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If it hasn't been used in wet weather for over a year, the fibres will have opened up. Fully erect the camper, remove mattresses & all other fabric items, or cover them with polythene, zip up the door, and hose it down - preferably with someone inside so that they can tell you whether there is a fine mist coming through when you hose it. If there's nothing coming through at all, then just let it dry thoroughly. If there is a mist coming through the canvas, then you should let it dry, hose it down again, then let it dry thoroughly. This will make the cotton fibres swell up & become fully waterproof again.

Well looked after Canvas should not need waterproofing. However, once you have started waterproofing, then it will need doing every couple of years.

Some people believe that it is best to waterproof as a preventative measure, and to do it every 2 to 3 years - which is fine, albeit unneccessary in my opinion. However, most tents that have been waterproofed will have been done due to damaged canvas, which starts to leak.

If you tent has already been reproofed by the previous owner, then it is probably best to continue with the treatment. If not leave well alone, if not leaking

We find that the first time we use our tent each year, whenever it rains, you do get a light mist for the first couple of minutes - this is not serious and is not sufficient to get anything wet. After a couple of minutes the cavas is soaked and will swell up. The canvas will feel damp to touch on the inside, however, this is normal. Only worry if you have drips coming through