Tarps and condensation

[wigwag]

I've noticed that a bunch of people seem to use tarps... but don't these cause condensation problems which would lead to more leaks?

My 64 Overlander sits year round in a rather challenging environment... North Atlantic oceanfront. Winds, salt, and, in winter, a whacking amount of snow. I hate to leave my sweetie exposed to all this, but I feel that with the temperature variations, that a tarp may just make things worse.

Right now, I'm dealing with leaks from all three ceiling vents... they seem to take turns, the little ba***rds. Have now learned from this forum not to use silicone... too late! Will see about the other stuff.

But should I get a tarp?

By the way, my Airstream is not shiny at all, but kind of buffed-looking. I like it that way. Is there anyone else out there who likes the 'weathered look"? Am I a bad person?

[overlander63]

Don't cover the trailer with anything that will touch the aluminum.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by wigwag

I've noticed that a bunch of people seem to use tarps... but don't these cause condensation problems which would lead to more leaks?

Condensation doesn't cause leaks. It will point up any leaks that are already there, however. If you must use a tarp, build a frame around your trailer to hold the tarp, and allow plenty of space for air to circulate between tarp and trailer. In other words, don't tarp it, tent it. And vent it, too, to minimize condensation inside the tent.

As a plus, the tent will provide out-of-the-weather workspace around your trailer, too, while you're fixing those leaks.

[wigwag]

Hmmm. Thanks. I don't think a tent's gonna work for me. The North Atlantic gales would have it torn to pieces in no time, no matter how well I secured it.
To give you some idea of where my Airstream is, I'll attach a link to my website. I've named the trailer "Surf Scoter".
Thanks again!
http://www.surfscoter.org

[moosetags]

I agree. Using a tarp that touches the surface will usually cause more problems than it will solve.

Brian

[Urbanologist]

Originally Posted by wigwag

I've noticed that a bunch of people seem to use tarps... but don't these cause condensation problems which would lead to more leaks?

My 64 Overlander sits year round in a rather challenging environment... North Atlantic oceanfront. Winds, salt, and, in winter, a whacking amount of snow. I hate to leave my sweetie exposed to all this, but I feel that with the temperature variations, that a tarp may just make things worse.

Right now, I'm dealing with leaks from all three ceiling vents... they seem to take turns, the little ba***rds. Have now learned from this forum not to use silicone... too late! Will see about the other stuff.

But should I get a tarp?

By the way, my Airstream is not shiny at all, but kind of buffed-looking. I like it that way. Is there anyone else out there who likes the 'weathered look"? Am I a bad person?

Superb location!! I did some work with a guy whose family had a farm and used breathable tarps! Check this site: PolyMax Breathable Hay Tarps - FarmTek Maybe this can solve some of your challenges.