If the frame is structurally sound, replace the top, not the tent. The fabric is the part of a tent that wears out first. A frame that has been stored properly will usually outlast its top, and re-skinning it is an economical way to put that frame back to work.
We can replace any fabric, in weights from 15 to 22 ounces, in vinyl blackout flame-retardant laminated or coated PVC.
When should you replace the top instead of the tent?
Replace the top when the frame still does its job and the fabric does not. Re-skinning makes sense when:
- The frame is sound, but the top is faded, worn or damaged beyond patching
- You want tents bought at different times to match in color
- You want to add translucent vinyl, colors or stripes to stock originally bought in white
- You want to extend the working life of frames you have already paid for
If the damage is local, a repair may be enough. We supply patching material, repair kits and vinyl glue on our accessories list.
Can you fit a top to a frame from another manufacturer?
Yes. Send us the frame make, the measured size and the existing attachment system, and we will quote a top built to fit it.
Measure the frame rather than trusting the label, and tell us who built it.
What should you check before ordering a replacement top?
1. The frame make and size
Give us the manufacturer and the measured width and length. For an expandable tent, tell us the base size and the middle sections you use. Our Standard Frames expandable tops take sections in 5′, 10′, 15′ and 20′ increments, covered in frame tent sizes explained.
2. The attachment system
A replacement has to match how your frame expects to be held, not just how wide it is.
| Line | How the top attaches |
|---|---|
| Standard Frames | Lace, clips (male/female) or plastic buckles at the seams, with a weatherproof storm flap |
| Fast-Top Frames | Catenary tensioned valance instead of perimeter buckles |
| Denali Peak | Ratchet tensioners to special foot-bases, no webbing or buckles |
For Standard Frames tops we will match your current inventory, so tell us which system your tents use today.
3. The fabric weight you actually need
Heavier is not automatically better. Heavier fabric is more durable and more opaque, and also heavier to handle and slower to install. Match the weight to how the tent gets used.
Which fabric weight should you choose?
| Fabric | Weight and construction |
|---|---|
| Standard Frames top | 14 to 16 oz vinyl, white blackout or translucent, 1000 denier |
| Fast-Top and Denali Peak tops | 16 oz white blackout, flame retardant |
| Aspen Structures fabric | 16 to 18 oz laminated PVC vinyl, blackout; 22 oz coated available |
| Published replacement range | 15 to 22 oz vinyl blackout, flame retardant, laminated or coated PVC |
Tell us the fabric your tents use today and how often they go up and come down, and we will recommend a weight for the replacement.
Is replacement fabric flame retardant?
Yes. Our replacement fabric is vinyl blackout flame retardant. Standard Frames top fabric is compatible with flame retardant code NFPA 701, and carries mildew resistance and UV protection.
Aspen Structures fabrics are certified flame retardant by the California State Fire Marshal, and treated for UV degradation and mildew resistance.
If your jurisdiction requires a specific certificate with the fabric, say so when you request the quote, so the right documentation is part of the order.
Can we change the color, add stripes or print a logo?
Yes. Standard Frames tops come in many colors in blackout and translucent, including stripes. Denali Peak stripes come vertical, horizontal, or as a detachable accent stripe. We also provide printing, tarps and custom tops.
A re-skin is the moment to standardize a mixed fleet in one color, with your logo if you want it.
What does re-skinning do for a rental inventory?
Most of our customers are rental companies, and re-skinning is how they keep a fleet rentable without buying new frames:
- Bring aging inventory back to rentable condition
- Standardize colors across tents bought at different times
- Add translucent vinyl or colors to stock bought in white
- Extend the working life of frames you already own
See for rental companies for the rest of what we supply to fleets, from frames and tops to liners and replacement parts.
What do you need to quote a replacement top?
Send us:
- The frame manufacturer
- The exact width and length, measured
- The attachment system: lace, clips, plastic buckles, catenary valance, or ratchet to foot-base
- The fabric weight and color you want
- The quantity
Request a quote with those details and we will come back with a number, or with a question if the frame needs one.