If things are getting steamy in your RV, you’d better find a fix, fast.
Whether you’re camping in the summer or winter, humidity inside your RV motorhome can cause real problems that lead to structural damage and even health issues.
Humidity rises when the temperature changes, or when you’re cooking, showering, or washing. Even breathing at night can raise humidity levels in small enclosed areas. In each of these cases, water vapor is released into the air. When the vapor cools, condensation forms. The condensation clings to the windows, settles on the walls, and even seeps between joints.
If you don’t have a way to reduce the humidity, mold and mildew will start to form, and metal structures can start corroding — posing health risks for you and reducing the life of your recreational vehicle. Mold and mildew create a nasty stench and ruin upholstery. If the issue continues, you could end up with an infestation of termites or other pests.
As an RV owner, it’s essential that you stay on top of the moisture issue.
How to Control RV Humidity Problems
In the summer, you can easily control moisture in your motorhome by using the air conditioner or increasing ventilation by opening the windows. But in cooler months that’s usually not an ideal solution, if you want to stay warm and comfortable.
For most recreational vehicles, the best solution is using a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers circulate the air and pull out water, without changing the air temperature. Water is extracted and collected, and dry air is returned. Dehumidifiers work quickly, too — you’ll notice a difference in humidity in just a few minutes.
What’s the Best Dehumidifier for an RV?
Don’t take the dehumidifier that’s sitting in your basement on your next camping adventure. The best dehumidifiers for recreational vehicles are small enough for your limited space and won’t be so noisy that you can’t sleep at night.
You have several types of dehumidifiers to choose for your motorhome:
- Non-electric — silent operation, lower capacity for pulling moisture
- Electric with compressor — high capacity, some noise
- Electric with Peltier thermal technology — high capacity, lower power consumption, quieter than compressors
Be sure to do your research and read plenty of RV dehumidifier reviews to determine what option will fit your needs best.
Beating Humidity in Storage
Mold and mildew can also grow in your recreational vehicle when it’s in storage. Covering your RV in tarps and plastic is a great preventive maintenance measure, but it also traps moisture inside. Over the course of the winter, water vapor buildup can cause mold, and you’ll have a nasty surprise waiting for you, come spring.
Venting is the best way to prevent moisture problems when your RV is in storage. Air vent covers allow you to keep the vents open on your motorhome while protecting it from foul weather. Water vapor can escape and your RV’s interior stays dry.
You should also consider using an RV cover that is specifically made for an RV. The fabric of an RV cover is waterproof but breathable to ensure water vapor doesn’t build up.
Whether you’re camping or storing your recreational vehicle, protecting it against excessive humidity will help guarantee many years of worry-free adventure and memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Next Steps
- Check out this video on covering your RV for winter
- Get detailed instructions on how to winterize your RV
- Interested in purchasing a cover? Contact us!
