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Canvas Care
Seasoning the Canvas
The process of seasoning your canvas before use is an important one but fortunately an easy process. This process is
best done on a warm sunny day with no rain expected.
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Set up your camper and annex with all doors and windows zipped up and closed
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Using your garden hose apply a light spray of water over all the external canvas areas. Wet out the canvas
without allowing water to pool in any section then allow to dry thoroughly.
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Repeat the process of wetting and allowing to try another 2 times.
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On the third wetting check for any leaks in the canvas particularly along the seams. If a seam is weeping water
through, allow the canvas to thoroughly dry then apply a wax stick along the area of the seam. This is done by
lightly rubbing the wax stick over the area. Once applied wet the canvas and check again. NOTE: It is not unusual
for seams that aren’t able to be seam sealed with tape to weep after seasoning. This is not a reflection of canvas
or workmanship but simply a characteristic of canvas tents. If the leak persists, contact your AusRV customer
representative.
Protecting Seams and Screens
Seams:
When erecting any canvas tent, it is vitally important that you don’t stress the canvas by overtightening when
adjusting the poles. The most common cause of damage to canvas is over tensioning. Adjusting the tent should give
the canvas good shape but the material should be relaxed. If you can see the stitching exposed in a seam, then the
canvas is under strain and the pole should be backed off.
Screens:
Fly mesh screens are vulnerable to damage by poles rubbing against it. When packing up your camper it is
important to close windows with both inner and outer canvas zipped up thus protecting the mesh. Never leave door
screens rolled up when packing your camper as this can cause harsh creases and damage the screen. Mesh damage
by owner misuse is not a warranty issue.
Zipper Care
Few parts of your camper work as hard as zippers particularly if you have young children. To get the maximum
service life from zippers there are precautions and maintenance you can do. Never force a zipper. If it jams or
becomes difficult back it up and start again ensuring the two rows are feeding evenly into the slide without one row
having much greater weight of canvas than the other. Avoid having doors half zipped when the tent is in use. Leaving
the slide in a poor position while the door canvas flaps around, or people access the door pushing the canvas out
of the way can loosen and damage the teeth. Always fully open or close the entry doors on your tent. Dry lubricant
spray is a great way to make zipping up your tent easier. Apply a light coating of dry lubricant along the length of the
zipper as needed.
Protecting from Mould
Mould is very difficult to clean once a tent is affected. There are several ways you can prevent the occurrence of
mould on your canvas. Never leave your camper packed away wet. If you must leave a campsite with wet canvas
be sure to open and dry out your tent thoroughly at the very first opportunity when you get home. Mould can
develop in just a couple of days so don’t take the risk. When packing up even a dry tent it is important to check
under the mattress that there is no build-up of condensation overnight. Body heat on a mattress can create enough
temperature difference with the exterior for moisture to form under it. If left unchecked this can cause mould
when your camper is stored. Bird droppings can damage your canvas due to the Ph level. Always clean off any
animal dropping as soon as possible. When storing your camper between
camping trips it is recommended you pack a couple of moisture absorber packs
into your camper. On soft floor campers these are best placed beside the
mattress, on hard floor camper they should be packed inside the main body.
Using these packs is critical in tropic regions due to the humidity as when the
inside temperature of the camper drops overnight, the moist air can turn into
condensation which in turn will cause mould.
