Gladiator Pop-Up Pass Through Camper Build
- Thread starter Mules
- Start date
Mules
Well-known member
Alright, I wasn't planning on this yet, but I have to sew the tent material next. Here's my plan and I need some advice to see if I'm on the right path:
Material:
Use a marine quality canvas like Sunbrella or TopNotch (any other suggestions?). These are extremely durable, moisture and mildew resistant, and won't fade. This stuff isn't fire proof, so the tent makers don't use it. The boat builders do though. Isn't a boat just a water camper?
This stuff is pretty heavy, but specs say I should be able to sew it with our normal sewing machine (this might get ugly)
Windows:
Use a 40gage clear vinyl, like in boats.
Attachment:
Big decision here as I am lazy. I want to use fabric stick on velcro instead of sew on zippers or snaps. Yeah I know, I'll probably regret using the stick on velcro stuff.
Window Design:
I was thinking about a three layer window (screen, clear vinyl, and sun shade). You just peel down the sun shade to see out. Next you peel down the clear vinyl for the screen. Sounds nice, but a lot of sewing.
Material:
Use a marine quality canvas like Sunbrella or TopNotch (any other suggestions?). These are extremely durable, moisture and mildew resistant, and won't fade. This stuff isn't fire proof, so the tent makers don't use it. The boat builders do though. Isn't a boat just a water camper?
This stuff is pretty heavy, but specs say I should be able to sew it with our normal sewing machine (this might get ugly)
Windows:
Use a 40gage clear vinyl, like in boats.
Attachment:
Big decision here as I am lazy. I want to use fabric stick on velcro instead of sew on zippers or snaps. Yeah I know, I'll probably regret using the stick on velcro stuff.
Window Design:
I was thinking about a three layer window (screen, clear vinyl, and sun shade). You just peel down the sun shade to see out. Next you peel down the clear vinyl for the screen. Sounds nice, but a lot of sewing.
Last edited:
mog
Kodiak Buckaroo
I had all the seats in my old FJ40 done in Sunbrella and that worked great. The FJ40 never had doors or a top and they held up to the weather and full-time exposure (So. Cal.) great. Easy to clean, and had a great look and texture. Count me as one vote for Sunbrella with the disclaimer that I am out of my lane on fabrics. And yes, you are correct, you will regret using stick-on velcro. And an 'extra' downside to stick-on velcro is when it keeps coming loose, you can not machine sew it on as the adhesive gums up the needle on the sewing machine (ask me how I know). Of you go the velcro route, sew it from the start.
CoyoteThistle
Adventurer
I tried the stick-on velcro and it didn't last for me either. I'm in the process of re-doing my fabric on my pop-up due to this. For the new one, I went with something called Sur Last. Another marine-type canvas, waterproof and UV stable. I only have a sample pack in hand so I haven't experimented with sewing on the home machine yet but it should be okay. I got a sample of WeatherMAX 65 and I like the feel of it. Not waterproof though so I went the other way. If waterproof isn't important to you, check it out.
Another random lesson learned: my current fabric is white with white velcro. At night, it's all just a giant lantern that attracts every flying bug for 40 miles. The little ******** actually burrow through the extra bright velcro mating spots. Who knew? Use black velcro and something other than white fabric.
Also, I'm going simple with my window after doing something similar to what you showed last time. I'll just be sewing in the clear vinyl with a fabric shade - no mesh. I have a maxx fan and two side windows though so I've found I get good airflow without the need for the extra complexity.
Great build by the way, been enjoying the creativity and excellent workmanship. Thanks for posting!
Another random lesson learned: my current fabric is white with white velcro. At night, it's all just a giant lantern that attracts every flying bug for 40 miles. The little ******** actually burrow through the extra bright velcro mating spots. Who knew? Use black velcro and something other than white fabric.
Also, I'm going simple with my window after doing something similar to what you showed last time. I'll just be sewing in the clear vinyl with a fabric shade - no mesh. I have a maxx fan and two side windows though so I've found I get good airflow without the need for the extra complexity.
Great build by the way, been enjoying the creativity and excellent workmanship. Thanks for posting!
mog
Kodiak Buckaroo
Wow, an amazing insight. Ya, that white velcro glows with an unworldly brightness, and I had not thought about how that would attract bugs.
BTW on velcro, the 'normal' sewing supply is black or white, but you can get tan, brown, green (OD & Ranger) from some of the 'tactical' suppliers.
VanIsle_Greg
I think I need a bigger truck!
