Lance 1130, Owner'S Manual

Page: 62 / 132

62
EFFECTS OF PROLONGED
OCCUPANCY
Your trailer was designed for recreational use and
short-term occupancy. If you expect to occupy it for
an extended period, you need to be prepared to
deal with issues that include condensation, exces-
sive humidity and the damage that can be caused by
moisture, such as mold. The materials and methods
used to construct your trailer were selected in part to
minimize air leakage and to create a weather tight ex-
terior shell. However, in order to protect your invest-
ment and reduce the risk of moisture related damage
and costly repairs, attention and care have to be
taken to manage moisture inside your trailer.
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 occu-
pants 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 con-
densate on the inside surfaces of your trailer during
use in cold weather when the relative humidity of in-
terior 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 seri-
ous 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 trailer 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 nor-
mal, and may under the terms of the warranty con-
stitute misuse, abuse or neglect, and may therefore
reduce your warranty protection.
Signs of excessive moisture can be obvious, such as
water droplets forming on surfaces. Conversely, signs
of excess moisture can be subtle, such as condensa-
tion forming on metal surfaces. When symptoms ap-
pear it is important to timely determine the cause of
the excess moisture and take appropriate corrective
action to prevent moisture related damage.
Monitoring and controlling relative humidity within the
trailer is one of the most important steps to minimize
the risk for moisture related damage. Ideally, relative
humidity should be at 60% or less. Relative humidity
can be monitored utilizing a portable hygrometer, a
small device that measures temperature and relative
humidity. Hygrometers are available at electronics or
building supply stores.
Use exhaust fans, the air conditioner, and/or a porta-
ble dehumidifier to manage moisture inside the trailer
to maintain relative humidity at 60% or less. In cold
climates, relative humidity may need to be at 35% or
less to avoid window condensation issues.
If the trailer is used the majority of the time in a hot-
humid climate, it may be difficult to keep relative
humidity below 60%. A dehumidifier will help, but it is
important to check the condensation (water) collec-
tion bucket regularly or discharge the condensation
(water) directly to a drain.
Cooler surface temperatures increase the potential for
condensation and surface mold growth. To minimize
the opportunity for condensation to form on interior
surfaces, maintain a comfortable temperature in your
trailer, and avoid nighttime setbacks of 10 degrees
or more. Drastic setbacks that reduce the indoor
air temperature quickly can increase the chance for
airborne moisture to condense on cool surfaces such
as windows. If you are away from your trailer for an
extended number of days, we recommend that you
do not set the temperature back without taking other
measures to manage relative humidity, including op-
erating a dehumidifier with a continuous drain.
Window condensation issues can be identified by wa-
ter or ice-build up, usually at the base of the window.
The majority of these problems can be addressed by
managing moisture generated inside the trailer. Minor
condensation issues are not unusual, especially for
trailers used in colder climates. The key is to manage
this small amount of moisture if evident by wiping
the surface, and as discussed above, maintaining a
reasonable relative humidity within the unit.