Tag Archives: RV Condensation

Winter RV Use – Preparing the Inside of Your RV

09 Wednesday Jan 2019

Posted by in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

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RV Winter Use

Many RV owners put their RVs in storage for the winter, particularly those who live in colder climates. Others enjoy the beauty of winter camping. While I highly recommend winter camping, it does require extra care on the part of the owner to protect both the RV and the occupants from the ravages of winter. This article suggests some ways to enjoy winter camping while protecting the inside or your RV from cold damage.

  1. Ceiling vents/fans – place insulating pads or pillows in the ceiling vents and fans.
  2. Refrigerator – the refrigerant can gel up at around 20 degrees F. This is a permanent condition. To help prevent this, if you must use the fridge, place duct tape over the top two vents on the outside access panel. Be sure to place the tape on the inside of the panel. A small space heater can help in the compartment, but it MUST be kept away from flammable objects. If your fridge has an ice maker and/or water dispenser, you must insulate the water line.
  3. Heating – if your unit has the furnace ducted into the basement, it is important to run the furnace at all times. However, you can save propane by keeping the thermostat low and wear extra layers of clothing. If you don’t have basement heating, you can save propane by using a space heater inside the RV. In this case be sure to crack a window or vent for ventilation.
  4. Water Heater – Ensure the water heater is turned on and functioning at all times. Consider using both propane and electric energy sources for the heater, in case you have a failure of one system.
  5. Condensation – winter camping will generate significant condensation inside the RV. You could run a dehumidifier to limit this.
  6. Propane – Propane use is fine in cold weather, but note that the vaporization temperature of propane is -40 degrees, so if it’s colder than that, your propane appliances will not work. Propane will be consumed quite rapidly in cold weather, so know where you can fill up.
  7. Slideouts – Slideout topper awnings and roofs accumulate ice and snow, which causes problems when trying to retract the slide, so be sure to keep ice and snow off the slideout as it accumulates. Also, it is a good idea to spray anti-freeze on the exterior slide seals to keep them from freezing, which can prevent the slide-outs from functioning. Consider retracting the slides the night before you are leaving an RV park to prevent overnight freezing of the seals and mechanism.

Since many of these precautions require 110V AC in order to work, extra care must be taken if you are dry camping. In that case, it will be difficult to keep your plumbing safe unless you have an Arctic Package. Remember that plumbing freeze-up can cause significant damage.

Finally, practice due diligence and be sure to check the weather at your destination(s), and make sure the parks and campgrounds you plan to stay at are open. Carry all the recommended cold-weather equipment such as tire chains, sleeping bags, flashlights, spare clothing, water in an insulated container, white gas stove, GPS, weather band radio, etc.

About the author: Steve Froese

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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Cutting Down On RV Condensation

20 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

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Cutting Down on RV CondensationMore RV owners are stretching their camping season by taking more trips in the Fall and Winter months as insulation of the RVs has been upgraded, dual pane windows help insulate the rig, and more efficient heaters keep the unit warm with less noise.

During these cool temperatures, moisture in the form of condensation can collect on the walls, windows, and inside compartments and cabinetry.  Cooking, taking a shower, and especially doing laundry in units with a washer and dryer can create humidity and condensation.RV Condensation

Controlling this humidity not only reduces condensation but can also reduce deterioration of wood and insulation where the condensation collects.  Humidity is the amount of water vapor that is in the air.  According to HVAC experts, indoor humidity should be approximately 55%.  Anything above that will be uncomfortable and help create condensation.  Anything below 25% will reduce comfort.  Plus keeping humidity in the recommended percentage range will help control bacteria, fungi, allergies, and asthma.

A humidity monitoring device is called a hygrometer which can be as simple as the old-fashioned analog version with a dial face connected to a coil.  The coil or spring controls a needle that gives a reading on a circular gauge.  They are inexpensive, but not as accurate as digital models and usually have a +/- 10% range.

Digital hygrometers measure the relative humidity with a sensor that measures an electrical current that is affected by moisture levels.  They can keep track of high and low humidity levels throughout the day and are usually part of a more elaborate weather station showing temperature highs and lows as well.  Some models such as the Accurite premier Temperature and Humidity Environment Systems includes an indoor or outdoor wireless sensor and the AcuLink Internet Bridge, which captures environmental data, historical records and trends, and allows for remote monitoring. Now that’s for the “SERIOUS” weather buff!humidity sensor

Controlling Condensation

With improved technology and better manufacturing construction methods, RVs are becoming more airtight which prevents moist air from getting out of your rig.  The best way to reduce condensation is to provide some ventilation for the warm, moist air to escape.  Metal framework around windows, doors, and roof vents, as well as metal framework in the roof and sidewall, will conduct with the cold air and create moisture.  This can create fogged up windows, wet walls, and damp closets that can quickly create mold and mildew.  In severe cases, interior walls can create dry rot with extensive damage to the wood and insulation.

To control condensation:

  • Limit the amount of moisture you bring into your rig such as wet clothing, snow or moisture on boots and shoes, and washing clothes and letting them hang dry.
  • Limit the amount of cooking you do that includes boiling water or creating steam on the stove top and the microwave oven.
  • Open your roof vent slightly or the stove vent to help remove moist air for limited periods of time.
  • Open the bathroom vent when taking a shower to remove the warm moist air.
  • Provide ventilation in cabinets by opening the door and allowing air circulation.
  • Clean out any areas that do accumulate mold immediately with soap and water or an approved mold reduction method such as bleach and water.  Use rubber gloves and follow the proper procedure.
  • Use a couple of interior fans to circulate the air.
  • Many seasoned RV owners have had great success with a product called DampRid.  DampRid is a salt solution of white calcium chloride crystals that will absorb excess moisture and is non-toxic, septic safe, and friendly to the environment.  It comes in a wide variety of tubs, hanging packets, and refillable systems.

About the author:

Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair ClubRV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

From time-to-time, we have guest bloggers post on our site. The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the authors. 

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