I have an 8-year-old pop-up camper and the seams are beginning to come loose. Is trying to sew them the only way of mending them?
If it's a small spot, I'd find a heavy duty needle and nylon thread, and repair it myself. You may need a sailmaker's palm to push the needle through, or you might be able to work with a pair of needlenose pliers, and a helper on the other side. See the links below to see what the sailmaker's palms look like. After you make the repair, get a bottle of seam sealer from a camping supply store, and use that sparingly on the seams to waterproof them. Try a bit on an inconspicuous spot first - it may discolor the fabric.
If it's a large spot, or the canvas top is torn or badly worn, find a canvas and awning repair shop on your area, or if you're near water, a sailmaking and repair shop. They are equipped to handle large pieces like this. I burned a hole in the top of my pop-up once, and they were able to replace the entire panel for less than what it would have cost to take it to the dealership. I had to remove and replace the top myself, but it wasn't too hard - just awkward, because of the size and weight of the assembled top. If you do remove it yourself, take lots of pictures and notes about how it sits on the camper now. If you have any questions about how to put it back, these will be invaluable.
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November 28th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
If it's a small spot, I'd find a heavy duty needle and nylon thread, and repair it myself. You may need a sailmaker's palm to push the needle through, or you might be able to work with a pair of needlenose pliers, and a helper on the other side. See the links below to see what the sailmaker's palms look like. After you make the repair, get a bottle of seam sealer from a camping supply store, and use that sparingly on the seams to waterproof them. Try a bit on an inconspicuous spot first - it may discolor the fabric.
If it's a large spot, or the canvas top is torn or badly worn, find a canvas and awning repair shop on your area, or if you're near water, a sailmaking and repair shop. They are equipped to handle large pieces like this. I burned a hole in the top of my pop-up once, and they were able to replace the entire panel for less than what it would have cost to take it to the dealership. I had to remove and replace the top myself, but it wasn't too hard - just awkward, because of the size and weight of the assembled top. If you do remove it yourself, take lots of pictures and notes about how it sits on the camper now. If you have any questions about how to put it back, these will be invaluable.
References :
http://www.blurtit.com/q624252.html
http://www.tpub.com/1ase2/100.htm
November 28th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Camping stores actually have seam sealers available-check into that. If its loosening string and not huge areas I've used Loctites Handymans all purpose adhesive sealant for tons of stuff from a 9 ft tile outdoor sculpture to banners for soccer to rug repair-its the best! It dries clear and glues about anything! I get it in Target and home stores and Walmart. They haver different kinds so make sure its that one….
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November 28th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
ahhhh… yes have gone thru this with many of campers in my past and present with the one i have now …. there is a couple of diferent ways you can go about this on your own get your self some water proof canvas if not available to you get some that isnt water proof and and water proof it your self , get yourself some good strong fishing line and good set of canvas sewing needles and have at it…. another option is you can go to a camper store and get some iron on canvas it is a pretty simple thing to do and hopefully work other than that ya might want to see a canvas repair shop as they are sure to help !!!
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