Condensation can be caused by moisture in the air, so it’s logical to remove it from your RV first. All methods have their benefits, and there are several ways to go about it.
1. Let the air out
Generally, cold weather reduces humidity levels outside. Your RV propane furnace (if venting) produces warm, dry air. When your roof vent has been cracked or completely opened, you are creating a natural flow that draws out the warm moist air, pulls in the cold dry air, and then heats the dryer air. It will reduce humidity in your RV, but it isn’t very energy-efficient.
2. Grabbing moisture
Moisture grabbers and absorbers come in a variety of types, but they all work on the same principle. Desiccant materials, such as buckets or bags, absorb excess moisture from the air and deposit it elsewhere. It is possible to reduce condensation in small spaces by using moisture grabbers in cupboards and closets. They don’t work as fast or absorb enough moisture to dehumidify an entire RV, however.
3. An electric dehumidifier
A dehumidifier that uses electricity can be classified into three types:
- Peltier dehumidifiers
- Refrigerant dehumidifiers
- Desiccant dehumidifiers.
Peltier dehumidifiers
It works using the same type of thermoelectric module used in electric camping coolers, such as the Eva-Dry Petite Dehumidifier or the Ivation Mid-Size thermo electric Intelligent Dehumidifier.
The cold side of a thermoelectric module is attached with a heatsink or a set of metal fins. A collection tank collects humid air and blows the dry air back into the room, while the water condenses on the fins.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
In this type of dehumidifier, metal coils inside are cooled by the same process used in residential refrigerators to create a cool surface. There is one model of the hOmeLabs 1,500 square feet that is bigger and quieter in comparison to the thermoelectric. One of the most popular RV dehumidifiers is the 10 ft Energy Star dehumidifier.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
These dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air with highly efficient desiccant material, similar to moisture grabbers. When the temperature is between 40°F and 68°F, then this dehumidifier will work best. As a result, they are ideal for RVers who want to keep their RVs colder than 68°F or who want to keep them in cold, humid places during the winter.
