Tackling Condensation In Your RV
A common problem for many recreational vehicle owners is condensation of water vapor. Condensation is simply the build-up of water vapor on surfaces, generally on windows, but also on doors and walls. It’s caused by an excess of moisture in the air inside your RV. This creates a number of issues, from the minor issue of foggy windows and mirrors to the major issue of water seeping into walls and fabrics, causing the development of mold and mildew over time.
So how do you resolve this common RV scourge? Howdy Ranch RV is your Mathis, Texas RV dealership. Read on to learn more about RV condensation and how you can best combat it in your own rig.
Determine Moisture Sources
First things first: you’ll need to figure out where the water is coming from. There are several ways that moisture can build up: steam from cooking or from your shower, humidity from the weather outside, wet clothing or towels and so on.
To prevent condensation from hot water while you shower, ensure that you always have the fan on and your vents open to release moisture from the air. While you’re cooking, you should open up the vent or even the window to allow steam to dissipate. And you should immediately wash any wet fabrics rather than allowing them to lay around, since they’ll create moisture as they dry.
Use a Hygrometer To Measure Levels
Knowing how much water vapor is in the air will help you to keep it at a reasonable level. After all, exceedingly dry air is uncomfortable to breathe, but you still don’t want your RV to be a swamp. A hygrometer is an inexpensive device you can use to measure relative humidity. You’ll want to keep your RV’s humidity levels between 30% and 50%, depending on your own comfort and the climate you spend the most time in.
Invest In a Dehumidifier
In order to remove moisture from the air quickly, you’ll likely want to get a dehumidifier for your RV. These powerful machines condense water vapor in the air and collect it in a small reservoir that you can remove and empty out. A single dehumidifier should be sufficient for all but the largest RVs, which may require two. This will help to dry out the air, preventing condensation from building up.
Ventilate & Use Desiccants
The vents in your RV are there for a reason: to ventilate the air. Opening up your vents will help remove moisture to the outside, reducing its build-up in your RV. Another solution you can use alongside ventilation is to put out some desiccant crystals. Desiccants are materials that absorb water; you’ve no doubt found a packet of silica gel in a box of shoes before, and it’s there to prevent moisture from ruining the product. The same principle can be used in your RV; set out the crystals (out of the reach of children and pets) and replace them every so often.
Turn Up the Heat
Keeping the temperature warmer can help keep the air drier. Set your RV furnace a few degrees higher to prevent moisture from building up in the cold. You might even invest in a few space heaters to keep other rooms warmer, like your bedroom or bathroom.
We hope these tips help you to keep humidity from building up uncomfortably in your RV and causing you maintenance issues. Still in search of the perfect rig? Visit our dealership in Mathis, Texas, to see our full stock of new and used RVs for sale. Howdy Ranch RV proudly serves the Texas cities of Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Victoria, Texas.