vtchris
vermont
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Joined: 05/24/2005
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Have any of you full-timers had any problems with the formaldahyde issue, any health issues caused by living in an RV?
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tonyandkaren
pennsylvania
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Joined: 05/15/2005
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No,but we always have our windows opened when the weather is nice and since staying in nice weather is one of our main objectives our windows are opened a lot. Our motorhome is ten years old so it's all dissipated by now but it didn't
bother us when it was new. I don't even recall any of problems like burning eyes when it was new.
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Serena
US
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Joined: 01/12/2008
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Not formaldehyde in particular, but my coach is 10 years old and has had plenty of time to outgas the nasty VOCs.
I did have occasion to tear up some paneling very recently, though. The fumes coming off that adhesive, as old as it was, just about knocked me out! I...don't even have polite language to tell you what I really think of luan and vinyl wallpaper as building materials, except that they're cheap, ridiculously fragile, and attractive to various microbes and other vermin. None of that is good for humans in general and some humans especially. These guys are still building like it's 1955 and there's really just no good excuse for that, given all the possibilities. If you do have a shot at a higher-grade non-organic cladding material, take it. Think aircraft materials. That's why all those vintage Airstream TT's and B-52's are still around. You still need to let the fabrics and finishes outgas, but at least it'll be a one-time deal. Less risk, more fun.
Other than this, no complaints. Good luck!
Serena
I Know Where I Been, Cuz I Was There When I Went.
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hitchup
Fulltiming in Madison, VA
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Joined: 02/17/2005
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No problems for us. We've lived in 2 new 5thWheels. First one we lived in for 10 mos, second one just over 2 years. I'm sensitive to strong smells, so avoid harsh cleaners.
We keep our windows closed except for venting heat from cooking or showers. I don't like the dust that blows in so windows are only opened occasionally in Spring/Fall. We never stay in CG's with paved streets. But I also use an Oreck air cleaner to help clear the air.
2009 DRV Mobile Suite 38TKSB3....our custom home
2008 Ford F450 Lariat CC 4x4......his office
Working Fulltimers since 3/2005
"Shoot for the Moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars."
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sportrac
Canada
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Joined: 09/21/2006
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Most units will not have the smell in them after they have been aired out.
Paul & Kathy
Canada
08 F350 Superduty DRW Power Stroke 6.4
07 Cedarcreek 37CKQS
04 Explorer Sportrac
07 Mirage 5x8 Cargo Trailer
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Aridon
SE Florida
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Joined: 06/06/2007
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I'm pretty sensitive to it. The most important thing to do is cook the unit with the thermostate on 95 and the outside temp as hot as you can make it. Leave some ammonia in shallow pans that are long / wide. Surface area is key not depth. Leave it like that for a few hours with a single vent open. Have something to cover your mouth to enter the coach a few hours later to open things up.
Naturally don't leave anything you don't want dead when you come back.
2008 Newmar 4330 (Modified)
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vtchris
vermont
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Joined: 05/24/2005
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What does the ammonia do? Formaldahyde is a gas. I am assuming that somehow the ammonia makes it go away, but don't see how. Have you actually done this? Thanks!
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