STORAGE SYSTEMS: WHEN EVEN THE BEST CAR COVER ISN´T GOOD ENOUGH
WHAT IS A STORAGE SYSTEM AND WHY WOULD YOU USE ONE
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A storage system is an enclosure for your vehicle with particular features mainly TO PROTECT IT FROM CONDENSATION.
Condensation can cause serious damage to vehicles standing still for a longer period of time, due to the moist causing corrosion not only on the body but also on the internal metal parts, and mildew in the upholstery. It is the result of temperature differences between the air and a surface, in combination with the relative humidity in the air. It occurs outdoors as well as indoors, especially in cooler sea climate areas like North West Europe and in colder periods with rapid temperature changes. [more]
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Condensation can be prevented by:
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avoiding temperature differences between air and surface,
which can be achieved by either
- heating the air
or by
- strong air circulation -
taking the moist out of the air
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This is where storage systems come in, because it is inefficient, if not impossible, to condition the whole room if only the direct environment of the vehicle needs conditioning.
By putting the car in its own, small space, condensation can be beaten more effectively and efficiently. And it has other advantages, too.
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As it is a closed system, it also offers
maximum protection from
DUST, DIRT and TOUCHING.
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Depending on the concept of the system,
it can also protect from
FALLING OBJECTS.
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STORAGE SYSTEM CONCEPTS
AIR CIRCULATION SYSTEMS
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Strong air circulation in and around the vehicle prevents temperature differences between air and vehicle, so condensation won't occur. There is no need to heat or dehydrate the air, the strong circulation does the trick.
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Built in fans soak in air from outside and make it circulate strongly. The systems are not air tight but leaky, i.e. the air escapes and is constantly refreshed. In a good system a volume of 3000 to 5000 litres of air is refreshed every hour.
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Corrosion is prevented, and the upholstery stays fresh.
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Electricity is needed but energy consumption is low (+/- 10W).
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This concept comes in versions with and without frame. Frameless versions stay upright only by the constant over pressure of air inside the system, which makes them collaps as soon as you open the zipper. Air circulation systems with frame are more practical in use, but these are only suitable for indoor use. Only frameless systems are available in an outdoor version.
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In addition to preventing condensation, air circulation systems offer following advantages:
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Dust filters over the fans prevent dust from entering into the system.
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The constant over pressure of air inside the system offers protection from falling objects (and keeps it upright if it's a frameless version). The versions with frame offer better protection from falling objects.
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Standing in its own closed compartment, the car is protected from scratches and from people putting stuff on the bonnet or on the roof.
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Most systems are transparent or partly transparent so you can still enjoy the sight of your car when you enter the garage.
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The versions with frame offer easy access to the car either through the front or one or more zipper doors on the sides.
DEHUMIDIFYING SYSTEMS
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This system is a huge bag in which the vehicle is placed, together with special dehumidifyer packs to take the moist out of the air to avoid condensation.
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No electricity is needed, but the dehumidifyer packs need to be replaced regularly. They can be regenerated by putting them in the oven.
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A thermo-hygrometer on the outside of the bag gives information about the humidity conditions inside the bag, so you know when to replace/regenerate the dehumidifyer packs.
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These systems are available in indoor and outdoor versions.
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In addition to preventing condensation, dehumidifying systems offer following advantages:
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Protection from dust, as it is a fully (though not hermetically) closed system.​
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The vehicle is protected from scratches, although for better protection it is advised to first put a regular, soft cover over the vehicle before putting it inside the bag.
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HEATED SYSTEMS
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These don´t exist, the concept isn´t feasible. It would be inefficient because the enclosure would need to be fully insulated, the temperature constantly monitored, and energy consumption of even the smallest electrical heater is at least 400W.
CAIR-O-PORT®
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The Cair-o-Port® is First Class Additions´ version of the air circulation concept. From our own experience as car enthusiasts we learned that air circulation is not only the most effective but also the most practical way to protect vehicles from the devastating consequences of condensation. The Cair-o-Port® combines maximum effect with maximum ease of installation and use.
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Find more information about the Cair-o-Port® here.