How to Stop Floor Condensation in a Rooftop Tent - iKamper Skycamp Mini on Subaru Outback
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 เม.ย. 2020
- Learn a quick and easy way to line the floor of your rooftop tent to stop condensation build-up under your mattress and sleeping bag. Host Scott Leuthold walks you clearly and step-by-step through the process of installing adhesive carpet tiles, and then remove the factory mattress and replace with an entire sleeping system in an iKamper Skycamp Mini.
Notice: There is no product placement in this video.
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• How to Stop Floor Cond... - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Hey Everybody! If you have any questions please ask. Happy to help. Be sure to look at the video description for more information and a few links to help you out. Hope everyone is well and healthy. Note, there is also a new 4XPEDITION Expedition Vehicle sticker in the store. Check it out on our website: bit.ly/2xF7SBP
Thank you!
Hi! Now that it's been a while, how did it stop the condensation build up? Are you satisfied? Thank you
Yes I also want to know how it has turned out. Is carpet tiles the solution?
Just ran into this problem with my foam and condensation. Got some mold 😢. How is this working out? Thanks!
That’s really helpful I just bought ikamper skykamp 2.0 week ago didn’t even use yet I will gonna do that for sure before my first camp which is this weekend 👍
Thanks for posting all this great content! We are scheduled to get our iKamper mini installed next weekend, and your review & tips have been helpful in our decisions all along. Keep it up!
Hey there! I’m glad to hear this. It’s no small purchase decision. Glad to help! Thanks for watching!
Wow, I’m sooooo going to do that!!! Incredible idea!!! Great job man ✌🏽
Nicely done! Definitely on my list of projects this winter.
Thanks Robert!
As usual Scott another great video with a great way to help with condensation issues! By the way nice to see someone take the effort to do a professional looking job while laying down the tiled carpet!
Thanks man!
I should be getting my ikamper mini this week and I had worries about needing to do something with the mattress setup, this helps a lot and I'm definitely going this direction. Thank you!
Glad it helped!
That was excellent. I'll likely do this as well when I get my 3.0. Thanks for sharing that.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
I just purchased the iKamper 2.0 a few weeks ago and we are going on our first camping trip with it this weekend. I'm glad I looked at this video prior to going. I purchased one box of the floor tiles at Lowes, the same you purchased, and it was plenty to cover the 4 person tent...I had 3 tiles left over. Thanks for the tip...very helpful!
Good to know. Thanks.
Just did this exact thing to my ikamper mini! Wow does it make a difference, just visually. Happy to see you’ve experienced no condensation. Thanks for the video and guidance, sir!
You bet, Logan!
Thanks another interesting and useful video, also great camera work. Stay well and safe!
Thanks for being a regular viewer, Robert! Stay safe and well also!
Great !!! What a difference a box of carpet tiles can make 👍 Not a bad job by the fitter too 🤗👍
LOL. Thanks Paul!
Really nice job, great video. Thanks for the tip
Glad it was helpful!
Looks like I just found something to do this weekend. Thanks! 🙂
Have fun!
mmmm!!… very interesting solution.
Looking forward to see the results
Nice Job, I imagine it helps insulate the tent better than anti-condensation mats.
Hey there. It seems to.
this is great. thank you
You're very welcome!
My, lets call it "eye for detail" appreciated the fact you trimmed both tiles to maintain a uniform center seam line & flipped cuts to the outside. Those ate the details that many don't notice until they aren't done properly. Nice job.
Thanks Brian! I’m a designer by trade so I do a lot of detail oriented work. Glad you appreciated that.
Hi. Did this work long term. Thanks
cool idea!
Thanks!
Awesome video Luke! I’ve never been interested in a rooftop tent, but this video is starting to win me over. I currently have a Thule Motion XT alpine cargo carrier and it holds a lot of gear. I believe it has 16 cu ft of storage. How much does your ikamper have?
