Repairing Guides

how to repair vinyl on pop up camper

by Miss Della Hayes Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Start by filling a one gallon bucket with water and mixing in a 1/4 cup of Dawn dish soap. If you see any dark marks or grease stains on the vinyl, add in a capful of bleach. Using a soft-bristle brush or a sponge such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, dip it in the water and gently scrub the vinyl in a circular motion.

Part of a video titled Pop Up Camper Canvas, Vinyl, & Screen Repair - YouTube
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If you have a larger tear or hole in your canvas is to pick up one of these iron-on. Patches so thisMoreIf you have a larger tear or hole in your canvas is to pick up one of these iron-on. Patches so this of course you put on the area where you have that hole. Apply high heat with an iron.

Full Answer

How to repair a pop-up camper trailer tent canvas?

Making repairs to the tent canvas or vinyl is easy if you follow a few simple steps and do the proper preparations. There are seven basic steps to repairing the tent material on your pop-up camper trailer. Measure the damaged areas; Locate the correct repair kit; Prepare the tent material for the repair; Cut the repair material

How to fix a water damaged pop-up camper roof?

We figured out how to fix it by removing all of the water damaged wood, and then rebuilding the roof structure and reattaching the aluminum skin. When we purchased our 1993 pop-up camper, I knew there was water damage to the roof. What I didn’t know, however, was how extensive the damage actually was.

How do you remove vinyl trim from a camper?

If your camper looks anything like mine, the vinyl trim is probably cracked, broken, moldy, or all of the above. This trim should just pop out as you pull on it. Then, it’s time to remove the screws.

Is your camper vinyl trim cracked or broken?

If your camper looks anything like mine, the vinyl trim is probably cracked, broken, moldy, or all of the above. This trim should just pop out as you pull on it.

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How hard is it to replace the canvas on a pop-up camper?

Replacing your pop up camper canvas takes a bit of effort but it is possible. You can take the whole unit to a professional who will fit it with a new batch of fabric, or you can do it on your own at home.

How do you fix a seam on a pop-up camper?

0:496:34POP-UP CAMPER SEAM STITCHING (NOT) A DIY HOW-TO! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this is what i'm doing i put this fabric fusion adhesive stuff i spooged it all up in there andMoreSo this is what i'm doing i put this fabric fusion adhesive stuff i spooged it all up in there and then i put these little clips to hold everything in place while i'm sewing. It.

Can you paint vinyl on pop-up camper?

Yes, you can paint a pop-up camper canvas. In fact, with our guide, it will seem so easy to paint your camper that you will be wondering why you haven't done it before. Still, there are some things to consider and it is our duty to warn you that this may not be the best idea (for everyone).

What fabric is used on pop up campers?

Pop-up campers come in fabrics that include vinyl, canvas, or a combination of both. Canvas offers a classic look, vinyl has a more space-age appearance and each comes with features that make it well-suited for different camping conditions.

How do you repair a canvas seam?

To do this, simply rip out the seams holding the old hook and loop to the canvas. Then you can sew the new product in its place! The back side of hook and loop should always be protected from the sun. If yours was not backed with canvas, we recommend adding a canvas flap for it during the replacement process.

What do you use to seal a pop-up camper?

5:1126:24You NEED to do THIS to Your Pop Up Camper! | Part Six - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe manual for this specific pop-up camper says 100 silicone. So that's what i'm going to go withMoreThe manual for this specific pop-up camper says 100 silicone. So that's what i'm going to go with it's the same thing that the starcraft manual says it recommends 100 silicone.

Can You Use Flex Seal on a pop-up camper canvas?

Yes, you can use Flex Seal on the canvas of your tent-trailer, hybrid camper or pop-up camper. Flex Seal will adhere to almost any surface including wood, metal, aluminium, plastic, fibreglass, rubber, or vinyl or just about any dry surface ( or even wet).

What kind of paint do you use on a pop-up camper?

Lowe's Sherwin Williams exterior paint did a great job on this project! The exterior paint with primer makes this a fairly easy job. This paint glides on and provides great coverage. However, I do recommend two good coats to make sure that you really get into everything.

How do you fix a hole in a pop-up camper canvas?

2:1414:23Pop Up Camper Canvas, Vinyl, & Screen Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have a larger tear or hole in your canvas is to pick up one of these iron-on. Patches so thisMoreIf you have a larger tear or hole in your canvas is to pick up one of these iron-on. Patches so this of course you put on the area where you have that hole. Apply high heat with an iron.

What's the difference between canvas and vinyl?

Canvas is known as a more rugged and natural material, so it has a coarse texture and matte appearance. On the other hand, the surface of vinyl is slightly glossy, so it has a bit of shine. Vinyl has a rubber-like texture, making it much smoother than canvas.

How waterproof are pop-up campers?

Vinyl sided tent campers are naturally waterproof as vinyl is a waterproof material. Typically the center of a pop-up camper is a fiberglass roof which is also permanently waterproof. Unlike tents, tent campers are raised off of the ground so there is no fear that the tent camper could take on water from the floor.

