protect against snow and other elements.
Table of Contents
- Why Do You Need a Trike Cover?
- Are There Different Types of Trike Covers Available?
- What Materials Are the Best for Trike Covers?
- Can You Use a Motorcycle Cover for Your Trike?
- Are Trike Covers Waterproof?
- Will a Cover Protect Your Trike from UV Damage?
- Are There Any Motorcycle Accessories You Should Consider for Your Trike Cover?
- Enhance Your Trike's Lifespan
Why Do You Need a Trike Cover?
A trike cover serves as a crucial barrier against various environmental factors that can cause damage over time.
Here are several reasons why using a durable cover for your trike is essential:
Protection from Weather Elements
A waterproof trike cover helps protect your vehicle by preventing moisture from seeping into the mechanical parts, which can lead to rust and corrosion.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun can fade the paint and degrade the materials of your trike. A durable, heavy-duty trike cover with UV protection helps maintain the trike’s appearance and structural integrity.
Strong winds can carry debris that may scratch or dent your trike. A heavy-duty cover acts as a shield against such impacts, ensuring your trike is well-protected.
Preventing Dirt and Debris Accumulation
These can settle on your trike, making it dirty and potentially clogging up essential components. A trike cover keeps your trike clean and ready for use.
These can be particularly troublesome, as they may cause stains or even damage the paintwork. A cover ensures that your trike remains spotless.
Security and Theft Deterrence
A covered trike is less likely to attract the attention of potential thieves. It adds an extra layer of security by concealing the trike from view.
Some durable trike covers come with lockable features, providing an additional deterrent against theft.
Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Trike
By protecting your trike from moisture and debris, a cover helps maintain the functionality of mechanical parts, reducing the need for frequent repairs.
Regular use of a trike cover also helps preserve the trike’s paint and finish, ensuring it looks new for a longer period.
Additionally, proper storage of your trike with a heavy-duty cover can further extend its lifespan by shielding it from the elements and potential damage.
Convenience and Peace of Mind
With a trike cover, you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your rides. It simplifies the maintenance routine by keeping the trike in good condition.
Knowing that your trike is protected from various potential damages allows you to have peace of mind, whether parked outside or stored in a garage.
Did You Know? As of January 19th, 2013, trikes were reclassified under Category A (motorcycle) licensing regulations. Before this change, they fell under Category B (car) licensing regulations. |
Are There Different Types of Trike Covers Available?
2003 Honda Goldwing Motor Trike - Premium Edition | 2003 Honda Goldwing Motor Trike - Basic Edition | 2003 Honda Goldwing Motor Trike - Indoor Premium Satin Edition |
- Breathable - Both outdoor and indoor cover | - Breathable - Polyester made - Outperforms 3-layer covers - For outdoor and indoor use | - Breathable - For indoors only |
When it comes to protecting your trike, selecting the right type of cover is crucial to meet specific needs and conditions.
Standard Covers
These are the most common type of trike cover, designed to provide basic protection against dust, dirt, and light weather conditions. A standard trike cover is typically made from lightweight yet durable materials that are easy to handle and ensure your trike stays dry during storage. These covers also offer some protection from the sun, making them a versatile choice for trike owners.
Heavy-Duty Covers
For those who need more robust protection, a heavy-duty trike cover is an excellent choice. These covers are made from thicker, more durable materials and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. They are ideal for storage in areas exposed to the elements, ensuring your trike is well-protected from the sun and adverse weather.
All-Weather Covers
As the name suggests, an all-weather trike cover is designed to protect your vehicle in all types of weather. They are usually made from high-quality, waterproof materials and often include features like UV protection and reinforced seams.
Custom-Fit Covers
Custom-fit covers are tailored to the exact dimensions of your trike, providing a snug fit that offers superior protection. These covers are often more expensive but provide the best overall protection and aesthetic appeal.
Indoor Covers
These covers are designed for storage in garages or storage units, making them perfect for trikes stored indoors.
They are typically made from softer materials that protect against dust and minor scratches. An indoor trike cover is not usually waterproof but offers excellent protection against indoor pollutants and helps keep your trike dry.
Outdoor Covers
Outdoor covers are built to withstand the sun and other elements. They are made from heavy-duty, durable, waterproof materials and often include features like UV protection and wind straps to keep the cover secure.
These covers are ideal for trikes stored outside or in areas exposed to the weather, ensuring your vehicle stays protected from the sun, rain, snow, and wind.
Seasonal Covers
Some manufacturers offer seasonal covers designed for specific weather conditions.
For example, winter covers are made from heavy-duty, insulated materials to protect against snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
On the other side, summer covers focus on UV protection and breathability to prevent overheating and sun damage. These covers are also part of motorcycle accessories collections, offering tailored solutions for every season.
What Materials Are the Best for Trike Covers?
When selecting a trike cover, the material is a crucial factor that determines its durability, protection, and overall performance.
Here are some of the best trike cover materials along with their key characteristics:
Polyester
Polyester is known for its strength and resistance to tearing, making it a long-lasting option.
Many polyester covers are treated with a waterproof coating, providing excellent protection against rain.
Polyester can be treated to offer UV resistance, protecting your trike from harmful sun rays.
While not the most breathable material, polyester can be designed with vents to reduce moisture buildup from rain or snow.
Satin
Satin can be a suitable material for an indoor trike cover.
While it may not be as durable or weather-resistant as other heavy-duty outdoor car covers, satin is relatively easy to clean and maintain. With proper care, it can prove to be a long-lasting material.
Satin is a soft and luxurious fabric that can protect your trike’s paint from scratches and dust. It also adds a touch of elegance to your garage or indoor parking space.
