The first priority for me is that a trailer holds up to mold. If it doesn’t hold up to mold, no amount of natural wood, or wool, or other eco-friendly material really matters.
Conventional trailers are extremely mold-prone.
They use wood within the walls, roofs, and floors with a design that is not airtight and often has a vapor barrier on one side which is a point of condensation. Condensation usually forms in the cavities. They are also prone to leaks.
The Designs That Best Hold up to Mold Are:
- Sandwich construction – Airtight cavities of metal or fiberglass with rigid foam insulation. Ideally laminated together.
- Fiberglass shell campers – Solid fiberglass body trailers are single or double hulls. A single hull has no hidden cavity where condensation or mold can form. The double hulls can work well too (though are not as good). I list brands that have minimal wood or where the wood does not become a mold risk.
Low-VOC Trailers:
No well-made trailer is VOC-free. Some are better than others.
The interiors of all-metal trailers can be lower in offgassing compared to trailers with other wall materials. But don’t underestimate the odors of the glues used in all-metal trailers.
There is no getting around the offgassing.
Choosing the Best Model For MCS
You certainly can compare models if you are chemically sensitive since we all are reactive to different chemical combinations. You definitely could find some brands more tolerable than others, even if the total VOC count is the same.
Mitigate the Offgassing
You should also use mitigating strategies like a “bake out”, and shellac to block the offgassing. Shellac is ideal on metal, fiberglass, vinyl, and many other materials. You can remove shellac later with alcohol.
Or buy a used one if you are highly sensitive.
What About Formaldehyde-Free Models?
Some brands of trailers are formaldehyde-free but that doesn’t mean they are not high in other VOCs nor does it mean they are built well to resist mold.
One brand on this list, Living Vehicle, is formaldehyde-free as well as built better.
More brands, more commentary, more updates (2025), and a price comparison in the Substack version of this article.
None of the trailer brands are affiliate or sponsored. There is an affiliate link to an ebook, upon purchase I earn a commission.
Trailers for Chemical and Mold-Sensitive Folks
1. Metal Travel Trailers
ATC Aluminum Toy Hauler
ATC is a mix between a cargo trailer and a high-end trailer. They look industrial compared to the Living Vehicle below (made by the same factory, at least at first).
They claim to have no wood whatsoever and similar construction to the old Camplite design.
They do have fiberglass insulation in the ceiling as the base model. An upgrade is to have Closed Cell Insulation in Ceiling (R4) and Structural Foam Sub Floor (R7).
The interior walls are Azdel.
The larger units have a bath, kitchen, eating area, couch that is made into a queen bed, and extra cabinets.
Bryan Rosner, a mold-sensitive person, has a good video tour of one here.
Camplite
I had a Camplite by LivinLite travel trailer made to my specifications and you can find all the details about that here.
The key thing I look for in a trailer is moisture-proof walls and laminated sandwich insulation.
This laminated metal-foam-metal was the key to moisture-proof walls in these old models.
You may still find a used one with sandwich laminated walls before they changed the wall system. The company is now out of business.
Hero Camper
A new to me trailer, the Hero Campers also have the most ideal design.
The walls, floor, and ceiling are all a sandwich construction (laminated) just like the old Camplites, except these have insulated floors.
I was really excited to find this one. The envelope is constructed of fiberglass (on the outside)-foam-metal. Perfect. The best construction for mold prevention.
The interior is metal which is good for those with chemical sensitivities compared to other options, though keep in mind all new trailers have offgassing from the construction adhesives, including formaldehyde in this case.
It has a small kitchen on the exterior, two options for heater types, no bathroom.
This is a European company, they have many dealers throughout Europe. They also have a dealer in Arizona, a few in Australia, one in Taiwan, one in New Zealand, one in Chile, and one in Israel.
Some of the dealerships also rent them out.
The Safari Condo
The Safari Condo is another great option to consider.
It has an aluminum frame and floor, aluminum interior and exterior walls, and a seamless roof with AulFiber exterior and aluminum interior.
Alufiber is an aluminum and fiberglass product.
That main core is not foam or fiberglass insulation, it’s a honeycomb polypropylene, laminated to the interior and exterior skins.
Alufiber is an aluminum and fiberglass product.
This sounds like a very moisture-proof design to me.
They say the only materials used in the Alto body are aluminum, Alufiber, plastic, Formica, and glass. The furniture is mostly made of aluminum and composite materials.
They need a fair amount of time to offgas for most sensitive people, though some less sensitive have used them brand new.
I have heard from one person who found this trailer to be higher in offgassing than most other trailers.
Taxa Outdoors
Taxa Outdoors makes three different models of travel trailers.
The construction looks good in terms of mold resistance.
The sides and roof are made from metals SIPS made of metal-EPS foam-metal.
The floor is made of plywood sandwiched between a rubber flooring on the inside and ABS plastic laminated on the outside.
Not quite as good as the walls, but I would still consider this trailer to be a mold safe(r) option.
