My Taco Phoenix Pop Up Camper

raymondmom

New member
Wow! This thread is going to have a birthday! I recall reading it in the beginning and then deciding to order a 4Wheel Camper last March. I received my camper in June and I've driven it about 7000 miles and spent at least 30 nights in it. The roof is very easy to raise and no rain has come in, even during severe Midwestern thunderstorms. All the appliances work and the cabinets are solid and nice. We have a wonderful local dealer as well.
 

MYTACO

Adventurer
I just got back home from an extended trip. While I was gone, Phoenix sent the TC roof straps and a new water pump to a local dealer. They were installed this last week, but haven't had a chance to check them out. I need to get in there as we've had some rain--which hasn't been a familiar event here. hope the water leaks have resolved, too. I will provide an update next weekend.

Stan, also wanted to say that I was not offended by your post-- or anyone else's for that matter. Again, the reason I have posted my experience is to help others should they consider building a TC. I've learned a lot in the last two years...but the primary lesson is to research, research, and research. I'm very happy to hear that Phoenix has some satisfied customers.
 
I just got back home from an extended trip. While I was gone, Phoenix sent the TC roof straps and a new water pump to a local dealer. They were installed this last week, but haven't had a chance to check them out. I need to get in there as we've had some rain--which hasn't been a familiar event here. hope the water leaks have resolved, too. I will provide an update next weekend.

Stan, also wanted to say that I was not offended by your post-- or anyone else's for that matter. Again, the reason I have posted my experience is to help others should they consider building a TC. I've learned a lot in the last two years...but the primary lesson is to research, research, and research. I'm very happy to hear that Phoenix has some satisfied customers.

Finally some good news! I feel like Phoenix should be installing the roof straps in all new campers and sending them to all owners with older ones. We have not had issues with the roof collapsing but just knowing it's considered "normal" by the company is just one more thing to worry about.

On our end, the EternaBond roof tape seems to have completely fixed our roof leaks! We are finally in a position where we feel comfortable using the camper in the rain. MyTaco, thank youmagain for starting this thread. Aside from the leak issues, and consistently being told it was our problem, we have loved the flexibility a popup camper has given us.
 

MINO

Adventurer
Finally some good news! I feel like Phoenix should be installing the roof straps in all new campers and sending them to all owners with older ones. We have not had issues with the roof collapsing but just knowing it's considered "normal" by the company is just one more thing to worry about.

On our end, the EternaBond roof tape seems to have completely fixed our roof leaks! We are finally in a position where we feel comfortable using the camper in the rain. MyTaco, thank youmagain for starting this thread. Aside from the leak issues, and consistently being told it was our problem, we have loved the flexibility a popup camper has given us.

I recently EternaBonded parts of my roof: seams, areas around the hatch and fantastic fan. I'm debating if I should do the edges too.
What areas have you taped?
 
I recently EternaBonded parts of my roof: seams, areas around the hatch and fantastic fan. I'm debating if I should do the edges too.
What areas have you taped?

We taped everywhere that you did as well as the edges. Most of our water was coming in through the edges so that was the priority for us. Works like a charm!
 

MYTACO

Adventurer
Looks like the straps were successfully installed... although they look a little dubious. As I was checking it out, I noticed that one of the arms is pulling away from the wall. Wasn't like that when they dropped it off, so assuming that they didn't understand the lift mechanism. One step forward, one step back...

The rain gauge showed two inches of rain over a 1 1/2 week period. The TC shows it. I need to get the eternabond tape! Next project. Victoria, Was it hard to put on? How did you put it down around your solar panel?
 

MYTACO

Adventurer
Here's the recent rain damage. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418517130.701718.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1418517145.299205.jpg

The new straps...kind of loose looking, don't you think?
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418517187.436793.jpg

The pulled out screw. Darn It. And recommendations on filling the hole behind it!
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418517254.511942.jpg
 

Keyne

Adventurer
Wow. Assuming over time the water damage would tour to mold? Does the camper smell musty? Always so sad to hear updates on your camper. They should replace it. Couldn't they do a new roof and sides and just be done with it?
 

MYTACO

Adventurer
Wow. Assuming over time the water damage would tour to mold? Does the camper smell musty? Always so sad to hear updates on your camper. They should replace it. Couldn't they do a new roof and sides and just be done with it?

That would be nice--but a replacement or refund is not an option. (Long story, I did ask... Customer service is lacking, to say the least.)

The "fix" for the water damage is using Tilex. Given how much is needed to clean it, I don't know how mold would survive unless I just didn't stay on top of it. So far, there is no musty smell. I am very particular and clean, so it is always clean. I also bought an EvaDry dehumidifier. Quite honestly, this should have been "standard issue" with any Phoenix (kind of like the protective straps). I am not sure why, but it pulls out moisture constantly. The reservoir is 4 cups, and I empty it every week. When we are camping, I can empty it daily.

I really feel bad for Victoria--they were in Central America during monsoon season. I just got 2"!

I am going to try the eternabond tape. looking at it on Amazon now!
 

MYTACO

Adventurer
Finally some good news! I feel like Phoenix should be installing the roof straps in all new campers and sending them to all owners with older ones. We have not had issues with the roof collapsing but just knowing it's considered "normal" by the company is just one more thing to worry about.

On our end, the EternaBond roof tape seems to have completely fixed our roof leaks! We are finally in a position where we feel comfortable using the camper in the rain. MyTaco, thank youmagain for starting this thread. Aside from the leak issues, and consistently being told it was our problem, we have loved the flexibility a popup camper has given us.

Victoria,

What size eternabond tape did you go with? the 2" or 4"? Did you use the white? I was thinking gray since the roof is already that color. Was one roll enough?
 

MINO

Adventurer
I had my support bar rip out from the wall last year.

Upon inspection, I beleive the wood is too thin and screws too small to support and see such constant use.
I decided to drill right through the wall using heavier duty hardware with large washers on the outside.

It's been holding up great.

For the eternabond, I bought the 4". Used it full width around the vents. Then split it down the middle for the seams. It's a pain to cut but I made it work.
 

MYTACO

Adventurer
Thanks Mino. I ordered the eternabond on line; should be here this week. I looked at going through the wall with a bolt... on the outside in that spot is my awning. Will have to ponder this one a while.
 

MINO

Adventurer
Thanks Mino. I ordered the eternabond on line; should be here this week. I looked at going through the wall with a bolt... on the outside in that spot is my awning. Will have to ponder this one a while.

Yea, that's a problem. Maybe you can use a combo of epoxy and a brad hole T-nut at LOWES

Just took the rig out to the Sierras for the weekend. nights we're between 15-25°F. Had the Wave heater cranked, a few windows cracked and still awoke with condensation collecting in the top edges.
Went to wipe it off and noticed a few of those moisture stains starting in a new spot. I didn't use my the eva dry since I wanted to conserve battery for my bunk warmer - priorities.
 

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