Hey there Jon. the Mini inside width is about 4'3" and about 6' 11" long. You can't store that much inside when closed as the design folds in on itself and also holds the ladder (which of course is why I removed the factory pads for a different system. The mini does leave some room on the roof for other gear though. If you watch this video you can see more about that. th-cam.com/video/JUbbaxvUTwg/w-d-xo.html
Looks nice, I’ve heard using carpet this way will lead to mildew tho. There’s probably a reason iKamper opted for cork in the new iKamper Skycamp DLX.
I’ve had my Mini for a couple months now, this is a great idea! Mine tends to get really hot, being on top of my FJ, so my question is- does the interior of your tent hold a different smell? Does the carpet air out pretty good? Thanks for the video. I look forward to more from you.
Hey Rick! Ya it has a carpet smell for a bit when opening. Also, being in Arizona, some of the carpet unsticks - the flipped section when closed and in 110 degree sun.
This is exactly what I’ve been wanting to do, thank you for this video! Did you notice much of a temperature difference after taking the original bed out and installing the carpet and using the exped mat system? Thanks in advance and keep up the awesome content!
Hey there! No, I can’t say I’ve experienced any difference in temperature in the unit with the carpet.
And thanks for watching!
Great video, I love the groovy music. If you cut out strips of carpet and put them on the rungs of the latter, would the latter be able to close?
It would still be able to close, yes. Though, generally, I take my shoes off at the top of the ladder rather than the bottom and hang them off the ladder or set them on a plastic mat inside so the carpet would get pretty dirty on the ladder, especially after rain. Thanks for watching Peter!
thank you Scott. another great video. how to you prevent condensation forming inside of tent now that your floor is set? any tips will be helpful. thanks in advance
Hi there! Well, I haven't had that issue really. It may be that I live in the desert southwest and it is dryer here than other places. Sorry, I cannot help further.
I have to say that came out fantastic. Great job on the install. In listening to you talk about the cuts and hiding them on the edges. In hindsight would you have started from the hinge and laid them away from you towards the hard shell?
No I don’t think so. No matter how you slice it you are going to have seams showing but it would have felt better on the knees!
4XPEDITION l I hear that.
Really great video… extremely thorough. Curious, will this also work as well if keeping the original foam mattress?
I’ve been debating just purchasing an anti condensation mat vs this approach and trying to determine which would be more effective…?
Yes it will I think. Not positive, though. We live in the desert so it's a dryer climate.
Great video I have the ikamper 2.0 love it I will be installing the carpet tiles can I keep the mattress it cane with? I like it it is sturdy nice and firm. When I was camping in Carpinteria I noticed the condensation thank you for the tip❤️
I love Carpinteria!
Am I able to keep the mattress it came with if I install the tiles?
Great work. It looks great. If you didn't know, it looks like it came from the factory like that. How much extra weight do you think you've added using these tiles?
Not sure but it is extremely marginal. Especially since I removed the factory padding.
Great idea! I think that I will be doing that when I get mine for sure! How is it holding up?
It's good. My son now owns the vehicle and rooftop tent. He uses it al the time with no issues.
Great video! I like your modification. I was wondering how much height does your Skycamp Mini Roof Top Tent add to the overall height of your vehicle? I'm thinking about buying one but being able to still park in my garage with it mounted on the roof is key.
Hi there Ricardo! Great question! YOu should watch my video about the Prunsu Rack install and iKamper mini install found under the Gear Guide playlist. Primarily, I removed the factory Subaru rack I had on top which was outfitted with an additional Yakima rack for stability when I had the tent on. I remove all that and replaced with a Prinsu rack to lower the roof around 4 to 5 inches in total in order to be able to fit inside the garage. Here is the Prinsu Install th-cam.com/video/DIWOj2ypviw/w-d-xo.html and here is the iKamper mini test install. th-cam.com/video/JUbbaxvUTwg/w-d-xo.html
Great job!! Also can you close the mini with the pillows inside?
Yes I can. I had to get sleeping bags that had a lot of loft rather than bags that were thick and heavy. The bags with loft you can push all the air out of and they get flatter. I have Exped mats aired down and folded over the long way, two 20 degree sleeping bags and two full sized pillows up there.
