Thule Sun and Wind Tarp – our cover test from Thule

When we tested the Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single trailer, we quickly found out that it is a piece of equipment that is great for traveling with children. But the trailer itself is just the beginning – Thule offers a range of accessories for it to make life easier and more comfortable for the whole family. Among them was the Thule Sun and Wind Tarp, which we took with us on our trip to Denmark.

Our RV trip to Sweden and Denmark was the perfect time to check it out! Wind, sandy beaches, lots of sun – we tested it in both mild and more difficult conditions. In today’s post, we’ll tell you how it performed, whether we had problems unfolding it, and its pros and cons.

We also recommend our post about the Thule Chariot Cross 2 Single trailer.

First impressions and installation

The Thule sun and wind tarp comes in a black cover and folds up to take up very little space. Its weight is a little over 2 kg and carrying it in the trailer you will not feel this weight, and as you know, when traveling with children, every inch of space and every kilogram is at a premium.

Always with this type of accessory we have concerns about whether once we take it out of the cover we will be able to pack it back in, but fortunately we have had no such problem ;) The cover is easy to take out of the cover as well as put back in, but the key is to fold it well.

Assembly turned out to be trivial, but the first time we supported ourselves with instructions to do everything according to the art. It was for this reason that it took us longer, but the second and third time it went once two. A few moves and a fabric stretched over the trailer, protecting it from both sun and wind. No additional tools or special skills were needed.

Of course, you’ll find everything you need for installation in the kit, namely the telescopic rod and the pins. After inserting the rod into the fabric, the cover is attached just by the pegs, and additionally hooked onto the trailer – in our opinion, it is this last element that makes the cover surprisingly stable! Even in stronger gusts of wind, nothing happened to it, and sitting inside we were well sheltered from the wind.

Usage and what to keep in mind

Although the installation of the cover is very simple, over time we noticed a few things to keep in mind to make using it even more convenient. First of all, it’s a good idea to work out your own way of folding and packing right away, so that the cover will always be on hand when you need it most. In our case, we mostly kept it together with other trailer accessories and took it with us even when we weren’t sure if we would ever unfold it. It turned out that there were plenty of opportunities to take advantage!

It is also worth keeping in mind the conditions under which it will be used. On the beach or in the open, where the wind is sometimes stronger, you need to take care of stable spacing and accurate tensioning of the lines. This will prevent the material from shifting or blowing up. With the elements well fixed, we did not feel that the whole thing was unstable.

A cover is a cover, but we also recommend bringing a blanket or a larger towel to spread out for yourself inside. In this way, we were even able to sit together as a group of five, sheltered from the wind!

Also remember to shake the cover out of the sand before you pack it in the bag :)

From the perspective of everyday use, however, the most important thing is that the cover does not require any complicated preparations. It can be spread out spontaneously, even over a short break, and it was in such situations that we appreciated it most. The children could rest in peace, eat a sandwich or play in the shade for a while, and we were assured that they were protected from the sun and wind. This inconspicuous accessory has quickly become one of the most used items in our travel kit.

Thule Sun and Wind Tarp for travel in Denmark

In what situations and conditions has this cover worked best for us? The first real tests took place on the beach. Denmark’s coastline is beautiful, but the wind there can take its toll. On top of that, the sun was shining mercilessly, so the cover proved to be a salvation. We set it up next to the trailer and in no time at all, we had created a little sanctuary for the children – a place where they could play with their toys, relax and even take a nap without the risk of being parched by the sun. For us, this was a great comfort, because we could quietly enjoy a moment on the beach without constantly moving the trailer in search of shade.

After the first test we took the cover on every trip and walk on the beach :)

The cover also came in handy for us in everyday situations that initially seemed less obvious. During a picnic in the park or during a short stop on the bike path – it gave us extra comfort everywhere. It allowed us to quickly organize a space where children felt comfortable and safe. We didn’t have to nervously look around for shade or hide under shelters. We simply stopped, unfolded the cover and had a resting place ready.

When we return, we also take it with us on longer bike trips, and the children have come to love the “trailer tent.”

Advantages and limitations

The biggest advantage of the Thule Sun and Wind Tarp is, of course, protection from the sun and wind. The material of the cover stops UV rays well, and at the same time allows air to pass through, so it doesn’t get stuffy under the canopy. Plus, the whole thing is lightweight, handy and really easy to use. The stability in windy conditions surprised us very positively and made us eager to reach for it.

Of course, the cover takes up some space, and the bag you pack it in is hard to pack into a small, handy backpack, but when carried in the trailer you don’t feel the weight.

Is the Thule Sun and Wind Tarp worth buying?

Looking back on our trip in Denmark, we can confidently say that the Thule Sun and Wind Tarp cover met our expectations and will stay with us for a long time. It’s an accessory that families who spend a lot of time outdoors _ whether it’s beachcombing, longer bike rides or a simple picnic – will especially appreciate.

For children, it’s a tent and a base in one, and for parents, it’s a guarantee that toddlers have protection from the sun and wind.

Our review of Thule Sun and Wind Tarp

Our tests in Denmark showed that the Thule Sun and Wind Tarp is more than just a practical accessory. It’s an accessory that affects the comfort of travel and makes it possible for us to fully enjoy our time together outdoors. Just as the Thule trailer has become our indispensable companion, the cover now completes the set and gives us even more freedom. If you are looking for a solution that will allow you to travel more quietly with your children, it is definitely worth considering this purchase.