Drippy Camper Canvas

Casey · Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 4:23 pm Post subject: Drippy Camper Canvas

We're in Haines - on a truly Spectacular day! We'll probably be here for a few days since the wx is going to deteriorate tomorrow, and be yucky until at least Thursday.

Canvas question. In 2009 when I had the camper canvas made for Katmai, I had the shop make it with Tenara thread (a GoreTex-like product) so thread-rot wouldn't ever be an issue. In that regard the job is Great. However ....

I've found that the bottom of the window/screen seams drip badly in a good rain. ( $%#@ ) I don't know if it was the manner in which the window/screen seams are constructed, OR could it be because of the Tenara thread??? Somehow I suspect that the Tenara may not absorb water like traditional thread (thus closing-off the needle holes and helping to retard dripping). Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Best,
Casey&Mary

Sunbeam · Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 4:37 pm Post subject:

I don't know the answer to your question (although I do follow your reasoning about it possibly not swelling), but I'm very interested in the answer. Having re-stitched (twice!) a boatload of still-in-great-condition Sunbrella, I will (would?) also have specify Tenara™ thread on a camper canvas.

Sunbeam

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 6:02 pm Post subject:

Casey, you might consider seam seal. The old goretex needed that stuff to prevent drips and leaks, before they started taping garment seams. No idea where to get it up there.

thataway · Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 7:04 pm Post subject:

Agree with Sagebrush--you do need to seal these types of seams. Also the vinyl will allow the condensation to run down and collect, more than the actual Sunbrella. Then there is the issue of where Sunbrella has been made the last few years. We were lead to believe it was in the US, but more recent information is that it is not the quality it was 10 years ago.

I still go for Tenera.