One of the biggest structural worries for your RV is the threat of condensation buildup if you're camping in spaces with high humidity or cold weather. In those types of environments, condensation can form easily on the walls and other surfaces of the RV. Just like with moisture in your home, this condensation can lead to the growth of mold and even some serious structural weakness and damage. Moisture leads to things like corrosion on the metal fixtures as well as rotting in the wood structure. These things can weaken the integrity of the RV, putting your safety and well-being at risk. To avoid costly auto-body and structural repairs, you'll want to combat the condensation from the start. Here are some tips to help.
Recognizing the Source
The very first thing you need to do when you're seeing condensation inside your RV is to determine where it's coming from. You'll get condensation from many sources, including things like drying laundry and cooking inside the RV kitchen.
For example, when you're cooking, the pots and pans will naturally release water vapor. If the RV isn't properly ventilated, that will lead to vapor accumulation on surfaces inside the kitchen and throughout the space. In addition, if you hang wet clothes (even wet towels) inside, the vapors from the drying process can do the same.
Recognizing the tasks that are contributing to the condensation will help you to address the problem at the source.
Minimizing Moisture Development
There are many different ways that you can minimize the condensation in your RV. Here are some of the most common techniques to employ.
Install a Dehumidifier—A dehumidifier will draw moisture directly out of the air around you. Running one regularly will help you to directly moderate the moisture in the RV. While there are many large dehumidifiers made for household purposes, you can also find compact sizes that are ideal for smaller spaces like RVs.
Eliminate Window Drafts—Drafts coming in the window can increase your risk of condensation. This is because you'll be letting humid air into the RV, introducing more moisture. By covering your RV's windows with an insulating film, you'll create a solid barrier to keep that moisture from ever reaching the interior.
Keep the Thermostat Warmer—Condensation often occurs when the temperatures are lower, so when you can, turn the thermostat up just a bit to encourage more evaporation. You can install a programmable thermostat to help you regulate the temperature if that's easiest.
Maintain Proper Ventilation—One of the biggest challenges with small spaces like RVs is maintaining sufficient ventilation to keep moisture at bay. For example, when you shower, the moisture from the water can accumulate in the air if the RV isn't properly ventilated.
Monitor the Humidity Levels—All of the previous steps are beneficial for keeping the humidity at bay and minimizing the structural damage from mold and moisture. However, if you don't know what the humidity levels are, you may still have moisture problems that you won't know about until it's too late. If you're investing in a dehumidifier, look for one with an integrated monitor so that you can keep track of the humidity levels. Otherwise, install a humidity monitor to keep track of the environment.
With these tips, you can keep the moisture damage in your RV at a minimum. Not only is this important for your family's well being, but it also helps to preserve the integrity of the structure in the event of an accident. The more proactive you can be about taking care of your RV and managing the humidity levels, the longer a lifespan you'll get from your investment. Talk to a repair professional for more tips.
