The Best Canvas for your Camper

The quality of the canvas on your camper trailer matters.  It is one of the most critical elements of your camper because it is the only thing between you and the elements. So if the manufacturer has used a low quality product  you'll definitely know about it the first time you're camping in the rain.  

Australian Made

There has been a lot of talk in the industry about making sure the tent on your camper is Australian made and there is good reason for it.  It's not only a better product but a safer one as well.  Some overseas manufacturer's use dangerous chemicals in the processing of their canvas.

Overseas Canvas

A lot of overseas canvas manufacturer's use formaldehyde which is used to chemically modify the canvas to improve it's properties.  

FACT: Formaldehyde use is highly regulated for safety in Australia.  This sets limits for the amount of formaldehyde permitted to be used in certain products.  Such restrictions are not enforced overseas.

The best solution is to go for a tent which has been made with Australian Wax Converters Dynaproofed canvas.  That way you know it complies with Australian Standards (AS 2001.2.18.1987).

Wax Converters Dynaproofed Canvas

Matt Kennelly from Cub Campers did a factory tour with James Kelman of  Wax Converters in 2019 you can check it out below.

Watching the video really helps you understand the degree of R&D which goes into the design and manufacturer of the Wax Converters canvas.  They have been making canvas to suit the Australian harsh conditions since 1991.  They continue to innovate and adapt their products to better serve the end users.  Wax Converters is a great Australian company and you would be hard pressed to find a canvas which can compete with their quality.

Maintenance and Care

Like all canvases, Wax Converter canvas needs to be maintained and cared for to ensure the maximum lifespan of your tent.  An initial seasoning should take place before your first camping trip.  

Seasoning is the process of saturating the canvas with water and allowing it to dry then repeating the process three times.  The seasoning isn't for the benefit of the raw canvas itself.  The wetting allows the cotton in the seam to take up on the needle hole and takes any shrinkage out.

Cleaning the canvas is relatively easy as well.  If there is any mould or mildew on the surface James, from Wax converters, recommends using a mix of standard household bleach and water with a ratio of 80% cold water to 20% bleach.

So,  caring about the type of canvas which is used on your camper should definitely be on the top of your list of things to consider when buying an off road camper trailer.