Dustproofing a caravan
Submitted: Sunday, Feb 06, 2011 at 10:51
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Chris & Sue (Briz Vegas)
G'day all,
We're about to start off on a WA/NT trip which will include a bit of dirt road travel. We have a semi-off road van and, while do not anticipate any extreme off-roading a-la-the-Gall-Boys, we will be doing quite a bit of (hopefully reasonable quality!) dirt.
My question is how to go about sealing the main dust entry areas like the Air Con (we have a Truma A/C with the entry at waist height), the hot water heater (also at waist height) and lower fridge vent. The last trip away was OK from a dust point of view, but I feel that it would be even better if we didn't have to spend ages cleaning everything after each dirt stretch. (A happy wife = a happy trip!!)
A couple of bits of explanation:
* I'm in the process of building a bilge-blower powered filtered-air blower to feed the interior on the move, but feel that it will be far better and more efficient if it has fewer holes letting the air out so it can pressurise the interior better.
* Yes, we have a scupper on the roof and it neatly channels all the dust from passing road trains straight into the van - not a great hit with SWMBO!
* The fridge is 12/240v only - no gas. I've checked with both the installer and another caravan repairer about blocking off the bottom vent while leaving the top one open. Both seem to thing there's no problem here. It certainly doesn't seem to worry the cooling efficiency of the fridge so far.
* We will have a gas alarm installed by the time we leave. Gas is now only used for hot water and cooking.
So, what I'm looking for is any kind of suggestion about how to attach and detach (easily) external covers for the A/C & Hot water for while we're on the move.
Anyone done this before? Velcro, studs, plastic sheet + gaffer tape???
Cheers,
Chris
Reply By: Ozhumvee - Sunday, Feb 06, 2011 at 10:55
Sunday, Feb 06, 2011 at 10:55
Most seem to get vinyl pieces made up to cover the vents externally and either hold them on with velcro or press studs.
AnswerID:
444394
Reply By: Member - Christopher P (NSW) - Sunday, Feb 06, 2011 at 18:54
Sunday, Feb 06, 2011 at 18:54
velcro the vents whilst travelling and a positive pressure filtered system will do the rest.
have fun in your travells.
AnswerID:
444437
Reply By: Chris & Sue (Briz Vegas) - Sunday, Feb 06, 2011 at 23:11
Sunday, Feb 06, 2011 at 23:11
Thanks to all who answered. Now to get down and construct a solution!
:-))
Cheers,
Chris
AnswerID:
444465
Reply By: Member - Toyocrusa (NSW) - Monday, Feb 07, 2011 at 06:54
Monday, Feb 07, 2011 at 06:54
Hi Chris. There is a fabric filter material that is used behind retaining walls and in rubble drains etc. in the building industry. I think it is called Geofabric. It is designed to stop soil entering the drainage parts of these areas.I use it to filter my water that flows into the
water tank and it works
well. It is about 3mm thick and seems to breathe similar to air filter material. I have often wondered if it could be used to filter dust. If so it would mean cutting out sections to suit the vents you mention and velcroing it around the vent to attach. I would be curious to know if anyone has tried it. Regards,Bob.
AnswerID:
444478
Follow Up By: Chris & Sue (Briz Vegas) - Monday, Feb 07, 2011 at 09:35
Monday, Feb 07, 2011 at 09:35
Hi Bob,
Thanks for that. Time for Mr Google to be my friend again (about Geofabric). :-))
One of the great things about this
forum is the great repository of knowledge out there that's shared between forumites.
Cheers,
Chris.
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