How to Fix a Camper Canvas

dave_7: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en

You can patch a hole or tear in your camper's canvas for about 20 dollars, which is significantly cheaper than the price of fully replacing the entire canvas. A full pop up camper canvas replacement costs upwards of 1000 dollars. The patched canvas will be visible, but will prevent water leaks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Ruler or measuring tape Paper Pencil Replacement canvas Scissors Canvas adhesive Plastic disposable knife Waterproof canvas spray
Ruler or measuring tape
Paper
Pencil
Replacement canvas
Scissors
Canvas adhesive
Plastic disposable knife
Waterproof canvas spray

Step 1

Measure the height and width of the hole or tear in the camper's canvas, using a ruler or measuring tape. Write your measurements down on a piece of paper.

Step 2

Add an extra two inches to the length and width of your measurements so that replacement canvas patches will be larger than the hole or tear.

Step 3

Lay a piece of replacement canvas flat on a table. You can purchase replacement canvas directly from the manufacturer of your camper or at a camping supply store. You can order replacement canvas from the manufacturer in the exact same color as your existing camper canvas, which makes the patch less obvious. Camping supply stores sell replacement canvas in canvas repair patch kits, which also include the adhesive you will need to attach the patch to your camper's canvas.

Step 4

Draw out the dimensions you measured earlier onto the replacement canvas, using a ruler or measuring tape to measure out the dimensions and a pencil to mark the canvas.

Step 5

Draw out the dimensions a second time on a fresh area of the replacement canvas to make a second replacement patch.

Step 6

Cut both replacement patches out, cutting along the pencil markings, using a pair of scissors.

Step 7

Squeeze canvas adhesive onto one side of each canvas patch. This will be the backside of the patches. You can purchase canvas adhesive as part of a canvas repair patch kit or individually at a camping supply store.

Step 8

Spread the canvas adhesive evenly over the entire backsides of the patches, using the side of a plastic disposable knife.

Step 9

Press the backside of one patch over the hole in the camper canvas, on the outside of the camper. Hold the patch in place for 15 seconds.

Step 10

Press the backside of the second patch over the hole in the camper canvas, on the inside of the camper. Hold the patch in place for 15 seconds.

Step 11

Allow the patches to dry and set for 24 hours.

Step 12

Spray waterproof canvas spray over the patches to prevent water leaks. Let the waterproof spray dry for 24 hours before allowing the camper to get wet. Waterproof canvas spray is sold at camping supply stores.

Tips & Warnings

If you are good at sewing, sew around the edges of the patches with cotton thread, to further secure the patches to the camper canvas. Always have patch tape on hand for emergency repairs while camping. Patch tape is a waterproof self adhesive tape that is quick and simple to apply.

If you are good at sewing, sew around the edges of the patches with cotton thread, to further secure the patches to the camper canvas.

Always have patch tape on hand for emergency repairs while camping. Patch tape is a waterproof self adhesive tape that is quick and simple to apply.

Resources

Tear-Aid Patch Tape

Article Written By Rose Kivi

Rose Kivi has been a writer for more than 10 years. She has a background in the nursing field, wildlife rehabilitation and habitat conservation. Kivi has authored educational textbooks, patient health care pamphlets, animal husbandry guides, outdoor survival manuals and was a contributing writer for two books in the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Series.

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