ventilation in egg while not in use

[Mike Magee]

I've read some accounts of mold starting inside eggs when they're all closed up during the off season or between camping trips. Assuming you have sliding windows, how are most of you maintaining ventilation when the trailer sits unused? The windows I see on most Scamps and Casitas are sliders. so if I bought a used one that's probably what I would end up with. I certainly don't want to have a mess inside when I open it back up.

[Donna D.]

I sit the cushions up on a narrow end and put a Dri-Z air canister (inside a plastic tub) in the sink. I not only do this for winter storage, but after every camping trip to draw all the moisture out of the cushions and other fabrics.

Due to highwinds and rain blowing sideways I can't leave any windows open. The method I use has kept my Scamp mold free for more than 10 years.

[papa-t]

When I had the house built in 2001. I also had a 24X36 building built. At the time it cost me about 12,000. I also had a sewer dump installed at the driveway when I had the septic system put in. I'm so glad I did. I still use Damp-Rid after each trip in the Scamp; just like I've done on all my previous campers.

[Mike Magee]

I see now that both of those products use calcium chloride. Interesting. Dri-Z website says it works down to about 50% humidity. So that must be enough to take care of the problem, eh? If it works in the Pacific NorthWet, it must work anywhere.

Does it really seem to also make a difference in keeping away musty smells like they say?

On my current trailer I have two top vents, both with Maxx covers that allow them to stay open 24/7. But I don't think most eggs come with 2 vents, so I was wondering. Now I know.

[Donna D.]

Mike, in a years time I use 2-3 bags of crystals in the Dri-Z air canister (classic style). Total cost per year $2.97, since I get the bags on sale for 99 cents. Cheap, cheap, cheap and does the trick... for me. I do have to monitor the water level in the canister. During the winter I check it about once every 3 weeks or so. Gives me an opportunity to check things out too. I've never noticed a chemical smell or musty odor.

[Mike Magee]

A simple, effective solution. Thanks!

[Darwin Maring]

Try This:
Tea Tree Power™

[cpaharley2008]

Install a MaxxFan, you can leave it open and/or on 24/7/365

[Glenn Baglo]

Should note that the liquid that accumulates in the Dri-Z-Air container is not water and is corrosive, so you don't want to spill it. It is really hard to clean up since it doesn't soak into a paper towel like water, it's more like a thin jelly.
I keep two containers in my 17' trailer and usually dump several cups of 'water' over the winter.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Should note that the liquid that accumulates in the Dri-Z-Air container is not water and is corrosive,

Yes it is! That's why I put the Dri-Z air container into a plastic tub and THAT into the sink. But for heavens sake, don't just set the Dri-Z air container down into the sink without something to catch the liquid if it overflows. You wouldn't want to PIT the sink, and it would.

Ounce of prevention....

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Yes it is! That's why I put the Dri-Z air container into a plastic tub and THAT into the sink. But for heavens sake, don't just set the Dri-Z air container down into the sink without something to catch the liquid if it overflows. You wouldn't want to PIT the sink, and it would.

Ounce of prevention....

Sink PITting would be a pity, and the pits, and a PITA too.

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Install a MaxxFan, you can leave it open and/or on 24/7/365

Well sure, but one needs both an intake and an exhaust to maintain air movement with a fan. Am I wrong in assuming that Scamps and Casitas (and Bolers, etc) only come with one roof vent? Leaving a sliding window open isn't desirable. I suppose it might work with a Lil Snoozy, with the vent in the rear and the escape window both left open. And of course your Escapes probably have two top vents, I bet.

[cpaharley2008]

you still have air movement without the fan, just having the maxxfan vent open and a kitchen or bath window/vent cracked

[Donna D.]

There are different methods that can be used to accomplish the same thing. Some require power, some require an area with rain only falling straight down, some have used bags of charcoal briquetts successfully. Some tarp, tent or use cloth covers of some sort so they can leave vents and windows open. Some even do absolutely nothing with good results.

I think using the trailer all the time and moving around the country to find sunshine sounds like the best idea of all

[Richard Davis]

I have a 13 ft Scamp that just spent its first winter in Victoria, BC, after a lifetime in Calgary. Mold has appeared in several places inside for the first time. I just bought a Dry-Z air canister to try drying out the air inside, now that the mold has been removed. I've kept a small window open all winter (it is protected and doesn't let rain in), but I'm thinking that with the dehumidifying canister, I should shut up all the windows -- otherwise I'm trying to dry out all of the We(s)t Coast!
Does this make sense, or should I continue to keep a window open? BTW, the open window was NOT the source of any water getting in -- moist air maybe, but not direct rain water. Any insight much appreciated.

[Night Sailor]

I would use a dehumidifier with an external drain so you can leave it running. You might want to put in a remote wireless sensor to monitor temperature and humidity.

[jerrybob]

We live in a pretty wet area.....90 to 100 inches of rain per year. I use one of these in my Casita.......designed for boats but works well in trailers. Keeps everything very dry.....no moisture inside. Cheap to operate. Also installed a Maxx air vent cover which allows me to leave my roof vent open during any weather conditions.

Amazon.com: Davis Instruments Air-Dryr 1000 Dryer: Sports & Outdoors

http://www.amazon.com/Maxxair-00-933...s=max+air+vent

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Richard Davis

Does this make sense, or should I continue to keep a window open? BTW, the open window was NOT the source of any water getting in -- moist air maybe, but not direct rain water. Any insight much appreciated.

Welcome to BC! I attended school in Victoria.

Keep a window open - go down to the marina and they boys down there will all tell you the only way to win the battle with the moist air (related to the fact you are now living on the ocean) is to keep the air moving. Take your cushions out or put them up on end and take all other soft goods (bedding, towels etc) out.

[Steve L.]

I have a vent cover over the roof vent and one over the curb side window and haven't closed the window or roof vent in about 8 years. No mold yet.

I used to turn the cushions up and open all the cabinets but haven't even done that in years and years. I don't think Michigan is as rainy as Oregon nor is it as dry as Arizona but whatever cross ventilation I get seems to be enough.

[padlin00]

My Dry-Z freezes solid pretty early in the winter and stays that way till spring. Come April I do have some water in the cup, but not a lot. That's with everything closed up.

2 winters back I left the vent and a window open a bit, no Dry-Z at the time. Spring found mildew on just about everything. The only time I had the problem in 8 winters.