18
EFFECTS OF PROLONGED OCCUPANCY
Your RV was designed primarily for recreational use and
short-term occupancy. If you expect to occupy the trailer
for an extended period, be prepared to deal with
condensation and the humid conditions that may be
encountered.
The relatively small volume of space and air tight
construction of a modern recreational vehicle means that
the normal living activities of even a few occupants will
lead to rapid moisture saturation of the air contained in
the trailer and the appearance of visible moisture,
especially in cold weather. Just as moisture collects on
the outside of a glass of cold water during humid weather,
moisture can condense on the inside surfaces of your RV
during use in cold weather when the relative humidity of
interior air is high. This condition is increased because
the insulated walls of the trailer are much thinner than
house walls.
Estimates indicate that a family of four can vaporize up
to three gallons of water daily through breathing,
cooking, bathing, and washing. Unless this water vapor
is carried outside by ventilation, or condensed by a
dehumidifier, it will condense on the inside of the
windows and walls as moisture, or in cold weather as
frost or ice. It may also condense out of sight within the
walls or the ceiling where it will manifest itself as warped
or stained panels.
Appearance of these conditions may indicate a serious
condensation problem. When you recognize the signs of
excessive moisture and condensation in your trailer, you
should take action to minimize their effects.
NOTE: Your RV is not designed to be used as permanent
housing. Use of this product for long term or permanent
occupancy may lead to premature deterioration of the
structure, interior finishes, fabrics, carpeting and drapes.
Damage or deterioration due to long-term occupancy
may not be considered normal, and may under the terms
of the warranty constitute misuse, abuse or neglect, and
may therefore reduce your warranty protection.
VENTILATION AND MOISTURE CONTROL
You can reduce interior moisture condensation by taking
the following steps:
Ventilate with outside air. Partially open one or more
roof vents and one or more windows to provide
circulation of outside air into the interior. While this
ventilation may increase furnace-heating load during
cold weather, it will greatly reduce water condensation.
Even when it is raining or snowing, ventilation air from
outside will be far drier than interior air and will
effectively reduce condensation inside the camper.
Minimize moisture release inside the trailer.
Run the range vent fan when cooking and the bath vent
fan (or open the bath vent) when bathing to carry water
vapor out of the RV. Avoid making steam from excessive
boiling or use of hot water. Remove water or snow from
shoes before entering to avoid soaking the carpet. Avoid
drying overcoats or other clothes inside the camper.
DO NOT HEAT THE INTERIOR WITH THE
RANGE OR OVEN!!
In addition to the hazards of toxic fumes and oxygen
depletion, open flames add moisture to the interior air,
increasing condensation. Do not use an air humidifier
inside the trailer. Water put into the air by the humidifier
will greatly increase condensation.
Ventilate closets and cabinets. During prolonged use in
very cold weather, leave cabinets and closet doors
partially open to warm and ventilate the interior of
storage compartments built against exterior walls. The
airflow will warm the exterior wall surface, reducing or
eliminating condensation and minimizing possible ice
formation.
Install a dehumidifier. During prolonged, continuous
use, a dehumidifying appliance may be more comfortable
and effective in removing excess moisture from the
interior air. While use of a dehumidifier is not a “cure-
all”, ventilation, and moisture reduction continue to be
important, operation of the dehumidifier will reduce the
amount of outside air needed for ventilation. Heating load
on the furnace will be reduced, and the interior will be
less drafty.
INTERIOR ODOR New units may have a strong odor
and even cause eye and lung irritation when closed up in
hot weather. This is due to glues used in production of
forest products (plywood, paneling, etc.). This condition
passes with time, but in an extreme condition, open the
door, windows, and vents to allow the interior to “air out”
for several hours.
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