DIY Network

Caring For Your Pop-Up Canvas Sidewalls and Screens Learn how to keep your RV's pop-up canvas sidewalls and screens in tip-top condition. From "RV Roadtrips" episode DRVR-108

While in a tent trailer, the canvas sidewalls are the first defense from the exterior elements, so it pays to keep them in good condition. Over time they can lose their repellant coating, become vulnerable to mold and mildew and be an attractive material to rodents.

Host Gary Bunzer will show the Schillers how to keep their RV's canvas in top-notch shape.

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Gary demonstrates how to mend a tear to your RV's canvas.

Materials:

fabric for patch
screen patching material
acrylic fabric adhesive
fabric cleaner
water
soap
bucket for cleaning solution
fabric guard
cloth
soft bristled brush
dryer sheet
steel wool
clear packaging tape

Tool:

scissors

Figure A

Pop-Up Canvas Maintenance

• Determine whether you have a natural material (made of natural fiber such as canvas or cotton) or a manmade fiber, such as acrylic, polyester or vinyl. This will determine how you care for your sidewalls.

  Note: Newer models tend to have manmade fabrics while older models tend to be natural fibers. If you're not sure consult your RVs user guide or call your manufacturer.

• Reseal your sidewalls for water repellency. If you have acrylic, this should be done every five years with a fabric guard made specifically for acrylic fabrics.

• The best way to tell when a sidewall needs resealing is when waters stops beading up and instead is soaking in.

• Look for a fabric guard (figure A) that provides water repellency and mildew resistance. Sidewalls are vulnerable to mold and mildew, so look for a product that does both.

• Make sure the surface is clean and completely dry before applying fabric guard. The best way to clean acrylic is with water and a mild soap, NOT a detergent—or use a fabric cleaner for acrylics. Spray on the fabric until moist, but not saturated. Then use a soft bristle brush or clean cloth and agitate the cleaner to remove the dirt.

• Apply two coats of fabric guard. And let dry.

Deterring Rodents

• While camping rodents can be are drawn to tent trailers, because somehow they know shredded canvas is good material for their nests. Once inside they can gnaw away at the sidewalls and even chew electrical wires and hoses, causing great damage to your trailer. To deter rodents from entering: seal off any entry points (in and around plumbing pipes and at the corners) with dryer sheets and steel wool. Keep in place with clear mailing tape.

• You should also keep a supply of screen patches and fabric mender in your rig in case you ever experience rips/tears while on the road.

Figure B

Mending Tears Tips

• If you use acrylic fabric be sure to apply patches to the inside and outside of the tear. Acrylic fabrics need extra bonding.
  
  
• Make sure to round the corners of the patch (figure B) before adhering.

• Apply adhesive to the patch and the area the patch will cover.

• If you have a natural fiber, such as cotton canvas, a one-sided patch will be enough.

• You can also buy patches for screens. Make sure to round the corners and apply a patch to both sides of the tear.

RESOURCES :

Tear Mender Kit
Val-A-Chicago, Inc.
Website: www.tearmender.com