So today Neil decided to remove the canvas on our Triton 420GT to clean it. Following the excellent pictures and words in Pop540s blog we finally got the canvas off. One thing was not as the blog, the top rail that the canvas was in was incredibly tight, it was a real struggle to remove the canvas. Trying to spread the rail caused marking. Has anyone any suggestions for a tool/mod to open up the rail slightly to reinsert the canvas once it is cleaned and then what to use to close the rail back up without marking it.
Also, Pop540 what quantity of Fabric /Vinyl cleaner and Fabric Guard? It seems to be available in a range of sizes, don't want to run out nor do I want to be left with gallons. Advice please would be great/
Thanks,
Julie.

Not had time to read it Julie but maybe something in here

Help please! Canvas removal from pop top

Thanks for that Nev, Agger mentions using an awning rail spreader tool to open up the top rail so I guess that's what we need. Now it's just how to crimp it back up without causing any damage as I assume if it's not crimped up the canvas won't stay in the rail. Gravity being what it is.

hi Julie

this is the cleaner bought Aug 2013 http://www.amazon.co.uk/303-Fabric-Vinyl...2R39VR07CYNGCRH


this is the 303 fabric guard http://www.amazon.co.uk/303-Fabric-Repel...i_detailpages00
the review is not me, but to the one who did write it
we bought the 32 oz thoroughly used on canvas and used the reminder on proofing the hats coats..


in the days before learning about silicon on other make caravan, we used to spray pledge in awning rails wipe with cloth to make sliding awnings on easier.

pleased the photos helped,

didn't read how to add photos to forum until after added,
hope you manage to sort the upper rail
ours wasn't that tight, check the upper rails at the back and front to see if rails are lined up with each other
you,ve certainly got good drying weather, its windy and sunny today in the north..
regards

P

We squished a section of awning rail when trying to manoeuvre the 'van round a tree and i get one of those gadgets. Probably very useful in capable hands but after a few taps along inside the rail the top of the thing came off inside the rail! It had to be retrieved by an AL service engineer at the next service. I'm sure other people have had more positive results.

Am I correct in thinking that the 303 waterproofer would be the correct one to use for our opo top on 2004 225L asked sandy at jandi who said he never re-proofed one and the answer he had from Hymer was to use one for tents.

yep 303 the links are in #4 post but you can find the smaller bottles from there onward, once seen can decide on supplier..
pictures in blog, its up to you which method you prefer..

Ithere appears to be two types 303 fabric guard not sure which one one is high hec 😫

Yvonne, the 303 is I think the same, they have just renamed it.

Thanks the bottles look confusing I won't be taking the top off did you find the cleaner did a better job removing mould spots than the bleach soap solution which didn't remove ours this time maybe I didn't leave on long enough was worried about fabric degrading

the cleaner does normal soiling and some stains
for mould removing read this site http://blackmold.awardspace.com/black-mold-clothes.html,
vinegar
baking soda,
tea tree oil ,
grapefruit seed extract?,
all very useful..

recently read that baking soda is used on carpets to dry any silver fish eggs, helping to vacuum.
amazing the knowledge on interweb..

edit added ,,,,,,,,

Thanks but think probably too far gone will try bleach solution with soap flakes when weather improved before using 303 just worried about damaging pop top material