21
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 take action 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 particular 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 in order to
prevent growth of mold and mildew.
NOTE:
When it rains, water may collect in the bottom of the window frame and drain out of the weep holes, which are designed for
that purpose.
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.
