How many use PUG's or similar

RoadDog66 · 02-27-2012, 01:26 PM

Just wondering if these area necessary evil for hybrids. I know we can't always predict the weather, but I was assuming that a Hybrid would have waterproof canvas. Also I didn't want to spend another $100 on unecessary gear.

I did buy (4) 52"x84" solar blankets, but thought I'd put them under the matresses and along the sides to keep them dry from normal condensation.

JimChow · 02-27-2012, 01:59 PM

I used them on our PUP. When we got the HTT I sent one back to PUG shop and had it sized for the HTT. I think they are very worth while. The temp stays lower in the summer and it helps keep the top of the fold out bed cleaner. Worth the money.

Triguy · 02-27-2012, 02:03 PM

A hybrid's canvas is waterproof - not that you could immerse it, but its proof enough against rain.

You do have to season it once to let the stitching swell up and close the seams.

I have Pugs with the current trailer and have used other REI solar blankets with other campers. These blankets are to help regulate temperatures (warmer in cooler weather and cooler in warmer weather) but they also help to control condensation.

Its not a necessary evil but its a common enough mod for hybrid owners. Probably one of the first mods (along with a battery disconnect).

Call Bob over at Popup Gizmo's to talk with him. Very helpful.

Putting these under your mattress isn't really going to do much. People use reflectix for under the mattress and for cutouts in the windows for really cold or hot nights.

miatared · 02-27-2012, 07:50 PM

As mentioned above, not a necessity but a good thing
1. to help the AC with very hot sunny days
2. to help with the furnace and condensation on colder days.

If you camp under trees, as we do very often, it also keeps the ends clean of sap or other debris.

I have them and do appreciate their usefulness.

**bikendan** · 02-27-2012, 08:02 PM

as others have said, PUGs or solar blankets, have nothing to do with "waterproofing".
it has to do with temp control and reducing condensation.
some side benefits are that they keep the canvas clean, prevent most of the rain to get on the canvas and provide darkening for naps or late risers.

and the solar blankets didn't help preventing the moisture under my mattresses.

kamp k · 02-27-2012, 09:28 PM

When we used to own a pop-up, we had Bob make us a custom one piece PUG, and it made a pretty dramatic difference particularly in the summer heat. Personally, I would not own a pop-up without one.

jpetrey · 02-27-2012, 10:15 PM

Popup gizmos were a great purchase for us during last summers heat wave. Easily a 15 to 20 degree difference.

RoadDog66 · 02-28-2012, 04:04 PM

Thanks all for the responses. I guess I'll have add that to the long list of hybrid necessities...Wheel chocks, string lights, lanterns, flashlight batteries, leveling blocks, bug netting, vent covers, safety gear and tools, chairs, outside table, cooking utensils, outdoor rug, sheets, pillows, towels, and on and on..........

Geez this camping thing is getting expensive...LOL, sigh.

Triguy · 02-28-2012, 04:51 PM

Ouch - that's a lot of gear. FWIW, I would say that the Outdoor rug - a good one - is one of our most usefull items.

RoadDog66 · 02-29-2012, 09:30 AM

Yeah I just orederd an 8'x16' reversible outdoor rug from CW. A friend who's also on the forum also said that was one of the most important items to have. I did go overboard a bit with gadets and cool to have stuff, but when traveling with the whole family I try to never skimp on safety items/gear.

So do you guys think using regular $5 space blankets would work on the outside of the tent ends?

**bikendan** · 02-29-2012, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadDog66

So do you guys think using regular $5 space blankets would work on the outside of the tent ends?

NO! those are nothing like PUGs or solar blankets.
you'll need to at least get the 5x7 solar/sportsmen/all-weather blankets, that sell for around $14 each. REI, Cabelas, Bass Pro and Campmor have them.

your problem is that none of the generic ones will completely cover the front bunk end, since it is longer than the rear bunk end.
i used the generic ones and on my Roo 23SS, the 5x7 one wouldn't cover it completely but it was fine for me.
luckily, i scored a set of PUGs from a fellow member and now have complete coverage.

those cheap $5 space blankets will tear in the first bit of wind and they will not insulate.

RoadDog66 · 02-29-2012, 06:59 PM

Ok well at least I have emergency blankets for the family then...LOL. Bought 4 of them for $9 total. I'll see how the first few trips go without the PUG's and go from there.

Bikendan, is this what you were talking about? $12.99 at Campmor: All-Weather Sportsman's Blanket, 81284 | Emergency Shelters & Blankets | Survival | GEAR | items from Campmor.

**bikendan** · 02-29-2012, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadDog66

Ok well at least I have emergency blankets for the family then...LOL. Bought 4 of them for $9 total. I'll see how the first few trips go without the PUG's and go from there.

Bikendan, is this what you were talking about? $12.99 at Campmor: All-Weather Sportsman's Blanket, 81284 | Emergency Shelters & Blankets | Survival | GEAR | items from Campmor.

yes, that's them. that's about as cheap as they get.
like i said, some people buy three of them and cut and sew two of them to completely cover the front bunk.
one should be fine for the rear one.
i do have an internet store that sells them in 4 different colors:
All Weather Blanket

Fire Instructor · 02-29-2012, 10:20 PM

I used PUG's on my previous HTT. They were great! Even picked-up a second "odd lot" pair at their annual on-line sale that acted as insulators / heat reflectors under the bunks during winter weather.

hockeytownmom · 03-01-2012, 08:33 PM

A 90 degree day without the PUGs are much more miserable than a 90 degree day with them! We even throw them on just to keep in the inside canvas condensation to a minium.

TF-Kevin · 03-01-2012, 10:48 PM

I have the pop-up gimzo's for my tent ends on my 19' hybird. i just love them they work great, plus they keep out alot light out at nigh, specially when there is lamp post at you campsite

biken201 · 03-02-2012, 08:20 AM

I've been using the blankets from Cabela's (sportsman space blankets - about $15), and attached them to the top lip of the bunk opening (just below the rubber seal) with industrial strength Velcro. So far the Velcro strips have stayed attached to both the blankets and HTT, and allows me to leave the covers in place when I close the bunk door(s). I put Velcro on both sides of the blankets, so I can have either the silver (sunny day) or green (cloudy, cool or rainy days) sides up. I attach the remaining part of the blankets with clamps and haven't had a problem with moderate winds. There are grommets on the blankets, so I could use bungees if higher winds create a problem. So far this has worked well for me. I'll attach a pic in a later post when I get a chance.

biken201 · 03-02-2012, 08:38 AM

Here is a pic of my custom made "pugs." The front and rear bunks are almost perfect size for the Cabela's blankets (ok, maybe the blankets are about an inch short - but I lose a little bit to the velcro attachment), but my side bunk has (as you can see) a bit of overhang with the blanket.

Triguy · 03-02-2012, 08:45 AM

Biken, that looks good.

Mine overhang like your's does with the side bunk.

For those who want a picture of the Popup Gizmo, here's one stolen off their website. This is their Super High wind Cover that I have ...

RoadDog66 · 03-02-2012, 12:26 PM

Biken201,
Do those sportsman's type blankets get soaked in the rain? Or do they repel water?

Bikendan,
Are your color ones only color on one side and silver on other?

I think I may order a couple to try since they aren't too expensive, but appear to serve a valuable purpose.

You may also like: