How to Replace Pop-up Camper Canvas

Canvas is a durable fabric that has been used to make tents for centuries, and is routinely used for the walls of pop-up campers. One of the few drawbacks of canvas is that it is subject to mold and rot. It can also be torn as the result of an accident. Either of these problems could require the replacement of an entire section of canvas in order to restore your camper to good order.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Tape measure
Scissors
Extra canvas
Canvas adhesive
Waterproofing wax or spray

Step 1

Cut away the damaged canvas with a pair of scissors. If you are replacing rotten canvas, remove an extra 2 inches around the perimeter of the rotted fabric. For torn canvas, trim the hole so that it is neat.

Step 2

Measure the newly enlarged hole in the canvas. Take those measurements over to some spare canvas and cut two separate canvas patches. Measure these patches so that about 2 inches are added to the dimensions of the hole on the camper wall, so that the patch will be larger on all sides.

Step 3

Smear canvas adhesive over one side of a canvas patch, and stick this over the hole in the canvas wall from the outside of the camper. Wait about five minutes, and then go inside the camper and repeat the same process with the other patch, so that it is pressed onto both the canvas wall and the canvas patch on the outside.

Step 4

Leave your camper in place for at least 24 hours to let the adhesive dry properly.

Step 5

Coat the exterior of the new canvas with a canvas waterproofing agent. The old-fashioned way of doing this is to rub wax into the canvas fabric, but you can save yourself a lot of work with a silicon-based spray. Permit that waterproofing to dry or set as directed.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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