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UMTerp · 02-16-2022, 08:22 AM

Just got a new to us 2016 Coachmen Chaparral 336TSIK. The sofa (vinyl I think) has a small rip in it. May have been due to a dogs claw catching it. Is there something I can do to keep it from getting worse? Also, does anyone use some type of conditioner so that the vinyl doesn't start cracking over time?

Thank you!

**hamm2018** · 02-16-2022, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UMTerp

Just got a new to us 2016 Coachmen Chaparral 336TSIK. The sofa (vinyl I think) has a small rip in it. May have been due to a dogs claw catching it. Is there something I can do to keep it from getting worse? Also, does anyone use some type of conditioner so that the vinyl doesn't start cracking over time?

Thank you!

We full time in our rig since June 2019, we bought it in October 2017. We just use water and a soft cloth to keep it clean.

LAKnox · 02-16-2022, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UMTerp

Just got a new to us 2016 Coachmen Chaparral 336TSIK. The sofa (vinyl I think) has a small rip in it. May have been due to a dogs claw catching it. Is there something I can do to keep it from getting worse? Also, does anyone use some type of conditioner so that the vinyl doesn't start cracking over time?

Thank you!

Duct tape!

Lyle

RVnAggie · 02-17-2022, 07:48 PM

You might try one of the “off the shelf” vinyl repair kits where you mix and apply the colored patch compound, then cover with a protective film and use a heat source like an iron to bond it to the existing vinyl. I’ve had reasonably good luck using such on vinyl boat seats once or twice to at least extend the life of them for a year or so before ultimately cracking/tearing again.

Happy Trails,

UMTerp · 02-18-2022, 01:58 PM

Thank you! I will try a kit.

freestyle_freddy · 02-21-2022, 06:43 AM

I just repaired a small 1", v shaped rip in a leather seat, caused by a dog jumping up into our truck. I tucked a small, thin piece of fabric under the rip to provide some support & used Loctite Go2 glue. It stays slightly flexible, but secured the rip with a solid bond that I could not separate. I first took a piece of scrap leather & created am identical rip & tested the glue & the application process on the scrap piece. It went well. I used a toothpick to apply the glue to the edges of the rip. Some glue got on top of the leather, but I was able to wipe it right off with no residue remaining on top. The rip was still slightly noticeable, but only if you were looking for it. I was surprised at how well the glue worked for this problem. I've used this glue for a lot of different repairs for several years.

UMTerp · 02-21-2022, 07:49 AM

Thank you!

wrvond · 03-02-2022, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freestyle_freddy

I just repaired a small 1", v shaped rip in a leather seat, caused by a dog jumping up into our truck. I tucked a small, thin piece of fabric under the rip to provide some support & used Loctite Go2 glue. It stays slightly flexible, but secured the rip with a solid bond that I could not separate. I first took a piece of scrap leather & created am identical rip & tested the glue & the application process on the scrap piece. It went well. I used a toothpick to apply the glue to the edges of the rip. Some glue got on top of the leather, but I was able to wipe it right off with no residue remaining on top. The rip was still slightly noticeable, but only if you were looking for it. I was surprised at how well the glue worked for this problem. I've used this glue for a lot of different repairs for several years.

I've used various vinyl repair kits over the years that required the use of a piece of material on the backside of the tear or cut with some success. However, this method using the Loctite adhesive is far and away the best, most permanent solution.