Condensation

[Richard]

We took the new (new to us ) pop-up out last week-end. It rained the whole week-end. We still had fun. It was warm and the boy's played in the rain all day.
     My question is about condensation. The only place that had condensation was over the main bunk but it was a LOT of condensation. Is this normal for a pop-up ? Is there any thing we can do about it ?
Richard

[Kelly]

Condensation is a fairly common problem in PUs.  Here are some ideas to combat the problem.

Sure wish I could say I went camping last weekend!  Lucky you!!

[tlhdoc]

Yes condensation is very common. Keep a window or two partly open so that the air can circulate.  Run a fan to help circulate the air.  Use solar bunkend covers over the beds (Pop Up Gizmo's).

[hoppy]

Sorry to say, but yes condensation can and will develope within the PU.

 Your 1999 Coleman has a fabric called Sunbrella 302, and although it is  a breathable fabric, it is also very waterproof. Air can pass through it, but water won't.

  Just the simple act of breathing will cause it to develope on the inner walls of the PU. Is there anything you can think of that is more humid than the human breath?

   But as thldoc stated, it will not form if you allow it to escape from the PU. The simple act of providing an escape for the moisture and proper ventilation will help greatly.

   During the winter months, I keep the window directly overhead, and the back window open about 2" at the top, and face an electric heater with  fan aimed into the bunk area. During the summer months, all windows closed with the A/C running. This has worked for me, never had a problem using this method.

   Hope it helps.

[oldmoose]

We use the Popup Gizmos and they have eliminated all condensation.

Moose

[Dee4j]

while I never had a problem in my PU (tho I heard others have ) I had a huge problem in my Hybrid. This last trip I used the bunkend covers and opened a window about 2" and placed a small fan in front of the window to circulate the air and it worked great. The biggest key Ithink is the bunkend covers. We actually used the ones from Cabelas. I did notice where they didn't cover I had a bit of condensation.

[oldmoose]

I did notice where they didn't cover I had a bit of condensation.

Funny you should mention that. On one trip I messed up and put the gizmos on the wrong bunks. Since our bed was longer, we noticed there was some condensation where there was no cover. I won't make that mistake again.
Moose

[copcarguy]

I would also like to add to all of the great points above that if you are using the stove in your Coleman, open the screen door cover to the first "click" at least.  There should be a little white sticker on the door advising you to do this.  We usually just leave the door screen open that much.  If it's really cold out, we'll close the door and unzip both bed ends about 4 inches at the top.  HTH!