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Old 02-15-2008, 04:35 PM   #1
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Default Formeldyhyde in Funfinder Products

In light of the raging controversy taking place of FEMA trailers in New Orleans, does anyone know of any information forthcoming from Shadow Cruiser manufacturers regarding formeldyhyde content? Essentially, families housed in RV trailers in New Orleans who have been displaced by the flooding are now complaining of nausea and illness due to toxic fumes in the RV's, which comes from formeldyhyde used in plywood and chipboard cabinetry, carpets upholstery etc. Reports are now forthcoming stating that RV manufacturers have used the chemical indiscriminately in almost all aspects of RV construction. It will be interesting to see how the industry reacts to this, and whether Funfinder is a greater or lesser user of this toxic product.

Ian Parsons
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Old 02-16-2008, 09:10 AM   #2
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I can't answer about Funfinder specifically. Might be worth contacting the company reps to see how upfront they are on this subject. A less than forthcoming response would tell a lot all by itself. I wrote to the RV Consumer Group to see if they have brand info. They have a 10 day e-mail backlog right now though.

There's an interesting piece by ABC news at
http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/Health/...3240532&page=1

The follow-up comments to the article by many rv owners are just as, or more, revealing. Here's one that ads a bit of perspective and specifically mentions a few brands. He makes a good point about the higher quality materials in more expensive RVs being associated with lower risk of outgassing. Some of the comments come from people with pretty expensive units though.

"Unfortunately, this article while well composed and full of "emotion" lacks credibility. True, the RV industry uses formaldyhyde in many of its products. However, formaldyhyde is contained in everything that is, well quite frankly, petroleum based. That's right consumers....it's everywhere. It's in your carpet in your home, your carpet pad, your laminated kitchen & bathroom cabinets, your linoleum tile...simply put...it's everywhere in your home. The difference between your home and your RV is two-fold. First, your home has approximately 21" of insluation between the outside and the "living area" of your home...an RV...2". Second, your home has a built in, constantly running air exchange unit, commonly called either your Air Conditioning or Heater. Subsequently, our homes are a constant temperature...usually 68-degrees. Since formaldehyde begins to gas at around 90-degrees farenheit and since no homes ever reach that temperature, even if not heated or cooled, you/we the consumers will generally not feel the effects of these petroleum-based products which are all throughout our homes. The answer...As consumers it is up to us to ask questions and find the products out there that are more environmentally friendly. These products consist of manufacturers who use "real wood" cabinet stiles and "real wood" slideout fascia. Usually products like these will have lower formaldehyde based products and subsequently lower irritation rates. Some products to consider are: Colorado; Monte Vista; Grand Junction; Big Horn; and select Carriage units. All of these products use solid wood cabinetry, frames, and fascia and have significantly lower formaldehyde contents than cheaper competing products. These brands cost a little more but are safer in the long run and because of the quality will bring higher trade in values down the road."
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NessFan22 6/6/07
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Old 03-04-2008, 10:21 PM   #3
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Thanks, VaVet96, for the link to the article you submitted. It was very informative and educational. I have spent up to a week on more than one occasion in my '06 Fun Finder with no ill effects to date. Even though it is relatively cheaply made, neither my wife or I have noticed any of the symptoms ascribed to formaldehyde gassing but I'll certainly make certain to keep it well ventilated. If you hear of any results for Fun Finder tests, please let us know. Again, thanks!
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Old 03-05-2008, 05:23 AM   #4
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Glad I could help. There's sure a lot in the news this week about the issue. I have a feeling more and more RV companies will make changes and use those changes as a selling point. It'll probably take a few years though.
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