Canvas & Annexe Pack-Down (Without Tears, Pinches or Mould)
Packing down canvas and annexes properly prevents ripped zips, pinched fabric, bent poles, and mould during storage. This guide covers a simple routine that works for most Mars caravan canvas/annexe setups.
Before you start
- If it’s wet, pack it down as best you can — but plan to dry it ASAP.
- Clear the area: remove mats, pegs, guy ropes, and loose gear.
- Close windows/doors that are in the way of zips.
Step-by-step pack-down
- Remove tension first: loosen guy ropes and straps.
- Drop poles in order: work from outer poles/in-fill sections back toward the main frame.
- Zip method: hold fabric away from the zip (don’t force it). If it jams, back it off and re-align.
- Fold, don’t crush: keep folds neat to avoid hard creases and trapped moisture.
- Keep dirt out: avoid letting canvas drag on the ground (sand/dirt kills zips and fabric).
- Bag it correctly: store poles, pegs, and ropes in their bags so they don’t puncture fabric.
- Final check: confirm all latches/hatches are closed and secured for travel.
Wet pack-down (what matters most)
- Pack down as neatly as possible.
- When you reach home/storage: open it up and dry fully at the earliest opportunity.
- Even “a little damp” can turn into mould fast in warm storage conditions.
Common mistakes
- Forcing zips (misaligned fabric = broken zips)
- Storing wet canvas for days
- Letting poles rub or press into canvas in storage
- Leaving sand in zips (zip wear accelerates)
If you need help
Log a ticket with:
- Model + year
- Which canvas/annexe section is the issue
- Photos of the area (zip, seam, pole point)
- Short video if it’s a jam/fitment problem