My Taco Phoenix Pop Up Camper

[MYTACO]

Mino,

I understand about the condensation. When I was stationed in Germany, we used silica gel tubs/packets all over our apartment. I'm wondering if those would be effective when there is no/limited power sources. The ones we used overseas were absolute lifesavers in the rainy seasons. Without, you could see the mold growing on the walls.

Do you have condensation issues under your mattress? I only ask as our last trip I noticed a large amount of condensation. The mattress is a memory foam, so there's not a lot of air circulation. My fix was to put a large sheet of radiant barrier between the storage area and the mattress. I haven't noticed anything since, but have had the Eva Dry on non-stop, too. Now that I think about it, I may order some of those silica packets and place those under the mattress...

I am venturing out for two weeks this weekend. Finally got the time to finish up my western half of Route 66 tour--which has been on my bucket list for some time. Unfortunately, not taking the TC as I had always planned. I need to make time to fix the bracket and a few other items. So for now, the TC is a driveway trophy.

 

[MYTACO]

So somewhat of a trip report, albeit without the TC.... I spent two weeks, and almost 3700 miles, continuing my Route 66 trek from Texas to Arizona. Stayed in the Sedona area, went all over Arizona and New Mexico. Got to see a fine sight in Winslow, and a pretty fancy flat bed Ford. Painted Desert was absolutely stunning--and I will go back. Grand Canyon, once away from the typical tourist, was phenomenal. Red Rocks and biking trails--spectacular. Came back excited for TC repairs! Unfortunately--and generally a VERY rare occurrence--it's rainy again. Hopefully I can finally get the eternabond on the TC in a couple of weeks... I also need to figure out how I am going to reattach the lifting pole mechanism. (Work is sending me to Hawaii next week, darn it.)

While in the Flagstaff area, I saw that the Western Expo will be there in May. It is on my calendar---and subject to work demands--will be part of a two week vacation with the TC. From Flagstaff, we plan on heading north to Lake Powell and in to Utah. Any good tips for that area?

 

[JHa6av8r]

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.

We camped in 20 degree temps with a wind chill of 8 last week in Death Valley. We don't run the heat during the night. It's on while we get ready for bed and in the morning during coffee. Sleeping bags kept us plenty comfortable during the night and that's with a 6 year old. Condensation was minimal.

 

[MINO]

We camped in 20 degree temps with a wind chill of 8 last week in Death Valley. We don't run the heat during the night. It's on while we get ready for bed and in the morning during coffee. Sleeping bags kept us plenty comfortable during the night and that's with a 6 year old. Condensation was minimal.

Personally, I hate using a bag - I'm a tosser. Not a fan of wearing socks either. I'm sure both would help in the condensation department by allowing me to turn the Wave Heater off.

However, we experienced the worst condensation just a week ago at the Willows, CA Walmart parking lot. 2 adults, 2 cats and the heater was off.
Low to mid 30s that night. Cracked windows. It was practically raining inside. Condensation collects where the metal frame is located behind the ceiling panels - which happens to be right over the bunk. I'm in the process of making a low-amp air circulation system to (hopefully) help with the condensation - not a simple bunk fan.

 

[MINO]

Mino,

I understand about the condensation. When I was stationed in Germany, we used silica gel tubs/packets all over our apartment. I'm wondering if those would be effective when there is no/limited power sources. The ones we used overseas were absolute lifesavers in the rainy seasons. Without, you could see the mold growing on the walls.

Do you have condensation issues under your mattress?

MYTACO, no issues with condensation under the mattress. I do pull it a few inches from the front edge to allow some breathing room when I tear down camp.

Glad you had a fun trip. Too bad you couldn't enjoy your camper.

No trip to Lake Powell is complete without checking out Upper Antelope Canyon. Make a reservation and pay a little extra for the photo tour - it's a bit longer.
The tour is touristy, but beautiful. You're also a few hours from either Zion or the iconic Monument Valley - you'll be damn near the middle of both. I prefer MV myself. Lots of great boon docking in the area. I enjoy camping off Muley Point. It overlooks the goosenecks and monument valley. The Moki Dugway to it a fun road too.

