Tips for preventing condensation in a motorhome.

[Gavin and Bigi]

This morning my campervan had loads of condensation in the windows. I'm sure there must be loads of ways of managing this. I don't store it with hook up so I can't run a dehumidifier. What else can I do?

 

[David and Sally]

This morning my campervan had loads of condensation in the windows. I'm sure there must be loads of ways of managing this. I don't store it with hook up so I can't run a dehumidifier. What else can I do?

Ventilation. Some of those crystal water absorbers. ?

 

[Dart]

Had you been sleeping or cooking in the van prior to the condensation occuring? If yes then the condensation will naturally form on any windows not covered by external insulating covers so it's just a question of ventilating as much as is practical & wiping the windows each morning. I don't think it is usual to get much in the way of condensation in an unheated and unoccupied van, at least we haven't been troubled by it in any of the vans we've owned over the years so it would be worth checking that you haven't got any other damp problems.

 

[Figaro]

Window vac is your friend.
Assuming condensation is from sleeping in the vehicle, if not it may signal a leak somewhere ?

Ventilate as much as possible

 

[Oldrat]

At least with condensation you have the chance of removing some of the moisture from the van with a vac/sqeegee.

Don’t make the mistake of wiping then leaving a damp wrung out cloth in the van as the moisture in it will only recycle itself.

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[steve69]

i wonder if you had/have a water leak somewhere. My moho has been stored unused for 3 months now - inside, dry as a bone.
I did leave the drivers window cracked open about half an inch. Maybe that helped.

 

[nicholsong]

This morning my campervan had loads of condensation in the windows. I'm sure there must be loads of ways of managing this. I don't store it with hook up so I can't run a dehumidifier. What else can I do?

Kaercher window vacuum(re-chargeable) is your friend. There are others, but I do not know how good.

We even use it for washing and drying windows in the house.

 

[Gavin and Bigi]

I have been in the van during the day as we are renovating it and painting it. The heating has been on.

 

[PP Bear]

I keep mind locked tight, including all windows, then use this. Lots poo poo it, but had it now for 11 years and it’s brilliant. Some quote that in the last million years, they haven’t had a problem, but you have, so it’s my recommendation.

Wonder what an insurance company would say if they knew windows were left open, just a bit, but enough for anyone to get a long screwdriver or crowbar in, force it open and enter. Yep, they could do that with the windows tightly locked, but noisy, damaging and I don’t think any thief will want to drive with smashed windows.

Worth every penny and they also come scented, so van pongs nice too

 

[Sapper520]

External windscreen / side window thermal cover helps.

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[Gavin and Bigi]

I keep mind locked tight, including all windows, then use this. Lots poo poo it, but had it now for 11 years and it’s brilliant. Some quote that in the last million years, they haven’t had a problem, but you have, so it’s my recommendation.

Wonder what an insurance company would say if they knew windows were left open, just a bit, but enough for anyone to get a long screwdriver or crowbar in, force it open and enter. Yep, they could do that with the windows tightly locked, but noisy, damaging and I don’t think any thief will want to drive with smashed windows.

Worth every penny and they also come scented, so van pongs nice too

View attachment 834307
View attachment 834308

Thanks, what device is this?

 

[Simonnsj]

This morning my campervan had loads of condensation in the windows. I'm sure there must be loads of ways of managing this. I don't store it with hook up so I can't run a dehumidifier. What else can I do?

Karcher window vac every time - we use ours to remove the condensation from our windows and also to dry our shower works brilliantly.

 

[GAVLAD]

Damp traps
if you shop around you can buy a box full for a lot cheaper price than buying individually.
just put two in and change when they fill up with water.

 

[Lenny HB]

I have been in the van during the day as we are renovating it and painting it. The heating has been on.

There is your answer warm are holds more moisture than cold air. Turn the heating off and air it well before shutting it up.

 

[The Wino]

There is your answer warm are holds more moisture than cold air. Turn the heating off and air it well before shutting it up.

Also if they paint with a water based paint the warm air will absorb a lot of the moisture as the paint dries. When the windows cool it's going to be deposited there.

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[Pablo19]

Thanks, what device is this?