One chemically sensitive person reported it to be better than other options they checked out in terms of VOCs.
High-End Metal Trailers
Airstream
The metal Airstreams (they did have fiberglass models for a brief time) have metal walls and metal ceilings with, obviously, metal exterior skin.
They are fairly tolerable for chemically sensitive folks. The offgassing is not too bad and does go down at a reasonable rate.
The flooring is vinyl over a composite subfloor (no longer plywood since the change in factory in 2020). This was a great move for them.
The metal interior walls, they cut down on offgassing and they are way better made than your typical wood-framed crappy RV.
The furniture looks like it’s mostly or entirely plywood (which is often better than particleboard for offgasssing) but the cushions are memory foam (which is not good because it’s higher in offgassing than regular foam).
Some of their showrooms are inside warehouses which may help preserve them.
However, this needs to be 100% airtight on the inside walls and the exterior walls to not have vapor get between those skins where it will be mostly doomed to not come back out.
(Some caveats would be that if you never heat or cool this then it’s not really a worry, unless it actually leaks, they do tend to leak with time).
The shells are sealed really well right out of the factory and they do perform aggressive water testing on the shells. They then add fiberglass insulation and an interior metal skin.
I would be sure to check every opening on the interior shell as well to make sure it is sealed. That also needs to be airtight.
If you are rebuilding one you also need to seal this as well as they do in the factory. Seal up every seam, every opening, install airtight sockets, etc, then test again (with water or a blower door test), making sure it’s totally airtight. This is really a factory job.
You can prolong the life of any trailer by keeping a roof on it when stationary, not driving it in the rain, moving to climates that don’t require heating or cooling (heating is usually the cause of most of the problems in RVs but in this case with metal on both sides both heating and cooling can cause condensation if there is water vapor in the walls), and showering and cooking outside.
Always keep up with your inspection and sealing on the exterior and the interior.
You can find Airstreams to rent on Outdoorsy and other sites, making this an appealing option that you can “test drive”.
Although they are not my top pick on this list they are still an option to consider for folks sensitive to chemicals and mold.
With a high resale, low initial offgassing, it can work really well. Though many extreme mold reactors have felt that they only lasted a few years. So this could be something to use with Bryan Rosner’s trade in strategy.
Living Vehicle
A newer company making well-tolerated trailers is Living Vehicle.
The walls are made of metal framing, metal exterior, and metal interior walls with polyiso foam on the interior side of the metal framing (with the air gap left behind, between the framing members, sealed with tape).
Cabinets are also metal, powder coated.
The flooring is sheet vinyl by Tarkett (common in trailers but fairly high in offgassing – it may not work for many but they could customize this with another option). See my list of safe flooring for trailers.
The cushions are polyurethane, they use Sunbrella/ Ultraleather for cushions,countertops are solid surface (acrylic plastic) Hannex brand.
The offgassing of the trailer in general has been reported to be very low. It has no detectable formaldehyde in tests and meets LEED indoor air quality standards.
This is a rare find because of the almost fully aluminum interior, no structural wood (no hidden wood in the new models since 2020, and no wood in cabinets, only in the table and some interior items like doors).
The trailer also has a crawl space where the plumbing is very accessible.
Even if there was a leak in the all-aluminum “basement”, it would be easy to clean up and easy to fix because of the access.
The company is open to some customization. If you would like my help choosing materials please get in contact.
Note: the 2019 model had wood in the floors.
2. Fiberglass Travel Trailers
Egg-shaped campers are usually made of solid fiberglass shells (either single or double hull) that are very mold-resistant and durable.
Many sensitive people say that fiberglass takes a year (or years) to offgas, but some find it offgasses to a satisfactory level in a few days or a few weeks. It’s very individual (and might depend on the brand as well as how long it’s been on the lot).
This is the best design to hold up to mold.
In terms of used trailers, molded fiberglass trailers are the best bet since the walls are less likely to become moldy with time.
Though fiberglass trailers can have problems if:
- They have a double hull
- The wood subfloor is not encased
- They have carpet on the walls that can go musty or get cross-contaminated (though this usually does still work for mold sensitive people).
- AC systems can go moldy in every trailer type.
Casita
Casitas use a carpet and foam that is glued onto the walls and floor. At the time of writing, they would not customize one without that element.
The nylon carpet and glued-on polyurethane foam provide some insulation (R 6-7) and help prevent condensation.
Despite the carpet, many mold-sensitive folks have done well with this brand. It’s been a staple brand in the mold avoidance community since the beginning.
It has a simple design, single hull (nowhere for water to hide), and mostly all visible components.
The floor is wood but it is totally encased in fiberglass on all sides. In reality, there is very little wood inside, and only in the cabinet storage areas.
There is some offgassing but the reps said in an email “we do not use materials with formaldehyde.”
See Bryan Rosner’s video about his initial thoughts on the Casita for mold avoidance below.
