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Topic: Rain, covers, dogs and heating

ngrant01

21/1/2017 at 4:48pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Cabanon Mistral Trailer Tent

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Had the unit of the trailer tent out today for a little air and to put the poles back in after re-labelling them up. Glad to report all is well and no damp! Have just invested in a Kampa winter cover which is the perfect fit.

Reason for the post though is a number of questions were raised whilst discussing things with the wife.

1. When we were in Cornwall for our main holiday we had 2-3 days of none stop rain. The main unit was completely waterproof and did not let any water through, however there was a huge collection of water ingress down one side where it had run off. We were on fairly flat ground (designated pitch) so nowhere to run off too. Any tips on helping water run off?

2. For those that have a winter cover - do you bother with a cover for the front box/A frame/hitch? I had previously had a car cover which encompassed the whole tent - the only issue we had was in windy weather it was blowing everywhere...

3. Dogs - what do folk do regarding dogs of a night time? Our pup was crate trained but he is now out of that, and we are erring of the side of not taking the crate if at all possible. Yet we do not want to tether with the obvious concerns of strangulation. Any tips appreciated there.

4. Heating - saw a small (handbag sized) 2kw heater whilst we were out. Are these recommended for use on campsites with EH, one thing we felt we could do with on our next trip to keep the main unit "warmer" at least.

Comments on the above greatly appreciated.

Neil

JCele52

21/1/2017 at 6:05pm
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Pennine Fiesta 2006

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Hi

We put a hitch cover on our folding camper when its not in use and use a winter cover. Our dog was crate trained as a pup. We keep a fold down cage in the camper and he sleeps in that. It keeps him safe as I know if he wasnt crated he would be off like a shot! We use a small fan heater in the camper and one in the awning as required.The small oil filled radiators are great too.

Hope this helps.
E

ngrant01

21/1/2017 at 6:45pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Cabanon Mistral Trailer Tent

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Hi E

Thanks. We have a black lab so use a xl crate. Takes up quite a large proportion of the awning(!) so were just considering what alternatives we could use.

Neil

maughanjen

21/1/2017 at 6:53pm
Location: Durham
Outfit: Bailey pageant burgundy

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We used an electric fan heater, never left unattended. Our kampa cover just went over the folding camper.We jacked it up high at the front, so rain ran off it, and tried to check every couple of weeks. Kept it dry even after heavy standing snow

lidds0

22/1/2017 at 10:08pm
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered

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Why not position your dog crate under one of the bed boards, making a proper - and secure - bedroom area for your Lab. That way, you'll know he's safe and sound, and he's still in the tent with you (but crate not taking up all the room in the awning).

I'm not sure what you mean by water runoff and ingress? You mean while the unit is pitched?

We also find it's easiest just to use a fan heater (watch the wattage isn't too high) for taking the chill off. We've tried a halogen heater in the past but didn't like it (all bright light but very little heat). We mostly prefer to fit a lecci blanket on the TT bed, that way you stay snug and warm all night but it uses just a very small amount of electricity and you can easily adjust the temp or turn it off (without actually getting out of bed) if you feel you don't need it.

lidds0

22/1/2017 at 10:10pm
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered

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P.S. If you don't want to crate your Lab at all and he/she is now trained and trustworthy, why not just put a soft bed down in the middle of the TT, between the beds, and let him/her sleep in there?

Paul the Painter

23/1/2017 at 5:23pm
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HEATING
No problems with a small fan heater. There are many available at 1500W and 2000W.
I would suggest only use a 1500W output as 2kW can be very close to tripping site electrics especially if you happen to flip a kettle on! Basically 1500W will give you no problems.

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