Bed Canvas attachments

[FLparker]

After renting a Palimo Pony for two camping adventures, we purchased a Coachman Clipper (Viking).  The Pony had a double method of securing the canvas to the bed ends - velcro to the top side of the board under the bed INSIDE and more velcro to the bottom side of the board under the bed OUTSIDE.  The Clipper only has elastic cords with 3 hook attachment points under the bed on the OUTSIDE - as we plan to camp with toddler/infant grandchildren, I would like to know if there is a way to add an additional "interior velcro flap" to the inside of the canvas on the side bed ends for my Clipper - or do you think this is necessary/advisable?

We have camped with the Clipper only once since ownership (w/o grandchildren) - and enjoyed the experience despite the fact that we are on the low end of the learning curve in PUP camping. (and of course it rained.....)

Thanks (in advance) for your suggestions/comments.

FLparker
2007 Coachman Clipper Classic 1265 ST
2007 Chevy Tahoe

[wavery]

After renting a Palimo Pony for two camping adventures, we purchased a Coachman Clipper (Viking).  The Pony had a double method of securing the canvas to the bed ends - velcro to the top side of the board under the bed INSIDE and more velcro to the bottom side of the board under the bed OUTSIDE.  The Clipper only has elastic cords with 3 hook attachment points under the bed on the OUTSIDE - as we plan to camp with toddler/infant grandchildren, I would like to know if there is a way to add an additional "interior velcro flap" to the inside of the canvas on the side bed ends for my Clipper - or do you think this is necessary/advisable?

We have camped with the Clipper only once since ownership (w/o grandchildren) - and enjoyed the experience despite the fact that we are on the low end of the learning curve in PUP camping. (and of course it rained.....)

Thanks (in advance) for your suggestions/comments.

FLparker
2007 Coachman Clipper Classic 1265 ST
2007 Chevy Tahoe

There is good reason to be concerned about kids playing in the bunks. I have heard of kids falling through "The cracks". :J  I've never heard of anyone being hurt but I wouldn't want mine to be the first.

I would take the sides off and sew on 2" wide Velcro (fuzzy side) onto the material. Then I would staple the "Hook" side of the Velcro to the wood, under the platform.

The bunk-end "Tents" remove rather easily. They un-zip from the sides and slide out of a channel in the roof.

I would recommend popping up and securing everything the way it is while you're camping, bungees and all. Then mark where you want the Velcro to fasten. Take the "tents" off and sew or have them sewn.

You may be able to sew it with a regular sewing machine. I would spray the Velcro with silicone before sewing and soak the thread with silicone also. Tis will make the needle slide through easily.

[ScouterMom]

There's an easier way - use glue.  

there's a silcone based glue you can get meant for repairing shoes and leather soles (like when the kids toes come loose on their shoes from dragging their tennis shoes?)  I had some called 'Shoe Goo' - it comes in a tube.  It is waterproof and washable.  you can glue one side of the velcro to the canvas, and the other side to the bunk end.

My first camper had the bungee ties -  it was older & I thought the canvas was a bit loose - I didn't worry about someone falling out, but I didn't want something crawling IN!  :p  so I put velcro all around the edge instead of using the ties.  it worked great and was still holding up well when we sold the camper years later.

If your  canvas is taut to the bunkends - I wouldn't worry much about the kids falling out - unless they are getting really rowdy! if it's loose, you could tighten the cord some.

If you don't want to 'sew' on or mess with the actual canvas, and depending on how small the kids are and how often you will use it - you could make something like a crib 'bumper pad' or "bed rail' that secures under the matress for those times the kids are with you.  it could then fold down or not be used when they're not with you.  It would also transfer easily to another camper - should you ever change or if your kids get their own camper!  

laura

[tlhdoc]

The easiest way to prevent anyone from falling out of the bunkend is to put a rolled up blanket/towel/etc. between the tenting and the bunk frame.  Swimming pool noodles also work very well.

[FLparker]

wavery, scouterMom, tlhdoc -
Thanks for these 3 very great suggestions - I hope all my PU adventures are filled with helpful, ingenious people like you.  
FLparker