Morning at Muley Point:

 

[craig333]

No need to suffer in a small bag. Something like http://www.cabelas.com/product/Camp...ype=GNU&WTz_l=SBC;MMcat104795280;cat104770080 will have plenty of room to toss and turn and still keep you warm.

 

[Just Jeff]

This thread is like a train wreck. Roof collapses, Eternabonding every roof seam, and leaking windows are normal? I don't understand the finances behind the decision not to buy back the camper and part ways. Even if their current order stream keeps them busy enough today, surely Phoenix is losing more in future sales than the value of this one camper. Better yet, replace it with a rockstar camper and turn the man into a Phoenix cheerleader.

If roof collapses are normal, a lawsuit isn't far behind.

 

[MYTACO]

Just Jeff, Phoenix did send straps to prevent the collapse. So far it's good. As far as buy back, that won't happen.

I spent the weekend applying the eternabond to the roof. As Mr T would say, "I pity the fool" that would have to ever remove that stuff. Sticky is an understatement. Fortunately it was only in the mid-70s, but that was still warm enough to make it difficult to work with.

So here is MYTACO tip 101: When or if you are buying a Phoenix TC ask for eternabond as a requirement.

As I was cleaning and prepping the roof I read that the only thing that eternabond doesn't adhere to is silicone. While I didn't do a chemical test, it seemed very obvious to me that the middle seam was sealed with silicone. Every place I read that is the one sealant that shouldn't be used on an RV or TC roof. Took me about
3 hours to get it off. I'm not sure what they used around the edge--where it seems to leak the most.

The pictures ought to speak for themselves.
First is of most recent water damage. I worked on removing them but it looks like a few are permanent.


To make matters worse, the grommet or device used to hold the liner appears to be rusting. Not sure what to do here.

So on the roof before shots. Could see leak areas pretty easily. ETERNABOND SHOULD BE A STANDARD FEATURE WITH A PHOENIX.

I opted to go with the 2" gray tape. It doesn't stand out as much and because the seams are close to the edge I needed to bring it over the edge slightly.

We are supposed to get rain on Thursday. Will report back then!

Also there were some random holes that were filled with silicone too. Pictures of those and AFTER shots.

 

[IdaSHO]

This thread is like a train wreck. Roof collapses, Eternabonding every roof seam, and leaking windows are normal? I don't understand the finances behind the decision not to buy back the camper and part ways. Even if their current order stream keeps them busy enough today, surely Phoenix is losing more in future sales than the value of this one camper. Better yet, replace it with a rockstar camper and turn the man into a Phoenix cheerleader.

If roof collapses are normal, a lawsuit isn't far behind.

I agree 100%

This thread has shown failure after failure.

 

[Victoria Palmer]

This thread is like a train wreck. Roof collapses, Eternabonding every roof seam, and leaking windows are normal? I don't understand the finances behind the decision not to buy back the camper and part ways. Even if their current order stream keeps them busy enough today, surely Phoenix is losing more in future sales than the value of this one camper. Better yet, replace it with a rockstar camper and turn the man into a Phoenix cheerleader.

If roof collapses are normal, a lawsuit isn't far behind.

There is no way Phoenix will buy It back. They just don't care. I think their reputation is amazing. Even with all of MyTacos problems, our problems, and countless others, I routinely meet people who Oooh and Aaah when I tell them we have a Phoenix. Then they read our blog about our problems and are shocked.

MyTaco, the EternaBond works. Even over the silicone. It seems like our entire camper was held together with silicone, but we've had NO leaks since putting the EternaBond on. I think as long as the edge of the EternaBond isn't sitting on silicone the tape has something else to bond to and you're okay.

Good luck with the rain, although if you got the EternaBond up there you should be fine.

 

[MYTACO]

Almost 3" of rain, and while the leaks weren't as bad, not completely cured. I got the top sealed, but the back wall to the floor was soaked. The flooring looks horrible. Am going to investigate more tomorrow. I think it is coming from the top of the door.

