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CAMPING
TIPS TO CONTROLLING CONDENSATION
To avoid condensation problems, try to follow these
tips to help alleviate excess moisture.
• Allow excess moisture to escape to the outside
when bathing, washing dishes, hair drying,
laundering, and using appliances and non-
vented gas burners. Always use the vent hood
when cooking.
• Keep the bathroom door closed and the vent or
window open when bathing and for a period of
time after you have finished.
• Do not hang wet clothes in the trailer to dry.
• In hot weather, start the air conditioner early as
it removes excess humidity from the air while
lowering the temperature.
• Keep the temperature as reasonably cool during
cold weather as possible. The warmer the
vehicle, the more cold exterior temperatures and
warm interior temperatures will collide on wall
surfaces, thus creating condensation.
• Use a fan to keep air circulating inside the vehicle
so condensation and mildew cannot form in
dead air spaces. Allow air to circulate inside
closets and cabinets (leave doors partially open).
Please keep in mind that a closed cabinet full of
stored goods prevents circulation and allows the
exterior temperature to cause condensation.
• The natural tendency would be to close the
vehicle tightly during cold weather. This will
actually compound the problem. Simply put,
you need to remove some of the warm air, and
allow some cool outside air to get inside the
vehicle, so the furnace will not recycle the humid
interior air.
• Use fluorescent ceiling lights and minimize
prolonged use of incandescent lights, which
produce heat and contribute to condensation in
the roof above the ceiling lights.
ABOUT MOLDS
What are molds?
Molds are microscopic organisms that naturally occur in
virtually every environment, indoors and out. Outdoors,
mold growth is important in the decomposition of
plants. Indoors, mold growth is unfavorable. Left
unchecked, molds break down natural materials, such
as wood products and fabrics. Knowing the potential
risks is important for any type of homeowner to protect
their investment.
What factors contribute to mold growth?
For mold growth to occur, temperatures, indoor or
outdoors, must be between 40 degrees and 100
degrees Fahrenheit and also have a source of moisture,
such as humidity, standing water, damp materials, etc.
Indoors, the most rapid growth occurs with warm and
humid conditions.
How can mold growth be inhibited?
By controlling relative humidity, the growth of mold
and mildew can be inhibited. In warm climates, use
of the air conditioner will reduce the relative humidity.
Vents are located in the bathing and cooking areas
and constant use is advised during food preparation
and bathing, even during colder weather. Additionally,
opening a window during these activities will assist in
ventilation. In extremely humid conditions, the use of a
dehumidifier can be helpful.*
Frequent use of your RV or cleaning regularly is an
important preventive measure. Further, any spills should
be wiped up quickly and dried as soon as possible.
Avoid leaving damp items lying about. On safe
surfaces, use mold or mildew killing cleaning products.
Check sealants regularly, and reseal when necessary
to avoid water leaks. Proper preventive maintenance
to the RV and its accessories, as described both in this
manual and in accompanying literature, will provide the
best protection to the RV.
For more information of controlling moisture in the
RV, please read, “Tips to Controlling Condensation,”
located in this manual.
*If using a dehumidifier, please read and follow all
manufacturer instructions and recommendations to the
use and cleaning of the dehumidifier.
NOTICE: Your trailer is not designed, nor intended,
for permanent housing. Use of this product for long
term or permanent occupancy may lead to premature
deterioration of 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 normal wear.