He has offers an e-book all about how to maintain your trailer (multiple types) and prevent mold. This is absolutely worth it if you are living in a trailer due to mold issues. There is a lot to learn to keep any trailer mold-free for as long as possible.
Happier Camper
Happier Camper is another company to check out as they don’t use carpet or padding on the walls and the floors are fiberglass too!
No vinyl on the floors is a rare find and will be preferable for many folks.
It’s double-hull with Thinsulate in between the hulls.
The floors are composed of plastic honeycomb integrated with corrugated cardboard and fiberglass resin.
I like the modular nature of the HC1 interior. You can really simplify the interior if you need to or add the components that you need.
The small units don’t include a shower but the larger ones do.
I’ve seen some problems with the first model (HC1). The friend who owns the one pictured had many problems with this unit when it was still brand new, and she claims the company took 7 months to make the repairs.
They were on the second iteration of the HC1 in 2020 and have improved the doors and windows. I’m glad to see they have moved past the first prototype, made some changes, and are still going strong.
I would like to see positive reports on the newer models before recommending it as the first iteration had way too many problems.
W
Trillium by Outback
Trillium is another great brand, this one by The Outback. It is single-hull, made in Canada and they have been in business for many years.
They have Landau closed-cell foam on the walls (not sure which type) with marine carpeting.
The flooring is listed as “laminate” though this is not a term they are using accurately, since laminate means wood fiber core and that is not what they are using.
They were willing to build without plywood in floors when I talked to them but it was difficult to convince them to leave the padding off the wall. This was a while ago though, they customization options may have changed.
I’m not sure if the plywood floor is totally encased in this one or if they have plywood around the windows.
The price is quite good (and even better for Americans because it’s in Canadian dollars).
They only have one size, but they have a couple of layouts.
Two more brands I like, and one I don’t in the Substack article (plus a 2025 price comparison)
Other Fiberglass Trailer Brands in North America
I have more info in this Substack articles on other brands of fiberglass trailers (mostly listing out ones with problems).
European Brands of Fiberglass Trailers (Caravans)
I mention one brand of caravan and one motorhome available in Europe in my Substack version of this article.
Alternatives to Conventional Trailers
- Cargo Trailers (I don’t recommend this). Here is my post about my conversion.
- Wood teardrop trailer I showcase in this post.
- DIY simple teardrop trailer, more info in the next Substack article that is going out.
- Here is my post on converting cargo vans.
- Decommissioned ambulances. More about that in the next Substack article.
- Refrigerated trucks and vans (more in the next Substack).
- Conventional RV trade-in strategy – some brands that folks go with for this strategy in the next Substack.
- This other Substack article has some info on common problems that lead to mold in tiny homes and brands/builders I do not recommend.
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
I have owned and lived in three trailers: my tiny house on wheels, a custom Camplite, and a converted cargo trailer.
Genesis
I’m curious whether conscious material choices made early on pay off more than retrofitting solutions later in the stay
Ximena
This was one of the most practical explanations I’ve seen about housing for people with chemical sensitivities.
Ximena
The emphasis on mold resistance and ventilation is especially important since many standard trailers contain materials that can trap moisture or off-gas chemicals over time.
Ashleigh
Hey, I was wondering what your thought on converters busses was?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
it’s a no in any heating climate. I talk about it more on substack
STEPHANIE RULLAN
nowoodcamper.com
u should add this one
Charlotte
This really resonated—thanks for laying it out so honestly. I’m wondering how people have handled kitchens and appliances in chemically sensitive mobile homes, since that seems like one of the hardest areas to control. I’ve heard from folks in Florida, including around Cape Coral, who’ve had to rethink things like refrigeration or finishes to avoid reactions. Curious what’s actually worked for others over time.
Ben H.
Hi there! I’m curious to know if you have any updated recommendations for travel trailers. Have you come across any new brands since writing this article? Also, can EMFs be shielded for things like battery banks, A/C units, fridges, heaters, and so on? Are there any specific brands that advertise shielding? Lastly, I’m in the market for a slide-on camper. Do you know of any brands that are built with high-quality materials, are mold-free, or have minimal wood in their construction? Or would you generally advise against slide-ons?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Hi, I have never heard of a company that advertises low EMF or that they shield for EMFs, but it hasn’t been a focus of mine on the website or in general. The more detailed and more up-to-date version of this article is in Substack. I have done a big search for slide on truck campers that look to be a lot more mold resistant and could work for MCS people as well. So I do have a short list, but I’ve not dug into them one by one in a lot of detail. I’ve not called the companies, I’ve not gone to those lengths, so it’s sort of an initial list. That is in the Substack article called Alternatives to Travel Trailers.
Jack Harlow
Really appreciate the detailed breakdown on mold-resistant and low-VOC trailers — so helpful for anyone with sensitivities! We’ve been exploring different trailer options too
Carolyn
This is an awesome article. I just found your website and really appreciate all the info! Do you have a recommendation of the different brands which would be best for someone with mold illness, CIRS, ME/CFS, and severe reactivity to mold? Do any of them guarantee mold-free or have a warranty or anything? Thank you 🙂
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
this article is all about the brands best for mold sensitivity as the priority. There is more info in the substack version.
