new canvas or repair old canvas

[awhiletofinish]

Hi all,

I am looking for your sage advice. 

I have a 2005 livin' lite 8.0 pop up that I bought new in 2006. We don't use it a lot (maybe 7-10 nights per year) and it is stored in our garage, so it is in really good shape. We have really enjoyed the popup and plan to keep it indefinitely. 

I bought it sight unseen off the internet and there isn't a dealer within about 300 miles of our home. 

Recently the canvas is a bit tight on the bed ends and one of the bed end seams is split. One side of the tent seems to not fit all that well.... loose in some spots... too tight in others. 

We also got a bit of minor mildew from putting the tent away sllighty damp last time.

There are few cuts in the canvas ,but nothing very big... over all except for the tightness, split seam and minor mildew the canvas is in pretty good shape.

So I am considering two options

1. set up the tent.. wet the canvas down on a hot day and try to stretch it out. Also clean the minor mildew with the ISSOS mildew product, resew the split seam with a kit from Walmart and reseal the canvas with 303 brand sealer. Maybe use some protect stuff on the vinyl top.

2. get a new tent  - This canvas is over 10 years old so maybe it it time for a replacement? If I could get a new tent that was as leak tight and durable as our old one and lasted another 10 years I would be happy, but I am not sure how the construction has changed over the years.  Also not very handy and lack of a close by dealer could be a problem.. not sure how hard to get the right fit and install the snaps.  I do worry a bit about not being able to get a replacement tent in 5 years or so.

Any ideas you wise LL owners have is greatly appreciated!

[idlerockfarm]

There might be a nearby tent/awning business near you or boat canvas repair place. I'd consult them for an opinion first. If they can save the canvas, that would save you A LOT of money.