Smell in trailer

[R HARPER]

I have a 95 Excello 1000 and I have a problem with a plastic or vinyl odor. It seems to go away except for real warm days. Any solutions? I tore up the vinyl floor that was put in before we purchased it, and sealed the floor with Kilz and put down a odor blocking pad and new carpet. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[mustang]

What about Baking Soda It may sound goofy but it works in the fridge right?

[DEITZ645]

R Harper,
Do a google search for something like "trailer smell site:www.airforums.com" and you will find numerous threads covering trailer smells and how to get rid of them.

[richie rich]

I read antifreeze works by soaking into the wood,killing all micro-organic organisisms,mold and mildew.it leaves no smell-but I have not tried it yet.

[CanoeStream]

smell = moisture

Does Airstream of Spokane have a Sealtech machine to find leaks? Might be worth a phone call. This may not be up to date but here is Sealtech's website location page - Sealtech Manufacturing Inc. - RV leaks bubbles recreational vehicles

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by R HARPER

I have a 95 Excello 1000 and I have a problem with a plastic or vinyl odor. It seems to go away except for real warm days. Any solutions?

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

smell = moisture

Moisture? I don't think so.

A "vinyl/plastic odor on warm days" sounds like off-gassing to me not a moisture/rot problem ~ Unfortunately, unless you remove all the plastic/vinyl items in the trailer, I don't know that there is much you can do about it ~

Shari

[SteveH]

I would close the trailer, empty and entire container of Fabreeze air/fabric freshener, leave it set for several days, and then open it up and air it out.

[Turtle One]

Our Magic Chef has a gas leak which we cannot find. It is horrible. The oven burner doesn't ignite even though the pilot light is on. We think it might be connected to that but just guessing.
Re plastic or vinyl smell - how about checking with an auto detailer - they might know what to do

[Lothlorian]

I would definitely check for a gas leak. Turn the gas off at the tank and let it sit for 24 hours and air it out. If the order continues then you know that you can look somewhere else. I feel you are going to always have gases coming off the plastics, inner walls, dirty damp wood.

We have been staying on top of using Mr. Clean magic eraser on the interior walls and cabinet. We also wil use lysol wipes on the inside. It just takes a couple of minutes. The more you clean the more you will pull dirt. My airstream is smelling better and better. We really cannot smell the inside anymore. Even if you do not have gas leaks or dampness you will get smells if you keep your trailer or house closed up for a period of time.
I was in a clean house that was closed up for over a year to clean out and elderly ladies furniture. The house was clean but it had a musty smell. Even then wood antiques smelled musty.

Lothlorian

[Pick]

Smells can linger in just about anything. We tore the carpet out, and got rid of the foam mattress which had a lot of odors in them after 30+ years. They say using Future Floor Wax on the wall helps too. I have not tried that yet. The fiber glass insulation also retains odors as well.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

That smell is plastic degrading.... all the febreeze bombs and all the seal testing is not going to stop the plastic from degrading. Finding the source of the smell and repairing it or replacing it is really the only solution to end that kind of odor. Plastics have advanced a great deal since 1995, but the temperature swings and weather changes are affecting what you have. I am always amazed how a few hours of sunlight can drive the temperature up so much even in the dead of winter. Are your walls vinyl clad? There might be some plastic in the fabrics in your coach too. Good luck on finding the source of the odor.

[Aage]

Originally Posted by Turtle One

Our Magic Chef has a gas leak which we cannot find. It is horrible. The oven burner doesn't ignite even though the pilot light is on. We think it might be connected to that but just guessing.

Don't want to sound alarmist, but in my books, that problem rates as urgent to resolve.

Just like outdoor gas burners (aka BBQs) it seems that spiders like to nest in the tubes. it could be something as simple as that, but don't count on that as the only possibility, as I am no expert.

But know that the smell is there for a reason: it is put in the gas in the treatment plant to serve as a warning. If you can't locate the problem and put the it right, I would shut the gas off completely at the tanks, and get it looked at ASAP.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

the problem is a plastic smell on hot days not a gas leak....

[RBolton]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

the problem is a plastic smell on hot days not a gas leak....

I think Aage was trying to help Turtle One. A gas leak is probably not the problem in the original post. But we should never pass up the opportunity to help divert disaster.

My Argosy gets a hot plastic smell even on just warm days. Nothing I have tried helps except good air circulation. It airs out pretty quick.

Roger

[Smokin Camel]

Kilz has quite an odor but it should disapate in a week or so with good ventilation? I do not know if the smell was there before you primed, but it could be Kilz??????????????????

[AIR-Quarius]

...hi, we just purchased a 'peak 03 airpurifier' and it is another great way to clear the air or oders and breathe better to top that off....319 dollars plus free delivery =a one year warranty and will last for years....look the machine up and read about it...heard about ours from inland RV in California...Bill

[TxToaster]

We had a similar vinyl odor in our '92. Tracked it down to the folding vinyl shower door. We ended up deep sixing it. It was the root cause of the problem for us.