Already enjoying our Pennine Pathfinder - but have a few questions, if you can help?
Its a 2000 model 600SE
1) When I erected the camper last week end it was wet inside where the wardrobe hinge is, and on the washroom walls. The unit is stored on a hardstandinging and is protected by a proper winter cover, we also store it at a slight tilt so any rain water runs off of it, so I am at a loss as to how the damp could have got in - we last used it at easter and it was fine then. Could it be 'sweating' and do you think cilca sachets might help to absorb any moisture?
2) How often must you 'weather proof' the canvas & how?
3) We are off on holiday in it during August - does anyone have any tips regarding security should we choose to have a day out? I can't how you can lock the unit properly?
Sorry for the quantity of questions - still fairly new to this camping lark - but loving it so far. Any tips you can offer re the above would be most appreciated.
1, possilble you may not have aired out fully before closing up the unit,a good idea is to even just open up the door when its folded down as eveb this helps get some sort of air/dying movement,, 2 that would depend on the frequency of use i would guess, and if you notice any ingress during the summer monsoon,!! some feel that its better do do it when they have a hunch to do so, others as a matter of wanting to , 3, there is the big q over unit security, our fiesta and previous pullman all thats there is a half door which does lock but is easily opend by just , well you obviously know how , its all a matter of trust in those on your site and having the belief that no-one is going to do the dastardly deed on you, and if your`e off camping and feel uncomfortable at going off for the day whilst you are away then thats something you will have to overcome, unless you get a "baby sitter" enjoy!!
------------- That's not a dog....... That's a Schnauzer
Did you shut the portapotti valve .A 2000 shouldn't need water proofing unless you can see the canvas leaking. You can't lock the unit we fitted a safe in the underbed locker by the water heater for camera purse wallet etc but have to say we have never had anything taken in years of camping.
------------- Good friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget.
In years of camping we have never had a problem with theft. I tend to leave things in the small pocket\hole that we have under the table. Even if we have the large table in the awning the small one drops down and covers the hole. If you do feel as though you want to lock things up, lock them in the car!!.
Insurance cover makes me feel more at ease when spending the day away from the camper.
Hi Derek
We use the moisture traps you suggested. They fill up even when we are convinced there is no moisture (we store in garage). A tip though is to put them in the sink unit or spare container as they may overflow (particularly through winter - cause we can't open it up very often).
We don't let security worry us - we just make sure there are no valuables, we are insured and don't want to waste holiday time worrying - do enough of that the rest of the year!
General feeling on waterproofing is to only do it if you need to. I've had 20+ year old units that have ever (as far as I know) been treated.
Security is a problem - but as the average caravan or motorcaravan door can be opened with a large screwdriver (no, I haven't done it but have seen the results) we're not really that much worse off!
I'm not going to worry about waterproofing 'till I need to. And as for security we wont leave anything valuable in it - if anyone enters while we are away they will have my sons socks to deal with!!
I might get a cable and lock for my Aqua Roll though.
I will get a moisture trap too!
This is our first FC and we have already been away in it twice this year - we have 2 more week ends away planned and a week in August. Really enjoying it so far!
Jan - please elaborate regarding the portapotti valve. Our unit has the built-in Thetford with leccy flush.
Couple of days ago we proudly opened up the unit to show it orf to the wife's sis & hubby, and found a little bit of mould on the washroom wall. In a couple of weeks, we will be opening it up again to fully run everything before our first adventure in early July, but meanwhile we have taken this thread advice and opened the door and will do so daily (depending on weather) to vent it. Considering we have it outside and didn't open it up all over the winter, I think it did well. We will look into the matter of moisture trap(s) - are they available at good outlets? We have a Go Outdoors just down the road (very handy)
Happy camping
Pete
Our friends instead of shutting the loo left the hole the wee goes down open. The water evaporated and they ended up with mould on the bit that has the mirror where it had condensed.
------------- Good friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget.
We've just bought our first folding camper, will pick it up on Saturday (can't wait!).
The previous owner, who seemed to know his stuff, had a safe installed under the seat and also installed a simple PIR alarm with an internal and external siren, so that it would detect anyone going into the camper.
It won't stop them getting in, but will make a terrible noise if they do!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Few Pathfinder Q`s
