why canvas?

[ScottfromLA]

Hi everyone- We are longtime tent campers who have always traveled pretty heavy. So after a lot of research and money juggling, just a few days ago we bought our first pup, a 2017 Flagstaff 205. So far we have only done driveway camping, but the whole family is super excited for our first trip two weeks from now.

So I have a couple of questions for those in the know...

First, why are the side window panels on the pop-out ends made of plain old canvas? The rest of the thin is made of heavy duty waterproof vinyl etc etc, but those four bits are just white cotton canvas. Not a problem I suppose, but seems weird to me.

Second, when I picked up the camper at the dealer, I noticed a small bubble (about 2"x6") of delamination near the center of the roof (exterior). Salesman said that spot is where the roof is prepped for future AC install, and therefore the factory doesn't put glue on the skin right there. I really wanted to believe.... Any thoughts? Doesn't seem like a big deal right now, but does seem like many others here have had delamination problems and nobody seems to say "don't worry about it just leave it".

I know there's warranty and all . But of course the dealer is almost 2 hours away (most Southern CA dealers are all about big RVs) and we have camping to do!

Thanks in advance for input.
Scott

[Bama Rambler]

Welcome to FRF.

1) They make those out of regular canvas because they hold up better to the flexing and wrinkling than the vinyl does.

2) While I don't know why they would not glue the membrane where the A/C would mount. Can you be sure that the A/C would be mounted in that exact spot?
I'd call Forest River direct and ask them if that's the case.
Here's a list of Forest River Contacts.

[CC75]

Scott, if it is delamination, then the bubble will continue to grow. As air under the bubble heats up and then cools down, the bubble will stretch and eventually crack and split. What the salesman said does not pass my smell test. As Bama Rambler indicated, call FR as soon as you can.
So this happened to me many years ago when I bought a Coleman tent trailer. Even though the roof was under warranty, the dealer wanted $600 for freight to replace the roof. I am not suggesting FR or the dealer will treat you this way, just that you should not ignore the issue until you get it resolved, or you receive a satisfactory answer from FR.

[michigan_camper]

Those side panels are a breathable fabric to stop the condensation that occurs in popups.