Trailer Condensation

[FlagRS]

I’m getting some condensation under the rubber mats in my Jackwagon Basecamp trailer. I have a Frontrunner 50L slanted water tank mounted in the trailer and it’s piped to an exterior mounted tap. Initially I thought the moisture under my rubber mats was from a leaky fitting on the tank so I replaced it.

But now I’m convinced that the moisture under the mats is from condensation. The trailer is very tight and made of 11 gauge marine grade aluminum. The rubber mats are those two foot square foam flooring mats that interlock. And it covers the bed wall to wall. I’m going to try some Damprid in the trailer. Any other ideas? I like to keep all my gear in the trailer and ready to go, but I don’t want it all damp.

And I'm in AZ - go figure. But it has been a pretty rainy summer.
Thanks.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I think the main trouble is--

A lotta metal retaining heat from the day/quick cooling at night and--NO TRAVERSE AIR FLOW !

I think that a 1/4" raised floor/w "gaps" for air exchange--fixemup-

My trailer is moistureless !

Good luck

Whatever

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[FlagRS]

Thanks JIMBO

Yeah, it's been a pretty warm summer here in Flagstaff and with the diamond plate lid on the trailer I'm sure it heats up pretty good in there. I also might try replacing the solid rubber mats with some of those perforated "Anti-Fatigue" rubber mats. That might help with the air exchange.

It would be nice if I could keep it garaged, but the Tacoma's in there.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Heh Heh, yeah, it's been pretty warm in NorNv too, but-

Thanks JIMBO

Yeah, it's been a pretty warm summer here in Flagstaff and with the diamond plate lid on the trailer I'm sure it heats up pretty good in there. I also might try replacing the solid rubber mats with some of those perforated "Anti-Fatigue" rubber mats. That might help with the air exchange.

It would be nice if I could keep it garaged, but the Tacoma's in there.

I lucked out I can keep my trailer inside the garage when not in use--

You can doit, just do some "thinkin" and rearranging--you'll make it work-a lotta times you can lift that trailer tongue pretty high and clear many "THINGS"-

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[I Leak Oil]

Yes, ventilation/air flow is needed. Have to start there, anything else you try will probably not fix it.

 

[Maxcustody]

I was getting the same thing under my mat in my Manley trailer. Mine is always garaged when not in use, but it still got moisture under there and at times would be wet. I figured the only real permanent solution was having the tub Line x'd..............only way to fix and not ever worry about it again. I plan on having it for a long time and didn't need moisture turning into rust, which there were tiny spots in the corner.

 

[FlagRS]

I was getting the same thing under my mat in my Manley trailer. Mine is always garaged when not in use, but it still got moisture under there and at times would be wet. I figured the only real permanent solution was having the tub Line x'd

Thanks - Yes I saw in your build thread that you LineX'd your Manley. I contacted the LineX dealer in Phoenix last week and got a quote. It's a good idea, but I don't see how it stopped the condensation. Did you stop using the rubber mat too?

 

[Maxcustody]

Thanks - Yes I saw in your build thread that you LineX'd your Manley. I contacted the LineX dealer in Phoenix last week and got a quote. It's a good idea, but I don't see how it stopped the condensation. Did you stop using the rubber mat too?

Yes I pulled the mat, no reason for it anymore with the Line X. I haven't had any issue with condensation since, I was camping in PA last weekend. Plus not a big deal now, because no more rust concern.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Yeah, that line-x is a good idea, unless you NEED the pad !

The condensation is caused by the H20 extracted form the layer of "Dead Air", under a pad-

Unless the pad is of non-condensation construction and there are some--TEPUI has one-

I'm not familiar withem though-

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[FlagRS]

I think those rubber mats trap the moisture. I may start with trying the perforated rubber mats and if that doesn't work I may go with the LineX. The LineX is bit more complicated, I would need to remove my water tank and brackets, and my fenders are bolted through and secured on some E track tie down brackets inside he tub that would either need to me masked off or removed. Good idea though - thanks again.

 

[FlagRS]

Looks like it's just a perforated rubber mat.

"TEPUI 1/2" thick Anti-Condensation Mat - This 1/2" thick anti condensation mat will help ventilate beneath your mattress in order to prevent moisture from accumulating. An easy to install addition to any existing Tepui Tent model."

 

[Xtreme XJ]

Would a small 12v solar powered fan work to exchange the air ?

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Yes that would cause an air movement, but-

Would a small 12v solar powered fan work to exchange the air ?

That would be mainly for the human comfort-

As mentioned, either a moisture absorbing mat, or circulated air "UNDER MATTRESS/MAT" will either eliminate condensation, or reduce significantly !

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[FlagRS]

I just looked at the commercial Anti-Fatigue rubber mats and they weigh substantially more that the foam mat panels I already have in the trailer. So I picked up a 1 ½” hole dozer drill bit and I’m going to doze some breather holes in my current foam panels. Hopefully that will help the bottom of the trailer breath and still provide me with some padding.

 

[grogie]

Thanks - Yes I saw in your build thread that you LineX'd your Manley. I contacted the LineX dealer in Phoenix last week and got a quote. It's a good idea, but I don't see how it stopped the condensation. Did you stop using the rubber mat too?

My trailer is stored in a garage so I have not noticed any condensation inside.

But regarding LineX, my entire trailer has LineX inside and out. I'd still recommend a mat, which I have a thin hard rubber mat that is the type that is placed under work out equipment as it makes it easier to wipe out the inside floor as needed. LineX is rough and it chews up sponges or rags when used to wipe it. (To give my trailer a good cleaning, I use a pressure washer on it and nothing sticks to it.) I like the LineX product, however the local LineX shop damaged my trailer, wouldn't take responsibility for it, and gave me grief that it was a difficult job for them. Good luck with the process if you decide to do so.

These pictures show the inside mat and the overall trailer after it was back from the LineX shop.