The wife and I have been looking into getting a camper. I'm more attracted to the pop up camper cuase of the price. My only concern is the longevity of the canvas materiels. Do these last? I'd probably be buying good used. What's some things to keep an eye out for on a used camper? Any idea what it would cost to repair or replace the canvas?

I don’t know about the newer ones but I had a 1980s model that was still up and going till I sold it last year it did have a small patch on a spot of canvas from mouse damage

Big thing about popup campers is they seem to attract mice which damage the canvas other then that it is not much different the looking over any other camper check for leaks in the roof and cover then check that the various systems work electric water ect.also check out the joints where it closes and the closing system

Have a 96 Jayco. Couple years ago I had to replace the sides of the roof as they rotted away. Also some supports in the back. It was a winter project to get fixed up but did it all myself.

I would look at the inside of the roof all sides for rot. From the outside push the canvas in and check out the plywood around the roof, especially where the roof supports attatch. Check the corners of the base there will likely be a metal strip with a vinal insert running its length. The screws for attaching the corners are covered by the vinal. Check for missing screws or loose screws if you can, that would be an indication there might be some rot in the lower frame if those screws pull or rust out.
Canvas I haven't had much issue with. I have a couple pinhole patches that hold up just fine, a couple tares where the canvas meets the trailer base(especially corners by the beds and door) I fixed 1 with double sided velcro, hand stitched another 1 or 2 that got too big. On a sunny day if you set it up and look out you should be able to identify any pin holes. Canvas will likely have some mildew stain to it, I was never able to completely clean the staining out, though I don't think it affected anything but looks.
A new canvas from a shop is WI is/was around 2500$ for my trailer a couple years ago.

Never put it away wet and keep mice out and it should last a very long time. We have had a couple.

My folks had one that got ruined by mold from being put away wet. They loaned it out, and the people brought it back without telling them it got wet, so they didn’t open it up. Moisture is the nemesis of canvas and wood. All of the above advice is good.

I am not sure what time of the year you plan to use it .But if it will be used during fall and early winter you will not like it .I hunted with several other people for about 6 or 8 years . It was during the mid to late part of Nov. Sleeping back in the wings was very cold because you had nothing under you but a foam pad plus your sleeping bag . All the condensation from you breathing would freeze to the canvas above your head .When it warmed up the condensation would melt and your bedding would get damp. Plus if you are taking more than 3 people they get crowded quickly . The only thing I liked about it was you could leave a majority of your camping gear in it from one year to the next .We went from the pop up to a large wall tent and used cots to sleep on and a vent less propane heater for heat . Set up time was longer but several times we set up in the dark good enough to sleep ,go hunting in the morning and finish the set up after a morning hunt . The tent was more room more comfortable as far as the heat and just and all around more enjoyable time while camping .If you had a small enclosed trailer to store your gear and haul behind you that would be the ticket . You could use the trailer as storage where you arrived at your spot .

I had popups for years. Always store after drying. Moisture is death on the tenting materials. Also, if you are looking at used units, Coleman had major roof issues from '98 thru '06. A percentage of those models had bad ABS roofs, and there was no way to know if you had a good one, until it fell apart.
But back to your original question, they will last for a long time, if you do your part.

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the advice. I guess just keep up on the preventive maintenance and go from there.

Look at a High Low camper maybe?

I'll never understand why they don't build them with nylon.

I always put bigger leaf springs under em. I wore out my first one. Nobody’s knockin if you smell what I’m cookin come awn

Knew a fellow who got one. Cranked it up and everyone went inside and sat on the same bunk. It turned over. Maiden voyage.

Guys any issues with the wheel bearings, axles etc ...total rookie here

Google trailmanor. The best of both worlds in my opinion. Hard sides and roof. Ours pulls down the road as a 23 foot trailer that is about 5 foot tall and sets up as a 30 foot full height camper with a dry weight of less than 3000 lbs.

Any time I buy a used trailer I service the bearings before using.(after I get it home) It is simple, generally inexpensive, and just good maintenance. I have only had 1 of the last 3 trailers need new bearings, otherwise it's just cleaning out old grease and repacking with new.

Truck springs for me.

Check those wheel bearings all the time. Get out at every stop and touch the hubs when you stop. Carry an extra set of bearings and seals and know what to do with them.

Put it up dry for sure.

Yep..I would NEVER own one. I have been with several people over many years that owned them. They all are JUNK I have seen screws fall out/ hinges come apart/the material that covers them rip and rot/ the poles bend easily/ the jack break that hoist them. I once was on a trip that closing down the (Pop-UP) that it was so bad we had to use straps off the trailer to hold it closed for the hiway. Then there was the deal about the sleeping area. The whole plywood bottom gave way with people sleeping on it. Lucky for me I was on the other side. Everyone had to get up and sleep outside..

Chamacat Your comments reminded me of all the problems they had towing them on the road .Braking with one behind your truck was a problem .The poles where always bending beyond use .The jack breaking was common place at least during the 1980's .The faults do not out weight any pluses they have . As far as comfort level I spent some very unenjoyable days in the woods while camping with a pop up

Yep..People spend hard earned money on pull/5TH Wheel trailers..None of them are boondockers IMO. AAnd some of them are not fit for the asphalt hiway. These are $9000.00 to $25000.00 trailers. Look at the frames cheap junk..the drawers cheap material put together with air guns ans staples. seams don't match up...wood rot..issues with electrical/black and grey water holding tanks..on and on..I talk to owners all the time..It doesn't matter what brand..It seems to be all on the price ranges mentioned..cheap axles..one and two year warranty's..No one has parts everthing has to be ordered..Pop-ups are the step up to higher priced junk..In fact the other day a guy was leveling his trailer with the jacks that are welded to the frame and the jack broke at the cheap weld..man he was mad..

Yep..You Decide..