Canvas or PVC for ute canopy?

go for the PVC had it on one of my utes for a couple of years , and no problems, no rips and no hassles packing it up wet and airing out later. Easy to keep looking reasonable after dirt roads. I hope you find this useful. and that is my biased opinion.lol

Hi Martin, Go for the PVC. I had canvas on my ute and the dog used to sleep and travel in the back, the canvas got very mouldy on the inside and very smelly from the dog & just rotted and fell apart.
Cheers
Robyn

Hi Martin,
Had PVC on my Hillux for 10 years. Just sold the vehicle and the PVC was still OK, the colour (blue) had faded a bit, there were a couple of small holes from sharp branches and the zips were a bit hard to do up because of slight shinkage. If you get the heavy duty PVC as used on trucks you won't be sorry.
Regards
Scooby

Thank you for your input guys, will help me make my decision.

Keep the opinions coming though!

Martin.
Have had canvas on 3 of my vehicles over the past 15 odd years, but purely my own choice.
Would maybe think about a few issues with either product, before choosing.
Are you going to sleep in there? or simply store in there? as condensation may pose a problem with colorbond roof.
Is water going to evaporate easily with PVC? or will you have a venting arrangement built in to it?
Only my 2 bobs worth but something to think about I guess.
Cheers
Paul

Hi, had canvas on my 'cruiser canopy. Roof and all sides. Never leaked, we travelled and slept for 2 years with 2 dogs this way. BUT....... was great living in the Red Centre and inland NSW, however then we moved to Far North Coast NSW and it went black with mould within six months.

Cheers

Hi Martin,

PVC is better but it will not be the PVC that will give way first. So you need the following:

The PVC should be between 650GSM and 850 GSM. Less than this bracket and it will flap in the breeze but more than this will be very stiff and hard to use in colder weather. 850 is about he thickness of the side curtains you see on trucks these days.

The zip should be "spiral". There are 2 types of zip "Chunky" and of course "spiral". Spiral is better in the dust and smoother to operate. You should ask for "YKK" brand. It is the most expensive but the best. Lubricate the zip with Selleys "Easy Glide" and not silicone spray. The hardware salesman will tell you that easy glide is silicone spray and so it is but a different type. It does not leave a residue on the zip and therefore will not attract dust. Normal silicaone spray will.

The thread that is used sew up your cover should be UV stable and not just cotton thread (ie cheap threat). I like "Coats durabond". It is very strong and easy to waterproof as well. After you get your cover immediately coat the stiching with "Thompsons Waterseal". (get at Bunnings) It will make the thread swell and waterproof it. Also stops the dust getting into the thread and going brown. Now you are set and ready to go. As you might imagine I make covers.