A quick google reveals that it's one of these.

Unibond

 

[Trev45]

Karcher window vac every time - we use ours to remove the condensation from our windows and also to dry our shower works brilliantly.

£34.99 in Lidls from Sunday 19th November.

 

[PP Bear]

Thanks, what device is this?

Here we are….

UniBond Aero 360 Pure Moisture Absorber Dehumidifier

Buy the UniBond Aero 360 Pure Moisture Absorber Dehumidifier at Robert Dyas online. Free Click & Collect on this product or Free Standard Home Delivery when you spend over £30

www.robertdyas.co.uk

 

[PaulW2]

I have been in the van during the day as we are renovating it and painting it. The heating has been on.

That may be why. Was the heating on when you were in it and off after you left?
If so, warmer air can hold more moisture than colder air. As the air cools relative humidity increases and you get condensation.

 

[Live Life Now]

I can't speak for the MH as I use mine throughout the winter, however, in my static caravan I used to use two washing up bowls filled with water softener salt. £6 a bag.
Never had a problem with condensation, damp or mould.

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[The Wino]

I can't speak for the MH as I use mine throughout the winter, however, in my static caravan I used to use two washing up bowls filled with water softener salt. £6 a bag.
Never had a problem with condensation, damp or mould.

But is that because of the salt or despite it!

 

[Brianmor]

I've used salt in large bowls for over 40 years in the mh and in mobile homes and never had damp problems

 

[The Wino]

I've used salt in large bowls for over 40 years in the mh and in mobile homes and never had damp problems

We have only had a caravan and MH for roughly 20 years and never had damp but never used any salt!
I think after a while it will make little difference as one of the best ways to avoid damp is ventilation and if the air inside has less moisture than the air outside it will naturally equalise

 

[PaulW2]

Rice keeps salt dry. If salt keeps caravans dry would rice be even better?

 

[Outdoors Dad]

I have been in the van during the day as we are renovating it and painting it. The heating has been on.

You will get condensation this time of year if your renovating the motorhome. I'm sure once your finished and paint is dry etc condensation will record. We always put a couple of dehumidifier bags in van summer and winter to collect any excess water in air.

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[The Old Man]

Ventilation. Some of those crystal water absorbers. ?

They did have a load of these packs in The Middle of Lidl.

Alternatively, get some containers, buckets, old ice cream tubs. Get a largish pack of salt. Half fill the open containers and distribute around the van.

The salt absorbs the moisture and holds it. On warm dry days take the containers out in the sun and the moisture will be released and the salt ready for a fresh load.

Alternatively, take it to the house and leave them in a warm place and let your heating do the drying. This of course releases the moisture into your home so only do this if it it we ventilated!

 

[Lenny HB]

There is absolutely no point in putting dehumidifiers, salt, or rice in a Motorhome or caravan.
Motorhomes & caravans have perminant ventilation, what's the point of trying to dry out the atmosphere.

 

[PaulW2]

There is absolutely no point in putting dehumidifiers, salt, or rice in a Motorhome or caravan.
Motorhomes & caravans have perminant ventilation, what's the point of trying to dry out the atmosphere.

Interesting point. I wonder if, in the absence of active ventilation, drying out the interior simply results in gas exchange through vents so that humidity equalises as fast as it dries?

The opposite doesn't seem to reliably happen as evidenced by condensation which stays on the inside of windscreens even as things dry out outside?

 

[Lenny HB]

The opposite doesn't seem to reliably happen as evidenced by condensation which stays on the inside of windscreens even as things dry out outside?

It will given time but under normal circumstances you won't get any condensation.
It is only when you introduce other factors like humans breathng, cooking ect., you get problems and they are easily solved by opening windows & doors.

 

[Live Life Now]

But is that because of the salt or despite it!

The salty absorbs all the moisture from the interior, so dont leave the loo full with the seat up

There is absolutely no point in putting dehumidifiers, salt, or rice in a Motorhome or caravan.
Motorhomes & caravans have permanent ventilation, what's the point of trying to dry out the atmosphere.

IMO the ventilation is not circulating therefore the damp can settle in pockets not reached by the direct vent, just saying.