Drying out PU after leaving campsite in the rain?

[Hackker]

Went camping last weekend and had a great time (Irish Hills, MI).  But on Sunday it started to pour so we packed everything up and headed home about an hour away.

Right after getting home, we set the PU back up to dry it out.  Is there anything special I need to do after or is just letting everything dry out before storing it in the garage?  Would one good day of sun & warm temps be enough to dry everything out?  thx

[wernstriumph]

That's what we do and have never had a problem with mold or mildew. Even if it's not wet, I set it up just to clean the floor and vacuum the bunk ends, etc. Air it out for a few days to get the campfire smoke smell out. This way I know it's clean for the next trip.

[flyfisherman]

Just let it dry out real good. I like to unzip everything and let the warm summer breeze blow through airing it out real good. Mine always comes home with that camp fire wood smoke odor about it! After it's aired real well, I zip everything up and let it stand that way for awhile and then close it up.



Fly

[AustinBoston]

We do about the same as everybody else.  Opening it up also gives us a chance for making sure things have been taken care of properly (i.e. fridge door open a crack to prevent condensation, no dirty dishes in the sink, etc.)

If we took down wet and end up with several days of wet, cool weather when we open up, we might run an electric heater on a low setting just to keep condensation under control until dry weather returns.  I think we've actually done this once.

Austin

[Hackker]

Cool - thanks for the replies.  I think tonight when I get home I'll unzip all the windows and let it air out for a while and then put it away after it gets dark.  Its warm & sunny today, so I'm sure that'll dry everything out.

I also undid the awning to dry it out too, does that need to be done as religiously as the canvas (ie: mildew & mold problems)?

[flyfisherman]

I also undid the awning to dry it out too, does that need to be done as religiously as the canvas (ie: mildew & mold problems)?

That awning will mildew and mold as bad as any other part of the camper! And when it's allowed to do so and you open it up after a time ... what an odor it will have in your coming in and your going out!

[garrettandkatesmom]

Glad to see this thread!  We are brand new to PUPS and this thread was helpful to read!!!

[backpacker3]

Just one thing to add to everyone else's good advice. If you have velcro strips, undo them and let them dry out also. Water collects on mine at the bunkends from the sidewalls and will take longer to dry when attached.

[tlhdoc]

If we have electric hookups I run a heater in the PU before we pop down, just to make sure everything is dry.  If we pack up wet, I set the camper up as soon as possible and don't pop down until it is good and dry.  Usually a few hours in the sun is all it needs.

[PattieAM]

It may sound corny, but I blow off my PUP with an electric leaf blower, and inside open a can of damp rid.

[ScouterMom]

not corrny!

I've only owned OLD campers - but I always store mine with Damp Rid or something similar inside.  And febreeze is great stuff!

Even if it's put away dry - it can get that stale, damp smell just from humidity.  If you KEEP it fresh when it's newer, it won't smell that way when it's older!

It's also not a bad idea to turn over your cushions and matresses while 'airing' your camper after a trip. or propping open doors, etc to get airflow when it's parked open in camp driveway!

laura

[sacrawf]

I am able to set up my pop-up in the garage...not all the way due to the height constraint, but high enough to open both bed-ends, put in the bed-end supports,  and stand up inside.  That way I am able to vacuum, polish, and clean everything, wash and replace the linens, restock supplies, defrost the refrigerator, and allow for a generous period of drying before sealing back up, along with baking soda in the refrigerator and damp-rid in the camper proper.