canvas vs sunbrella

[lorlor]

I need to replace the canvas on my 1991 coleman chesapeake pu and must decide between canvas (after market) or sunbrella (coleman original). Looking for any feedback on this. Thanks!!

[lorlor]

I need to replace the canvas on my 1991 coleman chesapeake pu and must decide between canvas (after market) or sunbrella (coleman original). Looking for any feedback on this. Thanks!!

[evan0810]

We had a '95 Coleman for 5 years and no problems w/ the Sunbrella. I always made sure that if tent was wet at all, I would back it in the garage and raise it half way and pull out beds as far as I could 'til dry. I have no experience w/ canvas, but if I were in your shoes, I would replace w/ the original material.

[Kablewizard]

Howdy and Welcome to Irv2.

I don't know how I missed your post, but I am sorry I did. Our first pop up was canvas and I want to tell you we lived in Alaska and if it rained it took a long time to dry and it even got the beds damp when we packed it up. When we got the 99 bayside it had the sunbrella and it was great it didn't take long to dry, and like stated above if you can just raise it a bit and open it it will dry in your garage easy.

I would take the sunbrella it might cost more but if you take care of it it will last.

Have fun and stop by often.

PS H ave you checked out the Camping group in you area to see what they have planned?

[Superslif]

We had a 99' Coleman with the Sunbrella 302 acrylic tenting material and I would say it took a lot of beating and kept on ticking. After 6 years and 225 nights of camping didn't really show any wear. Near the corners I would take a light scrub brush and some mild soap and it would come clean. I had my canvas awnings on my house replaced and they used the same Sunbrella 302. It's a much lighter material and dries faster and you don't get that musty smell.....Now the only thing with my 99' Coleman was on top of the bunk ends there was a vinyl like material that was over the Sunbrella, so while camping in the woods you tend to get more tree fall-out (sap, bird poop, pine needles...) Without that, the Sunbrella would by itself would stain more on the top of those bunks.....I have a Aerolite Cub Hybrid now and have the same material.....Unless there is a really big price differance between the after market canvas and the Coleman replacement, I would go with the Sunbrella 100%....Becides the Coleman OEM product should fit better to specs......

[Partsmgr]

Ok- The material on your 1991 was not really canvas- it was a material called Evolution III. Hindsight is always 20/20- when it came out it was great-- it allowed mositure to escape- but inhibited in from going through it- Only problem was with time and exposure to sun- it started to get sandy- or deteriorate. Once it was starting to rip- you couldnt do much-- Coleman used to sell the patches of it for repairs. The replacement material is Sunbrella and its great like canvas- but more waterproof.
Coleman manufactures their own canvas- so you are assured it will fit- because Coleman has all the original templates to make the canvas- unlike the "price" popup mfrs that farmed it out to the lowest bidder each year.