Help me decide - big tent problems from winter 'storage'

[staying_tuned]

Grab an ozone generator on amazon, a decent one can be had for $60 and you'll be amazed at how often you use it. It destroys organic particles like mold and is safe as long as you're not breathing it in while the generator is running and you've let it air out after running it. It kicks out ozone in a space so you'd simply set your tent up (mattress and all) and fire up the generator inside making sure to zip everything up. Run it for about 30 to 45 minutes.

I learned about them at a used car shop specifically for pet stains and vehicles whose previous owner smoked. It destroys the scent particles and leaves them smelling like ozone gas similar to what it smells like just before a thunderstorm only more intense. The spell dissipates as more oxygen is introduced, just open the flaps up for a day.

After that I'd just do a light spray & clean with 90/10 water/bleach and repeat. Mold stays dormant, it can for decades and just waits for the right condition to propagate. Gotta get it all.

Lastly, we have a fairly decent amount invested in self-inflating mattresses and during our research we didn't find ANY that said they should be stored compressed for longer than a few weeks. When we aren't using our RTT for more than a few weeks I strip everything out of it.

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[Rusty PW]

Get a metal carport. You can get a nice size one for around $3,000. Then you can rig up a pulley system in it to lift up your camper.

 

[chorky]

What about a simple A frame style hoist built out of 2x4 and 2x6s to lift the tent. Sit it on a set of saw horses to keep it off the ground. Then you could tarp the whole thing, A frame and all to help keep it out of the weather.
Fairly simple and a one man operation.

I had thought about doing something like that that actually, and even for taking the top off of the TJ. I opted not though with other house projects. Probably should have looking back.

Grab an ozone generator on amazon, a decent one can be had for $60 and you'll be amazed at how often you use it. It destroys organic particles like mold and is safe as long as you're not breathing it in while the generator is running and you've let it air out after running it. It kicks out ozone in a space so you'd simply set your tent up (mattress and all) and fire up the generator inside making sure to zip everything up. Run it for about 30 to 45 minutes.

I learned about them at a used car shop specifically for pet stains and vehicles whose previous owner smoked. It destroys the scent particles and leaves them smelling like ozone gas similar to what it smells like just before a thunderstorm only more intense. The spell dissipates as more oxygen is introduced, just open the flaps up for a day.

After that I'd just do a light spray & clean with 90/10 water/bleach and repeat. Mold stays dormant, it can for decades and just waits for the right condition to propagate. Gotta get it all.

Lastly, we have a fairly decent amount invested in self-inflating mattresses and during our research we didn't find ANY that said they should be stored compressed for longer than a few weeks. When we aren't using our RTT for more than a few weeks I strip everything out of it.

Yeah I honestly didn't expect this much moisture. I figured it might have some condensation and that the silica packets would soak it up, but not like this, the entire canvas was soaked and getting moldy. I also didnt realize, until removing the mattress and putting it inside, that it was not 'water proof'. Most inflatable mattresses are you know, a un-permeable outer shell to hold the air in. This one feels like water can pass right through the shell, but not air. Hard to explain. Anyway I felt the foam inside it and it was wet. It's in the house, with the vents open and gets warm and direct sun most of the (sunny) days. but I have a feeling it is toast. No way to really know I dont think without destructive sampling.

n get a nice size one for around $3,000. Then you can rig up a pulley system in it to lift up your camper.

I did look at those a couple years ago. I need a snow load rating of 65-70 psf. Most carports are only 25-30.... Everything about this town and its location is strange.

 

[chorky]

I didnt want to mention them before being unsure how the situation would be handled due to experiences with other companies/vendors these days, but I am happy to say that they are helping to fix this situation.

Colorado4x4 is working on sending me a new seal. They are also sending replacement fabric and a replacement mattress (same as the upgraded one I originally purchased).

This is a pretty big deal as otherwise the tent would be unusable to me. I did contemplate all of the options for cleaning the mildew/mold but I have some pretty big health issues and dont really want to take a chance inhaling spores all night while camping. So I would have probably tried cleaning it only to end up getting rid of it, most likely.

I did express some concern over a couple of insignificant but annoying issues with the tent from receiving it originally, and let those slide due to them being manufacturer (probably China) caused and not having any impacts to the performance of the tent. But this time was pretty frustrated about this water intrusion situation.

After talking with them for a while and sharing photos I will say they did not have to decide to do any of this as their care instructions are pretty particular. The mattress should have been removed in the fall when not in use over the winter. The tent is supposed to be opened and closed at least once a month to keep the seals payable (still confused on this). So since I did not follow the care instructions it wasn't 'on them' so to speak. Yet they did order replacement parts for me. I have no clue how much the fabric costs, but I do know the mattress is expensive as I purchased one last year. So big props to them for doing this, and a learning lesson for myself. I will say that all of my previous contacts with them regarding other random questions and pre-purchase questions, their support and response times were always very quick even when away for events.

All that being said, I am looking at erecting a steel garage frame that I can finish with plywood and shingles/siding, hopefully before next winter pending costs. This is something I have needed/wanted to do for over 2 years now anyway and will hopefully solve several other problems I have as well. This week a friend in town with access equipment is going to look at demolishing the old garage concrete foundation and prep so I can start building forms or laying cinder blocks.

 

[chorky]

Grab an ozone generator on amazon, a decent one can be had for $60 and you'll be amazed at how often you use it. It destroys organic particles like mold and is safe as long as you're not breathing it in while the generator is running and you've let it air out after running it. It kicks out ozone in a space so you'd simply set your tent up (mattress and all) and fire up the generator inside making sure to zip everything up. Run it for about 30 to 45 minutes.

I learned about them at a used car shop specifically for pet stains and vehicles whose previous owner smoked. It destroys the scent particles and leaves them smelling like ozone gas similar to what it smells like just before a thunderstorm only more intense. The spell dissipates as more oxygen is introduced, just open the flaps up for a day.

After that I'd just do a light spray & clean with 90/10 water/bleach and repeat. Mold stays dormant, it can for decades and just waits for the right condition to propagate. Gotta get it all.

Lastly, we have a fairly decent amount invested in self-inflating mattresses and during our research we didn't find ANY that said they should be stored compressed for longer than a few weeks. When we aren't using our RTT for more than a few weeks I strip everything out of it.

There are a ton of those ozone generators. Any ideas which are legit and which are fake?

 

[staying_tuned]

There are a ton of those ozone generators. Any ideas which are legit and which are fake?

We have 2 of these and often lend them out, they have fallen and been pretty abused yet still keep on getting the job done.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JAP7388/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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