Good fabric choice for homemade RTT/pop-up camper project?

[christianoffroad]

OK, so I'm pulling the trigger and going to start my own version of a Wildernest-type cap on the back of my tow/off-road support/expedition truck. I have everything planned and drawn up in CAD, and the only thing left is to decide what to use for the "tent" material. I have been watching on here for some time, but still cant get it thru my head what would be the best. Weight is not that much of a concern, durability and strength are. I want something that breathes reasonably well, can be sewn on the wifes sewing machine, and wont totally break the bank. I have read MANY discussions on here about fabrics, and after awhile my eyes start to cross! Anyone have good recommendations that is easily explainable to the IQ challenged?!? Mechanics I can understand, but weights, linear yards, thread count, etc. are beyond me? Where does one go to buy such things? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[Tony LEE]

Is it essential that the material be 100% opaque so you can sleep in in the mornings. If so, that cuts down your choice by a huge amount.

 

[4xdog]

100% opaque? Only if you're a vampire or someone who enjoys sensory deprivation. (smile). Seriously, it is a consideration, but not one I'd drive to that extreme. Might want to consider lighter colors to minimize heat load for your project. Dark tents can get really hot.

Don

 

[thecriscokid]

Look into some shoeller fabrics. They have a bunch of canvas style high tech weather proof stuff. Now getting the samples may be kind of tuff

 

[rideglobally]

check his out

i am looking for the same thing. i have a thread on ih8mud, here is a link of what was suggested http://www.seattlefabrics.com/products.html i called them and they where very helpful:coffeedrink:

 

[Xterabl]

Whoa, that site is awesome. Check out the "hardware" section...all kinds of useful stuff for the DIYer!

 

[christianoffroad]

i am looking for the same thing. i have a thread on ih8mud, here is a link of what was suggested http://www.seattlefabrics.com/products.html i called them and they where very helpful:coffeedrink:

That is an awesome site! Looks like a place to start. Now I just need to find the time to call them and waste some of their time answering my dumb questions! So has anyone used any of the products listed, and what kind of luck did you have?

 

[UK4X4]

You really need to give us more idea on what you want..

ie the lightweight treated nylon similar to tentage is easy to sew and light
not really breathable so you need to add vents

Sunbrella is a canvas / nylon type material hard wearing - breathable and rot proof

I have two materials set aside for a tent / trailer project

sunbrella type material for the sides and a PVC coated material for the roof.
This however will require an industrial sewing machine

But also provides hard wearing and longer life than the tentage.

Quality fabrics cost money....making a patern first out of some old sheets is worthwhile
Ie you make the tent out the sheets, cut trim make mistakes till your happy.

Then take it back apart into the pieces and use them as the pattern for the real material

This one sounds interesting for on the rugged side tents
WeatherMAX 65
This 100% solution dyed polyester incorporates UV resistant characteristics for long-term color and strength retention along with excellent breathablity and abrasion resistance. The HydroMAX finish raises the bar of hydrostatic performance and delivers unsurpassed water repellency, mildew and oil resistance without relying on environmentally unfriendly coating compounds. WeatherMAX 65 has anti-microbial properties and a minimum UV resistance of 1000 hours but only weighs 6.5 oz./sq. yard due to the use of a filament rather than a spun yarn like acrylic fabrics. Excellent for anything from horse blankets to tough outerwear to marine grade tarps.

Width: 60"
Colors: Burgundy*, Forest, Pacific Blue, Navy*, Toast, Charcoal, Black, White

$14.50*/yd
* add $1.45/yd for Burgundy

 

[christianoffroad]

As I said, I'm not too knowledgable about fabrics. I want something that breathes but with good waterproof and durability properties. I'm not concerned with weight, but need it to take a beating! I have incorporated a vent in the design, but still want the maximum breathability I can get. I never thought about using two different materials for top and sides. Would that require anything special? I read about that WeatherMAX, and it sounds like a wonder-material. I figure I will have to order some of their samples and see what works.
I had already figured on the sheet-as-a-template idea, just dont know how much of an issue the fabric stretching would be.
I noticed they also sell a "glue" for fabrics-anyone use anything like that, and how tough is it?
Any and all help or advise would be appreciated. Once the actual assembly process starts (when its not 107degrees outside!) I will post pics and start a build thread!