Tray canopy cover - PVC or canvas?

[SimonM]

Hi all,

A few years ago I had a canvas guy sew up a canvas canopy for the back of my Defender 130 HCPU (dual cab), and I have never been happy with it. Among other things the canvas suffered from constant shrinking issues in wet and cold weather, and has started to develop persistent mould problems (my fault for lack of care). I am going to make up another canopy myself with a different design and was thinking of going with PVC instead of canvas. Are there any disadvantages with going with PVC? I can't think of any for this application??

Also I am thinking of designing it so there is no need for zippers, and instead using other fastener types but I need to test this idea out first with a basic mock-up to see if it will work. All four panels will be separate of each other, attached via sail track to the top of the canopy and able to be fully removed individually if needed, at least that is the plan in my head  .

Cheers

[Traveller]

I asked the local trimmer the same question when I needed a canopy cover as well, and he steered me towards canvas. If I remember correctly he said the PVC tended to trap moisture in the canopy because it doesn't breath, and was hotter than canvas because of the same reason.

I have had the canopy on for 10 years now and have had to replace the rear zips once. The canvas is nothing like the colour it was originally as it has taken on a red dust hue, but the canvas is good itself.

Having had utes with tonneau covers, I would prefer canvas for a canopy, but the PVC would wash up better.

[SimonM]

Ok hadn't really considered condensation and heat to be an issue. That gives me something to think about. Thanks.

[GGV8Cruza]

Ok hadn't really considered condensation and heat to be an issue. That gives me something to think about. Thanks.

Your in Tassie, heats never a problem 

GG

[SimonM]

Your in Tassie, heats never a problem 

GG

I may travel somewhere warm one day though.

[ivan]

The pvc stinks when you sleep inside. With the moisture trapped it causes everything in the back to rust.A well made canvas product should shrink to the correct size and use only high quality zippers.Make side flap double size so it can fold out to form an awning.

[SimonM]

The pvc stinks when you sleep inside. With the moisture trapped it causes everything in the back to rust.A well made canvas product should shrink to the correct size and use only high quality zippers.Make side flap double size so it can fold out to form an awning.

I wont be sleeping inside and am going to design something without zippers just for something a bit different. I have contemplated making the sides big enough to use as a small awning but I will be making up a separate awning for the side and rear which will join up to give maximum coverage.

It looks like canvas may be the way to go for the canopy.