Pop top condensation

Kiwi Mac 228D · 05-15-2020, 08:48 PM

Hi Team
I am new to the forum. I live in New Zealand and I am very happy that we have recently been released from lockdown so we are planning a weekend trip. We are coming into our winter now though Temperatures in the north don’t get to freezing but is pretty cool.

We have a Flagstaff Mac 228D and I am a little bit concerned about condensation. I have read posts around insuring the ceiling ventilation fan is activated and I am also going to run a dehumidifier using the camp power supply.

I don’t expect to have zero condensation but wanted to know if it is okay to use a microfibre towel to wipe off excess condensation before packing up and whether this will damage the fabric. We tend to get it above the pull-out beds the most.

Any tips or comments would be appreciated please.

I hope you All stay safe and well.

Adam

Chris Pastuzyn · 05-15-2020, 08:52 PM

Welcome from New Jersey, Definitely would wipe it down b4 closing Unless you can air it out when you get home.

007matman · 05-15-2020, 10:01 PM

I owned a pop-ups for years. Never had issues with mold or anything else.

Best thing you can do is pop it up when you're back home and let it thoroughly dry before putting it away.

My routine was always put it up once at home to load it, camp in it, then take it back home and set it up again to remove everything and endure it dries out completely.

Kiwi Mac 228D · 05-16-2020, 02:20 AM

Thanks guys. With wiping the inside of the canvas do you know if this can cause damage or waterproofing issues please?

**bikendan** · 05-16-2020, 02:44 AM

Google Popup Gizmos and Reflectix. They are the #1 mod for Popups and Hybrid TTs.
Helps with condensation, temperature control, darkening the tent ends and canvas protection.
They're known in the community as PUGs.
Air movement is a BIG key for solving condensation.

GalsofEscape · 05-16-2020, 06:57 AM

Yes, air circulation is key and PUGs will help. you could also unzip a window in the tent ends - does not need to be all the way, just a crack will do. we only had condensation once and it was when another couple joined us and they did not crack the window. they woke up to water dripping on them.

I don't think wiping the tent end will effect the waterproofing. it is not like the canvas of old when you dare not touch it when wet (except the window flaps themselves - they are not vinyl coated). but it is better to minimize condensation in the first place.
even wiping the tent ends will not completely dry the tenting - it will still have to air out to get totally dry.

007matman · 05-16-2020, 07:15 AM

I don't think I'd wipe it down as a normal course of action. Air dry is probably the best. If you want to do it every once in a while that's fine but I'd be weary of canvas wear, tearing at the seams, etc.

Even if you do, I would let it stay up until you are sure it's completely dry. Simply wiping it down won't do that.

Kiwi Mac 228D · 05-17-2020, 02:31 AM

That is all very helpful thank you especially about the pugs. Looks like shipping from the US may take a while at the moment. Has anyone tried any DIY alternatives?

**bikendan** · 05-17-2020, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwi Mac 228D

That is all very helpful thank you especially about the pugs. Looks like shipping from the US may take a while at the moment. Has anyone tried any DIY alternatives?

This is close to the material that PUGs uses. You may have to cut a couple up and sew them to a complete one, to get full coverage. PUGs does custom fitting for each model.
here's link to the all-weather/sportsmen blanket by Grabber:

https://www.amazon.com/Grabber-Outdo.../dp/B079GKJ2GS

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