Smartcap truck camping. Need help with condensation control.

What’s up fam. Truck camping this week up in mammoth mountain then Tahoe for a few more days. Teps aren’t to crazy, low 20s. I don’t have an issue staying warm but need help with the condensation buildup, it ends up freezing on the inside of my truck. Any tips. Thinking of getting some sort insulation for the inside like for garage doors to see if it helps.

 

I've got top to bottom bed rug in my cap which seems to help alot with condensation when camping in it. Haven't tried it at 20 F though.

 

Insulation and a dry source of heat.

 

Stop breathing

But seriously, you have to vent in order to allow your breath vapor to escape. Otherwise it builds up and freezes.

 

In the small space and that weather, you will need a fan and an open window or two. I know your pain, but have only done it sparingly.

 

I’ve had condensation happen in ground tents, rooftop tents, and a smartcap. At some point I’ll remember to open the top a little.

 

Only way around it is either a lot of dry heat (furnace, not propane buddy heater style) or leave the window/hatch open with a fan running.

 

I had two of the windows cracked just a small amount. I’ll experiment with how much of a gap I need to keep the freeze down. I’ll look into having a fan as well.

 

Insulation, a small heater and ventilation. Or an SUV. That view of the mountain is incredible.

 

It was hinted at in post #7 but not elaborated upon regarding the Propane. When propane burns it puts out a 4 to 1 ratio of water to fuel burned just adding to the amount of water available to freeze. Oh, and some say it can asphyxiate you too. Four liters of water to every liter of propane burned.

 

@crazysccrmd where and how am I using the fan. Like just a fan running moving air around. Or fan on top or fan in the window? I need to figure this out I plan on doing a lot of cold weather and snow camping.

 

I love snow!

 

You’ll want a vent or a fan blowing warm, moist air OUT up high, preferably near your head. A second vent or fan down low to let cold, dry air IN will help that work more efficiently.

if you can only do one, use a high fan OUT, and a slight negative pressure will draw some cold air in thru all the little gaps in the bed. If the system works well preventing condensation, you’ll also lose a few degrees of temp. That’s the trade off.

Good luck. Those are amazing views!

B

 

You'll want it to be pulling the air out so it takes the moisture with it. Where it is kinda depends on how you vent the cap while sleeping because it will need a place to exhaust the moist air while pulling in dry air somewhere else.

 

A diesel heater will eliminate all condensation and make you a lot more cozy. I love mine.

 

1500 watt little electric heater with fan, 2k inverter gen outside to run it. Anything that uses fossil fuel just adds to the humidity problem.

 

I'd be kinda curious to experiment with an r2 closed cell sleeping pad laid on top of the smartcab, just one side with the reflective coating facing toward the camper.

 

When I winter truck camp, I don't use a heater, but I still get some frost build up on the inside of my Leer just from my expirations- even with the tailgate and windows open. A headliner helps.

 

Sup yall, Just an update for anyone.. heading to home depo this weekend gonna pick up some Pro Select R-Matte Plus-3, 2 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. R-13.1 Foam Insulation Board, cut it up and get it installed on the inside of roof of the cap, was thinking of just doing some 0.82 ft. x 7.09 in. Self-Adhensive Aluminum Foil Reflective Insulation Foam Radiant Barrier (10-pack) on the sides that i cant fit the other insulation board. I was also thinking of trying to mock something up like the photo attached for a window fan set up so i don't have to cut any holes into my cap.

Let me know what you guys think. I am still planning on running a desal heater as well, i don't really have and issues getting cold but happy wife happy life isn't that the saying ha.

 

You can get a decent diesel heater on Amazon for $150 too