Looking at "injured" 2001 TM 2619

[Wavery]

2. Also, there is a gap between the upper, front panel and the body of the trailer. We didn't measure it, but it looks like it is about 2-3" wide.
Our concern here is varmints (raccoons, chipmunks, mice, etc).

Do the gaps allow pests to get in?

As stated....there should be no "Gaps". I'm wondering if you are missing the fold-down covers that close the gap between the upper & lower shell.

They should be held against the upper shell for traveling when the camper is folded. When you open the camper, you slide out the bed platforms and put down these flaps. There are velcro strips on the lower box and the flaps just press against them, thus closing the 3" gap and sealing up the camper.

 

[wbmiller3]

This is my guess also as to what the gap is.

 

[Barb & Tim]

Thanks for all the advice and assistance.
We don't want to sound paranoid (just cautious), but.....

Yes, the TM we looked at had the flaps on the upper panel which attached to the lower with velcro strips. We have several concerns re this arrangement. For example, how effective is it in keeping the "tree rats" out? We have seen them chew through the plastic trash cans in our neighborhood (they are about 1/8 thick and are rated to hold up to 200 pounds) to get to the goodies inside.

Another concern is that the raccoons tend to be very intelligent and extremely good at getting into things (for example, they've figured out how to open latches and raid coolers here in the Ozarks). We are concerned that they would be able to figure out how (and be strong enough to take advantage) to get into the TM by defeating the velcro. Any experience with this?

Thanks

 

[Bill]

All I can say is that we have been TMing for almost 10 years, and have stayed in many "wild" campgrounds. We have never had a critter try to get in - don't ask me why they don't try. It may be simply that if they don't see a gap (a crevice or hidey-hole), they don't realize they could even try to get in. On the other hand, if they see a gap or a crevice - well, a squirrel's life is built around gaps and holes and crevices.

Bill

 

[Wavery]

We don't want to sound paranoid

TOO late..........