Broken zipper

[mary59mac]

I just got back from a week of camping in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Had a wonderful time, but the zipper on the "door" broke.

Any tips on where to get it fixed that won't break the bank? I called a local RV dealer and was told they send them out. The website is CanvasReplacement.com. But the cost to replace a canvas door is over $800!!!!!!!!!

For that amount I'll just tape the thing shut!

One more thing...the morning we left it was chilly - about 40 degrees so we couldn't stretch the cover enough to get all the snaps snapped.  Well...Gorilla Tape worked great!!!!!!!! And now I won't panic if I can't get all the snaps snapped!

[tinkeringtechie]

Can you post a picture or describe how it broke? Did it rip off, or is the zipper itself broken?

[mary59mac]

The zipper itself is broken. I found a local place that may be able to fix it but I don't have any idea on the cost. I am going to take a photo to send to them and I will post a pix here too.

I know that the zipper has several teeth missing near the bottom as well as it pulling out of the canvas.

I will get a pix here asap. Thanks!

[admin]

I would expect a local shop to repair/replace it for fairly cheap. In fact I have heard of several people doing a zipper replacement by choice to avoid some of the issues you are facing. I assume you will be taking the canvas off and just bringing them the material? If not I'm sure they will be happy to charge you the extra labor to take it off and labor rates are usually the biggest profit margin in my opinion.

-Sean

[mary59mac]

I took my tent to a local canvas/awning/boat cover repair company and they added extra fabric(see prev posts about my camper "outgrowing" her tent) and a new zipper for $105. My camper is a 2009.

[walt3]

The slider broke on mine. I used a replacement from Fixnzip. The teeth are still a little loose, but works till I replace the tent or zipper.  

[mbanks]

must be something about upper peninsula - my door zipper also broke when camping there in August. I am yet to look for a way to fix it.

[sandyu]

Hey Larry,

I would love to see a pic of your new added fabric sometime. My tent always seams a bit to tight, especially in the cold. I've been tempted to find a person to go ahead replace the zipper because I know it's going to break anyways and add extra fabric on the ends to make it snap easier.


Thanks,
Kybrowns

[mary59mac]

I picked up the new canvas just in time to store everything away for the winter! So I really don't even know if it will fit better! I sure hope it does....
I will try and get a photo this spring. I will be going to Kentucky the end of April.

[sandyu]

I live near Lexington ky. Just curious, where you are going in April?

[mary59mac]

I am going to the Kentucky Horse Park for  the Rolex 3 Day Event. I went a couple yrs ago and had a blast but I didn't have my camper then. I will be there from 4/22 - 4/26.

[sandyu]

That's funny, I almost said if your driving through you should do a overnighter at the horse park. I live just north of the horse park in Georgetown.

[walt3]

The fixinzip is a replacement zipper slide that comes apart to make it easy to replace while camping. The medium size is the one that fits our zippers. Not a bad idea to carry one just in case!

[dp]

The problem with it all is removing the top just for the zipper but I guess you have to.

[idlerockfarm]

I closed my zipper in the door my first night. On night 5 (third trip) 97 lb dog put his head through side with crunched zipper teeth and undid the whole side's zipper. I don't think I can rethread it. Well, I don't think I want to. I'm looking to get a more heavy-duty zipper installed. My dog and I can be a rough pair.