Pop ups and mildew issues

Bumpkin · 02-09-2012, 07:58 AM

I really like the idea of a pop up camper, but a lot of the ones I have seen have problems with moisture and mildew. Is there a way to avoid this?

Grandpa · 02-09-2012, 09:15 AM

Don't ride em hard and put em away wet. In other words, pulling in the driveway is not the end of the trip. Clean it up and dry it off before storage. That may require setting it up again in the middle of the day to air out.

TroyS · 02-13-2012, 01:05 AM

First, make sure that your pop up camper is well ventilated and air is flowing through inside out the camper. Get a dehumidifier and place them in areas like the kitchen area and the bathroom (if you got one) because these are the areas where water is most used and where a lot of the moisture which can easily increase the humidity inside the camper, making it more prone to mildew and dampness. Running your portable furnace for a while can help also lower the humidity inside the camper.

campclose · 02-13-2012, 06:57 AM

I think most campers get this way during the winter months. I have always dried my camper and cleaned it 100% before storing it for the winter. I can't tell you a spring when we popped it up the first time when there was no mildew.

During the camping season, we always brought it home and popped it back up. Cleaned it between each use and made sure it was 100% dry. It did not mold or mildew during camping season.

DMan · 02-14-2012, 07:20 PM

Mildew is a real problem when moisture collects. During the season always take the time to let it dry out thoroughly before closing it up. For winter storage, I've heard that putting an open container of charcoal inside can help prevent mildew. I guess the charcoal is supposed to attract moisture but I've not tried this myself.

TroyS · 02-14-2012, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMan

Mildew is a real problem when moisture collects. During the season always take the time to let it dry out thoroughly before closing it up. For winter storage, I've heard that putting an open container of charcoal inside can help prevent mildew. I guess the charcoal is supposed to attract moisture but I've not tried this myself.

I heard about that, too. Another is using rock salt to draw out the moisture and dehumidify the room very much using the same principle of salt curing meat.

ejdixon · 02-21-2012, 09:46 PM

Dad and mom use the charcoal along with some dehumidifiers that they get in Home Depot and it works. You might also want to try to check if the storage facility where you're keeping it has climate control units to help keep the humidity balanced and prevent condensation within the trailer.

TroyS · 02-29-2012, 10:51 PM

Just recently tried the charcoal thing. Apparently, it doesn't just help with the moisture. Even the smell. I don't know if it's just me, but when I stepped into our Motorhome just the other day, it doesn't smell as musty as it usually does this time of the year.

**CozInCowtown** · 03-01-2012, 06:15 AM

***Trade Secret***
Clean, dry and out of the weather!!
My father allways jokes about why the inside of my farm tractor allways smells good.
Not that it smells "good" but it doesn't small bad.
Clean, dry and allways parked out of the weather when not in use.
I have never tried the charcoal idea, gonne try it though.
DC

chiefbowes · 03-24-2012, 10:04 PM

We store ours with damprid containers in both ends. The biggest thing has been discused put it away dry