Spent today repairing the lift pole. While at camping world, happened upon a packet that appears to be made to fix situations such as this. It worked well. I think the pole wasn't square in the first place. The plate and bracket actually screwed into something more solid this time (was previously in a hollow portion of wall...not sure how it lasted this long) so feel pretty confident it will work.
Before:


The fix kit:


After:

 

[djmase]

Just Jeff, Phoenix did send straps to prevent the collapse. So far it's good. As far as buy back, that won't happen.

I spent the weekend applying the eternabond to the roof. As Mr T would say, "I pity the fool" that would have to ever remove that stuff. Sticky is an understatement. Fortunately it was only in the mid-70s, but that was still warm enough to make it difficult to work with.

So here is MYTACO tip 101: When or if you are buying a Phoenix TC ask for eternabond as a requirement.

As I was cleaning and prepping the roof I read that the only thing that eternabond doesn't adhere to is silicone. While I didn't do a chemical test, it seemed very obvious to me that the middle seam was sealed with silicone. Every place I read that is the one sealant that shouldn't be used on an RV or TC roof. Took me about
3 hours to get it off. I'm not sure what they used around the edge--where it seems to leak the most.

The pictures ought to speak for themselves.
First is of most recent water damage. I worked on removing them but it looks like a few are permanent.
View attachment 267300View attachment 267301View attachment 267302

To make matters worse, the grommet or device used to hold the liner appears to be rusting. Not sure what to do here. View attachment 267303View attachment 267304

So on the roof before shots. Could see leak areas pretty easily. ETERNABOND SHOULD BE A STANDARD FEATURE WITH A PHOENIX. View attachment 267305View attachment 267310

I opted to go with the 2" gray tape. It doesn't stand out as much and because the seams are close to the edge I needed to bring it over the edge slightly.

We are supposed to get rain on Thursday. Will report back then!

Also there were some random holes that were filled with silicone too. Pictures of those and AFTER shots. View attachment 267306View attachment 267308View attachment 267309

I have an '86 sun-lite that I picked up pretty stinking cheap on CL...and almost 30 years after manufacturing my canvas does not have one water spot on it. Moreover, when it is chilly we run a Mr Buddy which has a boatload of moisture and we have three people breathing in there all the time, thus we should have a moisture issue much worse than your camper that spends a bunch of time buttoned up and empty. The photos of this canvas are unbelievable... And, those rusty rivet washers...they couldn't even install stainless ones...seriously?

Really sorry to read this thread, MyTaco. It's very bum luck, but much needed end user information for the rest of us. I have encouraged many folks that ask me about my TC (which happens all of the time on the Ca coast and in my other online circles) to read this thread prior to doing any serious shopping. If you had a dollar for every "could have been Pheonix customer," you could by a new rig that is actually dry and not artificially intelligent in the roof collapsing department. :smiley_drive:

 

[adam88]

The photos of the inside canvas walls are really bad. I think you got the ultimate lemon camper. Other Phoenix campers don't seem to have these issues (I know some other phoenix owners have had problems though). I mean, if all their canvas walls did this then they would be out of business in a new York minute.

What I find disappointing is that, given how much of a lemon you got, you'd think they would buy it back or do something. As I said in the other thread, every company has lemons. But car manufacturers will buy back lemons and it seems like Phoenix won't do that obviously.

 

[MYTACO]

I don't know what to think about Phoenix. They've pretty much closed the door.

I will say that I have heard from several others in PMs re: their issues. I know Victoria has also had major issues. I don't think mine is the only one, but being a better informed consumer could help out the next buyer...

MYTACO tip 102 and 103: get a copy of the Phoenix warranty BEFORE you buy, and don't pay in full before inspecting the unit.

Current issue: floor.

I worked on the floor issue this afternoon. For the life of me, I can't find the leak. Ironically the floor is one item that is actually covered by warranty-- although not optimistic on getting this taken care of anytime soon. So glad I didn't get the standard vinyl flooring or carpeting.

Here's some photos of the floor.

 

[IdaSHO]

Just when I thought it couldnt get any worse...

Condensation and weeping is one thing.

Leaks in the walls and into the floor = death to camper.


I do not envy you.

This is practically a brand new camper!! My 40 year old POS stapled pine and aluminum sided camper was at least leak free.