Dealing with Condensation in a Shelter

[Ice-n-Snow]

I recently acquired a portable shelter and heater.  The primary goal is to keep things more comfortable and interesting for the wife and kids. 

Yesterday we used both for the first time.   A lot of condensation built up on the interior of the shelter.  The shelter was nearly as wet as it would have been if I left it out in the rain, only all the moisture was on the inside. 

I can foresee all kinds of problems if this isn't managed - mold, rotting fabric, rust, frozen parts, etc.  Today I'll be bringing the shelter in the house and putting it near the furnace to dry it out.

Is this typical?  Are there ways to manage or prevent condensation build up?  Will I be bringing this thing inside to dry after every time I use it?

Thanks for the help.
 

 

[thefishingweatherman]

The amount of condensation largely depends of 3 factors. Temperature outside, relative humidity outside, and how many people you have in the shelter. Short of airing it out periodically, or leaving the door cracked, there's probably not much you can do about it on those days where it's moist. Bigger shelters have less of an issue though.

[hardwater diehard]

I agree with all of the above post ...propane heater will add to moisture ...keep it well ventilated ...could wipe it down from time to time ...only real cure is an insulated shelter ..another IS member mentioned putting a tarp atop your shelter ...the math is it creates a barrier/air pocket ..

[flagfishon]

I set mine up in the basement every time I come home to dry out,  This year I bought a can of Camp Dry to treat the fabric. I haven't tried it yet, but it is supposed to help with the moisture buildup.  I'm also looking at a fan like this one from FishUSA(http://www.fishusa.com/product/Clam-LED-Fan-Light-Combo?utm_source=google_ps&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_ps&gclid=Cj0KEQiAn8i0BRDur-HV1PCTy4UBEiQAPuFr9FUpq_n6470Muo1mXB7VCLb9oDIlwOKR9THHG5bIttgaAmPc8P8HAQ).

[dickbaker]

  Would you tell us what you have for shelter and heater?
Dick

[Ice-n-Snow]

I have an Eskimo Quickfish 3 and a Mr. Heater Buddy. 

[Troutmagnet]

I set mine up in the basement every time I come home to dry out,  This year I bought a can of Camp Dry to treat the fabric. I haven't tried it yet, but it is supposed to help with the moisture buildup.  I'm also looking at a fan like this one from FishUSA(http://www.fishusa.com/product/Clam-LED-Fan-Light-Combo?utm_source=google_ps&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_ps&gclid=Cj0KEQiAn8i0BRDur-HV1PCTy4UBEiQAPuFr9FUpq_n6470Muo1mXB7VCLb9oDIlwOKR9THHG5bIttgaAmPc8P8HAQ).

Are you going to spray the inside face of the fabric???

[flagfishon]

Yeah.  I'm going to start with the inside and if there is anything left I'll do the outside as well.  I'll try to remember to post my results.

[tracker one]

if you are going to spray it, do it in a warm area where you won't have to smell the fumes, and then let it dry for a couple of days or it will make you sick when you fish in it

[Light liner]

Don't forget the propane discharge a pile of moisture, unless they're direct vent.
That's why on my hard side I run wood heat.
Portable you just to deal with it.

[Crayfish2]

There isn't much you can do about the moisture on the inside when running a heater.  I set mine up in the basement after every trip to let it dry out.  Unless it's brutally cold, I tend to leave a door at least cracked open to get a little air circulation.  The little air vents in my Clam don't let much air in.

[Redneck Fishfinder]

I just keep a rag around for the moisture because propane heaters generate a lot of moisture. I run the heater on low to slow the buildup of condensation.

[LukeB]

Too late now, but when I was looking for a new one I went with insulated to get rid of the condensation.

[tracker one]

do the insulated ones stop the moisture from collecting on the inside

[Ice-n-Snow]

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions.  I can see that keeping this thing in decent condition is going to be a bit of a task.  Its set up in my basement to dry right now.  Wife isn't thrilled but the kids seem to like playing in it.   

[Akhardwater]

Put a tarp on top. Don't block any vents or windows.  The camp dry does nothing already tried it.  Trust me go with the tarp, I use a 6x6 tarp on my Q3 and the roof stays dry.  The walls will still get wet but that's really no big deal.

[LukeB]

Yeah they keep condensation from accumulating on the inside.

[Troutmagnet]

Put a tarp on top. Don't block any vents or windows.  The camp dry does nothing already tried it.  Trust me go with the tarp, I use a 6x6 tarp on my Q3 and the roof stays dry.  The walls will still get wet but that's really no big deal.

Will definitely bring a tarp with me next time I set up my Eskimo Fat fish. Thanks for the feedback on using camp dry.

[potatoe]

I just tried both, one flip over had insulated top only. Had condensation like crazy on the sides.

Just tried a full thermal and no condensation but the walls do feel wet.

I set it up in garage and use a fan to dry it out when done

I have heard that running a small fan inside shelter will help when fishing, have not tried that yet