Carolyn
Great, just subscribed to your Substack so will read more, thank you!
Michelle
Hello, was wondering if you have suggestions for alternatives to products such as: 3-IN-ONE RV Care Slide Out Lube, Dicor 501LSW-1 HAPS-Free Self-Leveling Lap Sealant, EternaBond RoofSeal MicroSealant UV Stable RV Roof Seal Repair Tape – or are these just the standards for outdoor RV care? Also these vent covers which are made from PVC: Efforest Floor Vent Covers Magnetic Air Vent Filters for Home HVAC AC Grilles & RV Vents – is there an alternative to the PVC. Thanks so much for your response and expertise!
Catlin Jackson
What about mold in the AC units in trailers? Should we be concerned about this?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
yes that can be a concern (in all AC systems as far as I know)
shannan
Hello Corinne,
Thanks for this excellent article. I’m researching a lot of these options.
I recently was made aware of this option, which seems promising: https://totalcomposites.com/. Does this seem like a good option to you?
Thanks again for all your work.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
if it’s sips on all sides then it’s good, would be better if it wasnt PU foam as that offgasses
Brooke
Hi Corinne!
Which would be best for MCS and mold, ATC or Airstream? Which one would you choose?
Thanks so much!
Meisha
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
ATC for mold, not sure which one is better in terms of VOCS
Brooke
Thank you!
Kim
This is a very informative article, thank you! Do you have any info on the Grand Design Transcend? I’ve been dealing with mold illness and we bought a brand new one over the winter so I didn’t notice the VOCs too bad. But now that the weather has warmed up I can’t even stand outside the door. I’m not sure if it is worth the effort to try to off gas since it could be moldy in 1 to 2 years? I’m wondering if we should just try to sell it before something happens to it.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I would go with one of the ones on this list over that one if you don’t think you can use it for 1-2 years.
Jennifer M
Hello Corinne! Thank you for this informative information! I’m chemically sensitive and recovering from mold exposure. I’d like to travel during the summers and avoid AirBnB properties, some of which I react to.
Are you familiar with InTech? https://intech.com/rv/
They advertise aluminum cage construction, bubble foil insulation, Infinity Woven Flooring, non-specified material for cabinets.
Thank you for any information you have about this company!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I would only go for laminated walls, ceiling with rigid foam or moulded fiberglas for mold prevention.
Rebecca Stumpf
Hi Corinne! Do you know what year Camplite by LivinLite changed their wall system? And to verify, the ones pre-the-change are what is the metal-foam-metal/good ones? Thanks! Rebecca
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
yes, it’s in the article on camplite as i dont remember off the top of my head
billy davis
hi corinne.. my wife is mold and chemically sensitive. she was and is unable to be in any camper new or used so i built one in 2017. we have done 2 trips to the yukon and alaska in our truck camper and now we are looking to sell it. the construction is welded aluminum frame, sheet aluminum exterior, 2″ rigid foam insulation and an all wood (mostly cedar) interior.
i do not know how best to advertise the mold and chemical sensitivity feature of the camper so would take any advice you have. i also know from experience that there are not a lot of these around and i think others should have the camper experience if they want. we are on the sunshine coast in bc
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
ah nice, post it in the facebook group “EI Safe Housing”
Gail Straw
Hi, I do not know if this site is still active, but I am giving it a try. I am wondering if anyone in the Clearwater/Tampa, Florida area has knowledge of a clean camper that could be rented by my extremely sensitive and mycotoxin-ill adult daughter. New construction apartment has lots of VOC’s and we are at our wits end with even the hotel that was o.k. is now making her sick. Any suggestions would be very welcome! Thanks! Gail
Cynthia Sewak
Hello, what is an alternative to closed cell foam? The van builder uses it around the window frame to adhere fabric to and I’d like a safe alternative? It needs to be smooth to not show through the fabric. Cork?
Corinne
I would need more info to answer that. But there is a article on building out a van.
Lara
Hi Corinne,
I’m looking into the Hero Camper to park outside a friends home but also to be mobile. I was reading some reports on paradigm change about how fiberglass is vulnerable to MT absorption. Most hero rangers available in the US are in Texas. There is also one in Colorado and then a super expensive one in Utah.
Do you have thoughts on purchasing one of these from a contaminated area? Most of them will have been sitting on the lot for a year or more.
Thanks so much!
ROBBY b
What about a fifth wheel by LUXE or NEW HORIZONS? They are very expensive but seem to be extremely well built. They have hardwood cabinets and a few other things that most do not. They have wood walls but it seems to be very well built. Any thoughts on these?
