We're shopping for our first TT and went in one yesterday that was really unhealthy. There was strong chemical fumes in there and our eyes were burning badly and I could tell it wasn't healthy to breath so we didn't stay in long.
I remember they retired a bunch of FEMA trailer because of formaldyhyde. We have 2 babies and don't want them to be exposed. . .. blah blah blah.
Anyone know what this could've been and is it just a new TT issue?
The Walders
2009 Outback 310BHS
2007 F-350LB 4x4 Diesel
Almost all new trailers have this issue. Formaldyhyde and other various gases from the glues and other materials used in construction. I always air ours out before use if it has been sitting closed-up. If fades eventually and is easily vented in the meantime. Our last new trailer had the same issue. Even after a couple of years I could notice it if it was a warm day and the trailer had been closed for awhile.
Greg
2008 KZ Spree 245KS
2001 Tahoe LT with Autoride
1 DW, 1 DD, and two very spoiled dogs - a Sheltie and a Vizsla
Avoid that manufacturer as many others may still contain some but you would never know it.
Cedar Creek 27LRLS 7359 dry with extensive options/7700+ loaded.
2003 Expedition 5.4 FX4 with factory Tow 3.73 Bilstein shocks. GCVWR 14500, Tow rating with no cargo 8650
Equalizer Hitch, Prodigy, Barker Electric jack. Coachnet ERS
Rallies=8 My travel albums
Yes, it is formaldehyde, and it is toxic -- but some of us have grown to like that "new trailer smell." It's sort of like the homesick soldier who said that burnt toast reminded him of his mother -- good things are linked to that chemical odor!
Seriously, some trailer manufacturers are better than other about using higher-quality materials and in letting them air out a little before installation. The workers at the plant that made some of the Katrina trailers told the media that they were forced to turn out the trailers extra-fast, despite the chemicals, and they got sick. Don't know if that is true, but I heard them say so myself.
The formaldehyde, adhesive, and sealant fumes are toxic, but the solution is to open the trailer up and ventilate it as long as you can at every opportunity until the fumes dissipate. We have had 5 new trailers, and have never gotten sick from this, because we ventilate them thoroughly at every opportunity. Now that we have an enclosed RV garage, our trailer is opened up anytime we aren't camping in it.
2003 GMC Sierra Crew HD; 6.0L; Prodigy
2006 Thor Tundra 30RL-DSL; Reese Strait-Line & Dual-cam HP
2001 Honda Elite Scooter
Jim & Gayle Bryant
Murphy's Law: "Anything that CAN happen, WILL."
Bryant's Law: "31 years of RVing? Probably already HAS."
Took 2 years for the odor to go away from our new rv.
2003 Jayco 308fbs eagle 33' tt, towed by a 2003 Ram 3500 slt, quad cab dually, cummins diesel ho, trailer towing package, with 6 speed manual. Hauls better 1/2, 3 kids, myself, and a 2003 ez go clays car.. I have added so far, neon lights, clearance lights, back up lights, black light, lift kit, mud tires, and everything necessary to make the golf cart street legal. It's now ready to spend the winter in the garage for more mods. More neon, strobe lights, alarm, a pa system, maintance, and whatever else that comes along. This golf cart does wheelies and travels thru 7 inches of mud when need be. Two honda eu2000i gens twinned to supply the electrical power. Latest addition an 04 Honda Goldwing. [url]http://www.hometown.aol.com/rvnagain/myhomepage/profile.html[url]
I wouldn't let the outgassing scare you away from a particular brand/make/model. Ours wasn't as strong as many at the rv show, but considering many get built/closed up/shipped it's no wonder they are "toxic".
If you fall in love with a floor plan, advise the dealer that the fumes bother you and have them open it up for a day or two and then give it a second chance.
Ours still gets a small smell after really hot spells but never enough to bother anybody.
Daryll
05 Jayflight 29BHS
Equalizer 1000lb/10000lb. Prodigy BC
08 Dodge Ram 3500 quad cab short box 4x4 CTD 3.73
DW is also very chemically sensitive. The only new RV she has been able to enter and stay for a while has been the Jayco line. I can not say that all the Jaycos are good, but at least the ones we looked at had no chemical smell or caused any problems for her. We ordered the 2008 JayFeather 25F from the factory, and she could enter it and use it immediately upon arrival. Other RV brands may also be good. Take your time and make the appropriate decision.
Arnie & Mary
2004 4WD Dodge Durango w/5.7L Hemi/3.55/Tow Package
Reese WDH w/Dual Cam, Prodigy Brake Controller
2008 Jayco JayFeather 25F LGT
USAF (Ret) 1962-84 B-52D/G & FB-111A
Ham - N1BAC My Traveling Web Page
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