I’m getting my first portable and wanted to hear your tips on taking care of it. The main question I have is what to do about it coming home wet. I can’t set it up inside but have an unheated garage where I could let it sit for awhile. Also is there anything I should do before taking it out the first time? Thanks for any advice you can give me!
We have had one for awhile and we have found out that as long as the water is frozen and stays frozen it will be fine. But when you put it away in the spring open it up in the garage or outside if warm enough and let it dry. Store it with moth balls even if it is in a rat/mouse free zone.
Quote:
Store it with moth balls even if it is in a rat/mouse free zone.
I typically use Bounce dryer sheets in mine (forgot to last year 
) because they don’t have the nasty moth ball odor when you are sitting in it all day. We have used the dryer sheets for 20 years on cars, RVs and boats that we store for the winter months in our shed. No mice damage at all. Just a thought.
X2 on the dryer sheets. have been using them in all of my portables and havent had a mouse yet.
If it has metal supports, then wipe them down with some wax, pledge or something to help keep them from oxidizing. Others commented on drying it out when it warms up. If you are pulling it behind a snowmobile, you will need to put some wood supports to keep the lines from pulling though the openings of the plastic sled.
I open mine in the garage to dry after a weekend outing.
Spray the sliders with teflon, if it gets wet take off cover and at least prop it up half way in the garage so the kids can put the empty beer cans into their can collection. Tip them if anything else needs to get cleaned out of the tub.
I’m assuming when you say “pop-up” you’re referring to the hub-style portables out there.
First and foremost practice setting it up! I’ve been hunting out of pop-up blinds for years, and just like it’s tough to set one up quietly the first time in the woods, you’ll have a hard time getting yours set up right without at least one or two go-rounds. I’ve seen people snap the rods that hold hub-style shacks together because of wind, frustration, and everything in between. They’re easy as pie once you’ve go the knack however, so don’t be scared away.
Mold/mildew is the enemy come spring like others have mentioned, so just make sure you dry it out really well before putting it away for the winter. You can also use a number of products to clean out the existing mold/mildew. I like a solution of oxi-clean/water.
Good luck!
Joel
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