Great video. Im in Az as well. How has the mats held up over the winter and now into our "colder" months? Have the mats reduced condesation? do you see any at all in the last couple months? Thanks, just looking for a cheaper alternative to the smittybilt mats
I haven’t had any condensation. 😄
Great idea and video!!! iKamper you watching and listening? Make this an option with the purchase of your iKamper products so that people will not have to do-it-themselves. Personally, I wouldn't mind paying a little extra to have this floor lining configuration come directly from the factory. Besides, reducing condensation is a good thing and will increase the longevity of and satisfaction with your product. ....just saying.
LOL, thanks for watching. By the way, iKamper watches my videos. In fact, they share them on their private Facebook Group called iKamper Community. ;-)
Ditto on making that type floor a factory option. I plan to purchase on of these soon & would love to have that option.
So interest in how that worked for you? Do it absorb the condensations and if it did,did carpet stay put, or did they lose the stickiness? Did you have to air it out for days because of mildew? Ty.
Awesome video. Did you get the medium or medium wide Expeds?
Thanks! Mine are medium I believe.
Thank you very much for the video. I just used my ikamper mini for 4 straight weeks from brand new. I totally agree the factory mattress needs to stay at home. I'm gonna get an exped. My question to you is how come you didn't buy a duo verison of the Deepsleep in the medium size? Its the same size as two of the singles together. Or did you just already have them? I'm thinking of getting the megamat 10 duo. Also - looks nice putting the tent away at the height you have it. I need to stand up on my 35" tires to tuck in the material from getting caught on the sides. Hahaha
Referring to the EXPED mattresses? I found them online...I think possibly at Moosejaw.
Nice job Scott. Love the Blue color , I thought they were grey at first.. Are these tent tops worth looking at to buy used ? If anyone doesn't know how to get the square footage as Scot said measure the length x width of the area you want to cover & it will give your square footage.. Ex: 6' x 5'6" is 6x5= 30sq' & 6'x6" = 3sq',,,, 30 sq ft plus 3sq ft = 33 square feet. Just example... Makes it look sweet. & I'm sure helps w heat & condensation big time.. Great Tip Scott.
Yes absolutely. In fact, if you are interested in an IKamper, There is an IKamper community on Facebook. If you join that group and post that you were interested in buying one, more than likely you’ll find somebody who is interested in selling you one.
Hey great video, super clean work. How is it holding up today? Do you still have this set up?
My son now owns the Subaru and the iKamper Mini. And, it is still working great!
Gotta love Arizona places always have bars on their windows lol
Hello friend! great idea I am about to purchase Ikamper myself and have been looking at all options for fixing small issues users have found over the years... so again back to the hot sun, I will be in central america alot in the sun it gets close to 40degree celsius. Since you installed did the carpet glue melt and start to move around or get messy? thanks
I haven’t opened it in two months as I was on the road with the RAM. I’ll be opening it up next week. Stay tuned!
Great idea ! Did the tiles stay stuck down good? I’m in south Texas It gets hot I’m worried they won’t stay stuck.
Thank you
Hi Jason. Yes. On my tent they have.
Thanks. Question. Understanding it’s less comfortable, would the carpet squares under the factory pad work as well? Also, any other thoughts on adhering the carpet to the floor to make it less “permanent”? Velcro strips, etc?
I removed the factory pad because it wasn't soft enough and wanted to keep my bedding inside the tent at all times. You could add the carpet under the pad though.
hey man, this is a sweet idea. Thanks. We have a hardtop RTT (Roost) and the fiberglass hardtop will get frozen condensation on it (Winter-20d), that then drips down when it melts in the morning. Any good ideas on how to prevent that?
yep, and it has worked for me so far. Of course keep in mind I live in Arizona where the air is very dry.
Hi…are the tiles easy to peel off when needing to? Thanks 😊
How have they held up? Anything you would do differently now?
Nice video. Have you checked under the carpet tiles to see if there was condensation?
