*Truck and Towing thread........ask your questions here.*

[peg110]

Of course if you packed up from camping in a big rain, sometimes it is worthwhile to pop the camper up in the driveway when you get home to get the canvas dry. DampRid is good but common sense has a place too.

While my current camper is not a pop-up (no canvas) growing up we always had one with the canvas walls and ends. Regardless of what the weather was when we were out camping, before it got packed up for the season, we always aired/dried it out (usually for several days) before giving it the final pack up. Unfortunately we had no indoor/garage location to store it and it stayed outside in the weather all year round. We did not cover it up with anything, just basically made sure the seals weren't too worn (It was just simple weather stripping that you can buy at lowes or home depot) and closed it up and clamped the roof down. When we opened it back up for the next season, there was that "Canvas" smell to it, but we never had to replace the canvas and there was never any water damage inside. The top of the roof didn't look great because there were trees overhead where it parked and it showed signs of this.

My parents had this camper for most of my childhood (as far as I know at least they had it when I was 2) and we used it almost every year up until I was about 17. They did keep it beyond that but really didn't use it much after that except for an occasional "Sleep Over" in the back yard.

I just assumed that most people would air/dry them out before packing up. I am not saying that it's not worthwhile having a dehumidifier or DampRid (or similar), we just never did and really didn't have much of a problem.

DampRid is good but common sense has a place too.

I think that line says it all though.

I don't think RWS's issue (of a leak) though could have been resolved with a dehumidifier or DampRid but it might have saved the cushions. Hope you get it taken care of and that it doesn't cost too much.

 

[Cajun Rob]

 

[Cajun Rob]

Tried to post a pic of my TV with all the mods I just finished installing but I cannot figure out how to get it to work correctly

 

[bama_ed]

Rob,

You need to have posted at least 10 message to be able to show pictures. As of right now, your count is only 5.

Bama Ed

 

[rideswithchrist]

So put some planks/boards/poles/etc... across the top so the tarp allows an air gap to allow it to breath.

I have to say, though, I don't know how much breathing it really needs to do when it's "Collapsed" Typically the exterior is either metal or plastic/vinyl, and while it's ideal to allow the moisture to evaporate easily, I think it will take a long time to really do any damage from the condensation.

That is what I was wondering, how much more moisture can a tarp trap, but then again, I am new to PopUps

I recommend putting a dehumidifier in the camper and leaving it running. Most people don't realize that all campers "sweat" when the interior is cool and the outside is warmed up quickly by the morning sun. I keep one running at all times in mine just to be sure.

This will help prevent mold.

We may have to look into a small one during spring and fall when it is humid- in the summers here, we have limited humidity.

RWC,

When I close up my popup I always put in a container of DampRid inside the door to absorb moisture that might still be inside (or get inside). http://www.homedepot.com/p/DampRid-...-Refillable-Moisture-Absorber-FG01K/100392067

This is essentially the same type of solution that tiggerdad recommended with a dehumidifier but his trailer is so HUGE (it has an East Wing to go with the West Wing ) he uses a big appliance. His reasons are valid though. But with a small trailer like a popup you can use the DampRid.

I buy the tub than I can refill as the crystals absorb the water and turn to liquid. Popups have some aspects that are unique to them. Moisture can come from canvas or panels that have morning dew on them when you close up. Coming back from the beach the air can be very humid when I close up. Also, when I get home and unload the refridgerator, there is moisture inside always. So I leave the door open when I close it up in the garage and the DampRid takes care of the moisture. In cooler weather you might condensation on the inside of the canvas from people's breathing/sleeping overnight with the temperature differential across the canvas (don't laugh - it dripped on me one morning).

Obviously you need to get the seal fixed (and I've heard of people using a cover but putting an empty 5-gallon bucket upside down on the popup under it to create a good slant for snow/rain to drain off the cover).

I take the DampRid out when I go camping and empty out the liquid in the bottom of the tub that it has absorbed and set it aside while we camp. But when we come home and store it, I top off the container and stick it inside the door again. Of course if you packed up from camping in a big rain, sometimes it is worthwhile to pop the camper up in the driveway when you get home to get the canvas dry. DampRid is good but common sense has a place too.

I'm glad you caught it when you did. Cushions can be replaced. Good luck!

Bama Ed

I grabbed on, but it was not the type that you pour out the water that collects. It was by Damprid, but more of a air freshener/dehumidifier.

Maybe we will toss 2 in there and see if that helps. The good things is we know how it is leaking, we just have to figure how to repair- the top does not overlap when it is closed like it should.

We made sure to let it fully dry out before we closed it, but we had like 2 weeks of rain and the first dry day we were able to pop it- it was mildewy.
The covers got washed and will be bleached and dyed- no biggie, but the cushions will likely need to be replaced, I don't know if we can bleach them.