Corinne
the walls look good but not the roof
Jeff
Any updates on the We Roll aluminum trailer? There’s a new owner, an office that always picks up the phone, fast builds and an MCS version for an additional $3500. I’m not concerned with the minimal foam board insulation. I’m only concerned with MCS and mold issues.
https://weeroll.com/2022/12/28/letter-from-the-president/
B Love
Thank you so much for this post!
After having issues with mold in the last 5th wheel I was in, I’m looking into buying something new that can hopefully make it a year or two without mold becoming an issue, and then trading it in. There are 2022 models for sale now that are still “new” and a bit cheaper – but is that kind of like buying a 1 year old trailer already in terms of mold risk? Or does the risk come more from it actually being in use?
Corinne
It depends on the construction. I would not go with a conventional 5th wheel.
Dave
What a wonderful site you have created.
I’d like to ask if you have any experience with truck shells/caps? Do you feel a used truck bed (dirt/grime from tools) would be an issue?
Gale Payne
Weeroll trailers come with 1″ of white styrofoam
Corinne
I know but I would not just plop the styrofoam between two layers of metal and call it a day. It’s more complicated than that.
Mary Jane
Hi Corinne,
Regarding your previous review of the Weeroll cargo trailer, you had put
this comment,
“As of winter 2021 I don’t recommend this trailer for sensitive folks. I’m waiting to
hear more updates before removing this from the list.”
Has anything changed in your mind regarding your recommendation for sensitive folks? Any more updates?
Corinne
I would not go with weeroll
Samantha
Hi Corinne. The Taxa camper you listed above has lots of formaldehyde in it. Something buyers should know. I bought this camper because lots of sites, like this one, say it is a green company but that is just not true. I would hate for someone to be mislead the way I was and purchase this camper thinking it is chemical free or low voc.
Corinne
they all have significant offgassing when brand new for someone with high-extreme chemical sensitivities. Not formaldehyde but other VOCs.
Lauren Taggart
I can tolerate my Lance travel trailer as it is made with azdel and aluminum similar to coachman. however, it’s not big enough for our family now and i am selling it. ( or trading it for an RV?) which is better a camper van or an rv?
Kassie Mann
We’re considering a new Lance travel trailer full time . Thoughts on? I’m concerned I won’t be able to tolerate the chemicals…my reaction is much less than to others I’ve gone in but it’s a big investment.
D. Leslie Council
Is your Lance still for sale?
Thanks, Leslie
D. Leslie Council
Is your Lance for sale?
Tuchango
Any thoughts on the Escape brand of fiberglass trailers?
Corinne
They are mentioned in the post
Brent
Doh! Thanks. I’ll re-read.
Carla Henderson
Hi Corinne,
I’m making an offer on a mobile home tomorrow. Besides having an inspection and checking for mold and termites , do u have anything else we should do to check that the house is safe? Since the mobile home is aluminum, you concerned about EMF? I’m sorry if this message is a duplicate from yesterday as I Can’t find my original message to you.
Thank you,
Carla
Corinne
Metal framing would not be a concern for me, mobile homes almost always have mold though, and inspectors are particularly bad at catching it.
Carla Henderson
Thanks Corinne. I’m also scheduled a mold company to come out to the mobile home to do a futher check. They do 3 air tests and have an infared light. Short of opening up walls, are there other tests you recommend to detect mold? The mobile home was vacant for 3 years. It had a dehumidifier running constatnly and someone checking the home but no A/C on. Outside awnings blown off in 2017 hurricane, and looks like some openings around top of windows outside and on inside some evidence of water damage by paint buckling around some of window sills. HOuse smells a little mildew/mold. Appreciate any of your suggestions and happy to do a consult if you could provide me with specific guidance. on any futher tests to detect mold or dangerous mildew if it’s there. I only have 8 more days during my contract period to walk away from this house so have time limitiations on asking the right qustions and doing any testing. Thanks very mch,
Carla
Paule Hjertaas
Hi Corinne,
great resource.
Just to let you know that I thought I had done my research before I bought a Camplite trailer but, unfortunately, I could never stand the paint the aluminium was painted with after 5 years. I ould stay in it with windows wide open and if the weather was cool only (less outgassing). So I tried to cover surfaces with aluminium tape which had been OK in the past. It didn’t work. then I tried some other aluminium (Denny foil) and I realized I couldn’t stand that either. The other issue I had with it is how badly sealed it was. Driving a bit would fill up all kinds of places with dirt coming in from the wheels wells and other cracks. also issues of water infiltration through the ceiling lights, and a substandard electrical system that would shut down if I tried to plug in an electrical plate. I finally sold it at a big loss after 7 years of having to pay for storage without using it. Just letting you know my experience with it. I have been able to visit friends living in older fiberglass trailers but have never tried sleeping in one.
Elana
I was thinking of using TIny Healthy Homes for a tiny home. You mentioned that you no longer recommend them. Can you elaborate on what issues you have seen with their construction and production? We are seeking a non toxic, low emf home and this company seems to be very focused on those two big issues. I have not found any other builders with this double focus and willingness to customize materials etc.
