Tent Trailer Waterproofing

[Tomaz]

I have come into possession of a tent trailer for my camping adventures, but she is in need of some TLC. The part of renovating I am stuck on is weatherproofing the Canvas.

I have been googling some products and have found a few, but I would like some beyond.ca guidance!

What have you used on your tent/trailer? How well did it work?

Thanks team! :)

[spikerS]

I just bought the aresol(sp?) version of canvas sealer at Canadian tire.

Word of advice tho, set up the trailer, and get the canvas tight. Take a pressure washer to it, and spray the hell out of it and get it good and clean. let it air dry, and then goto town with the canvas water proofer, paying special attention to the seams and stitches. let it dry, and then do it again. Personally, I did 3 coats on mine, and never had an issue.

another word of advice, get a good lubricant for the metal risers/jacks that raise the roof. hopefully one that is not oil based so that it does not stain the fabric. Also, if you have the time, pull the tires and hubs off and repack the bearings and inspect the raceways. Pretty easy job on these trailers.

[Tomaz]

Thanks for the pointers!

This tent trailer is not a standard one that most ppl recognize. It is a 1-step flip up trailer. Dont mind my little Paint sketch:
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1778/trailerp.jpg

So as you can see, i am very worried about the waterproofing!

Was the stuff you bought for the "nylon-feeling" canvas, or the "cloth-feeling"? Reason i ask is because i am not sure you can use silicon based product on the cloth.


So far..

I have most of it torn apart right now. I am sanding down the frame and repainting it with rocker guard.

I have all the body panels removed to re-fiberglass some minor damage and have them vinyl wrapped to match my car.

I am rewiring the lights with LED markers

Wheels are removed and are stripped, ready for re-painting to match my car wheels. (or at least to remove the small rusting spots.

Sanded the deck down to weatherproof it.

I will have pics of it up soon. I am impressed with the little thing!

Good thing you mentioned the bearings! I'll do that too this weekend!

[spikerS]

this is the stuff i used from CT, specifically for canvas. (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/Camping/CampingAccessories/PRD~0765310P/Canvas%252BWaterproofing%252BSpray%25252C%252B410g/CROSSSELL~0765307%20Escort%2BWaterproof%2BSilicone%2BSpray.jsp?locale=en)

But that trailer is pretty cool! I have never seen anything like that, and would be neat to check out!

But off the top of my head, make sure the hinge is secured really well as I am spotting that as the obvious weak point. I would also suggest opening that op on as level ground as possible.

[Tomaz]

Wait... Flammable??? That doesn't sound good!!! (I assume it's just the propellant).

It is pretty sweet. I'm 6'2", and i can stand in it no problem. And the bed is about the size of a queen mattress... Just the right size for the girl and I. :poosie:

I am refinishing that hinge too, as it is part of the frame.

Orall, it is in great shape, it just needed some modernizing and a refresh! :)

I'll have pics posed up once it is done!

Thanks again for the tips! :):thumbsup:

[spikerS]

Originally posted by Tomaz
Wait... Flammable??? That doesn't sound good!!! (I assume it's just the propellant).



yeah, it is just the propellant, as the waterproofing agent is not flammable itself. If you have a compressor and a spray gun, get this instead.

link (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/Camping/CampingAccessories/PRD~0765305P/Escourt%252BCanvas%252BWaterproofing%252BFluid%25252C%252B3.78L/CROSSSELL~0765310%20Canvas%2BWaterproofing%2BSpray%2B%2B410g.jsp?locale=en)

[Tomaz]

I dont have a spray gun, but i do have the compressor.

Would it be bad if i tried to "paint" it on?

[spikerS]

Originally posted by Tomaz
I dont have a spray gun, but i do have the compressor.

Would it be bad if i tried to "paint" it on?

I could not say, but I don't think it would be a good idea as if you apply too much, the canvas will lose it's breathable properties.

If you don't have a sprayer, just buy the aresol can.