The Upholstery Forum

I'm going to make a sewn PVC cover with grommets and bungee for my box trailer that gets towed behind the car. Think you call it a utility trailer in the US. Main question: pros cons of various techniques:

• panel on top with a hemmed box section for sides?

• flat single sheet type

• single sheet with folded corners type

• any other types?

Thanks folks. I'd probably be happy with a single sheet with the corners folded back in neatly - how?
How do you stop abrasion on the inside corners?
If it's panel and box type how do you seam for water tight?

Lots of questions

Any tips? Suggestions? Patterns? Pics?

Cheers. (here's a table top pic playing around with folds)

I think I would go with a flat sheet and reinforce the corners, this way you can always use that for something else. In would just put a piece of foam under the corners of the box if there is too much pressure on the fabric from the trailer once it is strapped down. If your cargo changes then your cover will not be as versatile if it is customized or fixed to a particular dimension.

I am looking at doing a cover right now and after pulling my gazeebo cover on for the fourth year in a row the fabric is taking a lot of stress at the corners so make sure your lock stitched there.

I'm not quite sure I understand. But I would go with what ever design is easier for you to put on and take off.

As far as water proofing seams. I think you be surprised how water resistant just a regular seam is. Test it yourself. Sew up a small bag and fill it with water and see if it leaks.

If you want to really make it extra water proof you can use this stuff. HH-66 vinyl fabric cement. https://amzn.to/2KYVCyb
You can brush it on your seams before or after you sew.

For high rub areas I sew a layer of heavy black vinyl to the inside of the cover.

Geeze John,

You should have called this the ENCLYOPEDIA of upholstery. I am really valuing this forum and your input. I am feeling more encouraged every hour that I will be able to offer my services as an Upholster.

Haha! That would have been a good name too. I'm glad you like to forum so much! You guys sure do seem to test the limit of my knowledge . Its fun though.

If offering you services is your goal. I know %100 you can make that happen. Just ask @BigRig. He started from pretty much zero. He took some of the courses about a year ago and he is now starting to do work for more that just himself. Its been really great to see things like that happening.

HH66 VINYL CEMENT. It's an imported thing here and very expensive. Anybody know what's commonly used in the UK? Thanks folks.

Huh. Well I didn't expect that.
In another @Nigel Heffernan said this supply company in the UK is great. jamilton.co.uk
I would give them a call. Ill bet they have an alternative

Make arched bows from aluminum conduit you can get at Home Depot. With the arch water cannot pool on tarp.

@hobo Great idea!