Corinne
It couldn’t have been more of a disaster. The house went moldy in multiple ways, I lost all of the health I gained back and never had been able to get back to that. I lost everything I owned and was homeless for years. Ben Garratt in my experience had no interest in building science, mold prevention, or the detailed research and work needed to build in that way.
Elana
Wow. Thank you for sharing your very negative experience. Very disappointing to hear.
Elana
Elana
Hi Corinne,
I’m still researching tiny homes as a possibility. Ben Garratt addresses a number of concerns around thermal bridging and mold in this video and how he structures his tiny homes/ what he recommends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqgf9ijr668
I am hoping that builders of tiny homes will start to take healthy building science seriously. He seems pretty knowledgable about addressing these issues but I don’t know about his execution. Perhaps Ben is evolving from your horrible experience with him? I’m just so concerned about the cost of housing. I owned a brand new house for years before relocating to another state. However, housing prices are so high now. I can’t afford the high quality prefabs. I have access to some land so I was hoping to identify a tiny home option for my daughter and me.
jetta
Hi Corinne,
Did you ever get more feedback on the newer happier campers? I can’t tell you how much I love this page!
Corinne
No I havent, please encourage others to share this kind of information or tag me in the groups if you see anything.
jetta
Will do for sure. I’m going to check out a 2018 used model. Wish me luck. 🙂
Lydia
Would a house like this be mold safe? It’s built from solid wood. https://www.unforgettabletinyhouse.com
Kristin
What can you tell me about 4 season fish houses such as those made by Glacier for both mold and chemical sensitivity. Interior wood is all cedar, but I do smell a little something that needs to offgas.
How long does that usually take?
Is spray foam insulation good or bad?
Corinne
I don’t know that company I would need to review the materials that are used there.
Melissa
Hello, Could you please share why you no longer recommend the Weeroll trailer, as of Winter 2021? I am chemically sensitive as well as currently experiencing mold illness. Thank you for your valuable posts!!
Connie
I haven’t committed to anything yet but I’m in the process of making a change and I’m curious why the Weeroll is no longer recommended as of winter 2021. Thanks!
Matt
Hi, FYI, I just checked out an ATC toy hauler in Denver and there was a strong chemical smell in it that reminded me of a new car with vinyl seats on a hot day (it was only ~30F outside at the time). I’m nowhere near as sensitive as my wife and daughter, but I ended up with a headache after being in there for a few minutes. Maybe it would off-gas quickly, but I couldn’t take that chance on a $90k trailer.
Corinne
That’s typical for trailers, most people with chemical sensitivities cannot tolerate a new trailer.
Matt
I figured it was typical. It’s just unbelievable how difficult it is to find a camper that isn’t moldy and doesn’t smell awful (fragrance or off-gassing). Looks like I’ll have to build something myself. Thank you for all the useful resources.
p
Check out Lance Travel Trailers. New they are the most tolerable I have been in.
Laura
Hello Corrine. Can you tell me if Lance trailers are Aldo a good choice for those with previous mold exposure?
Corinne
The only trailers that can stand up to mold are on this list. Conventional construction brands do not hold up.
Leslie C.
Hello…this is simply a notice that I am looking to buy a smaller healthy trailer dwelling while I am tweaking a small home. I do not need plumbing or a kitchen. If anyone has something like this to sell, please let me know. Thank you.
Constance
Does anyone have any recommendations for Class C and Class A motor homes with added bunks, washer and dryers…. I hadn’t actually considered the issue of mold in RV’s but I came across this article and don’t believe it was by mistake… Can a used RV be easily reconditioned to avoid the mold pitfalls? Thanks for any advice…Kind Regards …Constance
Lev
Do you have any thoughts on the Minimaliste Tiny Home brand? I know they have made at least 1 MCS THOWs before. I’m curious what you think of their building process.
Celina Burns
What would you use to insulate the ceiling of a stationary single wide mobile home. What kind of material would be best for the ceiling?
Unknown
Has anyone bought a weeroll.com the aluminium or wood interior? if so how has that been for you please?
Corinne
I have seen a couple weeroll purchases, very tricky to insulate a metal trailer. Seemed to be OK MCS wise since they are able to customise.
Unknown
I forgot to add that there’s Dunlop and talalay latex. Glue is not used when they make the Dunlop but it is used for talalay so if you’re super sensitive you might want to avoid talalay or buy from a company that uses non toxic glue. Talalay is more expensive and less natural as a rule but it’s also more comfortable as in a little more soft and comfy.
PHANAT ASSEMBLY COMPANY LIMITED
My experience with Panus is good. Their transportation services and product has quality. The people working here are responsive and helpful.
