Extended Stay
Making a long trip in your Crawler is not very different from making a weekend
excursion. Since everything you need is right at hand, you are at home wherever
you go. When packing for an extended trip, take everything you need, but only
what you need.
When you plan to stay in the same place for several days, weeks, or months, you
will want your trailer to be as level and steady as possible.
Effects Of Prolonged Occupancy
Your trailer was designed primarily for recreational use and short-term occupancy.
If you expect to occupy the trailer for an extended period, be prepared to deal
with condensation and the humid conditions that may be encountered.,
Moisture can condense on the inside surfaces of the trailer during cold weather
when relative humidity of the interior air is high. This condition is increased
because the insulated walls of a RV are much thinner than house walls. Also, the
relatively small volume and tight, compact construction of modern RVs means
that the normal living activities of even a few occupants will lead to rapid moisture
saturation. Estimates indicate that a family of four can vaporize up to three
gallons of water daily through breathing, cooking, bathing, and washing. Unless
the water vapor is carried outside by ventilation, or condensed by a dehumidier,
it will condense on the inside of the windows and walls as moisture, or in cold
weather, as frost or ice. It may also condense out of sight, within the walls or the
ceiling, where it will manifest itself as warped or stained panels.
Appearance of these conditions may indicate a serious problem. When you
recognize the signs of excessive moisture and condensation in the trailer, action
should be taken to minimize their effects.
Tips To Controlling Condensation
Allow excess moisture to escape to the outside when:
• Bathing
• Washing dishes
• Hair drying
• Cooking
Avoid dead air spaces by:
• Using a fan to keep air circulating.
• Leaving closet and cabinet doors partially open.
To help alleviate cold weather condensation:
• Keep the temperature as reasonably cool during cold weather as possible.
• Allow your Caravan to breathe; do not make it airtight.
• Allow some warm air to be removed and some cool outside air in.
• Do not allow the furnace to recycle humid interior air, and provide reasonable
ventilation.
NOTE
Your trailer is not designed, nor intended, for permanent housing. Use of this
product for long-term or permanent occupancy may lead to premature deterio-
ration of structure, interior nishes, fabrics, carpeting, and drapes. Damage or
deterioration due to long-term occupancy may not be considered normal, and
may, under the terms of the warranty, constitute misuse, abuse, or neglect, and
may therefore reduce the warranty protection.
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