Do You Care for Your Canvas?
Canvas is one of the most widely utalised fabrics in the caravan industry. Canvas allows manufacturers such as Jayco to easily produce a multitude of tents, bags, awnings, covers and more. The flexibility of canvas allows for the custom production of canopies, annexes and awnings for almost any RV. Therefore canvas care is equally important for travellers looking to make the most of their investment in caravanning or camping gear. Canvas is a good option if you want some extra space for your RV.
Features of Canvas
Australian Canvas products are excellent quality. Australian canvas is waterproofed by completely immersing it in a waterproofing and anti-mould solution before manufacture. Waterproofing should last for around five years if looked after.
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Most widely used on camper trailers, canvas comes in various thickness measured in ounces. Each has specific uses and the thickest is not necessarily the best. When buying a canvas product it is recommended that you check the UV Protection. There is no point having only some of your trailer protected while the rest is affected by the sun.
It is best if the canvas products are double stitched poly cotton. Polly cotton allows the strength of the polyester to blend with the cotton content and produce a superior product both strong and breathable. A breathable fabric allows air to flow through the fabric without sacrificing waterproofing which ultimately creates a more comfortable product to live, rest and sleep in.
Pre Trip Care
Before going away for the very first time with your caravan and canvas product, such as an awning, add a room or storeaway room, it’s a good idea to weather your canvas by setting it up in your backyard for a day and night to expose it to the dewy air. You can also spray your canvas with the garden hose as well. This moisture will allow the cotton stitching to expand and swell which closes up the stitching holes which further waterproofs the product.
When Using Your Canvas
When using your canvas product try to avoid using aerosol cans around the canvas. This includes hairspray, deodorant and aero guard small sprays onto the canvas can affect the waterproofing of your product. Some dish washing detergents can also have an affect on the waterproofing so it is advised that if you do washing inside your canvas product to stay away from he walls where possible.
Post Trip Care
When you get back from your trip, set up your canvas product and hose it down. Wash off any dirt or animal droppings as soon as possible before they degrade the canvas. If damp leaves are left in your canvas when it is packed away, they can start to decompose and possibly stain your canvas. Tent pegs can also leave rust marks if they are wrapped inside so use a designated tent peg bag.
If you happen to end up with mould on your canvas this can be rectified. As soon as possible you will need to apply a mould treatment product that you can purchase from speciality stores such as Prestige RV or online at www.rvlesiure.com.au Your canvas product will need to be re-waterproofed which you can do yourself with a special water based solution and a paint brush or you can hire a professional to do so.
Storage of your canvas product needs to be in a clean dry place free of moisture. By following these few tips you’ll be able to get years of enjoyment out of your canvas product.
Prestige Jayco manufacture a range of canvas product here in Australia from their Geelong yard. Click here to check out there range available. |
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