Jones Morris
This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post. I will visit your blog regularly for Some latest post. lightweight camper trailers Missouri
Lori Basil Brown
I've been privileged to own an Oliver travel trailer, grateful that there is no wood subfloor. However, a serious mold problem developed under the sink where there is a lot of wood (now removed 🙂 Also I was told recently by Oliver that the wall dividing the bathroom from the rest of the interior has plywood in it – sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass. We are not the only owners whose bathroom door frame has allowed water intrusion and caused mold inside the wall.
Corinne
Thank you for the info!
Cort Johnson
I have a Van that I would like to add a fiberglass high top to. Can anyone speak to offgassing concerns fron that?
Corinne
It totally depends on your level of MCS, from watching People's experience with fiberglass trailers some people move in almost right away and some people need years for it to off gas. It's not uncommon for it to need years.
cort
Th;anks!
Pete and Christina
What do you recommend for a family of 7? None of these options seem big enough. Thank you!
Corinne
The biggest one on this list that I would buy is Living Vehicle.
Madeline Cole
I'm interested if you still have it – lcolee@yahoo.
Alicia Marie
Hi Corinne, we have an amazing trailer that we bought for our extremely sensitive son but he became more severely disabled
and cannot care for it. We will need to sell it for him. Where do you recommend we look to market it? He never got to even use it. He is in Texas and we are in California and the trailer is with us. Alicia Marie
Corinne
Hi Alicia, please post on MCS Tiny House and EI Safe Housing
dharmag
I'm interested. Can you give me more details.
Corinne
You can email it to me as well if still selling it corinnesegura@gmail.com
Sheri
I'm in California and would be interested in learning more about your trailer, especially if you haven't sold it yet…thank you! Sheri B. Please email me @ sirwestinranch@gmail.com
Heidi
Has this trailer been sold, or is it still available?
Mary
Hi Alicia,
Were you able to sell this? I may be interested.
Caryatid
I am thinking to build a tiny house on my property for a friend of mine who is super sensitive. It doesn't need to be mobile and I will build it in place. Can anyone steer me towards materials lists that are most likely to be safe? Can you tell me whether drywall and concrete cause problems for chemically sensitive people?
Thank you. I am totally new to even thinking about this, so any good resources that come to mind, please feel free to send them to me.
Corinne
Hi this site serves as that guide. Each post is a category on different materials. I go over drywall and concrete. For more personalised advice I do consulting.
Unknown
Have you (or has anyone in this thread) found a lightweight, chemical-free futon or sofa bed solution? I cannot tolerate chemicals (I became chemically sensitive after mold poisoning and have to live extremely minimally and can only have things made of materials that I can clean — leather, metal, wood). They have to be lightweight because I have to move so frequently and start over again — getting rid of old belongings that have become toxic to me. I'm looking for two things: (1.) a mattress topper that won't off-gas; and (2.) a lightweight/portable sofa bed that can be easily cleaned. I bought a full size mattress from IKEA that I'm not reacting to, but it's too firm and giving me major body pain. The mattress topper has to be returned because it's still off-gassing several months after purchase. I don't currently have a couch, but if I get one, I'd like it to double as a bed (so, a sofa bed I guess). It has to be super light-weight, small, mold-resistant, chemical-free and made of materials that can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. Any help or advice would be so appreciated.
Unknown
Hi, I know your post is over a year old but here's hoping you see this reply! I CANNOT tolerate new furniture, so I shop at furniture stores and ask them if i can buy something new, but take that same model that's been on the floor for a long time. Every store has worked with me on this, because they get a brand new item on their floor, and I get an already off-gassed piece of furniture. It may have a few cosmetic blemishes, but usually the transition into my home is flawless. Hope that helps!
Caryatid
For a sofa, I am wondering if you might use an old style horse-hair sofa with wool upholstery. If the wood frame has stayed dry, it might be mold free.
As for toppers, I bought one off Amazon; the egg-crate type. They sell them used on Amazon too, so maybe they will have off-gassed already. The one I bought had a strong odor that really bothered my breathing, but I aired it outdoors for a couple days and it became unscented and OK for me.
Good luck!
Jen
Hi, I don’t know if you are still looking for a sofa/mattress, but in case others are looking and come on this post, I recently bought the all natural wood unfinished futon for $150 from Amazon, and then one of the medium and one of the soft organic dunlop laytex toppers for about $430 from Amazon. I put links below. I used these without problem and did not need to off gas them. I could no afford to invest a huge sum for the reasons that you mentioned: I may have to move and may have to get rid of these if they are contaminated. I bought the full futon and two 3″ toppers to result in a 6″ mattress on the futon. It is firm, but not too firm for me. I have been able to use the futon also as a couch, although it does mean that you have to adjust it and the latex is heavy. I figured out how to do it and I really liked it, but it may be hard for some people. I also use a lumbar support pillow when the futon is in upright mode, and made a neck roll that is attached to a belt and weight so that it can hang over the top of the couch in upright mode. Also, you have 30 days to return the mattresses if you don’t like them with free return shipping. The futon is hard to return because you have to put it together, but you could probably resell it used if you don’t like it.