$300, $300....we got this Pop for only $300. I have to remind myself that there will be issues and money spent but hey- it is still better than a tent.

 

[Cajun Rob]

Rob,

You need to have posted at least 10 message to be able to show pictures. As of right now, your count is only 5.

Bama Ed

Yeah thank you, that is what I figured after I tried. I have never been in a forum before with thus magic 10 requirement...lol oh well I won't be long now

 

[rideswithchrist]

I did the same thing!

 

[tiggerdad]

Yeah thank you, that is what I figured after I tried. I have never been in a forum before with thus magic 10 requirement...lol oh well I won't be long now

Hey Rob,

What's your favorite color? (hint, hint...)

 

[Cajun Rob]

Hey Rob,

What's your favorite color? (hint, hint...)

- I appreciate it...LOL.....Just for fun seeing your profile avatar....I have to go with 2 colors purple and gold !!! LOL

 

[Cajun Rob]

Hey Rob,

What's your favorite color? (hint, hint...)

Hopefully it won't take to much longer before I get there

 

[Cajun Rob]

Hey Rob,

What's your favorite color? (hint, hint...)

I think I only need one more post !!!!!

 

[Cajun Rob]

I thought that was it but it still is not letting add avatars, signature, or photos maybe I am doing something wrong

 

[bama_ed]

I thought that was it but it still is not letting add avatars, signature, or photos maybe I am doing something wrong

Your avatar is up now.

For the pictures, there are two ways to do it. The easiest is if you have the picture somewhere on your computer and use the "Upload a File" button at the bottom right of the post box. (Please choose the full size image option once it updates). Is that what you did?

Bama Ed

 

[tiggerdad]

Yep, avatar is up now. "Upload a file" is for sure the easiest way to do it.

 

[Cajun Rob]

Yes finally got everything working correctly thank both of you for all the help....
Now I can actually post on things about the thread.

We just upgraded from our TT to the new 5er and almost doubled in weight so it called for some mods to the vehicle..TV is a 2011 Ford F250 6.7 diesel, it already has a full def delete and egr block off done ( or as I call it "letting the girl breathe" ) so the added power and torque, not to mention increased fuel mileage Is off the charts..I'm averaging 14 mpg when towing the new rig, with my heavy tow setting and I am getting 24 mpg when I have it set on street mode aND not towing anything..The latest add was the Firestone Air Bag system to the rear end. Man what a difference that made, I'll never own another pulling vehicle without again...Not a bad price and super easy to install. I have before and after install pics below,


Before bags above and after below

 

[2goofycampers]

Wow what a difference! Frank has been wanting air bags for when we haul the GC on the truck. Our Anniversary is coming up, sounds like a good present. Can you guys point me to a good site to buy them at a good price?

 

[tiggerdad]

If you don't mind my asking, what did the airbags cost you?

 

[Cajun Rob]

Wow what a difference! Frank has been wanting air bags for when we haul the GC on the truck. Our Anniversary is coming up, sounds like a good present. Can you guys point me to a good site to buy them at a good price?

http://riderite.com/ ( theses are the bags I went with )

https://www.airliftcompany.com/

You can also search on Amazon and specify the vehicle type and find them there as well.
Hope this info helps if y'all have any other questions let me know, glad to help.. Also I went with the 5,000 LB rated bags

If you don't mind my asking, what did the airbags cost you?

The two main companies that make very reputable products are Air Lift and Firestone... Both have very good reviews and are solid products. I personally went with the Firestone bags, from the reviews and videos I watched about the installation the Firestone were said to be easier to install ( The reviews were spot on, took me a little over 2 hours with basic wrenches and sockets, no drilling or welding needed. Also most of the local retailers around me carried the Firestone Ride Rite System. There are separate types of kits you can buy. Some are just the bags with a manual fill line, or on board compressor system, even hand free remote air operated compressors. I purchased the Firestone bags at a local vehicle accessory shop for $350, the price will vary a little depending on the kit and vehicle type. ( I think because of the sheer number of Ford Super Duty vs. other brands they are always a little higher I thing you may be able to find them on Amazon a little cheaper or you can go to the company's websites and they have dealer locators searches. I put the manual lines in at first and just filled them at home before towing, but I am now looking at adding the Air Lift wireless Compressor system ( A little cheaper than the Firestone system)and yes both systems can interchange. I think the Air Lift compressor system is around $300 as well. There are kits where you can but it all in packages or pieces and add at later date. I posted the links to both sites above...Easily the best mod I put on the truck, it made a world of difference !!!! Hope this info helps if y'all have any other questions let me know, glad to help.. Also I went with the 5,000 LB rated bags

 

[tiggerdad]

Thank you sir.

 

[Cajun Rob]

No problem, what are you looking at putting them on?