Question from Cathy
Hello Debra,
Perhaps you or your readers can provide feedback and suggestions on the topic of RV’s. I have tried to do research online and by physically going through, or attempting such, a number of RV’s, and I am still in process of doing that. Many/most seem very problematic, particularly as I am especially sensitive to formaldehyde.
However, I want to include a couple of links for review of anyone who is interested. I have just learned of a company who makes the little trailers or pickup campers out of mostly composites and aluminum. They are LivinLite
Also, a company, Evergreen RV, seems to do a lot of composites in the construction, stating, for example, when I view the page on the Ascend small travel trailers, that they have low VOC’s and formaldehyde.
Do you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions? My husband and I have also looked at Airstream as some/many of them have some aluminum as wall covering, which should be more healthy. However, they are more expensive than most, even for the very small ones.
I have purchased and enjoyed several of your books over the last decade! I also find the blog very enjoyable and helpful.
Thanks,
Cathy
Debra’s Answer
I haven’t done much research on this topic, but I’m sure some of my readers will respond!
Many heartfelt thanks for all the research and guidance you give to all us Environmentally challenged humans out here in Toxic World.
On the subject of RV’s, we found someone who showed us how to outgas our RV when new woodwork was needed. Worked perfectly except I was not able to do it myself due to my environmental illness and severe COPD. We had already tried baking the inside, turning the heat up to extreme highs but it didn’t work for us.
In our empty RV, he opened up all drawers, doors, cupboards and anything that was shut. With all windows closed, he poured ammonia into two large glass platters that he had sitting at either end of the RV. Near the door he placed a small but powerful enough fan to circulate the air, turned it on and quickly shut the door and left the RV completely closed up for 24 hours. Without breathing inside the RV, he opened the door and windows and took out the ammonia, letting the RV completely air out. Because we had so much work done, it needed two “treatments” with several days of airing in between.
Took about a week altogether but when it was aired out, I had no reactions at all. You must be extremely careful not to breathe the ammonia. It is harmful and dangerous to your lungs. We were eternally grateful for his knowledge and ability to perform the outgasing for us.
Thanks for sharing. This is very useful. 🙂
After extensive research I believe the camplite is the most non toxic and they will allow customized requests that increase sustainability
Hi,
I am currently looking into purchasing an Airstream Travel Trailer and am wondering if the VOC potential might be less than that of other travel trailers due to the construction materials and lack of wall/ceiling coverings. Do you have any current information on the subject?
Yes the VOC potential would be less. Are you asking for information about current NEW Airstream trailers?
One problem with the Airstream campers is that, I believe, they still use plywood for their floors. Campers leak water and wet wood rots and molds. Do an internet search about Airstream rotted floors. Contact Airstream and ask them if they are using wood for their floors.
Airstream cabinetry, I believe, is particle or pressed board, not real wood… and then there is the finish on the cabinetry…
I own a 2014 Livin Lite CampLite which has aluminum frame, floor, side & roof structure, cabinets, outer skin and roof. The inner walls are covered with Azdel panels (VOC’s?) Of course the accessories (toilets, shades, A/C, etc.) are all made of plastic, vinyl, etc. which have VOC’s. This camper will not rot, but it is not free of all VOC’s.
Thor currently owns Livin Lite and has changed the camper materials through the years and they are supposed to be discontinue the Livin Lite line of campers, or at least many models.
I am currently shopping for a Latex mattress which is healthier than the poly-whatever most mattresses are made of.
I would really like more information on this topic as well. I wonder if an older trailer/RV would be safer? Toxic substances off-gas for a certain timeframe and then are less dangerous, right? Also, an older, cheaper (shabbier) RV would be well suited to updating, and you could choose green materials. It would be awesome if someone would research exactly what substances make RVs toxic, identify how long these remain dangerous, and figure out if age or other remedies would fix the issue.
Well yes materials do become less toxic with age. Materials would probably vary from brand to brand but all materials that outgas become less toxic with age.
I’m actually looking into this very subject for myself. Larry and I are going to start looking at old RVs and see if it’s feasible to rebuild one into a nontoxic tiny home. So I’ll report as we progress.
I am interested in this question as well. I’m wondering if Cathy has uncovered any other info about this, or if any other readers might have any input.
Debra, is an aluminum travel trailer a safe option? I don’t cook in aluminum or use deodorants containing aluminum, etc, but what about in something like a travel trailer? I assume there isn’t any harm in breathing the air inside an aluminum enclosure (from the aluminum, though of course there could be other problematic substances used in the trailer); is this a correct assumption?
Correct assumption to the best of my knowledge.