Just like an angry wasp in the RV that is promptly shown to the door, condensation should never be allowed to linger around your coach. Practice precautionary measures to keep the interior of your RV free from airborne dampness that is created by warm, moisture-laden air coming into contact with a cold surface, poor air circulation and stagnant air pockets.
Varying quantities of water vapor exist in the air and condensation occurs when that water vapor separates. This happens when cold meets heat and the water is released by a combination of two or more molecules. The air’s capacity to hold water is relative to temperature, resulting in warm air holding more moisture than cold air. When moist air contacts cold air, or a cold surface such as a window, the air is unable to retain the same amount of moisture and water is released to form condensation.
Most of us listen to the evening weather broadcast to find out if the following days will bring sun, rain or snow. To protect your RV you should also lend an ear to humidity levels, particularly when traveling in warm and tropical weather climates. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Calculated by the number of grams of water vapor in each kilogram of air, humidity will range from nearly zero in deserts, high mountain altitudes and extreme cold, to thirty grams in warm, moist and tropical regions. Relative humidity is a measure of how much water vapor is in the air relative to a percentage of the air’s maximum capacity to hold water vapor. The point at which condensation begins to form is known as the dew point temperature. When humidity levels are high, take extra precaution to circulate air inside the coach.
“To protect your RV you should also lend an ear to humidity levels, particularly when traveling in warm and tropical weather climates.”
Condensation favors no particular season. During warm outdoor temperatures, when the interior of the RV is being cooled, water vapor will work to settle onto the exterior of the coach. Do not allow condensation to self-dry and drip water onto the RV. Wipe away condensation with towels. When moisture builds up to excess inside the windows, wipe away water and control ongoing buildup by directing portable fans toward the area.
In cold weather, when the RV interior is being warmed, condensation moves indoors. Keep tile and counters evenly heated to discourage condensation from settling on these solid surfaces. Limit indoor cooking during extreme cold weather. Prepare meals in advance that will only require reheating inside the RV. Shower in campground facilities to further reduce interior moisture build up during cold weather.
High humidity weather, prevalent in the Midwest and southern states, creates the opposite effect, hot outdoors and cold indoors. During this type of climate it is wise to pay close attention to the exterior of the RV, cleaning often to prevent mold and mildew from settling into the paint, as shown by dark streaks running down the sides of the coach. Frequently inspect the RV roof for black spots or signs of mildew settling in, and promptly remove any such spotting.
“When humidity levels are high, take extra precaution...”
You can reduce interior humidity in several ways. Keep ceiling vents open as often as possible and get into the habit of opening roof vents when the RV is parked for the night. Always close ceiling vents when the RV is being driven. Custom vent covers are an option, and will protect your vents from rain and wind, but may also cut down on the efficiency of ventilation. Determine in your particular situation whether the restriction of airflow is worth the convenience of a vent cover.
Remember, air circulation fights condensation. A blocked AC filter will restrict airflow, so clean AC filters regularly to achieve maximum airflow inside of the RV. Wash the filters in mild soap and water, rinsing, and allowing them to air-dry before replacement. Whenever weather permits, open the entry door and windows of the RV.
Condensation loves windows and you should take care to keep all windows in the RV dry and clean. Condensation will settle onto the windows of the coach, particularly the windshield when the front drapes have been closed to shut out a cool night. Occasionally scrub areas around the window wells with an old toothbrush to remove dirt and grime. Thoroughly vacuum this area to prevent moist dirt from feeding mildew growth.
Identify sources of indoor moisture to monitor how much air circulation you need. Naturally, showers and cooking on the stove create condensation, and in addition to opening ceiling vents, ceiling fans should be operated to force ventilation. Do this anytime you are cooking, bathing, doing the laundry, or when other excessive water usage is occurring within the RV. Look for hidden culprits of condensation. Coffee makers produce steam and the rising vapor should be pointed well away from wood cabinets. Run the kitchen exhaust fan while preparing coffee. Indoor plants, when watered, will produce humidity. Metal ceiling vents, cold on the surface, will build moisture in high humidity and will need to be wiped dry with a towel.
“Practice precautionary measures to keep the interior of your RV free from airborne dampness...”
Wet clothing and coats should be hung in the shower to dry. Run the bathroom exhaust fan when wet items are being allowed to air dry. If the weather is mild, hang wet items outdoors. Take care to never place hangers over fixtures and risk scratching the finish. Loop a protective cover over hanger hooks. Do not hang wet items against wood cabinets, which will damage the wood finish. Wet shoes should be rinsed of dirt and placed outdoors. In adverse weather, situate wet shoes in the cockpit near a heat vent or space heater for efficient drying. Never place wet items in storage cabinets where moisture will settle into corners and cultivate mold. Even small items, such as socks, should be completely dry before packing away. Pets should be rinsed and dried before being allowed into the RV. Use care with the animal’s water bowl to prevent liquid from sloshing over and stagnating on the floor.
Water leaks will damage the RV. If a water leak is discovered, immediately turn off the water valve to stop the flow of water. Never leave a component leaking as you investigate the problem. When using the washer/dryer, the dishwasher, or working to fill and empty holding tanks, always monitor the task in the event a sudden water leak occurs.
“Do not allow condensation to self-dry and drip water onto the RV.”
Retracting slideouts during periods of tropical storms and high wind will give added protection against water entering the RV. Bring the slideout in slowly, stopping often to allow water time to drain off the slide and out on the ground. Carefully inspect the interior around the slide to wipe up any signs of water that may remain during retraction.
It may make your nose itch just thinking about it, but it’s a fact that mold spores are everywhere. This is not a problem unless you provide them with a place to grow. To grow, the spores need only food and moisture, and unless you make a habit of submerging your RV in a vat of rubbing alcohol, it is ripe with a mold’s favorite foods. This means the only factor you have control over is moisture.
If mold begins to grow in your coach, it becomes a difficult entity to evacuate. Attack and kill the mold by cleaning the surface. If cleaning cannot remove the mold, you should remove all materials damaged by it. If carpet is water damaged, don’t overlook the possibility that the underlying carpet pad is also the victim of mold damage. Wallpaper, which may have soaked up condensation, should be carefully inspected for signs of potential mildew infestation. Wood that has suffered water and/or mold damage can be replaced to restore the health of the RV interior.
In any season, when a closed up RV is being removed and prepared for occupancy, activity within the coach will produce moist air and at this point condensation is ripe to occur. To keep the coach free of potential problems with mildew, store the vehicle with the ceiling vents open in mild weather, or regularly spend time airing out the RV as you tinker around performing other maintenance chores. Avoid storing the vehicle on a wet ground surface, such as gravel or grass, where moisture can gather and travel up into the RV. Cover windows to keep the interior temperature constant during storage. When stored outdoors, dirt and leaves left on the RV for extended periods will become a prime habitat for mold and mildew in wet climates.
When preparing to store the RV, clean the vehicle from top to bottom to ward off mold while the coach is in storage. If cupboards are packed, remove all items and clean the cupboard thoroughly. Leave doors open to allow airflow, particularly when storing blankets and towels. Dryer sheets can be placed in storage spots to give off a pleasant odor, but dryer sheets won’t absorb moisture. Never place a wet item into a cupboard. Charcoal placed in small dishes at the corners of the RV will work to absorb mildew.
Discouraging condensation is easily accomplished by merely moving the air. Stay aware when elements are building condensation, and adjust the airflow accordingly. Fix all leaks, big or small, as quickly as possible and if water damage does occur, eliminate all signs of mold and mildew. Take control of condensation and you will have little problem preserving the beauty of your RV. |
