Effects of Prolonged Occupancy
Condensation & Humidity
Your camper was designed primarily for recreational use and
short-term occupancy. If you expect to occupy the camper 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 camper 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 camper during use in cold weather when the
relative humidity of interior air is high. This condition is
increased because the insulated walls of the camper are much
thinner than house walls.
Studies 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. The moisture 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 camper, you
should act to minimize their effects. DO NOT ignore this
issue. Doing so could result in damage to your camper due to
neglect, and could void or decrease your warranty.
NOTE: Your camper 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.
Tips to Help Control Humidity in Your Camper:
1) Keep indoor humidity low, if possible below 60%.
(Ideally between 30 and 50%) relative humidity.
Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture
or humidity meter. The meter is inexpensive ($10-
$50) instrument available at most hardware stores.
Some larger campground stores may also have the
meters.
2) Consider using a small dehumidifier to help rid the
unit of moisture.
3) Avoid hanging wet clothing to dry inside your
camper.
4) When showering or bathing, open the roof vents or
turn on a fan to allow steam and moisture to escape.
Dry the shower walls to prevent water evaporation
into the camper.
5) Be sure no vents are obstructed and that all vents are
properly sealed. Pay attention to appliances that
produce moisture, such as air conditioners, showers,
oven.
6) Consider using the microwave oven instead of the
stovetop to boil water or soups for long periods. If
you choose to use the stove to boil water or soup,
open a window or a vent slightly, (even in cold
weather), to provide a passage for airflow. This will
help restrict the humidity inside your camper.
7) Recirculate the air by using vent fans or small
oscillating fans. If condensation occurs, keep the
windows clean to prevent growth of mold and
mildew.
NOTE: If you have water and/or mold damage caused by
sewage or other contaminated water, it is best to call in a
professional who has experience cleaning living spaces
damaged by contaminated water.
If you have health concerns, consider consulting a health
professional before beginning mold clean up.
Ventilation & 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 camper. Run the bath
vent fan (or open the bath vent) when bathing to carry water
vapor out of the camper. Avoid making steam from excessive
boiling or use of hot water. Remove water or snow from shoes
before entering to avoid soaking the floor. Avoid drying
overcoats or other clothes inside the camper.
DO NOT HEAT THE CAMPER 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 camper. 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.
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