Yes I have. Nothing.
Informative and interesting. Did the carpet prevent condensation? I have a cvt mt hood..it gets pretty wet under the mattress in cool weather
I’ve never had any condensation. But, I do live in a dryer climate.
I Have a mount hood also and I want to do the same thing in hopes of preventing condensation
Great video. I've had issues closing my ikamper mini with stock pads and just leaving the insulation inside but dropped to the floor. I just can't do it. I have to remove everything except the pads. If i install the carpet squares and get the nice memory foam inflating mattress from REI, will i have any problems closing the mini with the bag/blankets/pillows/whatever. P.s. I'm in tucson at the moment.
Hey there! I’m able to put two full-size pillows, two deflated air mattresses, two blankets And two sleeping bags up there and able to close it. It’s a little tight but not too bad.
Did it stop the condensation? That’s what the video was about right?
Just returned from the wild on an adventure with the new carpet. No condensation!
I still get condensation with the condensation mat. If I added the tile under the mat, do you think it would help? Am wondering about the order of things. Thanks & useful video
Hi there. I don't know if it would help. Depends on where you are located and the climate, I think. I would think the carpet would help.
Good job. Have you had any mold or mildew issues?
Not as of yet.
Do you recommend this even for us who are in the Northeast winter camping? I am concerned that the rug will get moisture and not dry out.
Hmm... honestly, I don't know. I live in such a dry climate it is completely different.
Nice vid! Question on your Ikamper did you peel away the plastic film on the baseboards before applying or did you leave it on?
Mine didn't have plastic on there. I would say remove it if it is just a clear flim and peels easily.
Sounds good. Yeah mine had it. Like the protective film when they get the material from the main supplier. I always just left it on for extra protection but yeah makes sense. Thanks. Great video and great response.
Hi there! I have the ikamper mini. What are the model numbers of the Exped mattresses you have in there? Do they fit in the smaller width section near the door ok? What are the Matt dimensions? Thank you!
You can find them here under Sleep System: 4xpedition.com/equipment/overland/
How has this worked in practice? It would seem that the last thing you'd want to put in a potentially damp area would be carpet? I'd think something which allowed air circulation would be more effective.
Well, I live in the desert so it has worked well. Not sure about other regions of the USA.
What a great idea! I got my skycamp mini about a month ago and have already had a 4-5 trips in it - I love it. I haven't had any issues with condensation yet but I plan on swapping out the mattress so I may run into that. The carpet seems like a nice solution. My only worry is despite not bringing shoes into the tent, we always seem to get dirt and mud inside. I like the option of being able to wipe down the inside after getting home, do you have any trouble with that now? Thanks for the video.
Well, I don't let my boots get inside the tent at all. I will say that the carpets are washable. I just got back from a trip and didn't experience much dirt inside.
Hey man I have a smittlybuilt RTT and looking to do this mod I was just wondering will this work up in Canada blow -1 to -5 and what kind of carpet tile should I be looking for the links you have are for the states I checked my Lowe’s online and they don’t sell that box of carpet tile you have
If you look for commercial carpet tiles that are 12x12 with sticky backs, that is what I used. Not sure about the temperature being that low if it will stick to the metal. I think you will just have to give it a try. My sister and her husband just bought the new Smittybuilt RTT. They really like it.
I am switching from a tepui to the new skycamper mini 3.0. The shoe storage pouch for the tepui ia conveniently located near the ladder. You can hang your legs outside the tent (while sitting inside) and put your shoes on. It looks the the ikamper requires you to hang the shoe carrier further in closer to the vehicle. How is this working out? can it be relocated closer to the ladder?
I think it is positioned to hang under the tent overhang to keep everything dry. You could add a shoe hanger next to the door though.
So it has been two years since you added the carpet. Did it work at preventing or reducing the condensation in the iKamper? Any additional thoughts on making it better?
Thank You
Still no issues. The adhesive can come unstuck once in a while. I like it how it is.
