Restoring and repair - on a camper

[eavega]

So, I have a new winter project this year. I was given a 1986 Starcraft Nova popup camper by a friend of mine. He used to enjoy it a lot with his family, but his kids have gotten older and don't have time or desire to go camping any more. He wanted to pass it on to a family that would get useage and enjoyment from it. Its been parked for two years, but previous to that he tells me all the systems (water, LP, refrigeration, AC, Electricals) were working fine.

The immediate problem when I got it home to look at it is that some rodents seem to have found a warm home in the folded up canvas sides, and there are about 3 or 4 holes, about 4" in diameter. I've done some googling and read that adhesive patches seem to be the order for fixing this canvas rather than sewn repairs. I can't seem to find anywhere that sells supplies for fixing these holes. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Additionally, since I am totally new to trailer camping, I was hoping to find a good online group such as what I have found here for boating. Can anyone suggest a good online forum for trailer camping, particularly for popup campers?

Thanks.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Restoring and repair - on a camper

I can't seem to find anywhere that sells supplies for fixing these holes.

I guess you didn't look hard enough. .

http://www.bing.com/search?q=canvas...4&qs=AS&sk=AS1&pq=canvas+repair+&sp=2&sc=8-14

 

[eavega]

Re: Restoring and repair - on a camper

Thanks. I did do the searches, and the only thing I came up with was the Tear-Aid tape. I also read a few how-tos that said 1. don't repair the popup canvas the same way you would an awning, and 2. User quality patches with quality liquid adhesives. Perhaps what I was looking for was other options that were not Tear-Aid tape, which seems to be the only thing I could find online. What I was looking for was perhaps a little more Task-Specific for fixing pop-up camper canvas. Thanks for the search results, though.

Rgds

 

[lncoop]

Re: Restoring and repair - on a camper

That Tear-Aid is good stuff, but it seems like anything you use is going to look like the jeans my mom used to patch for me. She was a great seamstress, but a patch is a patch and will always look like a patch. Have you considered replacing the fabric? Also, have you contacted Starcraft for their thoughts? http://www.starcraftrv.com/php/about/contact.us.php

 

[eavega]

Re: Restoring and repair - on a camper

Replacement canvas is $1000. The folks at Starcraft were great, and they did send me a copy of the appropriate owners manual. I'm not so concerned about the look as I am the integrity. If the tape will stick, stay flexible, and will keep out the rain and bugs, then that is the way to go. The popup is over 20 years old, so I am not opposed to it having some "character". I was looking for input from others that may have tried repairs of the canvas in the past to get an idea of what will and won't work. I'll give the Tear Aid tape a try first, then.
Rgds

 

[lncoop]

Re: Restoring and repair - on a camper

Hear ya. I keep a roll of Tear-Aid in my rafting drybox. Fortunately I have yet to need it, but I know of many a rafter who applied it "temporarily" several years ago. Be sure to get the right type.

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Restoring and repair - on a camper

If you have a heavy duty sewing machine can sew patches just make sure tops inside bottoms outside. Then waterproof