RV’s and condensation are a common yet tragic combination. Condensation can damage floors, walls, furniture, and cabinetry. The moisture encourages mold and mildew growth, can rot wood, and even corrode or rust metal. It is important to always limit moisture inside your RV, especially during winter camping.
What causes condensation?
When warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces, moisture is formed. Poorly insulated RV’s will have cold interior walls and floors during the winter, and the single pane windows will be as cold as the temperature outdoors. This means that when the interior heat is turned on, warm air is meeting the cold walls, floors, and windows inside the RV, creating condensation. Moisture will also form when cold air meets warm surfaces, such as cool, outdoor air entering your RV and meeting the warm surfaces inside.
Reducing condensation
If you plan to camp year round you should invest in a Four Seasons rated RV with proper insulation. With proper insulation you can combat condensation by raising the temperature inside your RV to warm cold surfaces inside. You can reduce the cold surfaces inside your RV by adding a rug, and DIYing your own double pane windows by using plastic film to create an “air blanket.”
You can reduce moisture levels inside your RV by opening a window and using your RV’s exhaust fans. Running the exhaust fans for even just a few minutes a day can significantly reduce moisture inside. If you are using propane to heat your RV, don’t forget to crack open a window!
There are many simple things you can do to reduce moisture, like leaving wet clothes or shoes outside to dry instead of bringing them inside.
An RV is not the place for a long, hot, steamy shower! Keep showers short and wipe down surfaces afterwards, all while running the bathroom exhaust fan to suck out excess moisture.
When it is time to cook a meal consider trying one of our campfire recipes, cooking on an outdoor grill or using your RV’s outdoor kitchen! The steam, heat and fumes given off while cooking will only add to humidity levels inside your RV. If you have to cook indoors try to use an instant pot or your RV oven, and run the kitchen exhaust fan while you cook.
Storing your RV
Moisture levels should be lower when the RV is not in use, but there is no guarantee. Mold and mildew will begin inside dark places like cabinets, cupboards and drawers, so leave those cupboard doors open while the unit is in storage.
We carry many moisture absorber products in our parts department. You can place these items inside of closets or cupboards during storage, and even use them while you are camping!
