I've been reading a fair bit recently regarding folding campers and trailer tents as considering buying one for next year.
I've found a fair bit of discussion around folding up when wet, and gather that that (and the subsequent prompt airing when back home) is part and parcel of owning one.
What I haven't been able to work out though is what happens if, say, at the end of your holiday you have to pack up a wet camp, but you've then got a couple of days driving with overnight stop planned - how wet/damp will everything be when you pitch up for your overnighter?
It seems to me it's one thing to have to air it out when you get home, but having to camp in a damp canvas, albeit only one night, is far from ideal.
Am I missing something here? I'm imagining outer canvas and inner liners all squashing together on top of your mattresses and you don't know what to expect when you open up!
Figuring this out is not helped by the vast array of different types of camper from basic TT to deluxe 6 berth FC, and I imagine the answer varies a little by type.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
(ps. I have figured out that a PVC Dandy is one solution to such a problem)
Hi,
We also have a wet pack layer, we have a trigano randger 575tc, which prevents the mattresses & soft furnishings from getting wet. Everything does dry out quickly when the camper is opened up. Admittedly most of our camping has been done in France , in the summer , but it drys out fast at home
Have had the issue you mention-travelling back from France a couple of times. Did mange to loosely put up the canvas for a short while on a motorway services.
Have also had to put it back up wet and camp in it. Nothing much you can do there except hope that it's dry at your next stop - had it happen and it did dry out quite quickly.
Is it a possibility on yours to remove the inners? Our pathfinder we can unhook it all. If so, you could take it out and when you put it back up, put it back in.
Canvas would still be wet but the inners will be dry at least. plus the plastic layer will protect all the rest if you have one.
If wet packing we unclip the roof liner and bed pods and cover everything with one of those cheap blue tarps, it keeps everything perfectly dry and separate from the canvas.
I have left it packed for two or three days before opening with no problem, even if it is raining you must still open it up for the canvas to get to the air. I certainly wouldn't leave it any longer though.....
If wet packups are a problem then a Dandy may be the answer. They can be packed away wet and left wet until next time you use it which may be many months later. Usually they are dry by the time you arrive home as it all drains out during the journey.
This video shows one being erected and folded. Note how the roof covers everything and solid walls protect everything which is vulnerable.
Thanks for that, I've watched the video.
To be honest I don't quite see how it all drains out and none spills over your bedding etc, but guess that's just down to how you fold it.
Something to consider anyway....
i prosume its designed to hold any excess water in the middle of the canvas as its folding. cant say i have looked in to it much but that would be my thought. Been lucky enough to only pack away whilst its been dry so far.
Look back on posts for old hands recommending Karchers.
I purchased one, used it a few times and coupled with dropping the bed pods and covering with the integral sheet across the beds never had a problem.
I'm sure somebody cleverer than me can put a link on here for a refresher.