Sunbrella Mildew

Kampur · Aug 24, 2008, 04:55 PM

We have a big problem with mildew on the ceiling of our Coleman king size bunk. Funny enough we don't have this problem with the double sized bunk. I contacted Fleetwood thinking this might be a problem or defect with the Sunbrella fabric. I was told that there was no defect and caused by poor ventillation? We have been very careful since we purchased the pup in 2002. We open her up as soon as we get back from a trip, especiallly a rainy trip. We have the fans running when we camp and keep some of the flaps/windows open when we can. During winter we, put some of the humidity remover pellets used for marine storage (this was a tip from the dealer). Anyway, not sure how we could have prevented this? Dealer told me to use X14 mildew remover which I could not find anywhere. What else could I use and will I need to water proof after clean up?

wavery · Aug 24, 2008, 06:07 PM

Quote from: KampurWe have a big problem with mildew on the ceiling of our Coleman king size bunk. Funny enough we don't have this problem with the double sized bunk. I contacted Fleetwood thinking this might be a problem or defect with the Sunbrella fabric. I was told that there was no defect and caused by poor ventillation? We have been very careful since we purchased the pup in 2002. We open her up as soon as we get back from a trip, especiallly a rainy trip. We have the fans running when we camp and keep some of the flaps/windows open when we can. During winter we, put some of the humidity remover pellets used for marine storage (this was a tip from the dealer). Anyway, not sure how we could have prevented this? Dealer told me to use X14 mildew remover which I could not find anywhere. What else could I use and will I need to water proof after clean up?

If it's that bad, I'd remove the cover and stretch it out on the ground in the Sun for a few days (inside up). Then take a 10% solution of Bleach & water and scrub it with a soft brush (X14 is a joke IMHO). Let it set for a few hours then rinse it off. Let it dry thoroughly then water-proof it.

I would wash the entire inside of the camper with the bleach solution to kill as many mold spores as possible. Another thing that kills mold is bright light. If you have one of those real bright shop lights, set it inside for a few days.

Fleetwood is correct. Their is nothing that they can do to prevent your camper from growing mold spores. That is totally up to the owner. Ventilation is #1, dry is #2.

Kampur · Aug 24, 2008, 07:17 PM

Thanks for the info. Stupid question. How do I detach the canvas from the roof top?

wavery · Aug 24, 2008, 07:28 PM

Quote from: KampurThanks for the info. Stupid question. How do I detach the canvas from the roof top?

Not a "Stupid question" at all.

Un-zip it from the sides, then pull the top bead out of the "C" channel in the roof. There will be a screw in the end that you'll have to remove, then it just slides right out.

waygard33 · Aug 24, 2008, 08:13 PM

Quote from: KampurWe have a big problem with mildew on the ceiling of our Coleman king size bunk. Funny enough we don't have this problem with the double sized bunk. I contacted Fleetwood thinking this might be a problem or defect with the Sunbrella fabric. I was told that there was no defect and caused by poor ventillation? We have been very careful since we purchased the pup in 2002. We open her up as soon as we get back from a trip, especiallly a rainy trip. We have the fans running when we camp and keep some of the flaps/windows open when we can. During winter we, put some of the humidity remover pellets used for marine storage (this was a tip from the dealer). Anyway, not sure how we could have prevented this? Dealer told me to use X14 mildew remover which I could not find anywhere. What else could I use and will I need to water proof after clean up?

Something else to think about...

Is it always parked so the King bunk is on the north side or a very shady side? As a home inspector, I'm in a different attic everyday and when the roof sheathing faces north or if a section is under a big shade tree most of the day, there is a much greater chance of finding mold on the underside of the sheathing. All it takes is an elevated moisture level, shady cool circumstances, and the mold starts growing. Take the same house and turn it so the sheathing faces east & west, and the mold doesn't grow (or is much less likely to grow). Of course this is a generalization but seems to be overall true based on my experience.

I agree with Wavery on the ventilation and dryness. Lower the moisture level and mold is present but will not grow. If you're close on the moisture level, then maybe turning the camper will help (if the one end is always in the shade).

