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SECTION 10
CAMPING & OPERATING
C
ONDENSATION
Condensation needs to be taken seriously.
Ignoring it can damage the park trailer
(damage caused by condensation is not
warrantable), and more importantly could
lead to mold or mildew issues which could
be a health hazard.
Condensation is a natural phenomenon. The
amount of condensation will vary with climate
conditions, particularly the relative humidity.
Condensation occurs because there is water
vapor present in the air, which each of us
adds to by breathing, bathing or cooking. The
water vapor usually collects on the coolest
surfaces. When the temperature reaches the
"dew point," the water vapor in the air
condenses and changes to a liquid form. If
moisture is unable to escape the park trailer,
you will experience condensation.
Most
people
have
phenomenon when moisture forms on their
windows. Outside air is cooling the window on
the outside while inside air is warming the
window on the inside; the resulting moisture is
attracted to that surface and the windows
begin to sweat.
To reduce condensation
Proper ventilation and, if needed, the use of a
dehumidifier (customer supplied) will assist in
controlling condensation. Many park trailer
and marine dealers carry small dehumidifiers
sized for park trailer use. Other suggestions
are:
Crack open windows and roof vents to
allow warm moist air to escape.
When taking a shower open the bath roof
vent (if so equipped) approximately ½"
allowing the moisture to escape.
Use the range hood fan (if so equipped)
when cooking or washing dishes.
Avoid hanging wet towels (or clothes)
inside the park trailer to dry.
If condensation is found in cabinets or
closets, open those doors slightly to
68
experienced
this
equalize the temperature and provide
ventilation.
S
U
Y
ETTING
P
OUR
Fig. 10.1 Blocking the wheels
The park trailer site must be properly graded
and sloped to provide for storm drainage run-
off. The area beneath the park trailer must be
graded to prevent water accumulation. Soil
conditions
in
the
important.
Place
pier
undisturbed soil (not loose fill) or soil that has
been compacted to at least 90 percent of its
maximum relative density. (Support piers can
also be placed directly on concrete slabs that
are designed for pier loads.)
Climatic conditions must be factored. If
footings are placed on frost-susceptible soil
such as clay or silt, heaving or settling may
occur. In areas where temperatures go below
freezing, the following should be considered if
the park trailer is anchored with a tie-down
system:
1. Construct your tie-down system with
adjustable devices so that strap tension
can
be
adjusted
compensate for heaving or settling, or
2. Place the park trailer on a properly
designed raft foundation (slab) or
3. Have the foundation designed so that it is
not susceptible to frost action, and
4. Consult with local building officials to
determine the location of the frost line.
Support Requirements
The design loads used in determining
required pier capacity are 40 psf (pounds per
square foot) floor live load plus the indicated
roof live load and total unit dead load. Load
bearing supports and footings may be subject
to approval by your local enforcement
agency.
C
AMPSITE
immediate
area
are
footings
on
firm
periodically
to
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