Lance 1130, Owner'S Manual

Page: 106 / 132

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Condensation
Condensation is the buildup of moisture inside your
tent due to differences between the inside and out-
side temperature. In your tent, it is caused by three
main sources:
• Weather conditions: High humidity, low tem -
peratures, and rainy conditions create the most
condensation.
• People: We produce about 1-2 pints of moisture
in a night through breathing and skin evapora-
tion.
• Wet environment: Wet ground or wet gear stored
inside the shelter will increase condensation.
The key to reducing condensation is ventilation.
Fresh air has to flow into your tent, and warm, moist
air has to escape. The tent manufacturer has de-
signed a variety of features and options that allow for
interior ventilation.
First, tent bodies and ceilings are made of breath-
able fabric and MicroMesh™. This allows moisture to
escape, so condensation will be on the waterproof
rainfly, not inside the tent. Unfortunately, no tent
design will totally eliminate condensation in all condi-
tions, but providing good ventilation using any of the
above tips will help in reducing it.
Zippers
Environments where sand and grit get in the zipper
teeth can cause abrasion and damage to your zip-
per sliders. If you use your tent in these conditions,
keep the zipper teeth clean by rinsing them out with
water. The pressure from a regular garden hose will
push out small sand particles from inside the zipper
coil. Handling your zipper slider with care can also
prolong the life of the zipper. Just like a zipper on a
duffle bag or piece of luggage, align the tracks before
sliding the zipper. If you do not camp in the type of
conditions described above, your zippers should last
indefinitely.
Fabrics & Micro Mesh Tears
Unfortunately, sometimes damage does occur to your
shelter. Seam sealers are a good option for small
holes, and duct tape can be used for minor, tem-
porary field repairs. If you use duct tape, be sure to
remove it as soon as you are through with your trip.
Otherwise, the adhesive will eventually eat away at
the fabric and you will end up needing a larger patch.
We recommend carrying at least one emergency
repair item as a precaution.
Interior Odor
New trailers may have a strong odor and even cause
eye irritation when closed up in hot weather. This is
due to glues used in the cabinetry and paneling. This
condition passes with time but in an extreme condi-
tion open the entry door and all windows and allow
the inside to air out for several hours.
Upholstery and Drapes
Draperies, mattress covers, upholstery and wall pads
are manufactured from quality materials and should
be dry cleaned only. Some dry cleaning methods
will damage vinyl or plastic found on cushions and
drapes. Be sure to consult your local cleaners. Fre-
quent vacuuming or light brushes between cleanings
will help prevent accumulation of dirt and grime. Use
of water based or detergent based cleaners may
cause shrinking. Water stains may become perma-
nent. Minor spills should be cleaned up quickly to
avoid staining. The affected area should be blotted,
not rubbed, to prevent the stain from working deeper
into the fabric. On vinyl upholstery, remove dirt and
dust with a vacuum cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a soft
cloth and dampen in a solution of mild soap and
water. Use the same solution with a soft-bristle brush
on more difficult spots. Your can also use commer-
cially-available spray or foam-type vinyl cleaners.
WARNING
Do not use lacquer thinner, nail polish remover, car-
bon tetrachloride, gasoline, or naphtha for any clean-
ing purpose. These products may cause damage to
the material being cleaned, and are highly flammable
or poisonous.
Wall and Ceiling Panels
The paneling and ceiling of your trailer may be any of
several finishes and textures. Never use harsh deter-
gents or abrasive cleaners on walls or ceilings. Most
surfaces will clean with a soft cloth moistened with
mild liquid detergent in warm water. Do not use large
amounts of water, which could saturate the material.
Floors and Carpeting
Vinyl flooring requires only washing and periodic
waxing. Vacuum the carpeting frequently to remove
dirt. Ground-in dirt will make the carpet wear our fast-
er. Periodically shampoo the carpet to keep it looking
new. Use one of the foam-type carpet cleaners on
the market. Follow the instructions that come with the
cleaner, applying it with a sponge or soft brush. Keep
the carpeting as dry as possible by not adding water
to the foam