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Using a camper when you travel can make things more comfortable but it does come with some regular maintenance costs and requirements. Taking care of your pop-up camper by keeping it clean and being mindful of where you drive or park will help prevent damage and ensure that it lasts as long as possible before it needs to be replaced.
No matter how well you care for it, there will come a time that it just needs to go. If you do happen to damage your camper, or if it just gets worn out, you may be wondering how easy it is to replace or repair the canvas.
On average getting a new canvas for a pop-up camper will cost you anywhere from $850 all the way to $1,600. The price will vary according to what material you choose for your camper, how much specialty seam work you need to be included, and even the amount of zippers and windows you select. Working with a professional replacement company will also add to the cost, or you can buy a standard replacement online. It is also possible to replace the canvas on your own with a bit of sewing skill and a weekend to spend on the project. So while it is costly to replace the canvas on a full pop-up camper, it is not overly difficult to do.
If you are in the market for a new canvas for your pop-up camper, or if you need to repair an existing unit, there are plenty of options available. Today we will cover the average longevity of pop-up camper canvas material, replacement cost and options, how to repair small areas of damage, and even how to clean it properly.
For all of this information and more, keep on reading.
How Long Does Canvas Last on a Pop-Up Camper?
The great thing about a Pop-Up Camper is that you can get a lot of the luxuries of traveling in an RV without actually needing to invest in buying one.
For people who travel only occasionally or who prefer to travel light, a Pop-Up Camper is a great option. High-quality Pop-Up Campers can last as long as 20 years or even longer with proper care and storage.
When parts of the canvas need to be repaired or replaced, you can do so without having to buy a whole new frame.
The canvas on a Pop-Up Camper will usually last for 8 years with regular use and general maintenance. If you store it properly, clean it on a regular basis, and keep it in a covered environment when not in use, it can last as long as 10 years before it needs to be replaced.
How Much To Replace a Canvas on a Pop-Up Camper?
There are two ways to go about replacing the canvas on a pop-up camper; you can do it yourself or can outsource the work to a professional.
Professional Replacement
As to be expected, doing it on your own will cost far less than having a professional sew it on your behalf. The cost of a professional job will vary depending on the size of your camper and the number of customizations you require. There are a few different material types as well to choose from which will also be factored into the final cost.
On average, you can expect to pay around $1,200 for a mid-sized pop-up camper canvas replacement professionally made. It will take a few hours to complete via a professional, and you will have the peace of mind in knowing it will be a perfect fit with hyper strong seams.
DIY Project
Crafting a canvas pop up camper replacement on your own is a nice weekend project if you have the sewing skills to get it done. If you already have the tools to actually sew a pop-up camper canvas replacement, all you need to do is purchase the materials to complete the project.
The canvas material, zippers, thread, and other accompaniments will cost between $300 and $500 depending on how much fabric you need. Since you are doing the labor yourself, there are no extra costs involved. It will take a few days to complete even if you have all of the tools and the know-how to get it done, but the savings margin is quite lucrative.
How To Replace 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.
For those who chose the DIY option, there are a few simple steps to follow.
Step 1
Before removing your old canvas on your pop up camper, make sure you have completed the creation of the new model. If you purchased a pre-fabricated replacement, you can skip this step, but simply unbox it in preparation for use instead.
Step 2
Remove the old canvas from the frame. Depending on the model of pop-up camper you have, there will either be button straps, zipper closures, or it may be sewed directly onto the frame. If the fabric is sewed on, you can use heavy gauge fabric scissors to cut through the seams.
Step 3
Once you have the old canvas removed, check the frame for rust, damage, dents, or any other structural issues. If they exist, now is a good time to fix them.
Step 4
Pull your new canvas over the camper frame. Make sure all sections are properly fitted along the frame to ensure a snug fit.
If there are zipper or button closures, snap them in place as you go along to keep the canvas from shifting during the replacement process. If you plan to sew the canvas directly onto the frame, start from the top and work your way down in sections for the best results.
Step 5
Once the canvas has been secured on the frame, reattach the frame to the rest of the pop-up camper setup. Check the entire surface to make sure that each area and window is properly fitted.
Can You Patch Canvas on a Pop Up Camper?
Sometimes nature or even human error can result in a torn or damaged camper canvas. Depending on the size of the damage and its location, repair may be an option.
There are several ways to go about patching a canvas if you have a tear, cut, or burned area. You will need a comparable type of canvas cut to cover the size of the damaged area to get started. The patch should be a bit larger than the actual hole or tear in order to be effective.
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You can buy a canvas repair kit like (this one), or you can use regular camper canvas fabric paired with flexi stich canvas glue. Regardless of which option you choose, you will also need spray-on waterproof coating such as No products found. to seal the area once your patch is complete.
How To Clean Pop Up Camper Vinyl?
You can waterproof the canvas of a pop-up camper as often as you need. We suggest applying a generous layer of waterproofing spray such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard each time you clean your camper. Always make sure that your camper canvas is clean and dry prior to waterproofing it.
Also, cover the windows, zippers, and non-fabric parts of your camper canvas before applying the spray to prevent accidental damage.
Make sure that the solvent you use is safe for vinyl or whatever fabric your camper is made out of. You can check the user manual for specific recommendations or stick with simple wax. A mix of beeswax or canvas wax such as Otter Wax is a great way to waterproof the surface while also being eco-friendly.
Wrapping Up on Canvas Pop Up Camper Repair & Replacement
Enjoying the great outdoors is much nicer with a camper than roughing it on the ground with a tent. The freedom to drive away when you are ready to decamp is much easier than packing up everything in hiking out of the woods. If you take care of your pop-up camper properly, your canvas will last you well over a decade or longer.
We understand that sometimes accidents happen or the canvas on a camper may have just reached the end of its usefulness. With the tips above, you can easily replace or repair your pop up camper canvas so you can get back to enjoying nature.