How do you clean vinyl on a pop-up camper?

Cleaning Vinyl Use your cleaner to scrub the vinyl thoroughly with a clean cloth, then wipe it off. This is the simplest and quickest part of cleaning your pop-up camper. Make sure everything is dry and treated before you fold things down. Cleaning your pop-up camper ensures that it will last you a long time.

What to do before storing pop up camper trailer?

Before you store your pop-up camper trailer after the repairs, you should apply a fresh coating of weatherproofing to the tent. Several commercial products are easy to apply and do a great job of weatherproofing tent canvas or vinyl.

Why is it important to keep a pop up tent in good condition?

Maintaining your pop-up tent camper in the best condition possible is the key to protecting your investment in the trailer and to ensure that you can continue to enjoy your trips and adventures.

What is wrong with pop up campers?

Written by Mike Gilmour in RV Guides. One of the most common problems with pop-up camp trailers is damage to the tent portion of the trailer. Making repairs to the tent canvas or vinyl is easy if you follow a few simple steps and do the proper preparations.

Is a pop up tent weatherproof?

Restoring the Weatherproofing on Your Repairs. The patches you have made on the tent material on your pop-up tent trailer are not weatherproof. Also, if you cleaned the areas around the damage, you may have compromised the weatherproofing on the entire tent portion of your camper.

Product Review: Wash Your RV With Bugs Off Pads

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Pop up camper vinyl and canvas

What makes these campers different from other campers and trailers is that the walls are made of either canvas, vinyl, or a combination of both. Older pop up campers (envision the classic Jayco or Starcraft campers) used canvas for the pop up material. While canvas is inexpensive and breathable, in wetter climates it has a tendency to mold.

1. Scrubbing vinyl

The best way to clean vinyl is with a simple, homemade solution followed with a commercial vinyl conditioner. Start by filling a one gallon bucket with water and mixing in a 1/4 cup of Dawn dish soap. If you see any dark marks or grease stains on the vinyl, add in a capful of bleach.

2. Rinsing and drying vinyl

With a bucket of fresh water, use a sponge or microfiber cloth to rinse the soap and bleach off the vinyl. You can also use a garden hose on a gentle spray. Do not use a power washer on vinyl since the harsh spray can tear the fabric.

3. Conditioning and protecting vinyl

Conditioning vinyl on a camper will not only retain the integrity of the fabric, but will also protect it from UV rays and premature cracking. Several brands such as 303 Marine Vinyl Protectant or Meguiar’s Marine/RV Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner & Protectant will give your RV’s vinyl a protective coating and a newer look.

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Reasons and Types of Damaging On Pop-Up Camper

Nothing is durable like a lifetime and not your pop-up camper too. After a time by becoming unaware you may face those troubles. So, what are the possible sakes to happen this?

How to Fix Pop-Up Camper Canvas (8 Steps)

Many damages don’t require such cost and effort to fix that can be solved by anyone. And I think repairing is easier and budget-saving than pop-up camper canvas replacement.

Emergency Canvas Repairing During Camping

Suppose you will go to the camping area and discover damages on your pop-up canvas. What do you do in such an emergency? The situation will be, neither you will go back nor stay pleasantly with such errors.

Tips to Maintain Pop-Up Camper from Impairing

As I always say, prevention is such a thing that can keep you far from facing many troubles.

Last Thoughts

So, does the process look harder than the replacement or installation of a new one? I don’t think so. The steps are so simple as well as cost-effective to anyone.

Remove the Exterior Trim to Assess Damage

In order to unscrew the trim, the first step is to take out the vinyl trim insert that covers the screws. If your camper looks anything like mine, the vinyl trim is probably cracked, broken, moldy, or all of the above. This trim should just pop out as you pull on it.

Detach the Canvas and Remove the Roof

If you find, like we did, that you’ll need to replace a good amount of the wood on your pop up roof, it’s time to detach the canvas and then remove the roof in order to rebuild it. If your water damage is minimal and the wood is still structurally sound, you might be able to skip ahead to Part 2 – Seal Up the Roof to Prevent Future Water Damage.

Remove Rotted and Water Damaged Wood

In the video above, you probably saw just how rotted away some of the wood on our camper was. This thing had clearly been taking a lot of water for a long time. We opted to completely remove all four sides of our roof, as well as replace the outside edge of 1 x 2″ framing.

How do you fix a camper screen?

Replace Your RV Window Screen In 5 Easy Steps Remove screen and frame. If it is possible the easiest way to replace a window screen is to remove the entire frame with a damaged screen as one whole piece. Label the screen. Remove damaged screen. Install the new screen. Reinstall the frame.

How do you replace the screen on a pop up camper?

Replacing the screen is generally a universal process. Remove the rubber gasket from around the old screen. On some models, these simply pull out from around the window perimeter. Pull off the screen mesh. Cut a new piece of screen mesh to match the old piece. Position the new screen mesh over the window.

How much does it cost to replace the canvas on a pop-up camper?

