we used to have a Pathfinder back in 2002, which never leaked despite torrential storms in France. We now have a TT which uses Ten Cate canvas (best in the business).
We were away a couple of weeks back, and had 8 hours of continuous heavy rain and strong winds. The rain came in under the ground sheet, but not a drop through the roof/walls etc . I have cleaned odd patches on our roof, as it's not the most practical colour, but only with a new soft cloth and water.
And in answer to your other question..no, it doesn't get damp on the inside either. We have a cotton roof liner, which also provides a designated kitchen area, wardrobe and toilet. This has never caused a problem either, but it was part of the original spec and not an add on
I think I remember reading somewhere that I shouldn't need to re-proof my canvas for at lest 10 years (as long as you look after it) and five years in, odd bit's have faded, but still watertight.
The only problem we ever had was one year in very strong winds, one area where we had tied the canvas to the frame, let a few drops in through the stitching. We left it alone, and it never leaked again
Evensteven, many thanks for the link to the Dandy website.... very interesting indeed, I never gave them a thought. From your smiley I guess they have a certain reputation (or perhaps the owners do), what's the score with them? Being new to this I'm not in the know!
We prefer the side door models, I assume that Under-bed skirts and awnings are available - even the Pennine FCs look a bit odd without them.
Evensteven, many thanks for the link to the Dandy website.... very interesting indeed, I never gave them a thought. From your smiley I guess they have a certain reputation (or perhaps the owners do), what's the score with them? Being new to this I'm not in the know!
We prefer the side door models, I assume that Under-bed skirts and awnings are available - even the Pennine FCs look a bit odd without them.
Cheers.
C8
Well they are a bit different. Because they are PVC not canvas they are completely waterproof and can be put away wet without the need to open up again to dry out. Dandy's do tend to have a very loyal fan base but others don't like the look of them and I think some people get a bit fed up (hopefully only in fun, hence the smiley) with the way we go on about them.
Yes you can get awnings (though the Dandy ones are heavy as they are PVc as well, apart from the rarer acryllic ones) but there are motorhome awnings that some people have got a good fit on. You can also get under bed skirts etc.
Riva are no longer making them new after some cash flow problems in 2008 but Ian is still going for second hand units, repairs and parts.
Thanks again for all the useful information. I feel much more confident about canvas now!
One further question though, does the inside surface of canvas get damp to the touch during heavy rain or is the material totally resistant to water if it's working correctly?
Cheers
C8
Around the bedrooms and behind the settees the canvas is plastic backed so you can't get wet by touching it. The roof lining and bed pods stop the rest feeling damp. The only thing you have to watch is in loads and days of rain there can be condense build up under the canvas and above the lining. So if you go out for the day its worth unclipping the lining to let the air circulate.
------------- Good friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget.
Many thanks to all you good people who have taken the trouble to answer my beginner's questions. I do feel that we can now make a much more informed choice.
we've had no problem with our canvas, and had some very heavy downpours and rained everyday in august :( we also have some sap on our roof, this is from trees and it does not let the water through, if its been looked after it should be fine
------------- Taffy
2012 Planned
Easter - Cornwall
July scout camp
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Have just looked at the TenCate Fabrics website. Quite amazed at the technology that goes into outdoor fabrics.
Does anyone know when Pennine started to fit TenCate tops.
This thread's just reminded me of a post I read some time ago which made me smile. Some chap joined the discussion enthusing about the amazing KEN TATE canvas his camper was made from!!!
canvas is canvas whether on a tent or a FC so if it is treated right it should be waterproof. Our FC is 7 years old and has not been reproofed as far as we know but we will leave until at least the 10 year mark or until it actually does leak. We have had lots of rain and wind plus some sun and all has been well. I think you just need to be careful what you buy and if the canvas is marked or has mildew walk away. If not go for it.
It is actually quite warm too. I have been surprised how the heat stays in when using a little fan heater. In addition the sound insulation is good too as I found when I kept telling my hubby to turn the radio down (when we were inside) in case it disturbed anyone but then checked (after hubby said too) and found that outside, even on the same pitch, there was very little to hear.
We do get the odd draft but that may be more down to the way we have fastened the sides than any problem with the FC
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Topic: Canvas Facts
. I have cleaned odd patches on our roof, as it's not the most practical colour, but only with a new soft cloth and water.
), what's the score with them? Being new to this I'm not in the know!
