Question:
I'm looking to get my in-laws Coleman Jamestown camper back on the road.
They no longer use it, and it would be a nice upgrade from tent
camping, now that we have a son (2 yrs. old). I will tow it with a VW
Jetta Wagon TDI, so the small camper's light weight will be a plus.
Overall, the camper is in pretty good shape. It needs tires,
replacement of tail light assemblies and a few side markers (cracked off
due to age and moving it around), and a general cleaning inside and out.
The canvas set (Evolution 3) 'seems' to be in good shape. A bit of
mildew on the vinyl portions, but no seams pulling apart or holes. The
camper hasn't seen a lot of use.
However, I've read here that the Evo 3 fabric isn't very good at holding
up, so I've inquired about replacement sets at Canvas Replacements and
Bear Creek. 'CR' quotes Sunbrella, and 'BC' quotes actual canvas.
My big question - What is a better material??? I read that Sunbrella is
durable, but rather transparent to light. Canvas is the 'old standby'.
Durable if maintained well, and makes for a nice dark camper when you
want it dark.
So, I'd really like some opinions/facts from the people that have worked
with both materials and/or companies. Both companies were very prompt
to quote and answer my questions, and both are pretty local to me in
Wisconsin, so it's really down to material.
Answer:
-Had Sunbrella in my 98 Coleman, never had any problem with it. what I
liked the most it's that it is a breathable fabric, so no condensation
forms on the inside. As for the darkness... it was never a problem for
me... once the sun gets up around 7... I'm up too starting my fire and
enjoying camping!
-Unless the Evo 3 is bad I would keep it until I really needed another one.
The one you have may surprise you if maintained properly. Mine is 12 years
old and as good as it ever was. I take mine off and wash it evey 2 or 3
years per instructions.
