Canvas longevity?

[ljedik]

I like to keep my bunk ends open all season while parked at home, we use the camper to sit in and play board games, listen to music and use it as an extension of the house when not camping.
That said, I like to keep our bunk-ends open all season long and really only close them when traveling. I'm worried that the sun and rain will weaken the canvas and I will have to replace it? is this a valid concern? I've thought about purchasing some reflectix to help protect it, but personally I don't like the way it looks. But I guess if it comes down to deciding to replacing the canvas versus covering them, Reflectix will win.

What does everyone else do?

[bikendan]

canvas usually has a 5-6 year warranty from the manufacturer.

i don't recommend Reflectix for the tops of the canvas. WAY too fragile in wind.
that's why nearly all use PUGs or the generic 5x7 solar/all-weather/sportsmen blankets on top of the canvas.
they are easier to secure with clips and bungees and MUCH more durable.

Reflectix is something for the interior.

[JMonroe]

Sun exposure is probably only second to not allowing the canvas to dry out before long term storage as the number one factor in the ultimate deterioration of the fabric. I suspect the designers and manufacturers of your pop-up were calculating the more typical occasional weekend and vacation use/exposure when choosing materials for it's manufacture.

I don't think anyone can give you an accurate estimate of "how long will it last", only that it will not last anywhere near as long as is "typical".

[Loraura]

I would expect it to break down much sooner if left open all the time. Popup gizmos will help but I still don't feel it's a good idea to leave the bunks open year round.

[Superslif]

On our 05' & 13' hybrids the top of the bunk ends are covered with a vinyl over the canvas (Sunbrella) on the top surface. The sides of the bunk ends are plain sunbrella canvas.

On our 05' hybrid I noticed the waterproofing was going away in the areas where dirt and rain runoff would gather. When it rains, there are areas where small particles gather as it rains, like near the bottoms of the window screens or on the corner edging seams.

I would think 5 or more years of the UV rays from the sun would dry out top vinyl.