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mkenyon2's avatar
mkenyon2
Explorer
Oct 17, 2021

Looking at used, canvas repair?

So, we're shopping for a new camper, and leaning toward some hybrids. We looked at a 2004 R-Vision, and we like it, but it'll need the canvas repaired at one end, and we figure, we should probably do both at the same time.

Do you have suggestions for places to get the canvas repaired/replaced? I saw this place, but don't know much about them. http://www.canvasreplacements.com/
  • Friends bought new canvas from that company,a while back,for an older starcraft, and they were very happy with the product. You can remove the canvas yourself, not usually hard, and take to any upholsterer that does boat tops and such.For repairs, or to make new stuff. Just stop and ask some boat owners, especially larger boats. Before you buy a hybrid, ever sleep in a tent, in hard rain, high winds or hail? That is one of the main reasons I got rid of my pop up many years ago.
  • Pretty much the one you have and http://bearcreekcanvas.com/ are the go to ones. Call to see if they have your pattern in house. Or you may need to ship yours to them for a template. One does just canvas, the other does synthetic tenting, like sumbrella. Depends on what you want. Both are really backed up. Whats wrong with your tenting? Sometimes a good awning or sail shop can sew patches. Tenting isn't cheap.
  • You need to look at the bunk doors themselves, and the wall areas below them. Go over then with a fine tooth comb. Those R-Visions were well known to have leak issues that resulted in rot to the doors and areas below the doors. The screw down bunk locks were one of the first designs used to secure the bunk doors when closed, and did not work well. If the doors are shot, you will almost be SOL as replacements will need to be custom made. People have done it but it's not cheap.
  • I will second the Bear Creek Canvas option. This is a very competent company with people who have experience and are willing to talk to you and work with you. I replaced all the canvas on an older 1977 Starcraft Popup. It matched perfectly and was, I felt, of higher quality than the original. Google them and ask if they do hybrids.

    That said, I also had a hybrid and what was just said is true in some cases. Water leaking around the edges, people who do not dry the canvas before storage and a multitude of other reasons can and will lead to canvas issues. On a hybrid you also need to look at the door itself.

    Best route is to "fix" the issue. A rip or two can be repaired by a boat company who works on things like this. If it is that and mold and mildew issues, you might want to price out a replacement.
  • Inspect closely before purchase. Dry out completely before closing up and storage. Beware that some parks don’t allow soft sided RVs.
  • PS. This is the canvas and the screen, so I'm thinking the whole thing would need to be done. I might be looking elsewhere.
  • Lwiddis wrote:
    Inspect closely before purchase. Dry out completely before closing up and storage. Beware that some parks don’t allow soft sided RVs.


    What parks are you referring to?
    Fishing Bridge campground in Yellowstone, is the only campground for RVs there, that has a permanent ban on soft-sided campers. All the other campgrounds in YNP, that has campsites big enough for hybrids, allow soft-sided campers. We stayed in Madison, Grant and Canyon, in our hybrid. And you can stay at Fishing Bridge campground, in your hybrid, if you stay "turtled" in your hybrid.
  • Lwiddis wrote:
    Inspect closely before purchase. Dry out completely before closing up and storage. Beware that some parks don’t allow soft sided RVs.


    I know that you are an important man Mr.Lwiddis. But why would you lie or intentionally post false information?
    If you don't know or aren't sure don't put it out there.
    Your posts seem to paint you as an extremist!
  • Having both pups and htt they really are only suited for and used in 3 season mode only. Like campgrounds staying closed October thru May and you only get true nice weather only usage. Sol if you have a tT ect. The only 4 season people camping are living in the campgrounds permanently.
  • pitch wrote:
    Lwiddis wrote:
    Inspect closely before purchase. Dry out completely before closing up and storage. Beware that some parks don’t allow soft sided RVs.


    I know that you are an important man Mr.Lwiddis. But why would you lie or intentionally post false information?
    If you don't know or aren't sure don't put it out there.
    Your posts seem to paint you as an extremist!


    He has an opinion about EVERYTHING and is very eager to share it. Luckily most of his posts never see the light of day.