Travel Dirt & Grunge - A Question

[Outthewazoo]

I have a well used 2006 2720SL. Just back from a 2 week, 2,200 mile trip with 8 stops.

Dirt and grunge accumulates on the walls, ceiling, ...on everything from travel. Leaves, pine needles, and debris collect on the flaps in the seam next to the walls. This issue has been ongoing, but has became really apparent on this last long trip.

Question:
Can others with a new or newer TM tell me if they have this issue?

Thank you

[Kidkraz]

I have a 2013 and have the same problem. I get dirt marks against the inside walls when I open and close the shells. I also see the accumulation of debris in the flaps or around the camper, since when closing the shells. The air pushes it around. I bring a 12volt car vac to keep the inside clean.

[Outthewazoo]

Thanks for the response.

So is interior dirt and debris a normal expectation of a traveling TM? I would also like to know if this is the case for new TM. Please respond if you have a new (2019+) TM and your experience. Thank you

[Bill]

I have owned three TMs - a 2002, a 2006, and now a 2020. We have always experienced dust infiltration when driving on unpaved rural roads. But it sounds like you are describing something much more pervasive.

My theory - and it is only a theory - is this. As you know, when the TM is collapsed for travel, the front and rear shells are not rigidly attached to the frame. They can move up and down a bit. As they move, they work as an air pump. When they move down, air is expelled from the interior spaces, and when they move back up, air is sucked inside. It seems reasonable to me that this pumping action would bring in some dust and dirt. To address this, you might try to limit the amount of up and down motion by adjusting the center latches and the corner latches. Don't tighten them down too much, as the corner latches especially are prone to pulling out. But they shouldn't be floppy, either.

While I believe that this pumping action could bring in dust and dirt from the roadway, it seems a bit harder to believe that it could bring in leaves and twigs. I'm guessing that the bag seals are not adequately sealing. Note that if the center latches are too loose, the roof seals may gap open, bringing in leaves and twigs from the roof. In addition to tightening the center latches, you might try sweeping the roof before you start each day's trip.

In addition to the above, on all three TMs I have noticed that the biggest area of dust and grit infiltration (but no leaves or twigs) is inside the floor-level cabinets around the oven. This seemed to be because the black plastic wheel well liner wasn't adequately sealed to the floor. Application of some silicone sealer all around the wheel well liner helped, but did not eliminate this problem.

Bill

[Onyrlef]

I suspect the twigs and leaves are coming from the section of the back shell roof to which the interior is exposed when the TM is collapsed. I'm regularly sweeping the stuff out after returning from the woods. I think it gets stirred up as the front shell is coming down and from the ride home.

[Bill]

I suspect the twigs and leaves are coming from the section of the back shell roof to which the interior is exposed when the TM is collapsed.

I agree. Somehow I assumed (yeah, I know) that this was being done.

We carry a small push broom, and clean off this piece of the roof from the inside, after the rear shell is closed but while the front shell is still open. At least one owner reports carrying a battery-powered leaf blower sort of thing, for this same purpose.

Bill

[Outthewazoo]

Thanks all. You’ve confirmed what I’ve been suspecting. The leaves and twigs I know are coming in from the rear shell roof. Blowing off the roof before closing will correct that. It’s the dirt and grime on the ceiling and walls that accumulate from paved interstate and highway travel that is somewhat disappointing, but is, I guess, part of the TM experience.