| Protect your valuable camping equipment by reducing | | | | damage. We found five leaks, in various locations, but |
| the places water and moisture seep into your RV, | | | | the water all traveled to one corner of the trailer. Aha! |
| travel trailer or pop up camper. Over time water and | | | | That's why all of our previous "fixes" had failed! There |
| moisture causing mold and rot will damage the | | | | was significant damage to the floor and we had to |
| structure creating costly repairs. It's a good idea to use | | | | replace a third of the entire trailer's floor boards, along |
| the following camping comfort tips before each travel | | | | with the carpet. We have had a "dry" Airstream since, |
| season. There is nothing worse than finding the cause | | | | but we faithfully inspect the trailer each season for |
| of the problem after you had to replace the floor | | | | moisture and dampness so we can proactively |
| boards and the carpet. Trust me; I've had personal | | | | address problems before they become destructive |
| experience on this one! This is what the EPA has to | | | | water/mold issues. We use several compact |
| say about indoor mold. | | | | dehumidifiers to help us maintain a mold free trailer. No |
| The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states in | | | | more damp stale smells, even after winter storage! I'm |
| their recent Energy Star article: | | | | all about check lists with our Airstream! I hope this one |
| Mold, Mildew, or Musty Odors | | | | will help you as much as it has us. |
| "Diagnosis: A water leak or high humidity can lead to | | | | Reduce Indoor Humidity |
| mold, mildew, or other biological growth. Depending on | | | | RV Camping Comfort Top Tips: |
| the severity, conditions can lead to rot, structural | | | | 1. Inspect and repair water pipes, toilet, bathtub or |
| damage, premature paint failure, and a variety of | | | | shower |
| health problems. Water can seep into your house from | | | | 2. Check and repair damaged or brittle window and |
| the outside through a leak in your roof, foundation, or | | | | vent seals |
| small gaps around windows or doors. Water can also | | | | 3. Inspect walls for evidence of hidden water problems |
| come from inside your house from a leaking water | | | | annually |
| pipe, toilet, shower or bathtub. High indoor humidity | | | | 4. Inspect your roof annually, and seal if needed |
| caused by normal activities of everyday living such as | | | | 5. Control moisture in your kitchen and bath with |
| showering cooking, and drying clothes, can also be a | | | | ventilation fans |
| source of mold, mildew, or musty odors. Indoor humidity | | | | 6. Make sure refrigerator and air conditioner vents, |
| levels between 30% and 50% are ideal. For more | | | | typically vented outside, are clear of debris |
| information consult EPA's Brief Guide to Mold in your | | | | 7. Clean or replace all filters once a year |
| home." | | | | 8. Professional inspection of your furnace and air |
| Chasing leaks in the RV or travel trailer is no fun! We | | | | conditioner ensures proper operation |
| own a vintage, '77 Airstream and spent an entire travel | | | | 9. Use moisture-thirsty micro-fiber cloths and towels |
| season with wet carpet in the bedroom. We didn't | | | | whenever possible |
| change our vacation schedule, but water problems did | | | | 10. Hang eva-dry E-500 High Capacity Humidifiers in |
| "dampen" our travel spirits. Every time it would rain, we | | | | closets, bathroom and any other small enclosed space |
| would all groan, knowing we just added more work to | | | | (Even storage containers) |
| our day; soaking up water out of the carpet and | | | | Reducing the places moisture collects keeps your |
| laundry for the towels afterward. Post travel season | | | | camper from smelling damp, promotes healthy air |
| we spent the winter removing walls, testing seals for | | | | quality in your RV or trailer, and adds comfort to your |
| leaks with a water hose and assessing water | | | | travels. |