I see that Can-Am has what they bill as a trailering cover . (
https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/shop...m-vehicle-cover-for-all-spyder-rt-models.html )
Anyone here have any real world experience with one? I pull an open trailer behind my truck/camper rig. If this actually stays on and doesn't damage the paint I'd want one.
I can answer your question exactly from personal experience using the BRP 'trailering' cover while hauling my 2017 F3L from Florida back to Ontario (about 1400 miles) last April, on an open trailer, as well as using it to protect my Spyder when stored outside, both in Ontario as well as in Florida.
I bought my F3L in May 2017; at the very same time, I purchased a BRP trailering cover, knowing that my Spyder would likely be outside in both locations (we only have carports in either place, and they often get priority use by cars), and also knowing that I had every intention of using the Spyder 12 months a year, which meant hauling it. I quickly acquired an open aluminum trailer (in fact, I got it before the Spyder arrived). Thus, my logic in buying the BRP trailering cover. Herewith my experience.....
Issue #1: fit. The BRP trailering cover is designed to fit snugly over the F3L, including over the stock top case, side bags and stock windshield. Problems can arise if you purchase an aftermarket windshield, as I did - bought a 23" F4 shield. The BRP trailering cover will work with the short stock shield, no problem. There is even an 'expansion' pocket which will accommodate a BRP 'Tall Boy" shield. However, the BRP cover, even with expansion pocket opened, will not allow the cover to properly fit over the wider F4 shield. I cannot tell you whether it will work with any other aftermarket shields as I did not measure them. Just be aware that windscreen size/change can alter your ability to use a BRP snug fitting cover. Even though I took my F4 screen off before hauling south, I did not use the BRP cover coming down to FL. I drove through a day of torrential rain in NC; the Spyder survived. Problems can also arise if you have an F3T, without top case, and later decide to add an aftermarket piece. It may not fit the parameters of the BRP cover. You also should check if installing an 'extender' to enlarge the pillion seat by moving the stock top case back - the few inches gained may make that cover unusable. The BRP cover does have two more expansion pockets designed to allow it to accommodate BRP passenger arm rests, so no problem if these are added.
Last winter, I used the BRP trailering cover extensively as outdoor protection from the sun/rain while in FL from Nov-April. It worked well. I really appreciated its quality and heavy duty construction. I did find it a bit of a struggle at times putting it on and taking it off because of the very snug fit. It's so well or closely designed to the bike's shape as to be something of a PITA to put on/take off on a daily basis when riding a lot. For that reason, I switched to a lighter Nelson-Rigg full cover; looser fitting and much quicker and easier to use. Also not nearly as bulky or heavy. The N-R cover is my daily user now; the BRP is a back-up, and I might even consider selling it. It got used only once for actual trailering; see next comment.
Issue # 2: paint damage while trailering. The BRP cover is very snug fitting to begin with - almost a 'body glove' for the F3L. There are also several strong 'belly' straps that help draw it up real tight and prevent flapping. On my trip north last April, I expected to run into foul weather (snow and ice), so put on the cover before departing (we tend to drive straight through in 24 hours, so I didn't want to do the fastening mid trip). While hauling, I watched the BRP cover in the rear view mirror constantly; didn't ever notice flapping. Nothing came loose along the way. I checked the straps at every pit stop; snugged them down when required. We did get bad weather - rain, some snow flurries, but nothing that would have badly damaged the bike had it not been covered. The BRP cover showed lots of evidence of road grime and dirt on arrival, but no cause for concern. While travelling, I noticed the cover pressed up tightly against the front and sides of the Spyder from wind pressure due to thruway speeds. I had switched over to a 'Tall Boy' shield just before heading north. Thus, the expansion pocket was open to accommodate that larger shield; the snug fit was good, and worked as designed.
When I took the cover off a couple of days after arriving back in Ontario, I closely inspected the Spyder for paint damage, scratches, scuffing, etc. I found no marks of any consequence on the front or sides of the Spyder. I did notice, however, that the additional liner padding material on the inside of the cover was worn in several places. I concluded that the wear spots were caused by intense friction or rubbing against protrusions or corner areas of the Spyder, such as at fenders and around the rear below the top case, and over the ends of the side bags.
Then, I found damage. Because of the snugged down or tightened fit, there seems to have been a lot of rubbing and consequent friction over the rear corners of the side bags. Indeed, the paint was worn right through in several places. My Spyder is red; there are now several small areas where a black undercoat shows, or where the red surface paint was friction burned. There are corresponding worn places on the cover itself. I stress that these areas are very small, and noticeable only if one does a detailed inspection. They are perhaps the size of a pencil eraser - a couple on each side bag. Also, this same friction caused by cover tightness against the Spyder's rear caused the metal bracket holding my licence plate in place to constantly bend back and forth. You guessed it: the metal brackets snapped in half. How do I know the cover caused this - because my licence plate with broken brackets fell on the ground as I was removing the cover. I was lucky; the plate got caught in the cover, but didn't drop out somewhere between FL and ON. The snug fitting cover at least kept all my parts together.
Conclusion: I didn't use the trailering cover to travel back south this fall. I doubt that I will ever use it again while trailering, unless confronted by absolutely horrendous bad weather. Even then, I'll likely take my chances, even with my open aluminum trailer. It may get used as a protective outdoor cover; it seems to be a quality item and I think it does a great job there. Expensive? Yes. But very effective. Just not as easy to put on/take off as my Nelson-Rigg cover, but probably superior at protecting from harsh elements.
That's my take - not just my two cents worth; more like $300 worth (cost of the BRP cover).
Hope this helps answer your question.
