Tarps over camper trailers
Submitted: Monday, Jun 19, 2006 at 15:28
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bushcamper
G'day all,
My wife and I took our new soft floor camper trailer for its first run on the long weekend with the local 4x4 club. There were four CTs on the trip and during the first two days of steady rain three leaked badly and the other not enough to worry about.
I did soak the canvas before we went but obviously not good enough and I've been told about seam treatments such as rubbing candle wax into the stitching. While I'm sure there probably is a cure for the problem I like the idea of using a tarp over the CT like we have done with our tents for the last 30 to 40 years.
The tarp is not only water proof but makes a huge difference in the summer heat and protects the canvas from birds, leaves, falling pine cones etc.
I've been thinking of removing the canvas awning and somehow fitting a tarp large enough to act as a ten foot awning and over hang the other three sides by 3 to 4 feet.
I would like the tarp to be attached and fold up with the tent but be removable if need be.
My question is has anyone found a fast and easy way to use a tarp over a CT?
Grateful for any ideas,
Keith and Sandra
Reply By: Brian B (QLD) - Monday, Jun 19, 2006 at 19:49
Monday, Jun 19, 2006 at 19:49
Hi Folks,
I am really surprised to hear that people are having problems with water leaks in their campers.
We have been fortunate in that ours doesn't let any water in and we have had it set up through some heavy rain.
When we had ours built, the guy told us to put it up and then fully drench it with the hose and then let it dry and then repeat the process a total of three times. He claimed that it would seal the stitched seams and so far his advice seems good. We haven't had to go over any seams with a dry wax stick or carry out any additional waterproofing so far.
I am not a huge fan of setting tarps up over campers as like Brew said, it seems to me to take away from the simplicity of how they go up. If we get the odd mark on ours it has been easy to get rid of with some fresh water. I suppose it comes down to your own preferences however and as long as you are happy with your setup then that is all that mattters.
Hope you enjoy your camper.
AnswerID:
179300
Follow Up By: Member - Bruce and Anne - Monday, Jun 19, 2006 at 20:42
Monday, Jun 19, 2006 at 20:42
I got told by the manufactureer that he has now changed the cotton he uses
well s""t happens I said to myself. The problem lies if the join between the floor and the sides gets any curl in it the water will collect, what do we say build quality. Anyway doesn't rain in Qld any more so wont have to worry about that haha. No will fix so I dont have to cover the CT as tarps are a pain in the u no wat.
Cheers Bruce.
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435554
Reply By: Alloy c/t - Tuesday, Jun 20, 2006 at 18:03
Tuesday, Jun 20, 2006 at 18:03
Well we are on our 2nd camper trailer , our 1st we bought when it was 3rd or 4th hand so it was
well seasoned and never let a drop of water in ,lack of water ingress could also have been due to that it had 18oz canvas roof and walls and was originally designed and built /sewn by a sailor /sailmaker ,, when we picked up our custom made new camper [now 18montths old] we set her up in the yard for the first 10/12days and gave her a good soaking twice a day , no leaks anywhere , as for putting a tarp over the c/t would seem to defeat the purpose of having a c/t , now if I wanted to tarp over the c/t I would have to have a 25'x25' or 30'x30' tarp and carry what ?? an extra 16+ 12' poles + pegs + ropes ect and a bl--dy stepladder to get the tarp over the c/t ,, my thoughts , each to his own .
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Follow Up By: bushcamper - Tuesday, Jun 20, 2006 at 22:41
Tuesday, Jun 20, 2006 at 22:41
G'day Alloy c/t, I was talking to an upholsterer today and I think we've worked out a way to use a tarp that will do what I want as
well as reduce set up time and use a total of 4 poles instead of 8 for a cost of around $200
If it works I'll post details and some photos
Keith
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Follow Up By: Member - MrBitchi (QLD) - Wednesday, Jun 21, 2006 at 08:05
Wednesday, Jun 21, 2006 at 08:05
As Alloy says, a good soaking and let her dry a few times relly tightens up the weave and the seams. Do that with ours every year and so far it's water tight. Has been known to let a few drops in through a zip in a torrential downpour but I can live with that. Can't be bothered mucking around with a tarp ;-p
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