19
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.
Summary of Contents for TAKENA
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