RTT Musty Smell?

[R_Lefebvre]

Just wondering, do RTT's ( I have a Maggiolina) develop the musty odour the same way that camping trailers and boats do? You know... that smell of old boats or campers. If yes, any way to reduce it? Just wondering about the best way to handle my new tent going forward. Would rather not develop that smell.

 

[Paul R]

I ususally keep a ziplock bag of scented dryer sheets under the mattress of the RTT... Then I put a few spread out on top of the mattress as needed when I fold it up. It has worked well for me so far...

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I ususally keep a ziplock bag of scented dryer sheets under the mattress of the RTT... Then I put a few spread out on top of the mattress as needed when I fold it up. It has worked well for me so far...

Ditto, following your lead of course. I put them in after my last trip, looking forward to a static free fresh scented tent on my next trip

 

[socaljeeper]

The thing I no not like about my Mombasa RTT is the condensation that happens when camping. When I pack camp in the morning the tent is still wet. I usually try to air it out when I get home, but sometimes neglect to do it. I have found moisture still remains in the tent after being packed for a 3 to 4 weeks. The resulting smell is mot too enjoyable. I am not sure if that will be an issue where you live, but if it is, open your tent when you get home and make sure it is fully dried.

 

[Mike S]

The Maggiolinas don't seem to have this tendency as much as all fabric tents. But it is a good idea every couple of months - when not being used regularly - to open the tent on a sunny day and air it out. Park it in a sunny spot with a bit of breeze for a couple hours.

If it is dry when you stow it, it will stay dry. But it can't hurt to open it up once in a while. Of course, I leave mine on the 'cruiser al the time, and seldom open it unless I am using it.:Wow1:

 

[adventureduo]

The thing I no not like about my Mombasa RTT is the condensation that happens when camping. When I pack camp in the morning the tent is still wet. I usually try to air it out when I get home, but sometimes neglect to do it. I have found moisture still remains in the tent after being packed for a 3 to 4 weeks. The resulting smell is mot too enjoyable. I am not sure if that will be an issue where you live, but if it is, open your tent when you get home and make sure it is fully dried.

If we camp in wet conditions or if we get too much condensation i usually do the same the day after we get home and leave it open the whole day with all the windows open.

 

[elcoyote]

Keep some desiccant inside the tent to control moisture (available from your local marine supply store) and my solution for odor is a cheese cloth with a couple of scoops of fresh ground coffee kept in the tent. This trick I might add works on fridges as well.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Is it better if you store it indoors? Taking it on and off my trailer would be a HUGE PITA because the hardware will not be easily accessible. Since I'm in Canada, it's likely to spend 4-6 months parked with ice and snow on it.

 

[highlandercj-7]

You can get desicant packs and put into it before you close it up too. They have large ones like 3x6 bags. I get them frequently in parts at work. I put a pair in my trucks toolbox years ago and it never has mostiure in it. I also put one in every compartment of my Apache trailer. They work sweet.

Here's a place that sells them:
http://www.silicagelpackets.com/

About 9.00 each unless ya buy bulk:

 

[Mike S]

Is it better if you store it indoors? Taking it on and off my trailer would be a HUGE PITA because the hardware will not be easily accessible. Since I'm in Canada, it's likely to spend 4-6 months parked with ice and snow on it.

Of course, it is better to store your tent indoors if possible, but it will not hurt your Maggiolina to store it outdoors. If you get a LOT of snow/ice build-up on the top, it could cause problems. It would have to be a pretty heavy load.

An extreme example -- One of our customers (who posts here) has a Maggiolina that is a dozen years old and has been used hard. He stored it outdoors in Alaska and it froze to the ground and was covered in deep snow and ice all winter. the top did crack, but it has pretty simple to repair.

I leave my Maggiolina Extreme on the top of the Landcruiser year 'round with no problems, but I do not live in an extreme climate. just use your judgment.

 

[The Swiss]

Just pulled my Maggiolina out of "storage" (it's tucked away for most of the year under my deck, which means out of the elements, but exposed to the humid Georgia air) and there is not the slightest hint of any humid or musty odor, and I did not take any of the above precaution. It does though still (and it's now 10 years old) smells a little bit like fiberglass.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

How about trying to make your own cleaning solution with.....Baking Soda.

And then wipe everything down with a cloth or sponge.


"Step 5:
Freshen laundry and remove stains by adding ½ cup of baking soda after the washing machine fills. Even strong odors will be removed with this method. You can also apply baking soda mixed with a little water or vinegar directly to a stain to help lift it".






.

 

[Corey]

I had mentioned elsewhere that I had last used my Maggiolina AirLand in August.
Mine sits on the rig 24/7 and outside.

WA. state had a very wet winter and snow and ice too, and when I opened the tent up a short time back to fluff the down comforter and wash the flannel sheets, there was no strange smell at all.

Totally bone dry inside, I was very impressed.