This material is flexible and can easily conform to the shape of your trike. If you plan to use a satin trike cover indoors, be sure to choose a well-ventilated area and remove the cover regularly to allow the trike to air out.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is generally more affordable than other materials, making it a budget-friendly option.
This durable material offers decent water resistance and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Polypropylene can be treated to provide UV protection, so you can protect your trike from sun damage.
Similar to nylon, polypropylene is lightweight and easy to handle.
Can You Use a Motorcycle Cover for Your Trike?
When considering whether to use a motorcycle cover for your trike or trike conversion, there are several key differences and potential issues to be aware of. While it might seem convenient to use a motorcycle cover, there are specific factors to consider to ensure proper protection and fit.
Shape and Size
Motorcycle covers are typically designed for two-wheeled vehicles, which means they may not accommodate the wider rear end of a trike.
A trike cover is specifically tailored to fit the unique dimensions of three-wheeled vehicles, ensuring full coverage.
Coverage
Motorcycle covers might leave parts of the trike exposed, such as the rear wheels and fenders.
On the other hand, a trike cover provides comprehensive coverage, protecting all parts of the vehicle from the elements.
Securing Mechanisms
Motorcycle covers often have securing straps and elastic hems designed for a narrower profile.
On the other hand, a trike cover includes additional securing points and features to accommodate the broader shape and ensure a snug fit.
While it is possible to use a motorcycle cover for a trike with some modifications, it is generally more effective to invest in a cover specifically designed for trikes.
For those with specific models, we recommend using our specially designed motorcycle covers. If you have a trike conversion, like the California Sidecar or the Harley-Davidson Servi-Car Trike, our motorcycle covers provide the best fit and protection.
Are Trike Covers Waterproof?
When considering a trike cover, one of the primary concerns is whether it is waterproof. Ensuring that your trike remains dry and protected from rain or snow is crucial for maintaining its longevity and performance.
A trike cover is deemed waterproof based on the materials used and the construction techniques employed.
Here are some key features to look for:
Material
A high-quality waterproof trike cover is typically made from materials such as polyester, nylon, or PVC. These materials are known for their water-resistant properties.
Coatings
Many covers come with a waterproof coating, such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which adds an extra layer of protection against water.
Sealed Seams
The cover's seams should be sealed or taped to prevent water from seeping through the stitching.
Elastic Hems and Straps
Elastic hems and straps are crucial features that help secure the cover tightly around the trike, reducing the chances of water ingress.
An elastic hem provides a snug fit, ensuring that the cover stays in place even in windy conditions.
Additionally, the elastic hem helps to prevent dust and debris from getting under the cover, providing comprehensive protection for your trike.
Will a Cover Protect Your Trike from UV Damage?
When considering a cover for your trike, one of the primary concerns is whether it will protect against UV damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause significant harm to your trike over time, leading to faded paint, cracked seats, and deteriorated rubber components.
To ensure your trike remains in pristine condition, choose a cover that offers robust UV protection.
Below are some of the key features of UV protection.
UV-Resistant Materials
The most effective trike covers are made from durable materials specifically designed to block UV rays. These materials often include polyester, solution-dyed acrylic, and polyethylene.
Some covers are treated with UV stabilizers, which enhance the material’s ability to resist UV degradation from the sun. This treatment helps protect the trike cover, prolonging its life.
Reflective Coatings
Certain covers come with reflective coatings that deflect UV rays away from the trike. This feature not only protects the trike but also helps keep it cooler under the cover.
Are There Any Motorcycle Accessories You Should Consider for Your Trike Cover?
When it comes to protecting your trike, the cover itself is just the beginning. There are several motorcycle accessories that can enhance the functionality and longevity of your trike cover, ensuring that your vehicle remains in pristine condition. Here are some some you might consider:
Storage Bags
A storage bag is an excellent accessory for keeping your trike cover organized when not in use. These bags are typically made from durable materials and often come with handles for easy transport. They help protect the cover from getting dirty or damaged while in storage.
Lockable Straps
Security is a significant concern for many trike owners. Lockable straps can provide an added layer of protection by securing the cover to your trike, making it more difficult for someone to remove it without your permission. These straps are usually adjustable and can be locked with a key or combination lock.
Protective Liners
Some covers come with a soft inner lining to protect the paint and finish of your trike.
If your trike cover does not have this feature, you can purchase a separate protective liner. These liners are typically made from soft, non-abrasive materials like fleece or microfiber and can be placed between the cover and your trike.
Reflective Strips
For those who store their California Sidecar or other trikes outdoors, reflective strips can be a valuable addition to your trike cover. These strips enhance visibility, making it easier to spot your trike in low-light conditions. They can be sewn onto the cover or attached using adhesive backing for added safety.
Tie-Down Anchors
A trike cover can easily become dislodged in windy conditions. Tie-down anchors, usually stakes or weights attached to the cover's grommets or loops, can help secure the cover more firmly to the ground.
UV Protection Sprays
While many trike covers come with built-in UV protection, you can further enhance this feature with UV protection sprays. These sprays can be applied to the cover to protect against harmful UV rays from the sun, providing an extra layer of defense and prolonging the life of both the cover and your trike’s finish.
Enhance Your Trike's Lifespan
Investing in the right trike cover is a simple yet effective way to extend the life of your vehicle. Whether you need protection from the sun's UV rays, heavy rain, snow, or dirt accumulation, there's a cover designed to meet your specific needs.
Don't wait—protect your trike and enjoy peace of mind knowing it's safeguarded against the harsh elements.