Alright, I wasn't planning on this yet, but I have to sew the tent material next. Here's my plan and I need some advice to see if I'm on the right path:
Material:
Use a marine quality canvas like Sunbrella or TopNotch (any other suggestions?). These are extremely durable, moisture and mildew resistant, and won't fade. This stuff isn't fire proof, so the tent makers don't use it. The boat builders do though. Isn't a boat just a water camper?
This stuff is pretty heavy, but specs say I should be able to sew it with our normal sewing machine (this might get ugly)
Windows:
Use a 40gage clear vinyl, like in boats.
Attachment:
Big decision here as I am lazy. I want to use fabric stick on velcro instead of sew on zippers or snaps. Yeah I know, I'll probably regret using the stick on velcro stuff.
Window Design:
I was thinking about a three layer window (screen, clear vinyl, and sun shade). You just peel down the sun shade to see out. Next you peel down the clear vinyl for the screen. Sounds nice, but a lot of sewing.
I used Sunbrella for all of my fabric, and it is pretty amazing stuff. It is rub resistant, UV stable, water resistant (they don't call it proof but it repels water well) and the stuff I have is fire resistant as well I am told. I went with a 3 layer window as well, outside bug scree, tinted vinyl and then inner sunbrella... all held on with a combination of expensive marine zippers and layers of velcro. Not going to lie, my fabric cost me a lot of $$, but was done by a local marine upholstery specialist who is one of the best locally... so I was ok with the cost. If I had the space and the wherewithal (skills) to do it myself, I would have. I am thinking about making my own weather pack... so might get some sewing time in soon even if I have never done it. lol
You have the space, and apparently some skills... so, giver!! (as they say here on the island.)
Man I really need to take some pics of it some day. **EDIT I remembered I had some pics of the pre-fitting before the windows were cut in** I also need to get it installed soon...hoping to get camping soon too!
Fitting it and marking windows.
Grey sunbrella... looks good with the aluminum!
That's Laine from Peninsula Boat Tops here on Vancouver Island (check out his site if you are local).
Last edited:
Mules
Well-known member
Thanks for the great pictures. Your build looks awesome! I definitely don't have sewing skills, but I'm building my courage to give it a try.
Do you mind me asking what the tent cost you to have made?
You might check out "Outdura" Marine Fabric.
Outdura™ vs. Sunbrella® Fabrics: Big Duck Canvas Blog
Most people aren’t exactly sure what solution dyed acrylic is, but it seems everyone has heard of Sunbrella® Fabrics. People don’t typically ask about solution dyed acrylic, they ask f…
bigduckcanvasblog.com
Marine & Awning Outdoor Fabric | Wholesale SeaDuck® | Waterproof Fabric |Cream
CREAM Outdoor Fabric Wholesale: Marine/awning fabric is made from the highest quality yarns anywhere. 10 Year Warranty. Wholesale Fabric.
www.bigduckcanvas.com
Outdura™ vs. Sunbrella® Fabrics: Big Duck Canvas Blog
Most people aren’t exactly sure what solution dyed acrylic is, but it seems everyone has heard of Sunbrella® Fabrics. People don’t typically ask about solution dyed acrylic, they ask f…
bigduckcanvasblog.com
SeaDuck® Fabric | Marine & Awning Outdoor Textile Solutions
SeaDuck® Fabric is Innovative Outdoor Fabric specializing in Marine & Awning applications
www.bigduckcanvas.com
You have no idea just how happy you are for skipping the stick-on Velcro, but, you are very very very very very happy for doing so!
Mules
Well-known member
Nice that it's made in the U.S.A. You don't see that much anymore.You might check out "Outdura" Marine Fabric.
Outdura™ vs. Sunbrella® Fabrics: Big Duck Canvas Blog
Most people aren’t exactly sure what solution dyed acrylic is, but it seems everyone has heard of Sunbrella® Fabrics. People don’t typically ask about solution dyed acrylic, they ask f…
Marine & Awning Outdoor Fabric | Wholesale SeaDuck® | Waterproof Fabric |Cream
CREAM Outdoor Fabric Wholesale: Marine/awning fabric is made from the highest quality yarns anywhere. 10 Year Warranty. Wholesale Fabric.
Outdura™ vs. Sunbrella® Fabrics: Big Duck Canvas Blog
Most people aren’t exactly sure what solution dyed acrylic is, but it seems everyone has heard of Sunbrella® Fabrics. People don’t typically ask about solution dyed acrylic, they ask f…
SeaDuck® Fabric | Marine & Awning Outdoor Textile Solutions
SeaDuck® Fabric is Innovative Outdoor Fabric specializing in Marine & Awning applications
Nowhere near as much as I would like!