hymer1942 Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 Afternoon all, just back from Peterborough and considering all options, thinking about a panel van for eg, IH or something similar maybe even one made to measure. Just wondered about condensation with that type beind a steel sided unit, has anyone changed from say an A class to a panel van and used it in winter and has it been a problem, because at the moment I have very little condensation in my van... Thanks in anticipation Barrie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolandrat Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 Hi Barrie, I use to own an IH Savanna the build quality was unquestionable but obviously very small internally. It had a rear lounge which converted into a double bed at night and if you needed the toilet in the night it was a nightmare getting in and out of bed, disturbing one another. The main problem was condensation and to overcome it the side sliding door was open more than closed. Another thing to take into consideration is fly screens to keep the dreaded midges out as campervans don't have them. There are many pro's and con's about going smaller but one thing is to seriously consider the Autocruise Vista. In winter unless the heater was used it was very cold during the night but the condensation problem was probably the worst thing about it. Haven't seen you since Hambleton House. Where have you been hiding? I see Fleetwood town have crept up the league table Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starvin marvin Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 Having gone from a coachbuilt to IH panel van to Hymer B class we much prefer the additional space of the A class. What I do miss however is the ability, when you can drive at 120 or 130 kph that you can do it in a good panel van. I don't like dawdling along much prefer to get going. Downsizing was a step too far, but we enjoyed the smaller faster van, thats for sure, but the turning circles are appalling. Yes we used the pvc on two successive winters to Spain and Portugal and now have had two more winters in Spain and Portugal in the Hymer with another one to come, love it much more in the Hymer, can carry more gas and more water, which helps our free camping style no end. Condensation has not really been a problem for us in any of our vans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryW Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 We had a PVC until last September and never had a condensation problem but we never boiled pans of spuds in it, and even in the coldest Winter night we always slept with at least one window part open. Ours had three, what I call "caravan" type windows and two roof lights all complete with fly screens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 I think insulation in panel vans has moved on over the years? what difference does it make if skin is alloy or metal or GRP...Its the quality of the construction, materials used and ventilation that matters. I do miss the underfloor heating/double floor but I guess some carpets will help in that regard (hate the things though) Mine has fly screens on all windows and I have even ordered a fly screen door for the large sliding door (from Reimo through dealer) would I fancy spending all winter in one in Spain? I dont see why not, but I am looking forward to returning to a more flexible style of touring camping. The van is a joy to drive, powerful and 120-130 easy and very stable, no more sailing around roundabouts!lol fuel consumption a lot better also. We find the space more then adequate, a slimmed down version of previous camper. and I can see why the Adria Twin SP got MMM van of the year 2011, as it is so well thought out. Fiat less so (lack of cup holders and hopeless 12v sockets) Barrie, I remember a previous thread where you where looking at the Merc/VW panel vans from Germany? The Possl/Globecar vans are supposed to have the best levels of insulation....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hymer1942 Posted April 17, 2011 Author Share Posted April 17, 2011 Hi All again, Roland I have been in Spain for 3 months up to the end of March and we are not to keen on weekend meets so tend to stay home when we are not away [ properly ] . Judge yes we are still looking and are going to Dusseldorf. But saw some interesting vans at Peterborough, as you know I cant see past a Merc and there were 2/3 converters that I looked more than once at. The 2 I want to see at the German show are the James Cook expensive I know and the La Strada Nova. But as you know the nights in Spain can be below freezing so I would not want to have doors or windows open. Might have to stay with the 650. Barrie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trevor166uk Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 Hi Interesting comment about possl/globecar having the best insulation. I don't know about that but my globecar pvc is as warm as toast in the winter and only suffers condensation to the inside of the windscreen. If I put my external silver screens on this totally stops the condensation even if all the windows and rooflights are closed, and that is wnen winter camping during the winter we've just had. Hope that helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hymer1942 Posted April 17, 2011 Author Share Posted April 17, 2011 Hi Trevor, thats exactly what my Hymer does, a little to the windscreen and if silverscreens in place nothing. Barrie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike88 Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 JudgeMental - 2011-04-17 7:19 PM and I have even ordered a fly screen door for the large sliding door (from Reimo through dealer) ....... Judge ------Have you a link as I didn't know they were available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 trevor166uk - 2011-04-17 8:02 PM Hi Interesting comment about possl/globecar having the best insulation. I don't know about that but my globecar pvc is as warm as toast in the winter and only suffers condensation to the inside of the windscreen. If I put my external silver screens on this totally stops the condensation even if all the windows and rooflights are closed, and that is wnen winter camping during the winter we've just had. Hope that helps when at Dusseldorf show I was shown a piece of steel skin with muliple layers of insulation attached, and opinion at show from people was that Possl/Globecars have better levels of insulation and close foam material looked pretty good to me. This week picking up my new Adria from a VERY large German dealership that sells both Possl/Adia/Globecar MD was adamant that the Possl/Globecar (same manafacturer) have by far the best construction, and levels of insulation. I just prefer the bigger fridge and better layout of the Adria, and less Germanic styling if you get what I mean lol...they just look a bit old fashioned to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirage Posted April 17, 2011 Share Posted April 17, 2011 We had a coachbuilt then "A" Class now a PVC, prefer the PVC but they are`nt really (in my opinion) suitable for winter use, more GMT +1, not a problem for us as we give it up in winter. They are pretty much go anywhere which is what we do, especially abroad and so much easier to keep clean - painted steel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Mike88 - 2011-04-17 8:27 PM JudgeMental - 2011-04-17 7:19 PM and I have