Pop-up in the rain?

[routefinderrob]

Long time lurker and reader, first time post here. Love the forum and all of the great information. Thank you!

As the title states I'm curious about using and storing a pop-up camper in wet weather. I live in the Seattle area and (like you may have heard) it rains a little here. So my potential pop-up would not only be used in wet weather, but then need to come home and get cleaned up and stored while it's still raining.

In an ideal world I would build a car port for the camper, but that's probably a few years off at best. Right off I'm considering a ceramic heater and a dehumidifier that would be kept running until it's dry. Then maybe just set on a thermostat?

I'm curious what type of solutions any of the current pop-up owners employ. How well do they work? How long was it before you had mildew issues if at all? How do you typically dry it out before folding it down?

Thanks so much,

Rob

 

[paulj]

I had a Wildernest in Seattle for years, and moisture eventually did it in. It wasn't so much the wet tent after camping, but condensation while closed, and through the gaskets. Also one of the side hinges eventually rusted out. The truck was parked outside all the time. A carport would have helped.

A nylon tent can stand being wet for several days, though it is hot (due to sun heating) as well, that can accelerate mildew and damage to the waterproof coating. With our typical winter pattern of drizzle for 3 days, dry for 2, there should be time, after camping to open it up and dry out.

My first trip with the Wildernest was to Alaska, during a relatively damp summer. I started to rig a poly tarp over the whole thing. Eventually I tied bamboo poles to two sides of the tarp to facilitate handling. I'd roll that up and store it on the roof rack.

 

[davidshourd]

living down here in Portland area we have not had much of a break from the rain since last july! ha. but really, like Paulj said, you can usualy get a dar or two to keep the camper popped and dried out before you fold it up and store it until your next outing. Worst case I have gone camping in the rain for the weekend with the canvas sides still soaking I folded up and came home. it continued to rain for the next week. that time I just popped the camper up and left it in the up position until the rain stopped and it dried out. probably better to do that then keep it folded and sealed up being all wet. really I wouldnt let this issue hold you up from a camper purchase. sounds like you are creative and will take good care.

 

[eugene]

Mine was kept outside, the tent wasn't a problem the fridge vents were. The floor of the refrigerator compartment was rotten and some of the camper frame below it.

 

[routefinderrob]

I was hoping to hear things like this. My wife and I are looking at getting a pop up (undetermined on brand) but the sales guy at the dealership spoke of mold issues that started to concern my wife. I think until I build a legit car port, one of those cheap ones from CostCo will do the trick to keep the rain off while she gets dried out.

 

[DanoT]

I am currently searching the internet looking to buy a pop up camper and I have learned a few things. Opening the pop up once a month and using Protectant 303 on the soft wall sides and not Armoral.

Also when in storage, if electricity is available, then plug in a Stor-Dri. A Stor-Dry is an appliance with a fan and low power heater that draws less than 100 watts. It has an aluminum housing about 12" diam. by 3" to 4" thick and puts out enough warmth (even when on a timer) to keep mold at bay. I've used one in my 5th wheel for years with great success. IIRC they cost $50-$70 at RV stores.

 

[greg mgm]

I was hoping to hear things like this. My wife and I are looking at getting a pop up (undetermined on brand) but the sales guy at the dealership spoke of mold issues that started to concern my wife. I think until I build a legit car port, one of those cheap ones from CostCo will do the trick to keep the rain off while she gets dried out.

I had a Starcraft pop up for several years. Camped in driving rain a couple times and always opened the top to dry out when I got home. Never had mildew problems. Even the cheap carports from Costco would help with this.