The drawbar cover from Tarpofix made a 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 different layers of material 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 securely fastened to drawbars and couplings. Installation is self-explanatory and easy. Tarpofix currently sells the drawbar covers in six different colours.
Advantages
✅ High quality
✅ good workmanship
✅ water-repellent
✅ robust
✅ easy assembly
✅ seat-proof
Disadvantages
❌ Ball of thread at the seam
The first impression
The packaging and labelling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. Of course, adequate protection of the product must also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is stable, product is adequately protected | 93 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | No unnecessary packaging waste, compact packaging, recyclable cardboard box | 97 points |
| Product labelling | Thank you message for the purchase on the inside of the packaging | 93 points |
| Miscellaneous | Box arrived without damage | 98 points |
| Total | 95 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Cardboard packaging
The Tarpofix drawbar cover arrived in an undamaged cardboard box, which was easy to open using a pointed object. The drawbar cover was packed in a separate box inside the carton. In this case, the product was fully protected and the cover was therefore in perfect condition. On the inside of the box there is a message of thanks addressed to the buyer. In addition, the packaging of the towbar cover is recyclable with the exception of a small plastic seal. To summarise, the product is not damaged and the package was in good condition. All in all, the Tarpofix drawbar cover made a good impression in our test.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the pack 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 bonnet with two click fasteners, complete package contents | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | not absolutely necessary | 94 points |
| Contact information | No specific contact information visible | 75 points |
| Miscellaneous | Package contents can be used directly | 98 points |
| Total | 92 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
After opening the sturdy cardboard packaging, we found the assembled towbar cover. The product consists of several different layers of material, which are designed to protect the drawbar/hitch from various weather conditions. The drawbar cover also has two straps, each with a plastic click fastener. The inside of the cardboard packaging shows the Tarpofix website and a QR code that directs the consumer to the tarpofix.com website. However, no specific contact information is shown on the packaging. In addition, care instructions for the drawbar cover would have been desirable.
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 | Bonnet is creased | 86 points |
| Processing | Seams are clean with the exception of one ball of thread | 81 points |
| Stability | Click fastener holds very well, bonnet withstands tear test | 95 points |
| Sustainability of the product | The product is durable due to its good stability | 90 points |
| Miscellaneous | Drawbar bonnet has circulation holes | 95 points |
| Total | 89 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
To begin with, it is noticeable that the bonnet is a little creased after unpacking. However, the seams are neatly finished, with the exception of a ball of thread. The straps can be individually adjusted to the size of the drawbar or clutch. The click fastener also allows the drawbar cover to be opened quickly and closed securely. In our test, we tested the stability of the bonnet by pulling on the bonnet and the strap. The product passed the test without any problems. The bonnet also has two circulation holes on the underside.
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 | Waterproof in the test | 100 points |
| Adjustable in size | Straps are adjustable in size | 90 points |
| Windproof hold | Tight-fitting straps and robust click fasteners | 91 points |
| Premium material | Four different material layers | 92 points |
| Sustainable | Robust and therefore durable | 90 points |
| Total | 93 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
We really enjoyed testing the towbar cover, as the product is self-explanatory and easy to use. One advantage of this product is that the bonnet is attached using two size-adjustable straps. This allows the drawbar bonnet 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 bonnet. The drawbar bonnet has also proven to be robust in a stability test. The bonnet is soft and water-resistant 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 analyse consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Good quality at a reasonable price | 89 points |
| Rating cut | 4.4 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 70 points |
| Total | 80 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.4 stars. They often criticise the fact that the seam tears easily or the straps do not hold. Many customers like the fact that the drawbar cover is waterproof and the material is good. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the material is of good quality and the cover is waterproof. However, we cannot confirm that the straps or seams tear easily.
Prices of up to €37.39 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €8.90. The drawbar cover from Tarpofix is currently priced at €19.95, which puts it in the mid-price segment. The price ratio is very good for the quality and scope of services you get.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labelling | 15% | 95 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 15% | 92 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 89 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 30% | 93 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer reviews | 20% | 80 points |
| Total | 90 points |