Hi Scott - Great, informative video. Quick question... I have a Skycamp mini, and was wondering if you had any interest in selling me your leftover tiles. I’d rather not spend $200 on a box of tiles when I only need half of them. Please let me know!
I gave them to my brother as he also bought a mini.
How many boxes of tiles do I need for Ikamper skycamp 2.0? Any idea?
Hi there. I am sorry I don't know. I will tell you that I ALSO have a iKamper Skycamp 4 person tent. It is in my garage at the moment, but I haven't put carpet in it. Only the Mini.
Hey Scott, I read in a previous comment that the heat in AZ ended up melting the adhesive of the mats a few months back. Did you end up redoing the mats with the same method or did you use another? Also, how'd you deal with cleaning all the left over adhesive on the metal parts? Thanks!
Hi there. I didn’t say that. I’ve had no problems with my carpet sticking even in full heat. My brother said he had a couple of the panels come off but he just put them back on. Hope that helps!
@@4XPEDITION "Also, being in Arizona, some of the carpet unsticks - the flipped section when closed and in 110 degree sun." I think this is what KayCee is referring to.. I'd also like to know.
Did you look into getting the Exped Megamat 10 Duo?
No I haven’t. Not sure they would fit width wise in that RTT
@@4XPEDITION Thanks. I'll take some measurements to see if it'll fit, but I don't think that it will.
Now that you have had this for a few months, how is it working? Did it solve the condensation problem?
Still working great.
Could I put a layer of insulation underneath the carpet tiles?
possibly, but then the carpet tiles would have to stick to the insulation.
Great video. Did you consider just placing the XPed matresses on top of the iKamper factory pads and doing without the carpet tile?
Hey there. Thanks for watching! Well, that would defeat the purpose as my goal, other than increasing comfort (thickness of mattress) was to increase room to store sleeping bags and pillows up there full time. With the iKamper mattress inside there, there is no room for bedding.
If you have to take the carpet off, does it pull up easy? Thanks.
Yes. I haven’t had to pull up but the adhesive isn’t overly sticky.
Could you use a moving blanket?
I would imagine so however, it may bulk up when you fold it away inside unless you remove it before closure.
How has the carpeting held up long term? How difficult is it to remove if necessary?
Great!
Curious... have you had to pack up your tent after a soaking rain with that carpet inside? If so, how long did it take to dry the floor out when you got home?
I'd be hesitant to do this hack without seeing a good follow-up after a stint in the PNW or Alaska.
Also, it'll be hard to find the bolts and reroute your rails under the tent if you need to reorient it.
Just food for thought...
That's a bit hard to answer. I live in the desert so everything drys in a matter of an hour or two.
I like this idea a lot, but after using my iKamper for a week straight, dirt was under the pad despite keeping shoes out of it. I'd hate to see that nice carpet get gross!
Was there enough in one box to do two mini’s? Or did it need slightly more?
I think there was if I recall. I gave the rest to my brother and he carpeted his.
Which size expads did you go with for two people?
I used the longer ones. Forget the model.
Now that we got into colder months how's this still doing? I have some friends here in the PNW that have other model tents and say it doesn't work but actually absorbs the condensation. I know ikamper designed the skycamp with the waffle floor to reduce floor condensation. I'm just curious if this is still working. Thanks in advance
Still working for me. However, remember, eventhough winter months in Arizona are more moist than fall and spring...especially this year...it is still much more dry here than in PNW.
@@4XPEDITION I read in other comments that's you're in AZ after I posted. I will say this is my first RTT so Idk about others but I spent a night in the snow with temps down to 16F and didn't find much condensation under the mat but there was some. This was also fairly cold and the air tends to dry out when it's that low. I'm still tempted to try this method on the ikamper due to their floors design. Not only does it look better but it adds some insulation I'd think. I like the fact it actually sticks, most of the AC mats that are recommended and have positive reviews have no way to secure to the floor which for the skycamp would be an extra step I don't want.
Question Aren’t you worried that the tile will get moldy under the mat?