The cost of replacing all of the canvas on standard pop-up campers will usually run between $1000-2000. On top of that cost, you can expect another $300-500 for a professional installation. Depending on the damage or overall quality of the canvas you have, you may not need to replace all of the sections.

What fabric is used on pop-up campers?

Pop-up campers come in fabrics that include vinyl, canvas, or a combination of both. Canvas offers a classic look, vinyl has a more space-age appearance and each comes with features that make it well-suited for different camping conditions.

How much does it cost to rescreen a window screen?

The cost to rescreen a window ranges from $35 to $150 for most types. You’ll pay $35 to $100 for pre-assembled models and $50 to $150 for custom options. This job includes removing and disposing of the old panel, plus construction and installation of the new unit.

How do I replace a window screen without tabs?

For screens without pins or tabs, you simply have to use ingenuity — and a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver as a prying tool. Using the same idea as removing the other screen types, pry up from the bottom or in from one side — at about the center point — getting the tool between the screen and track.

Does Ace Hardware Repair window screens?

We can repair or make replacement mesh screens for all window and door sizes. As the weather heats up, come in and replace your mesh window screens to allow a crossbreeze without letting insects in the house. Come in today for an estimate on how much a new screen will cost.

How do you fix a hole in a pop-up camper canvas?

A pop-up camper can help provide an easy and fun camping experience. They are often durable and easy to set up and clean. However, there’s nothing funny about a pop-up camper with a tear in the canvas.

The bottom line

Fixing a hole in your pop-up camper canvas is an easy job to do. The most important thing is to act as quickly as possible. A hole in the camper canvas will cause you more issues, such as water leaks.

How to repair an awning canvas?

To repair an awning canvas, gently rub the small area around the tear using VERY fine sandpaper (minimum 1000 grit) around the tear in the awning for better adhesion. You just need to rub to get a rough surface without weighing so as not to damage the canvas in depth.

How do you repair a tear in a pop-up canvas?

To repair a tear in a pop-up canvas, you can use a simple repair kit. Please review our articles for more information and a step-by-step guide.

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Measure The Damaged Area Or Areas – Order Enough Material

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Open your trailer and erect the tent portion. Carefully exam both the interior and exterior parts of the fabric tent and make notes on the size and location of each repair you intend to make. Add up the area of the repairs to get the total amount of repair fabric and other materials you should order. 1.Don’t forget to check the win…
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Locate The Right Repair Kit – Match The Materials

  • The key to making a functional repair on your pop-up tent trailer is to match the repair kit with the type of material on your trailer. Pup-up tent material comes in several varieties. 1. Canvas 2. Vinyl 3. Sunbrella Fabric 4. Window Screen Material Check the owner’s manual that came with your pop-up tent trailer for recommendations on which material to use to repair the fabric portions of you…
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Preparing The Pop-Up Tent Material – Clean Is The Key

  • When you have the repair materials in hand and time to spend working on your pop-up tent camper, your next project is to clean the tent fabric around the damaged areas. The adhesive used to make the repairs must be applied to clean fabric. Make sure that the areas around the damaged portions are free of 1. Dust 2. Dirt 3. Grease 4. Oil 5. Any water...
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Making The Repairs – Cutting The Repair Material

  • For each area that needs repairing, cut two patches of similar shape and size. When cutting your patches, there are a few things you should remember. 1. Patches do not need to be square or round. Patches can be irregular in shape to fit the area that needs repair. 2. Allow enough material around the edges to ensure that the patch extends onto undamaged tent material at least one in…
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Applying The Patches – Working with The Glue

  • Depending on the material you are repairing and the kit you use, the specific instructions may vary. Always follow the directions that come with the repair kit you are using to apply the glue and the patch material. In general, you should follow these guidelines in patching each damaged area of your pop-up tent trailer material. 1. Start on the insideof the trailer. 2. Apply the adhesiveaccor…
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Allow The Adhesive to Cure Completely – Patience Is Important

  • Don’t be in a hurry to close your pop-up tent camper and put it back into storage. Closing and folding the tent can cause unexpected problems if the adhesive is not allowed to cure completely. If you get impatient and close the camper to soon, the uncured adhesive may stick to any fabric that comes into contact with the repair. If you don’t give the adhesive time to cure, you may find …
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Restoring The Weatherproofing on Your Repairs

  • The patches you have made on the tent material on your pop-up tent trailer are not weatherproof. Also, if you cleaned the areas around the damage, you may have compromised the weatherproofing on the entire tent portion of your camper. Before you store your pop-up camper trailer after the repairs, you should apply a fresh coating of weatherproofing to the tent. Several …
See more on rvandplaya.com

Conclusion

  • Maintaining your pop-up tent camper in the best condition possible is the key to protecting your investment in the trailer and to ensure that you can continue to enjoy your trips and adventures. Repairing the tent material on your pop-up camper is a job that most trailer owners can accomplish. Following a few simple steps and doing a little pre-planning can make the process …
See more on rvandplaya.com

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