7 replies to this topic

[rando]

With all the discussion here and on Expedition Portal about condensation in pop up campers, I am wondering if anyone has thought about or tried using a water proof breathable material like Gore Tex to make a the soft liner for their pop-top?   On my previous camper (pictured) which was a 100 series Land Cruiser with a Westfalia style pop top, we made the fabric sides out of Gore Tex Pro, and never had any issues with condensation on the fabric at all.  We also only had minimal condensation elsewhere - primarily on the windows and a few places where there was exposed aluminium - even in cold damp conditions with two people in a much smaller volume.   Similarly, some one on ExPo was wondering why US manufacturers don't use breathable cotton canvas liners as they help with condensation.   I don't personally want a canvas liner, but a Gore Tex liner may work in a similar fashion. 

 

We have a new Fleet, so we have no need to replace or upgrade our current PVC liner, but I am considering making some window covers out of left over Gore Tex from my previous project.   These would be cut to be the same size as the current clear window covers with a velcro border.   The idea being that you would leave all the windows 'open' and then velcro the Gore Tex panels over them.   This would turn about 1/3 of the liner area into breathable fabric.   Before I spend the time sewing this - has anyone tried anything like this?   Any thoughts on whether it would make a difference?

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[nikonron]

It'd be worth a try, not sure that the remaining vinyl area wouldn't continue to condensate on its surface area.  Ron

[rando]

Yeah, that is kind of my gut instinct as well, that you will still have plenty of condensation on the rest of the liner.     On our single skin water proof breathable mountaineering tents, the whole tent is always made out of the WPB fabric, which to me suggests that it is an all or nothing type deal.   Might still be worth a try - I will need to measure my off cuts to see if I can make it work. 

[nikonron]

If you do a set, I may be interested in a set as well. May be cheaper buying the GoreTex in larger quantity. I'll help with all cost. I have an Eagle so we should have same size windows. It's actually not that expensive, $6.95 per yard @ 56" wide in a 2-ply Gray.  Ron

Edited by nikonron, 25 December 2016 - 05:52 PM.

[Seth]

Seems a very worthwhile experiment!

Back in our Coleman tent trailer days (shh, don't tell anyone!), the tents were made of Sunbrella-like material. This is, I think, a modern canvas. No condensation...


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[rando]

It looks like I only have enough gore tex off cuts to make one full window (it takes ~ 18x38" of fabric per window given my low precision sewing skills).   I will have to order more, it would take about 1.5 yards to do 4 windows at $25/yard.  For this application, 3-ply would be better as the membrane is not exposed.   Also, WL Gore doesn't sell Gore Tex to the general public, so the only way you can buy it is from retailers who get remnants from Gore certified clothing manufacturers.    This means you want to make sure you buy what you need, plus some extra for your project as there is no guarantee you will be able to buy the same fabric again.   If anyone has a source for eVent, that may be a better option as it is supposedly more breathable than gore tex. 

 

I will order some of this: http://www.rockywood...ot-Back-Citadel

 

I am still not convinced it will make too much of a difference, but it is not too much work or money to give it a shot.   I can report back in a few weeks. 

[nikonron]

https://lukesultrali...ic-yard-diy-use

 

Check this site out for the fabric.  Ron

[Taku]

Having spent many nights in breathable fabric tents (Gore-Tex and ToddTex) in cold weather, there is still plenty of frost on the material. Never did spend any time in those tents in very humid, driving rain type climate though. Might be worth a try, likely have to double up the corners for wear.