Forum Discussion

marcarolle's avatar
marcarolle
Explorer
Sep 07, 2016

Please tell me how to use Popup Gizmo covers

Hi,

After 19 years camping in a pop-up and followed by another 4 seasons in our Hybrid, I'm finally getting Popup Gizmos this coming week-end. A family member who traded-up his Hybrid for a full TT this summer is sending me his gizmos. While his Hybrid was a Kodiak, and mine is an Antigua, they are both the same (length, floorplan, etc. I hope that his covers will fit on my Antigua. Regardless... I can't complain as I'm getting them for free. I have no clue if they are the standard, high wind, or heavy high wind model.

When camping in the pop-ups, we never really have condensation problems. However, it is different with the Hybrid, especially in the fall (humidity). In the past, we have done everything possible (without the gizmos) : leave windows cracked open and a fan for the air to circulate. Recently, we purchased a table top dehumifier (EVA-DRY), the size of a small coffee maker. It does work, but still some condensation on very humid nights.

Now, with the gizmos, based on your experience, what do your recommend once they are installed? Do we still leave a bunkend window a bit opened?

Also, in the fall, we use a portable oscillating electric heater to keep the Hybrid comfortable.

One last thing, most of the time, we don't open the rear bunkend as we are only 2 people camping.

Based on what I have and what I do, what do you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.

Marc

5 Replies

  • We got the maximum wind protection and use them on each outing. Cost is a little more but they are more secure. The really nice thing is they keep the top clean and dry. It took me a while to buy them but after using them wish I would have done it earlier. As stated in a previous post they are extremely helpful when contacting them about any questions you may have.
  • Older style held on with aligator clamps. Silver side reflects heat in or out depending. Newer kind appear to be held on by cords. Mine are well used and beginning to show holes. We have taken to leaving them clamped on when folding up bunk ends..They really help keep ends cleaner and do hold in or keep out heat
  • we use the PUGs all the time, summer, winter, spring or fall. They make a huge difference. In the winter we can still get some condensation inside, but far far less than without them. However, in those cases, friends we often camp with have a non-hybrid trailer and they end up with as much or more condensation problems as we do when the temp and humidity conditions are extreme.

    That said, we still leave some of the tent end windows slightly open and a fan running to draw air thru the trailer. This helps a lot. Also, running the trailer heater (running on propane) introduces quite a bit of moisture to the air (or so it seems for us) so we tend to run electric space heaters when we can.
  • Why don't you call Popup Gizmos and talk to Bob.
    They have EXCELLENT customer service.
    He can answer all your questions.