Do you get wet in a tent trailer? (here’s why)

In today’s article, we will answer the following question: Do you get wet in a tent trailer? We will explain how to stay dry in a tent trailer and give you a few tips for maintaining your tent trailer. 

Do you get wet in a tent trailer?

Yes, you can get wet in a tent trailer, as they are not completely waterproof. Particularly with long use and bad maintenance, your tent trailer can leak especially during rainy days! 

Some common reasons why your tent trailer may leak are:

• There is a crack in the roof (that you must repair);
• Damaged canvas or/and ripped pop-up seams (can be easily fixed);
• Old and broken windows (may need replacement);
• Worn seals (that you can easily reseal). 

How to stay dry in a tent trailer?

Don’t let the rain and water leaks stop you from camping in a tent trailer. 

With the right equipment and a little knowledge, it’s easy to turn camping in the rain into a good time. 

Here are some tips for going camping with your tent trailer and staying happy and dry!

1. Choosing the right campsite. Sometimes the rain can surprise us, but it is wise to choose a high place, regardless of the weather predictions. The campground should also be away from the banks of rivers and lakes to avoid the risk of flash floods. 

Another place to forget when camping during the rainy season is under trees, as falling branches can end up on your tent and injure you. You can stay dry throughout your camping trip if you have a waterproof cover and the location you choose is not at risk of flooding.

2. Pack ready-to-eat foods. Cooking is part of the fun while camping, but it is advisable to avoid foods that require cooking when camping in the rain. The latter can sometimes be so strong that you cannot make a fire. Besides, it will be cold and you won’t be able to hike or bike in the rain, but you can pass the time with card games, board games or captivating books.

3. Carry lots of plastic bags. Large garbage bags and zippers are inexpensive and can be of great help when it rains while camping. You can use plastic bags to protect your bag from moisture or to wrap anything that is already wet to prevent everything else from getting wet as well. It may not rain for the entire camping season, but you can never be too careful. 

4. Choose your clothes wisely. It is advisable to bring suitable gear and clothing if you are aware of a strong possibility of rain. Cotton clothes should be avoided because they stay soaked for a long time. You should carry light clothing, preferably nylon and other synthetic materials that are designed to dry quickly and are waterproof. 

A waterproof jacket and pants are a must in your backpack, in addition to plenty of pairs of socks to change. It is also important to wear waterproof shoes or rain boots to avoid the discomfort of cold feet.

5. Put a tarp inside the tent trailer. Using an extra tarp will save you the misery of wet sleeping bags and sleepless nights. Placing a tarp under your tent trailer will prevent soil moisture from seeping into the tent and ruining your night. The tarps will also prevent fallen twigs from breaking through the bottom of the tent. 

For full protection, you can also place an extra waterproof tarp inside the tent to keep water out that seeps through the sides of the tent and keep your gear and sleeping bag dry.

Important maintenance and repairs of your tent trailer to avoid leaks

It’s not all about buying a tent trailer; it is also necessary to know the basics of maintaining a folding caravan, so as to keep it in excellent condition for many years! Indeed, it would be very unfortunate to have to replace certain parts and accessories of your new tent trailer after only a few seasons of use, due to negligence in maintenance.

Inspect the flexible and rigid parts regularly, so as to notice any signs of breakage or wear. In addition, at the end of your camping season, it is essential, once you get home, to fully open your tent trailer, extensions included, to ventilate it and to prevent any leftover humidity inside or on the fabrics. This way, you’ll prevent mould from getting in the game … and jeopardizing your next camping season.

Cleaning your trailer tent is also a must if you want to extend its lifespan. There are different cleaning products on the market, specially designed for tent trailers. Be careful not to use your usual household cleaning products, as you risk removing the waterproofing layer if your canvas is canvas; this material can be cleaned simply with water and a brush.

If your canvas is vinyl, which is often the case, there are products specifically designed to clean it. Also, to prevent vinyl from cracking or cracking in the heat of the sun, you will need to apply a vinyl treatment after it has been washed and is dry.

Do not neglect the interior of the canvas of your trailer tent either! Moisture and mould can also accumulate there; pay special attention to it!

Is your canvas broken or certain mechanical parts are defective? If you have the soul of a handyman, you will probably be able to do the work yourself; otherwise, call a tent trailer repair specialist, who will restore your RV to its youthful appearance.

Check the roof regularly, not only to keep your feet in the water after a downpour but also to prevent (again) mould problems. These, in addition to being harmful to your health, could decrease the value of your trailer if you eventually want to sell it.

Thinking of buying a used tent trailer? Be sure to entrust the inspection to an expert, who will quickly detect any problem. So you can go on vacation with peace of mind, and make the most of your new acquisition!

Are tent trailers worth it?

As the name suggests, a tent trailer is an RV that isn’t quite a trailer per se, but offers more features and comfort than a tent. Indeed, a tent trailer is an RV whose size, when opened, generally varies between 15 and 23 feet, and about half as much when closed.

Unlike a hybrid trailer, which has fully rigid sides and flexible extensions, tent trailers have only a few rigid parts, which allows them to be almost completely stowed away for transport; their roof is therefore at about the same level as half of the front door at this point.

In order to enjoy your tent trailer, you will first need to level it, then release the latches that hold the roof in place. Subsequently, a button or a crank will allow you to deploy your RV; this explanatory video will show you all the steps to follow in order to open your tent trailer properly, in order to avoid accidents.

What do you think? Are tent trailers worth it in the end? Do not hesitate to share your thoughts or questions about the content!

FAQ on Do you get wet in a tent trailer?

How do I find a leak in my trailer?

To find a leak in your trailer you will have to do some detective work and search for clues in order to identify the source of the issue. Thus, you will have to search for cracks, worn and damaged spots, thinning or any other type of damage.

How do you know if you have a water leak?

Some of the signs that there may be a leak are:

• A hot spot on the ground.
• A water heater that does not turn off.
• Sound of running water when accessories, such as the toilet, are not being used.
• Water from a point under the wall.
• Hot water from a cold water tap.

How long does it take to set up a tent trailer?

On average, it should take you half an hour to set up a tent trailer, depending on how much experience you have and how large the RV is. 

References

• Rain camping in a pop up? | PopUpPortal
• 5 ways to reduce condensation in your camper trailer tent
• Buying a Pop-up Camper Has a Few Hidden Downsides