B&P
Calgary, Alberta CANADA
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Joined: 07/05/2001
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We purchased a motorhome about 3 weeks ago. It is just a year old but there is a musty smell that we can't seem to get rid of. When we first picked it up it was very strong from the shower. We figured they maybe hadn't cleaned out the grey tank well before they put it in storage, so no big deal. We have tried many things and the smell still lingers although not as bad. We have checked everywhere and there is nothing damp - wood, floor, carpet etc. so we are pretty sure it is still the holding tank. We have filled the tank a couple of times. put in copious amount of toilet chemical. let it sit, drained it and still it lingers. We are at a loss what to do. You really smell it when you enter the MH (when your nose is practically at floor level), then it doesn't seem too bad until you get to the shower. We have purchased a narrow brush and cleaned the drain hole in case there was a built up of 'gunk' that was causing the odor but that doesn't seem to be it. What is also weird is that you don't get an odor from either of the bathroom sinks which would have to be hooked to the same holding tank.
Hope someone can shed some light or offer some suggestions. I think we are going to dump a half gallon of Pine Sol in the tank and fill it up again, but not sure that is going to help.
* This post was
edited 05/05/08 10:59am by B&P *
Bill/Pat 
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advntrs
greenwood, Indiana
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Could it be that they had pets on the carpet? At any rate, you might try the uprite air purifiers that emit OZONE. Give that a try for a few day, normally clears smells up pretty well.
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cpthester
Paragould, AR
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I recently purchased a Toyota Class C that had the same smell. I was ready to replace the carpets, and all the fabrics in the coach. One day I bent over the kitchen sink and found the problem. The 4 inch sink rubber stopper had deteriorated. Threw it out and no smell after that.
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fisher60
Plant City, Florida
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Check the vent check valve under the kitchen sink. In my "C", this is the vent for both the shower and kitchen sink. If it's stuck open, could be your problem. Easy fix.
'01 Dutchman Express 28A, Master Tow, '07 Tuscon, '05 Honda VTX 1300
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Gezzer
Where ever the road takes us
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I would check the kitchen sink also. After you check all the vents and make sure they are clear, I would put some baking soda and vinegar down each drain, followed by a good shot of very hot water, it will clean out any trapped stuff.
Also, leaving a couple of open dishes of ammonia sitting out will take a lot of smells out of the air.
Another thought, is there water in the trap of the shower drain? I have found if there is no water in our shower drain, we get a nasty smell.
Good luck,
Judy
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MichDoc
Michigan
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Joined: 01/02/2006
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An "old timer" told me to keep the musty smell out of my rig by putting a few buckets or coffee cans of plain old charcoal in them, and then closing the rig up for a few days. The charcoal absorbs the odors. Did a good job.
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B&P
Calgary, Alberta CANADA
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Thanks so much for the ideas. We will keep trying the different things until the smell is gone. For sure it is not the carpets or furniture as there isn't a lot of carpet (mostly ceramic tile) and leather furniture, also we have shampooed the carpet.
Fisher60 - thanks for the thought on the check valve as DH hadn't thought to check them. Right now we have the Fantastic fan running and air purifier going full blast, and ther is no smell. It will be interesting to see how it is in the morning after it is closed up for the night.
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ncpatriot65
VA
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Joined: 12/26/2006
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We used this "Ecobox" air purifier in our travel trailer, hotels, etc. It is small, but powerful! Uses a patented process that creates an aerosol form of hydrogen peroxide, that disinfects surfaces as well. For your situation, it has a Sanitize mode that will knock out any major smells you have and maintain freshness while your camper is closed up. Many fire & smoke damage/cleanup companies use the same technology.
We also have the larger unit, known as "Fresh Air" in our home for years. Our kids and family hardly ever get sick now, rarely even a cold. Check out our buddy's website in the above links. I think he has an email link on the website if you need help or have other questions.
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Hornet28BHDS
Parker, PA
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MichDoc wrote:An "old timer" told me to keep the musty smell out of my rig by putting a few buckets or coffee cans of plain old charcoal in them, and then closing the rig up for a few days. The charcoal absorbs the odors. Did a good job.
We put charcoal and kitty litter in the TT to absorb odors and keep things from being damp. 2 winters and no smells whatsoever!
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itsalleasy
USA
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Do the drain traps have water in them?
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