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KY Girl · 07-17-2004, 10:34 AM

Hello, everyone!

I haven't posted much lately, since the real estate career has taken off and left me with NO VACATION last summer to use the Bambi. Well, we're finally taking about 12 days off. We'll be pulling Bambi from Florence KY to Colorado Springs to visit Tom's family, etc. Then we're flying to Las Vegas for a few days, then back to Colorado Springs and then returning home. I know it's not much time for such a long trip, but we felt we needed to use the camper at least for one long trip this year. It's not much fun making those payments and not being able to use it!

Per all the good advice, we did go to Jackson Center and had a Reese hitch and Friction Sway Bar installed. Jeez, to look at all that contraption, you'd wonder if it doesn't weigh as much as Bambi! But I think we can feel pretty safe now (provided Tom can remember how to put it all on properly). I couldn't believe all the tension on those chains!! Actually, I did take photos of it before he unhooked it. With the pics along with the instructions, I think we'll be okay.

Now for the stupid question...When we bought the Bambi, the carpeted area was covered with plastic which we left on for the first 2 years. Today I decided since it was getting a little nasty with dog hairs and sand, it was time to remove the plastic and give it a good sweeping. Why the heck do they install the cabinets, etc. over the plastic so you can't get it off? And then they nailed, literally, in 6 places, a green plastic disc (I guess to prevent the rust from soiling the carpet?). Should we have removed the pastic sooner? I had to take an exacto knife and literally carve the plastic off around all the cabinetry. I was able to remove a couple of the nails, and Tom is going to try to remove the rest without damaging the carpet. Will it hurt if I left the plastic on in areas out of sight (under the bed where the pull-out tubs are and under the kitchen drawer, etc.).

Sorry to ramble on, but this was so annoying and I mostly wondered if I should have removed the plastic right away. I have to admit, the carpet does look brand new, so I guess it didn't hurt anything. Now if I can just find a way to get those last couple ugly nails out.....

Cherie

P.S. Please don't PM me, because my email has been changed (was getting too much porn spam) and will only accept from folks I've entered into my address book.

thenewkid64 · 07-17-2004, 10:42 AM

The dealer should have advised you on this issue. In fact they should have pulled this as part of the PDI.

All of the plastic needs to be removed. Under cabinets, the bed, in the exterior compartments. The floor needs to breath and as moisture rises from the ground, the floor, carpet, and pad will absorb the moisture. When the floor tries to release it there is a plastic barrier that catches it. This can cause mold, mildew, etc.

You are fortunate that where you live does not experience the oppressive humidity we do. I know of some owners that pulled the plastic trying to find a smell and were more that a bit shocked to find moldy carpet in a 2 year old unit.

So pull it up, and enjoy your trip!

KY Girl · 07-17-2004, 11:09 AM

Wow, that makes sense! Thanks so much for the advice. I'll get in there and pull out all that I can reach. Having a little patch here and there under the cabinet edges probably won't hurt, since air can get to it.

I think you're right about the dealer not telling us. They also knew we were total camper rookies and didn't even tell us about a break controller or sway bars. If it wasn't for you folks on this forum, we'd be travelling unsafely.

Cherie

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenewkid64

The dealer should have advised you on this issue. In fact they should have pulled this as part of the PDI.

All of the plastic needs to be removed. Under cabinets, the bed, in the exterior compartments. The floor needs to breath and as moisture rises from the ground, the floor, carpet, and pad will absorb the moisture. When the floor tries to release it there is a plastic barrier that catches it. This can cause mold, mildew, etc.

You are fortunate that where you live does not experience the oppressive humidity we do. I know of some owners that pulled the plastic trying to find a smell and were more that a bit shocked to find moldy carpet in a 2 year old unit.

So pull it up, and enjoy your trip!

Tinsel Loaf · 07-17-2004, 12:51 PM

Our dealer didn’t remove our plastic either, but that was ok because we took out the carpet first thing and replaced it with a high quality wood / vinyl floor. Well post pictures and how we did it when we get it AS back form warranty repair. The AS has spent a lot of time getting warranty service.