In this article, we will discuss: How much does it cost to replace a canvas on a hybrid camper? We will guide you in repairing your hybrid camper canvas as a DIY project. We will also discuss basic hybrid camper canvas maintenance and repairs.

How much does it cost to replace a canvas on a hybrid camper?

Replacing a canvas on a hybrid camper will cost you between $900 and $1500 depending on several factors:

The severity of the damage (you might need to replace a few small portions or the whole canvas).
The type of canvas and its overall quality (a vinyl tarp is more expensive than a canvas tarp).
Whether the replacement is done by a professional or as a DIY project (a professional costs more but offers you a guarantee).

Can you replace a canvas on a hybrid camper by yourself?

If you feel brave enough, yes, you can replace a canvas on a hybrid camper by yourself even if you are not a handyman! After years of use, the tent part of the hybrid camper may need to be replaced. It can be a tricky task, but it can be done at home.

Park the hybrid camper in your garage, yard or driveway. Place chocks under the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling. Remove the nuts securing the roof to the frame. With the help of a friend or two, lift the roof off the frame and set it aside.

Set up the canvas part of the trailer. Enter the trailer and remove the nuts that secure the interior ceiling panel, removing the ceiling panel from the trailer. Working from the top to the bottom of the tent portion of the trailer, remove any additional accessories holding the tent in place.

Lower the canvas portion of the trailer halfway after all the hardware securing to the trailer has been removed. Lift the canvas part upon the frame and remove it from the trailer.

Place the center of the replacement top on the center of the frame. Begin to drape the rest of the top over the partially deployed frame. Once it’s in place, lift the top three-quarters of the way up so you can start positioning the replacement top into the hardware that secures the tent part to the trailer part.

Secure the tent to the frame using the hardware provided. Extend the tent entirely, replace the interior ceiling panels. Confirm the part of the tent is properly attached to the frame.

Lower the tent, position the roof over the frame. Secure it using the hardware you removed in step One. Your hybrid camper is ready for the new camping season!

Small repairs of your hybrid camper canvas

Here’s what you can do by yourself to repair small inconveniences in your hybrid camper canvas:

If the canvas is torn: If the canvas of the camper is punctured or torn, it must be repaired so that it regains its waterproofness and protects against rain, sun and UV rays. Camper canvases are generally made from coated PVC which is a light and very durable material.

To repair a tear in the canvas of your hybrid camper, you can:

Completely change the canvas: you can keep the opening system and change only the PVC fabric. It should be custom made, by a professional or by yourself if you know how to sew.

Repair the hole without changing the canvas: if the fabric is in good general condition but just torn or has a hole in a specific place, you can be satisfied with repairing only the damaged part. To do this, use a repair kit for PVC canvas. It is an adhesive PVC strip to be applied directly to the hole.

The camper canvas is not closing properly: If the camper canvas does not close properly, the problem is with the roller. So how do you repair it? A canvas that closes poorly indicates that the system is in poor condition and that the winding notches are faulty. The system may be “dry”. Sometimes it is enough to lubricate the rewinder system with WD40 for everything to work normally.

If the problem is more serious, the canvas should be disassembled and opened to inspect the interior. Consult the user manual and check each part. Replace the faulty one. The problem often arises from an imbalance of parallelism between the tension arms.

Your camper canvas is sagging: Over time, the camper canvas tends to sag and relax. This problem is often linked to a problem of parallelism of the tensioners. If the turnbuckles do not open at exactly the same time, the canvas does not roll up well and will eventually relax on one side. It is necessary to check the fixings of the tension arms and move them until the tension arms become parallel to each other again.

How to clean the canvas of a hybrid camper step-by-step

Hybrid campers are popular for campers who love it rough while having some of the luxuries of home. The trailer part provides additional weather protection, complete with basic cooking utensils and a bug-free place to rest or eat. Sitting outdoors under the canvas tent portion of the trailer is nice, but not when the canvas is dirty and smelly.

Regular maintenance keeps the canvas clean, which, in turn, helps the material to last longer.

Brush leaves, dirt and debris off the canvas with a broom. If the canvas material is wet, allow it to dry completely in the sun. Brush the surface again to remove mould spores.

Mix 2 caps full of mild wool detergent with 1 gallon of hot water. Submerge your natural bristle brush in the mild detergent solution and scrub the surface of the cloth to remove dirt and stains.

Rinse the canvas trailer with a hose until all of the detergents are washed off. Allow the canvas to air dry completely.

Apply a protective spray to the canvas to achieve a water-resistant coating that keeps water out of the trailer and reduces mould growth. Follow the package directions to apply the spray in an effective manner.

How to prolong the life of your hybrid camper canvas

Even the best camper canvases deteriorate over time. However, proper maintenance will extend the life of your hybrid camper canvas:

Repair any damage as soon as visible: minor tears in the canvas can turn into huge holes if you don’t close them in time. If you notice any damage, repair it as soon as possible.

Remove anything that can accumulate: A lot can accumulate on the tarp in the open, straining the tissues. Thus, remove leaves, snow, dust and others regularly.

Fold and store your tarp: keep the cover in its storage bag after cleaning and drying it well when not in use. Sometimes you can ruin your tarp by carelessly putting it away.

When buying your tent trailer, it is important to inspect the seams well and check them regularly before use. In general, before any purchase in-store or upon receipt of your items ordered online, check their condition.

Holes: Set up your tent trailer and water it with a hose to check that there are no holes in your canvas. If so, call a seamstress or you will have to get on with the sewing. If this happens during your vacation it is best to be well equipped before departure.

When you travel, remember to take repair material / first aid kits such as self-adhesive tape, sleeves or cylindrical aluminum rods which allow a tent frame to be repaired inexpensively and on-site.

To avoid mould stains, be careful not to bend it while it is still damp, or just after cleaning it.

You can also repair your hoop with a thin cord. (This is a fisherman’s trip if there are any who recognize it!).

Conclusions

Besides cleaning your hybrid camper canvas, it is important to regularly inspect it for tears, holes, and fix the damage as soon as possible. Also, remember to clean the rubber seals with a sponge soaked in water, without bleach or vinegar. If the damage to your camper canvas seems beyond repair, you may have to replace it!

Do you have any questions or comments on the content? Let us know.

FAQ on How much does it cost to replace a canvas on a hybrid camper?

How do you repair a canvas on a camper canvas camper?

It is possible to repair canvas on a camper canvas camper, as long as the damage is not too big to interrupt your trip. With the right materials and a little guidance, the canvas can be detached and holes can be patched and grommets replaced. The fixed canvas can be placed back on the camper canvas camper. You will then be able to be back on the road for the camping trip in virtually no time.

How to repair an awning canvas?

To repair an awning canvas, gently rub the small area around the tear using VERY fine sandpaper (minimum 1000 grit) around the tear in the awning for better adhesion. You just need to rub to get a rough surface without weighing so as not to damage the canvas in depth.

How to clean and maintain a camper awning?

Here’s how to clean and maintain a camper awning:

Always use mild soap.
Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never over 38 ° c / 100 ° F.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Let it air dry only.

References

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How much does it cost to replace a canvas on a hybrid camper?