No not really....but remember, I'm in the desert. Things dry out quickly here. I can put a wet pair of jeans out in the sun to dry and they will be stiff dry within a few hours.
Scott will you let me know why you use two single pad as opposed to one double pads? I’m trying to order mine but would like to know what’s the right choice
Do you mean the Exped mats? I use two because I needed to get the right full width to fit into my iKamper Skycamp Mini. The folded out leg and foot area where the door and ladder are is narrower than the upper torso area when sleeping and these two particular mats fit the width correctly. Plus, when I travel alone I like to double them up for even more comfort.
@@4XPEDITION thanks for answering. I also figured out why I’d choose two single one because two people may not have the same weight one side my sag more. I was looking at megamat 15 if I doubles up they will be wider than my tent so I’m going to get the megamat 10 thanks again
@@shupingyin8082 Makes total sense!
After now 1 year, how did the carpet tiles do in stopping the condensation?
On both my iKamper and my brother's they work well. On my brothers, his has often become unstuck (the adhesive) on the tiles that are on the part of the floor that folds over.
Did this work, the carpet seemed a little thin. I wasn’t sure if it would be enough R value to make a difference.
Well, the carpet really isn't meant for that. It is meant for the condensation barrier. I will add that it does stay warmer.
Did you remove the plastic covering the aluminum?
Hi Eric. Mine didn't have any plastic from the factory.
Another person did this in a video and they said they had to replace it eventually - have you had to replace yours yet?
My son now owns the vehicle. He has had no problems. We have not replaced the carpet.
Won’t the carpet sections draw moisture??
They haven’t on mine.
So did it help with condensation? Just wondering
So far so good. I’ve not experienced any condensation!
Did it work for condensation prevention?
So far yes. Took it on an adventure last weekend in cold weather and it did great.
Isn't the carpet tile just absorbing the condensation? I've seen other condensation reducing applications and they're all based on improving airflow which this doesn't do at all. Just curious.
Hi there. Hasn't been an issue for our iKamper tent. Maybe because the carpet is so thin. Not sure why. Also, could be the drier air in Arizona.
@@4XPEDITION I live up here in the PNW...not sure it would work with how much condensation I have inside ours. Glad it's working for you!
Hi!
Is it a bad idea to drill some tiny holes under the matress in the metal surface below to prevent condensation? Too stupid or ridiculous?
Yeah. Probably. You don't need anything that can cause leaks.
@@4XPEDITION ok, I get it, no leaks, but in this case, it would be between the matress and the metal floor.
Can you explain a little more please!?
How has this held up and worked?
Hasn't been a problem since. But, remember, we are in the desert southwest. Dry here.
@@4XPEDITION Copy that. Im in Northern California about an hour out of the Sierras, so a bit more moisture.
Now that it’s been a few months are you still happy with the carpet tiles and expeds? Did I see that the tiles didn’t stick long term?
I live in the desert and the temps get very hot, like about 120 degrees. So the folded over tiles have intermittently come undone. Glue melt. Regarding the carpet I think it is a great way to mitigate condensation. The expeds I bought ended up being too thin. I have since discovered a thicker pad that would have fit.
4XPEDITION which pads did you discover? I have the carpets ready to install and like the ability to leave them in the tent with the bag and pillows..
So would you do the same thing again?
I'm using 18x18 Stainmaster from Home Depot. 1 box is the perfect amount. Using the Sea to Summit comfort plus because the Exped is overpriced and gets bad reviews
man, did you lick your fingers before delving into the tip jar? giving yourself the chinese virus sandwich....Hard habit to break, i know lol. great idea using the carpet squares
Lol. It’s not a shopping cart handle that’s for sure,
hank Palma racist comments are uncool bro
kinda pointless without knowing if it worked
You could just ask. :-) I haven’t had any condensation issues since install. Now, I live in a dry climate so I cannot say how it works in a humid climate. But that is a part of my ongoing field testing.
4XPEDITION the title was “ how to stop condensation” not “ I’m going to bore you to tears on an idea I have and how to install carpet tiles”