Stink. Stank. Stunk!

Raven · 08-22-2015, 03:38 PM

Just wondering how to keep a trailer from smelling like a moldy boat?

I went to a trailer exhibition/sale today and there were a few used models that were only a couple of years old and they stank!
Moldy yucky boat/basement smell. They looked clean enough, but even with the doors and windows open, that scent was horrible.
Is there something that can be done to prevent this from happening over a couple of years? Maybe something extra needs to happen during winterization?

Or do I just need to buy stocks in frebreeze right now? Lol

troutslayer · 08-22-2015, 03:42 PM

I have covers over the roof vents and leave the vents open during storage (even in winter) and do not have any musty smells. We also put a couple containers of DampRid in the RV during storage.

**JFlightRisk** · 08-22-2015, 03:44 PM

We've had good luck using Dri-Z-Air in the TT, especially during the storage months. Any type of moisture absorbent will help keep the inside drier so mold won't start.

**Crabman** · 08-22-2015, 03:49 PM

I air mine out quite often but I keep it here on the property so its easy for me. I also have the roof vent open with a Maxxaire cover over it. No musty smell after 6 years. Sometimes a musty mildew smell can also be an indication of a leak.

RVhiker · 08-22-2015, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutslayer

I have covers over the roof vents and leave the vents open during storage (even in winter) and do not have any musty smells....

This works for us. ^^^^

**norty1** · 08-22-2015, 05:12 PM

Mine is on my property. I have power on it and run a small dehumidifier when parked. We dump it every couple of days.

edatlanta · 08-24-2015, 03:52 AM

Live in it full time. Keep a/c or heat going year round. Works for me <smile>.

Seann45 · 08-24-2015, 06:22 AM

I use mine too much for that to be a problem but as others have said on here get some vent covers and leave the vents cracked open a bit.

DocBrown · 08-24-2015, 07:17 AM

I've smelled this too when walking though used trailers at the dealer. We've never had this problem. I believe the root cause is a combination of things. They never air them out, and they don't keep it clean.

We sometimes go 2 months in the summer without using the trailer. And of course it stays closed up in the winter. First chance we get in spring is open everything up for a day. Several times again throughout the summer. After every trip it gets a thorough cleaning. And I do regular inspections for plumbing leaks, spills in hidden areas, etc. Our last trailer was 10 years old when we traded it and no bad smells at all.

Jagiven · 08-24-2015, 09:37 AM

If it smells there is a reason for it. Ours does not smell at all!

The only thing we do is make sure the bunk ends are dry, and if we come home from a wet weekend open the windows and door for a few hours to dry out. I also have a MaxAir roof vent cover, and we never close the vent, even during the winter, so the unit can breathe.

Scoutr2 · 08-24-2015, 11:20 AM

I, too, have the MaxAire vent covers and keep my roof vents open all hear round. And I keep chemicals in my gray tank and black tank throughout the camping season. As soon as I dump and flush the tanks, I add the Thetford's chemical and about 3 gallons of water. Also make sure there is water above the ball valve in the toilet and in the P-traps of the kitchen and bathroom sinks.

I had my previous TT for 9 seasons and never had any smelly odor problems, following this regimen. But I have been in used trailers on a couple dealer's lots that stunk to high heaven! So I know what you mean.

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