14' Series Condensation on bed end

[MeganJ]

Hi everyone,
Just completed our second trip in our 2016 14.44-4 and loving our little van. However we had quite a few cold nights and noticed the sides and ends of the mattress get wet through condensation as does the metal base of the bed. Having previously had a Goldstream camper with timber bed bases, this didn't happen. We also had a few days with lots of rain causing wet sides also. Just wondering how others have dealt with this? We're wondering if adding carpet to the base under the mattress would help? Also the screens that can be fitted to the bed ends, do they help?

 

[MDS69]

It has been mention by others previously and it is something I am going to try, leave open one of your vents in the pop top skirt on the awning side preferably to minimise condensation.
Regarding the bed end we have a Jayco bed end storm cover which is fitted to sail track. There are aftermarket versions as well. These are water proof and can also help prevent heat escaping your van or cold entering your van through the bed end.

 

[MDS69]

Also if you scroll down to the bottom of this page there are similar threads with the same topic that may be of assistance.

 

[MDS69]

Check out the last post on page one of this thread for a pic of the weather proof bed end fly
http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/patiently-waiting-for-our-new-expanda.3558/#post-49605

Also @dagree has a good tutorial on fitting them yourself
http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/dagrees-david-greer-2014-17-56-2ob.4749/page-12

 

[Marv_mart]

It has been mention by others previously and it is something I am going to try, leave open one of your vents in the pop top skirt on the awning side preferably to minimise condensation.
Regarding the bed end we have a Jayco bed end storm cover which is fitted to sail track. There are aftermarket versions as well. These are water proof and can also help prevent heat escaping your van or cold entering your van through the bed end.

We always leave the vents/zipped 'Windows' on the awning side open. Also always partially unzip windows in the bed ends to allow for air movement. If it is a wet night, put storm covers on but still unzip Windows at least across the top to allow for air movement.

 

[MeganJ]

Thanks all for your responses. Can anyone advise if the privacy screens help with stopping water on the bed end or is it only the storm covers?

 

[Marv_mart]

Privacy screens do allow you to open the 'window' zips without intruders eyes but as far as wet weather is concerned, storm covers are required. They do make the bed ends much darker but keep all the water out and still allow you to open the window zips to,let the air circulate and decrease condensation.
Remember that warm moist air (body vapour etc) will always condense water droplets when they meet a cold surface, that's why we always leave the vents open above the kitchen and under the awning (no chance of rain coming in) Hope that helps.

 

[jeff]

We bought clear .5mm clear plastic and Velcro to the outside of the privacy screens. This is a lot cheaper option than storm covers. We also purchased this product (recently), we used to get wet mattress but not any more
http://www.empind.com.au/shop/item/air-circulation-mesh-acs10