Camper Canvas

I recently purchased a 2000 270 Sundancer. I am having problems getting the camper canvas on. Are there any suggestions?

Along the windshield area just start the zippers a tad and then start the adjoining one. Once they are all partially zipped it is easier to close.

It ain't easy..I agree.

I'm looking to hire a crew to do mine !:smt100

Try to install it when it's been sitting in the sun for awhile. It will stretch and pull a lot easier! Spray the zippers with a good silicone spray every other month or so.

c27win said:

Try to install it when it's been sitting in the sun for awhile. It will stretch and pull a lot easier! Spray the zippers with a good silicone spray every other month or so.

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I agree on the first point. When putting on the canvas pieces at night (when it's cool) I've found that I can not get some of my snaps fastened, especially on the front pieces that attach to the windshield. If I try it again in the morning, when the sun has been shining for a few hours, it is much easier.

Be careful on the silicone spray as it can stain your canvas if you are not extra careful in the application. I have tried beeswax on a few of the zippers and that seems to work great.

gredmer said:

Along the windshield area just start the zippers a tad and then start the adjoining one. Once they are all partially zipped it is easier to close.

Click to expand...

What Greg said.This is what works best for me. First start with the zippers only an inch or so, then do the snaps. After the snaps are on then finish zipping.

do you guys have those rubber tracks on your canvas? I find getting the canvas on almost impossible sometimes. I too am looking for a crew to do mine.

So it the secret zipping it a little and then putting the tracks in? I tried doing this by myself a couple of weekends ago and ended up having to leave some of the zippers on the side windows undone I just couldn't get them zipped no matter what.

Drama Queen said:

do you guys have those rubber tracks on your canvas? I find getting the canvas on almost impossible sometimes. I too am looking for a crew to do mine.

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I got rid of the rubber tracking and added snaps! Much easier.

Just learned the trick for the rubber in the windshield frame's slot style canvas at the Marine Max Event at Lake Tahoe.

On the rear arm of the bimini bows, there is a push-button adustment with two holes. First push the rear bimini bow up to the top hole, then repeat with rear bow on the main bimini.

Next, install the front camper canvas panel by inserting the rubber extrusion into the windshield frame so that the upper lip hooks into the frame and then press (pound) the lower lip. Then zip the front panel into the bimini and put the rear bow back into position and adjust the webbing that runs from the fwd bow to the windshield frame to take some of the tension off the front panel. May need to use the top button on the rear bow to adjust the fwd web straps.

Next install the side curtains by moving the rear bow button to the bottom hole. Press the rubber lip into the frame and then zip it up.

Last, move the aft bimini's rear bow to the bottom button and install the remaining panels.

A couple suggestions if things are tight: wet fabric stretches better and snap extenders can be a real help...

Good luck!

Shining said:

I got rid of the rubber tracking and added snaps! Much easier.

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Mike,

What did you use for blocks to screw the snaps into the channel? Even though I learned the "trick", I too would prefer snaps.

Not sure. A local canvas shop did the job.
They told me they do a lot of these jobs to Sea Rays.
I can give you their phone # if you want to call them and ask.