Good luck

Kampur · Aug 24, 2008, 08:34 PM

Thanks for the detaching info (and for making me feel less stupid lol). I will check that in the morning. It will make the clean up much easier. Will I need to waterproof this?

As far as location of the trailer, its parked year long in the driveway between the wall of the house and the hedges. There about 2 foot space along each side. Its fairly shady till about 11am and then its in full sun the rest of the day. I would say that both bunks get the same amount of sun. Unfortunately I don't any other storage options.

tlhdoc · Aug 24, 2008, 09:53 PM

Just a side note. The roof of the tenting is not Sunbrella, it is vinyl.

coach · Aug 24, 2008, 10:39 PM

Quote from: tlhdocJust a side note. The roof of the tenting is not Sunbrella, it is vinyl.

When did coleman switch to vinyl?
I thought sunbrella was the wonder fabric fleetwood has been using and bragged about on their site!

"FTCA, Inc. has used Sunbrella 302

Recumbentman · Aug 25, 2008, 09:13 AM

I was in Home Depot awhile back and I came across this new product that they are carrying Mold Control No idea on how good it is, but I thought I would let you know this stuff is out there. I especially like that it states no bleach in it, so you don't have to worry about fading out your colors. If anyone ever does use it !! Please let us know how well it works.
Good luck on getting your PU mold free

sewserious · Aug 25, 2008, 02:13 PM

Quote from: coachWhen did coleman switch to vinyl?
I thought sunbrella was the wonder fabric fleetwood has been using and bragged about on their site!

"FTCA, Inc. has used Sunbrella 302

wavery · Aug 25, 2008, 03:24 PM

Quote from: sewseriousThey DO use Sunbrella, for the sides of the tenting; however, the "roof" part over the bunkends is vinyl-coated canvas. Thus, that is actually what has the mold/mildew growing on it on the OPs camper, not the Sunbrella part (which is naturally mold and mildew resistent but not mildew proof).

Nothing is mold/mildew "proof". Mold spores can grow on almost anything, even glass.

"Mildew resistant" tells you that it has been water-proofed so that water won't permeate the fabric and encourage growth. If you spray water on your Sunbrella and the water soaks into the fabric (giving it a "Wet" appearance), it's time to water-proof again.

tlhdoc · Aug 25, 2008, 03:36 PM

Quote from: coachWhen did coleman switch to vinyl?

To my knowledge Coleman/Fleetwood have NEVER used Sunbrella for the bunkend "roof" tenting. Sunbrella is a great fabric and I haven't had any problems with my Sunbrella.

sewserious · Aug 25, 2008, 07:14 PM

Quote from: waveryNothing is mold/mildew "proof". Mold spores can grow on almost anything, even glass.

"Mildew resistant" tells you that it has been water-proofed so that water won't permeate the fabric and encourage growth. If you spray water on your Sunbrella and the water soaks into the fabric (giving it a "Wet" appearance), it's time to water-proof again.

Exactly, I didn't say it was mold proof, but some folks think it is.

Kampur · Aug 25, 2008, 07:29 PM

I assumed the bunk roof Sunbrella since they have stitched a Sunbrella tag on the seam along the ceiling of the king size bunk. Does this mean the actual fabric walls of the bunk are Sunbrella? I thought this was regular canvas and the vinyl bunk roof was Sunbrella.

wavery · Aug 25, 2008, 08:16 PM

Quote from: KampurI assumed the bunk roof Sunbrella since they have stitched a Sunbrella tag on the seam along the ceiling of the king size bunk. Does this mean the actual fabric walls of the bunk are Sunbrella? I thought this was regular canvas and the vinyl bunk roof was Sunbrella.

The sides are Sunbrella but the top is a special composite vinyl, like they use on some automobile convertible tops.

The treatment of the inside is the same as the Sunbrella only it doesn't need waterproofing.

Mold & mildew are the same thing. :sombraro:

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Sunbrella Mildew