This is one BIG negative about owning a pop-up. It has really only happened to us twice now. My biggest fear was going South in the winter and then having to come back to snow and cold in Canada with a wet pop up trailer. Well this did happen to us this year.
Normally on a long trip to Fort Wilderness or Myrtle beach we will overbook our trip. That way we can leave early or stay late fi there is rain. Sometimes the weather is unpredictable and nothing you can do.
If you HAVE to pack up in the rain - here are some tips.
Tips For Packing Up Your Pop-Up Trailer in the Rain
- Flip the mattresses over- there is a vinyl on the other side of most mattresses- this will help keep mattress dry. You do NOT want any kind of moisture in your pop up for long periods- getting mold will be a disaster.
- Try and shake off or get rid as much water of tenting as you can.
- Close the trailer properly- don’t do “fast” job and then plan on winterizing or emptying drain “later” you may forget.
Open the trailer up to dry as soon as possible. We packed up in torrential rain and I was pretty freaked out. We drove out of Florida and then into Georgia- weather wea gorgeous. We stopped for lucnh and opened up the trailer. In the hot sun and wind the trailer was BONE dry in a hour. So think about driving to nice weather and stopping for a while. It may be worth doing this if you are going home to blizzard and snow.
What If I do Get Home and Trailer Still Wet?
- You trailer will dry if above zero. Open it up in your drive way or street if you are able. You need to do this as soon as possible.
Last Resort-
If your trailer needs minor repairs you need done- take it to dealer. They will open it up and will dry while they are working on it.
Call your dealer and tell them what happened. I did call our dealer and they offered to let us open up and keep over night to dry.
Your dealer may charge a fee to do this.
Go to underground heated parking lot- a friends apartment or shopping mall. Open up there. I would nervous about leaving unattended so bring a book.
I do not recommend doing things like using a hair dryer on tenting. It will wreck finish on the fabric ( which has UV coating and water proofing) . Okay to do on mattresses.
Posted by admin as Pop-Up Trailer Maintenance, Winter Camping at 11:26 AM EST
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I have been struggling with for a while and has done a few things that have really cut down on trailer “jiggle”. The effect you get when some one sneezes in the other boat and it feels like you are on a shaky boat that just hit a wave.
Here are some key tips.
1.LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
Use a real level and not small ones you stick on the sides.
To level side to side do NOT use stabilizing jacks use a leveling system or if you must a piece of wood under one of the wheels. You can back up or pull out onto the wood block to get desired height chance. I swear by BAL leveler.
2. Use pads under stabilizing jacks and front level jack. This is a MUST in sandy or wet soil. You can buy a set of four for around 10.00 at Camping World or similar. Make your own using plywood- cut approx 8×8 ” squares and place under the jacks.
3. Good quality chocks will also help with trailer rocking.
Alot of people have had luck with this product: http://www.waynesrvstabilizer.com/ but I have no experience with them.
Do you have a tip to help stop trailer movement and jiggle? Let us know and share you tips and ideas by posting in comments!
Posted by admin as General Camping, General Trailer Tips, Pop-Up Trailer Maintenance at 8:06 PM EST
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Looking for sheets that stay put on your pop-up trailer mattresses?
How can find a wide range of sheets styles and colours,at https://www.sheetsusa.com/
They carry sheets for RV’s, truck sleeper cabs and bunk beds.
They also have custom sizes available.
Posted by admin as Pop-Up Trailer Maintenance at 12:02 AM EST
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When should you winterize? I do it when I know I am done camping for the season. If you camp late into fall keep an eye out for freezing temperatures. If a glass of water would freeze outside then its time!
These are general Winterizing instructions- I do recommend winterizing be done by an experienced RV Technician.
Drain all the water from the system by opening the drains on your fresh water tank, water heater, and any other valves in your water lines. Don;t worry about a small amount in your fresh water holding tank.
Open all faucets. When all water has drained from the system, turn your water pump on to expel any water remaining in the fresh water line.
Check that holding tanks are completely drained.
Next, close all taps, drains, etc., making sure that the city-water check valve is secure or plug the service port.
To put NON TOXIC RV ANTIFREEZE through the hot lines as well as the cold, you must by-pass the water heater. Some have a by-pass already on the trailer. If you don;t- consider installing one to save time and effort each year, If you have no bypass you must detach the hot and cold lines from the back of your water heater and join them together.
Next, we pour NON TOXIC RV ANTIFREEZE by removing the inlet hose on your pump and inserting it in the antifreeze container. If your inlet hose is not long enough, use another length of hose.
Doune checl that all the tap are closed. Next turn on the water pump go to the furthest tap and open it until you see the coloured antifreeze come through. Do the same with the hot tap, then go around your trailer and open each tap. Remember to do toilet as well.
Shut off the pump and release the pressure by opening any tap.
Go outside your trailer and remove the screen at the city water depress the inner stem, stand back and wait for all the antifreeze to drain out.
Last step is to pour about a cup of the anti freeze down each drain.
Open the by-pass on the water heater or remove the temporary by-pass.
This site: http://www.rverscorner.com/winterize/winterizebook/index.htm has a good little manual for wintering your RV or trailer.
Posted by admin as General Camping, Pop-Up Trailer Maintenance, Winterizing Trailer at 2:06 PM EDT
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Hate to say I need to use this, but to fix small holes try this product
VLP Liquid Vinyl Patch
VLP Liquid Vinyl Patch is a clear, strong, flexible adhesive designed to mend rips, tears, and small holes on most types of vinyl and leather surfaces. Use to repair automobile dashboards, seats, pool/spa covers, luggage, dishwasher racks, awnings, tarps/covers, inflatables, and outdoor gear.
Link here: http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=288
Posted by admin as General Camping, Pop-Up Trailer Maintenance at 10:51 PM EDT
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