Dust Proof CT

[kris10j0sh]

So we've been looking for about 12mths now, and have been to all the shows in the Sydney and Wollongong areas over that time. There are so many choices out there. We've looked at a few diff brands, but keep coming back to the Complete Campsite. Everything else just doesn't seem to quite stack up to our expectations after liking CC. But BigJules from Trackabout is doing up a comp for Trackabout with the specs we are looking at and we are keen to see what they can do with their Extenda range.

But there is one thing we'd really like some opinions on...
Grant from CC mentioned at the last show we went to that no trailer is 'really' dust proof unless the trailer unit is sealed liked theirs, in that it doesn't have a bed base that can be lifted up. Their idea being there is no way you can stop dust from getting into the CT if the bed base opens.

Is this really the case?

So many other brands offer the gas assisted opening bed base. How can it be so wrong, if so many others are still doing it?

What do people think with their experiences? Is a sealed bed base really the best for dust proofing? Or are CC just 'pumping' their own product?

[GraemeL]

After looking at all of the different types of CT's out there, we bought a Grand Tourer from Adventure Offroad Campers. It is a very different design to the others, the bed and tent slide out from the back. Because of this, the area that houses the bed and tent is very well sealed, plus all other compartments are well sealed.

[MarkVS]

Kris,
couple of things to consider...
- if so many other manufacturers of good quality campers have strut lift beds, can they all have major dust issues ? I have been on this forum for nearly 3 years, and this is the first time I have heard of that statement...
- how often is it going to be a problem for you ?...ie..how often are you going through major bull dust areas ?


MarkVS

[maverick01]

I second that Kris.

We have a 2011 lifestyle 360 with strut lift up bed base. Through this area we do not get any dust what so ever due to the pinchweld automotive seal around the bed base. Although i will say we do get very minimal amounts of dust coming in via the rear tailgate but this is only due to the spare tyre being mounted on the tail gate causing it to occasionally flex.

We have spent hours at lifestyle and they are aware of this issue and are trying to rectify it in some way. Although the amount of dust we get through is that minor it doesnt worry us as it only falls on the kitchen bench and does not go any further. Yes we have been is some really dusty areas since we bought it. Eventually i will fit a foam seal between the tailgate and the trailer. In this area it also has the pinch weld seal around the tail gate.

[McGirr]

Whether you have a lift up bed base or not dust will find a way of getting in.  I am not sure about hard floor campers but soft floor campers will get dust coming in. It will vary on each camper brand.

Mark

[GeeTee]

Krisjosh (?) A lift-up bed base has maybe 12m of edge that needs sealing and a little bit of diagonal shimmy etc may allow the corners to misalign, leaving the trailer open for a microsecond. A few dozen million microseconds, when the trailer is enveloped in a cloud of dust from the tow car for thousands of kays, can add up to a lot of dust!

But it's not just a matter of (as you say) being 'wrong; everyone is doing it' it's just that nine out of 10 of most camper trailer manufacturers' customers will never drive dusty corrugated roads day after day so dust entry won't be an issue to them (or the manufacturer). Most people will accept (or not even notice) a slight haze of dust in their trailer after a weekend in the Wategan Forest.

I wouldn't stress too much about it: Never carry sensitive/fragile equipment in the trailer and always use crates etc with lids     

[letsgo]

We have a hard floor Aussie Swag and don't have issues with getting inside the camper. Dust can get on the seals on really dusty roads, but a wipe down off the seals makes sure they keep sealing tight. Make sure you really look at the seals they are using which ever camper you are looking at. Some just use a flat stick on foam seal you can buy from Bunnings. That is not going to seal as well as automotive type seals.

[noel_w]

I have an '03 Trackabout Safari with the flat type seal around the top and tailgate. It does let in a minute amount of dust but not as much as my GQ rear doors which I am still amazed at how little it is for the veteran beast it is.
I keep all our stuff in boxes with lids on for stuff that dust can be a pain for, all else gets a wipe down before use.
I have yet to tackle 1000's of K's of bulldust though. First time I did that was in a HQ Holden station wagon and boy did we suffer.

[chester ver2.0]

Whether you have a lift up bed base or not dust will find a way of getting in.  I am not sure about hard floor campers but soft floor campers will get dust coming in. It will vary on each camper brand.

Mark

Yep if it can get into your car in an outback trip it will get into your camper, look at the end of the day you are camping so look for a design that will minimise it but you may get some

[Trackabout Off Road Campers]

I have an '03 Trackabout Safari with the flat type seal around the top and tailgate. It does let in a minute amount of dust but not as much as my GQ rear doors which I am still amazed at how little it is for the veteran beast it is.
I keep all our stuff in boxes with lids on for stuff that dust can be a pain for, all else gets a wipe down before use.
I have yet to tackle 1000's of K's of bulldust though. First time I did that was in a HQ Holden station wagon and boy did we suffer.

G'day Noel_w, the issue with "foam tape" is it tends to flatten out after a while.. We have been using the automotive and pinch weld seals for a while now, not cheap by any means however keeps ALL the dust out and still enables you the ability to have a tilting bedbase!!

[kris10j0sh]

Thanks everyone, you have confirmed what I suspected!

Just on our experiences with our Jeep Wrangler alone, we totally expected some degree of dust. But of course you want the best form of protection you can get for your money.

[Pebble]

He he we were stupid enough to take our Jeep Wrangler on a touring trip with the soft top rather than the hard top! Certainly got pretty dusty in the back!

[Tjupurula]

I rekon the only way to completely dust proof anything is not to travel on roads that are going to get dusty.
I have been here all my life, other than recent hospital travels, and have yet to go anywhere without dust getting in.  The only time that does happen is during the wet, and then mud replaces the dust.
Regads
Tjupurula