even ordered a fly screen door for the large sliding door (from Reimo through dealer) ....... Judge ------Have you a link as I didn't know they were available. http://www.reimo.com/en/D-accessories/DU-windows_accessories/DUS-insect_nets_for_vans/ seems they only deliver to Germany direct. but you can order through a few converters here you have to look on the web site/ wheelhome are one Concept multi car another....I might have to do this myself as well as looks like dealer forgot mine. *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david lloyd Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 We have an IH Tio RL (rear lounge with option of twin singles or massive double) and have to say that insulation in PVC's has moved on immensely. This winter we used it (in the UK in minus 6 - 10 deg nights) with no silver screens and did not suffer either from the cold or condensation. We do cook all the time in ours but are sensible about having the kitchen roof light open when there is steam around. We also leave the heating ticking over at night - more for the comfort of the dog who sleeps on the front cab seat! The quality of build and continuing customer service plus the front dining option and the customized rear panel (replacing the rear doors and providing a generous boot space) were the main determining factors in choosing IH again. One thing I would watch out for, and which has been mentioned recenly in MMM, is PVC's that have little or no insulation in the overcab locker space. It is here that (running) condensation will form if not insulated and, preferably, carpeted. Good luck with the search David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hymer1942 Posted April 18, 2011 Author Share Posted April 18, 2011 Food for thought, thanks to all. Barrie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 One of these might be useful - we saw them at the National show and thought it was a very good idea - we only have a large roof light (similar to Heki) in the front part of our van so a normal turbo-vent is a no-no, but this would fit and can be set to suck air in or out. http://www.caravanaccessories.co.uk/fiamma-turbo-kit-2009.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brabander Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 I note you have been able to locate fly screens for the sliding door for your van. Who makes those? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brabander Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 My Globecar is also fine in colder weather but I NEVER camp out in mid winter. Have had no problems with condensation in hot (35 degree) or cold (0 degree) weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leaveyfreya Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 Hi Sorry to hijack bt this is similar to our problem and thought maybe someone could help :-D We have just bought a Renault Master van conversion. We have no issues with condensation on the windows - but what we have found is that the underside of the cussions are damp when we take the bed apart. We are trying to come up with a solution to this if any one could help it would be much appreciated. We are trying to find out what insulating was done when the van was built at the moment. - It is not a cold van so it must have something. I have out a dehumidfier type thing under the seats to see if this helps and it is collecting moisture - but not enough to stop the cussions feeling damp. Many thanks Jayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leaveyfreya Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 Hi Sorry to hijack bt this is similar to our problem and thought maybe someone could help :-D We have just bought a Renault Master van conversion. We have no issues with condensation on the windows - but what we have found is that the underside of the cussions are damp when we take the bed apart. We are trying to come up with a solution to this if any one could help it would be much appreciated. We are trying to find out what insulating was done when the van was built at the moment. - It is not a cold van so it must have something. I have out a dehumidfier type thing under the seats to see if this helps and it is collecting moisture - but not enough to stop the cussions feeling damp. Many thanks Jayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tugga Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 Hi Jayne Sorry to hear you are having condensation problems with your bed. Is the base solid rather than slatted? If it is, experiment with bubble wrap, you can buy it by the metre in DIY stores. I have been informed it works, so you could try that. I should think the bubbles go up rather than down, but experiment. There is also a company that specialises in this problem and here is a link. http://www.shipshapebedding.co.uk/Dry-Mat_Anti_Condensation_Layer.php?li=dry-mat As you will see it was designed for boats, but I am told it works a treat, albeit a bit expensive. Hope this helps you Jayne. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tugga Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 Hi Jayne Sorry to hear you are having condensation problems with your bed. Is the base solid rather than slatted? If it is, experiment with bubble wrap, you can buy it by the metre in DIY stores. I have been informed it works, so you could try that. I should think the bubbles go up rather than down, but experiment. There is also a company that specialises in this problem and here is a link. http://www.shipshapebedding.co.uk/Dry-Mat_Anti_Condensation_Layer.php?li=dry-mat As you will see it was designed for boats, but I am told it works a treat, albeit a bit expensive. Hope this helps you Jayne. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 Try some cheap beach mats - the straw looking type - under the cushions as it will give a gap between the cold base and the cushion which is usually the cause of the damp. :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leaveyfreya Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 Hi Thanks for your fast replies :-D The bed is slotted so does get a bit of air flow. I also try to leave the little access hatch open under the bed when we set it up so there is air flow there too. I will have a look at the link - thanks for that. Funnily enough I had some bubble wrap and said to my OH that maybe we should put that in to see if it made a difference (I was thinking insulation type of thing) and he said no way ...wouldn't work! I guess sometimes we do have the better ideas!! *-) :D I will let you know how we get on! Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 Very odd having damp on a slatted bed, usualy it is moisture from body going throu mattress and being unable to escape due to solid base. Anouther way to stop it would be to stop moisture getting into bed in first place using someting like this http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/1274615/Trail/searchtext%3EWATERPROOF+MATTRESS.htm#pdpFullProductInformation Unless it was moisture coming from undeneath bed, which sounds most unlikely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 It might help if you can post more details of your van along with some pictures, including the bed, inside the bases, the walls etc - there might be something there that would indicate the problem if we could 'see' it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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