Reducing Condensation in Your RV
Condensation can cause problems in an RV, especially in warm, humid climates or during the winter. In these conditions, the outside air is full of moisture which can cause condensation if your RV is cooler than the outside. During the winter, the opposite happens, and the cold outside cools inside surfaces causing condensation to form. Consider using an RV moisture absorber like DampRid Activated Charcoal 18oz. Tub when storing your RV.
So why is reducing condensation and humidity in your RV so important?
Excess moisture in your RV can lead to musty smells, rot, and corrosion. Keeping the air dry in your RV can help it last longer and remain more comfortable.
How to keep moisture out of RVs in the winter
Winter months can be the worst for condensation in RVs. Condensation is caused when humid air comes in contact with a colder surface causing water vapor to become a liquid in the form of droplets. In the winter, when it’s cold outside, a warm RV can have a number of surfaces which bring in cold from the outside and cause condensation. Windows are the number one culprit. Dual pane windows can add an extra layer of insulation and reduce condensation.
Any time condensation forms on the inside of your RV, you should start by reducing the amount of extra humidity that you are producing. Simple changes like cooking outside, or cooking with a lid, or cracking a window when cooking can make a difference. The warm air in your vehicle can hold more moisture than the cold air outside. This means that it will likely be more humid than the outside air. Even your breath contains water moisture that can increase the humidity.
Another tactic in the winter is to raise the temperature in your RV. Even raising the temperature a few degrees can raise the dew point and therefor reduce condensation.
How to keep moisture out of RVs in the summer
During summer, in humid areas, the moisture can come from the humidity in the air. If your RV is using air conditioning, the lower temperature can cause condensation on the inside of your RV. This can also happen if your RV is cooler than the outside air temperature. Turning down the A/C or otherwise warming the RV can help reduce condensation, but for humid climates using a moisture absorber may be a necessity. Otherwise, the keys to reducing the moisture in your RV in the summer are similar to winter:
- cooking outside
- cooking with a lid on the pots
- drying clothes outside
- taking cooler showers
- taking showers in another location
What is the Dew Point?
Dew point is the temperature at which water in the air condenses as fast as it evaporates. The dew point temperature is relative to the humidity (the amount of moisture in the air), and is also called the “saturation temperature” of water vapor in the air. The colder it is, the less water the air can hold. As temperatures lower, water vapor condenses. The ambient temperature need not lower for dew to form. Setting a cold can outside on a humid day will cause it to sweat; this is because, as the air encounters the cool can, it can no longer hold all the water vapor. The water vapor, therefore, condenses on the surface of the can. Another factor for the dew point is air pressure. At higher elevations, and lower air pressures, the air can hold less water vapor.
Consider Using a Moisture Absorber like DampRid
DampRid works as a disposable, non-electric dehumidifier to absorb excess moisture from the air and eliminate musty odors from your RV/motor home during storage. DampRid is not electric nor is it battery operated and can save you money. DampRid works to attract and trap excess moisture and eliminate musty odors to reduce the humidity level.
DampRid not only eliminates musty odors but with activated charcoal, it absorbs and removes odors from the toughest sources, such as cooking, garbage, and bathrooms. It lasts up to 45 days and absorbs odors in larger spaces up to approximately 300 sq.f.
DampRid Activated Charcoal for RVs – 18 oz. Tub:
- Absorbs excess moisture
- Eliminates musty odors
- Creates fresher, cleaner air
- Fast and easy set up in a single-use product
- Effective for up to 45 days
- Removes odors from cooking, garbage, and bathrooms
