The Tarpofix drawbar cover made a very good impression in our test. The drawbar cover has a length of 92 cm and a height of 58 cm. It is also suitable for drawbars and couplings with a width of between 15 and a maximum of 80 cm. The product consists of two layers of PVC and a reinforced fabric net and therefore offers good weather protection. The drawbar cover also has two click fasteners. These are adjustable in size and ensure that the cover can be firmly attached to drawbars and couplings. Installation is self-explanatory and easy.
Advantages
✅ Water-repellent
✅ easy to install
✅ robust
✅ high quality
Disadvantages
❌ No assembly instructions available (but not absolutely necessary)
The first impression
Packaging and labeling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | No unnecessary packaging waste was used, items were packed compactly | 100 points |
| Miscellaneous | High-quality packaging, also suitable as a gift | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The Tarpofix drawbar cover arrived in the typical Amazon box. The box was undamaged and easy to open with a sharp object. Inside the box, the drawbar cover was packed in a product box. The product protection was complete in this case and the drawbar cover was therefore in perfect condition. The packaging of the drawbar cover is completely recyclable.
Overall, the Tarpofix drawbar cover makes a very good impression.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the package complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Drawbar hood with two click fasteners | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | not absolutely necessary | 95 points |
| Contact information | Address information complete, contact information missing on the product box | 70 points |
| Total | 88 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Inside the product box, in addition to the blue folded drawbar cover, there is also a message of thanks to the buyer. The cover is made of a fabric-reinforced PVC tarpaulin material, which is weather and UV-resistant.
On the inside of the cardboard packaging is the Tarpofix website and a QR code that directs the consumer to the tarpofix.com website. The address information can be found on the back. However, no specific contact information, such as an email address, is shown on the packaging. There are no instructions for use, although this is not absolutely necessary. All in all, this is an extremely well thought-out and customer-friendly way of sending a product.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | High-quality appearance | 100 points |
| Processing | High-quality workmanship | 100 points |
| Stability | Product is stable | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Due to the high quality, we assume a long service life | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The product consists of several different layers of material and is 100% waterproof. This protects the drawbar from various weather conditions. The drawbar cover also has two straps, each with a plastic click fastener. The straps can be individually adjusted to the size of the drawbar or the coupling. The click lock also allows the drawbar cover to be opened quickly and closed securely. In our test, we tested the stability of the hood by pulling on the hood and the strap. Due to its good quality, we expect it to have a long service life.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Two waterproof PVC layers | 100 points |
| Adjustable in size | Straps are adjustable in size | 90 points |
| Windproof hold | Robust click fastener | 100 points |
| Sustainable | UV-resistant material | 100 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
We really enjoyed testing the drawbar cover, as the product is self-explanatory and easy to use. One advantage of this product is that the hood is attached using two size-adjustable straps. This allows the drawbar hood to be fitted snugly. The plastic buckles on the straps are also easy to open and close. The circulation holes on the underside of the product also allow a constant exchange of air within the hood. The drawbar hood has also proven to be robust in a stability test. The hood is soft and waterproof on the inside. Nevertheless, the drawbar or coupling is not protected from water or dew from the underside.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also examine consumer ratings and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | reasonable price ratio | 90 points |
| Rating cut | 4.7 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 85 points |
| Total | 87 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.7 stars. Many customers like the fact that the drawbar cover is waterproof and the material is high quality and sturdy. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the material is of good quality and the cover is waterproof
Prices of up to €36.50 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €9.99. With a price of €25.95, the Tarpofix drawbar cover is currently in the middle price segment. The price ratio is reasonable for the quality and scope of services offered.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labeling | 10% | 100 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 88 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 100 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 97 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer ratings | 20% | 87 points |
| Total | 95 points |
