How to reduce "new vinyl" smell?

[bartletts]

I just purchased a new 2008 Fleetwood Yuma in a great end of season deal. I'm really happy with the layout and how it tows, but I want to reduce some of the new vinyl/formaldehyde smell from the interior. I've been setting it up during the day in the sun, and "hot boxing" it- running the heater to get the interior up to 90, then opening the windows and running a fan to air it out, alternating every few hours. This seems to be working, but after 3 days it still smells a bit. How long can I expect the interior to smell like a glue factory? We plan to camp in it this weekend but I don't want to get sick from the fumes.

[CajunCamper]

I just purchased a new 2008 Fleetwood Yuma in a great end of season deal. I'm really happy with the layout and how it tows, but I want to reduce some of the new vinyl/formaldehyde smell from the interior. I've been setting it up during the day in the sun, and "hot boxing" it- running the heater to get the interior up to 90, then opening the windows and running a fan to air it out, alternating every few hours. This seems to be working, but after 3 days it still smells a bit. How long can I expect the interior to smell like a glue factory? We plan to camp in it this weekend but I don't want to get sick from the fumes.

I have a 1997 Coleman Santa Fe that we bought brand new and still today when we open it up it takes a little while for the smell to air out. I sort of like that smell so I hope mine never goes away.

CajunCamper

[wavery]

My experience has been that it takes about 6 months for that smell to go away.

I manage an apt complex. Every time we install new carpets in an apartment, I have a real hard time with that smell . I have a lot of allergies and that's one of them.

[bud121156]

I sort of like that smell too.

[McCampers]

Of course you could go in there and spill a bunch of beer all over the mattresses, and smoke a carton of Winstons. Then leave the ashtrays and half empty beers in there for a couple days in the sun.  I'll bet it wouldn't smell like new vinyl anylonger.  

Seriously, just put a desicant like damprid in there when it is closed and it will help.  I also believe in the dryer sheets left in there when it is closed.  Just make sure you really like the smell of the dryer sheets you leave in there.

[JAL&JKL]

Have had major problems with the formaldehyde & done some reading on it. Put a large bowl size container of vinegar in a plastic container (no spills). Vinegar absorbs the odor; refresh the vinegar and continue.

[tlhdoc]

Build a smokey campfire down wind of the camper and allow the smoke to enter the camper.  Then when you open your camper you will smell the campfire.

[chasd60]

Build a smokey campfire down wind of the camper and allow the smoke to enter the camper.  Then when you open your camper you will smell the campfire.

I agree............
Nothing like opening your camper up in the spring and smelling the remnants of a campfire. All of the memories of how much fun it was, come back with that smell.

[bartletts]

I agree............
Nothing like opening your camper up in the spring and smelling the remnants of a campfire. All of the memories of how much fun it was, come back with that smell.

Well, after airing it out for a few days and putting the cushions out in the open air, the smell is down to managable levels. The added bonus to running the furnace that much was that it doesn't smell like new furnace any more.

I'll be doing the campfire thing this weekend- not specifically trying to make the trailer smell like smoke, but that's what happens to all our camping gear eventually anyway. The closet under our stairs has a distinctive fire smell because that's where we keep our tent camping stuff

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

[Gracy]

I swear by Fabreese

But that new canvas smell is soooooooooooo much better then the musty moldy canvas smell........ YUCK!!!

Anyway... hope the Fabreese helps

[tlhdoc]

I swear by Fabreese
 
But that new canvas smell is soooooooooooo much better then the musty moldy canvas smell........ YUCK!!!
 
Anyway... hope the Fabreese helps

I would not spray Fabreese on the tenting.  It might react with the chemicals used to treat the Sunbrella.  You could use it on the cushions and bedding in the camper.