condensation on bunk boards

amabee · 09-22-2013, 11:33 AM

While we actually have a Starcraft, the bunk doors are made the same as Jayco.

We have noticed condensation forming between the bunk boards(doors) and the mattress, primarily where the aluminum framework is. I did not notice this on our X17Z in the spring when it was cool outside.
Has anyone else had this happen? Not really sure how to prevent this from occurring.

Bikester · 09-23-2013, 01:10 PM

I don't know about this, but I've been reading related threads about using Refletix, or the like. It might help with this problem. Good luck

Jagiven · 09-23-2013, 02:22 PM

Most likely this condensation is due to a lack of insulation or thermal break. My parent’s last TT had this issue along the upper perimeter of the entire TT, in cold weather.

Last year I noticed the board under the front bed was damp with condensation at the end of the camping season while prepping the HTT for winter storage. Because of that I removed the mattresses from the bunk ends and laid then on the dinette for the winter.

amabee · 09-23-2013, 03:21 PM

I have read some posts on other forums and this does seem to be a fairly common occurrence, just thought it was odd it would form between the mattress and boards. I've dealt with condensation on the tents and have that well under control. I'm guessing it formed around the supports as the aluminum would tend get cold quicker than the rest of the door. I don't know that I will worry about it to much, all it took was one paper towel to wipe it up. May just be one of those things you have to deal with on a HTT. Just have to make sure to open everything back up when we get home to make sure all is dry.

I did think about trying some reflectix between the mattress and boards, I have to get some more anyway, to make window cutouts for our third bunk. I may use the rest on one of the bunkends and see if it makes any difference.

tslarson · 09-26-2013, 08:39 PM

On our old popup we had condensation between the matterss and the plywood every time we went camping. With our new camper, I have not noticed it, but I'm sure it is possible. Better insulation on the hybrid doors than a pop up, but not great. The colder the weather the more likely it will happen. We have camped in temps that reached 40 deg in the night, will do so this weekend too on our last trip of the year. Going to take a look in the morning. The silver bubble wrap is one way to limit it as well as a plastic honeycomb/grooved type plastic barrier (can't remember the name), It's used on boats for the same problem.

amabee · 09-27-2013, 02:39 PM

Hmm, what's weird is I did not notice this happening on our popup. I wonder if its due the difference in the mattresses, Jayco has a vinyl back to theirs(IIRC), the ones in our Starcraft are cloth. They have been coated with a water repellent though, as the condensation just beads up and doesn't soak in. I'll definitely have to try the Reflectix and see if that makes any difference.

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