Waterproofing your popup camper’s canvas is vital to the length of its life. Water can be detrimental to your canvas and create weak spots within the threads causing mold, odor, and breakage. The best thing you can do is take care of your camper as best you can, preventing significant water damage. You could get caught in severe rains and your pipes might even spring a leak. It’s how you act and react that can save your vehicle.
What Does Waterproof Mean?
Waterproof means it is water-impermeable or impenetrable. Items that are hydrophobic or waterproof implies that when water comes in contact with the material, it rolls up into a droplet form and rolls off without penetrating the material.
The natural state of canvas would be considered hydrophilic and will absorb water, though waterproofed canvas treated with a repellent would be called hydrophobic. To protect your canvas and prolong its life and strength, use a waterproof repellent spray instead of a water resistance product.
The difference between a waterproof repellent and water resistance product
The major difference between a waterproof repellent and a water-resistance product is how long it can withstand water pounding on the material over a period of time and the amount provided. Waterproof products will not allow water to permeate the canvas during a long storm, while the resistance spray will eventually wear out and allow water to seep in.
Types of material used for Pop-up campers
Typically, popup campers are comprised of two types of textiles, vinyl or cotton canvas, and may contain both. Characteristically older popup camper models are more likely to have their original cotton canvas vs the newer models composed of vinyl. There are two things that they both can’t hide from and that is they are all at the mercy of the harmful UV rays and climate environments.
Cotton canvas is a natural substance and is not resistant to water, making it easier to absorb water and deteriorate over time. The canvas should be cleaned once a year with minimally abrasive detergents. Once the canvas is at its final stages rips and tears will come easily. Canvas is cheaper than vinyl but will need to be replaced more frequently.
Vinyl is more durable and repels water quicker. Its coat allows the water to fall off without absorption and avoids soaking moisture in. Over time vinyl with wear down and will need to be sprayed with a repellent or expensively replaced.
What do I recommend?
- STAR BRITE Waterproofing Spray, Waterproofer + Stain Repellent + UV Protection – 1 GAL (081900N)
- Nikwax Tent and Gear Cleaning, Waterproofing, and UV Protection
- Rust-Oleum NeverWet Outdoor Fabric Water Repellent
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