Here are the products: KD Frames Studio Bifold Futon (Full)
Brand: KD Frames https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IJFBDI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Certified Organic 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper – Soft – 3 Inch – Full Size – Organic Cover Included.
Visit the Take Ten Store
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RF8ZRJ9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also found it really nice to order two round 10″ diameter yoga bolsters to put on the futon when it is in bed mode. I can do restorative yoga poses with them. I actually ordered mine on etsy from bulgaria so that I could have all wool ones (cover and all).
Good luck!
Corinne
thank you!
Gabriel
This is called modern living. A new pollution free era has begun for our teenagers.
Alice Taylor
My friend is also planning on purchasing a mobile home since she saw how cool my modular house is. Actually it was pretty small and neat. I guess it's not vacuuming for hours that convinced her to transfer from a bigger house. One of the things that the guys who build my house advised me is to make sure I have a piece of land that allows these modular homes to be build. I guess in terms of budget, these homes are cheaper than traditional onsite houses. See this resource site if you need to learn more: http://modularhomeblog.com/modular/building-a-modular-home.html
Sowpath das
Nice post
Sarah Smith
My husband is really sensitive to chemicals and we are trying to find a good trailer. Thanks for the advice about aluminum travel trailers and how you can customize them to avoid most toxic elements. We'll have to see about getting an aluminum trailer to either sleep in or to help us haul or camping supplies.
Wild Swan
For the beach, we got a car hauler instead of a trailer so we could customize it: removed the walls, which were aluminum covered plywood for dimension strength, replaced with cherry tongue and groove (make sure he is ok with the wood first! Some woods are quite bothersome), replaced the floor with the same, and replaced the luan on the ceiling with stainless steel sheet. We chose not to insulate so we only use it nine months a year – it stays warm with a heater if it's 35f outside. Use a composting toilet.
Brianna Baker
My husband and I are converting an old school bus to be a completely green home for our family of five. We have replaced the fiberglass insulation with alpaca wool, painted metal walls and ceiling with beautiful tongue and groove pine, red oak floors finished with 100% tongue oil, marmoleum (which is a laminate made from flax and other natural materials) for the bathroom, organic cotton hammocks for sleeping, copper kitchen sink, and a wood stove for heat. Www are taking our bus up to the upper peninsula of Michigan to grow our food and live life where the chemically sensitive are free to live, ha ha. If anyone wants any info about chemically safe adhesives and caulks that I've found out to talk chemical free living feel free to email me at dbrfbaker@live.com
Noah Outlaw
What kind of tongues are used in the manufacture of "tongue" oil.
Lynnsey
Ha ha ha! Nice catch!
Elegant WoodenHomes
Great article. Hope I had a good read. Waiting to read more blogs.
Gwen Miller
I love that first trailer you have photographed! It is so darling. It would be so fun to have something like that, that would be easy to pack up and go whenever we wanted to. It's the perfect size for just my husband and I!
http://www.bettertrailers.com.au
Cristian D'cruze
Wow! Incredible and this is a nice blog with all good pics of the mobile home. I like to move one place to another place for visiting different places. I think it is perfect for me. Is this safe for me? This portable house reflects the talent of the house maker. Can you share the process through which you have made this so that I can make one for me. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and inspirational blog with us.
Corinne
Hi, yes upcoming posts will focus on the build of my tiny house/mobile home!
hah not be blank!
look into cork insulation. .. small planet workshop imports it from Europe. Also, cork is gas impermeable. Been thinking if I get a trailer I could use afm glue n just slap it on as many surfaces as seem offensive.
Corinne
Hey thanks for the tip! Do you know the link or the brand name of this insulation?
The problem with cork is that a glue is needed…
Anaphylaxing
Oh my gosh! Is there a way to contact you? I am wanting to do the same as you in Canada :)Great blog!!
Corinne
Hi, Yes, you can email me at {edited}
Valerie
Which one is best for cold Ottawa winters? We have a young son and daughter
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
that is tricky, none of the ones on my list will work in that climate
Pat
Just came across this amazing blog- thank you! Thought I was the only one with MCS for trailers! I am
Looking for the same in Ontario, Canada. Nothing seems to be good. Thanks for this page!
Janis
I have a LivinLite toyhauler but it does have the styrofoam insulation, and it bothers me if I don't keep the windows open. Ours is a 2010, bought used. We had to rip out the floor insulation because it was held in place by a netting that allowed moisture in. In the past I checked with two trailer companies who were willing to customize cargo vans to Erik's specs, using no caulking. Take a look at my post here:
Corinne
I'm not getting the floor insulation but the wall insulation is totally sealed off by the aluminum walls. If there are any spaces, aluminum tape can be used – aluminium fully blocks VOCs. I am wondering if yours doesn't have all alum wall panels or if it the treatment used to colour the walls, or something else that's bothering you. I would love to hear more feedback about it! Thanks!
Dave
hi, I’d really love to read this blog but it’s invite only?