Canvas Waterproofing
Submitted: Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 06:38
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Ron Miranda
I just bought a second hand Jayco swan and was wondering if the canvas needs any waterproofing product applied. I havent tried it yet in the wet.
Thanks
Ron
Reply By: Member - DickyBeach - Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 06:46
Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 06:46
Ron,
Generally all you need do is give the canvas a good hosing, leave it in the sun to dry then repeat the process a couple of more times - this "shrinks" the canvas especially around the stitching.
As the unit is second hand perhaps the previous owner had already done this.
You could also run a dry, unlit household candle up and down the stitching - "belt & braces".
DB
AnswerID:
56817
Reply By: Dave from Fraser Coast 4WD Club - Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 07:07
Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 07:07
if i may offer one piece of advice..
don't be too quick to 'waterproof' the fabric, by all means do as suggested above with both the wetting down and seam sealing, but if the fabric is still sound, don't apply any agents to it.
these waterproofing compounds reduce the canvas ability to breathe, if it ain't leaking, leave it!!
AnswerID:
56818
Follow Up By: tessa_51 - Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 13:38
Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 13:38
I couldn't agree more.
Let the canvas do its own work!
Tessa
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318608
Reply By: Peter 2 - Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 18:08
Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 18:08
I've had a Cub Campomatic and then a Supamatic for years and when the water starts to seep through the seams in heavy rain I put it up at
home, get the car wash brush on the hose and give it a good scrub paying particular attention to the seams. This washes the dirt out which is the cause of the majority of leaks. When it dries it will be totally waterproof again. My first campomatic is still going strong with a friend after 25 years on the original canvas.
To maximise the longevity of any canvas, camper or tent never
cook in it or near the canvas, don't use flyspray or other sprays and a biggie especially when the kids are doing it is don't wash up or use detergent near canvas, you will never get it waterproof again if you get a spill.
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56864
Follow Up By: Member - Gajm (VIC) - Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 19:33
Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 19:33
Peter, just a question regarding the cooking near or in the tent, is this due to effects of smoke, or the fire risk?
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Follow Up By: Peter 2 - Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 19:58
Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 19:58
When you are cooking there is steam and grease etc being given off which condenses on the underneath of the canvas tarp etc which does nothing for the longevity and waterproofing etc.
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Follow Up By: Member - Gajm (VIC) - Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 21:28
Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 21:28
Thanks Peter. Our first camper, and want to make sure it lasts as long as possible, just had tents before that and never conidered cooking in those
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