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Minimize moisture release inside the camper.
Run the bath vent fan (or open the bath vent) when bathing to carry water vapor out
of the camper. Avoid making steam from excessive boiling or use of hot water. Remove water or snow from shoes before entering to
avoid soaking the floor. Avoid drying overcoats or other clothes inside the camper.
DO NOT HEAT THE CAMPER 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 camper. 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.
Dripping Ceilings Vents
During cold weather and even in short term occupancy, condensation frequently forms on ceiling vents and may even accumulate to
the point of dripping onto the surfaces below. This is frequently misinterpreted as a “leaking” roof vent but is most often condensation
drippage.
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.
Fire and Safety
The hazard and possibility of fire exists in all areas of life, and the recreational lifestyle is no exception. Your camper is a complex
device made up of many materials – some of them flammable. But like most hazards, the possibility of fire can be virtually eliminated
by recognizing the danger and practicing common sense safety and maintenance habits.
Recreational vehicle fires are generally caused by unattended food cooking on the stove or in the oven, faulty or damaged wiring and
electrical devices, fuel leaks (both gasoline and propane), or carelessness. The most common careless acts include smoking in bed,
leaving children unattended and cleaning with flammable liquids.
Consider These Fire Safety Suggestions:
Before refueling your truck or any fuel tank in the
vicinity of your camper, be sure to turn off all pilots and
appliances in your camper.
Consider the cause and severity of the fire and the risk
involved before trying to put it out. If the fire is major or
is fed by gasoline,
propane or any type of oil product,
stand clear of the vehicle and wait for the fire
department or other emergency assistance.
If your camper is damaged by fire, do not use it until it has been thoroughly examined and the cause of the fire is found and
fixed
.
All occupants of the camper should become familiar with the audible sound of the smoke, propane leak and
CO detectors. If an alarm sounds, investigate the cause. Do not remove the detector in an attempt to silence the alarm.
Teach everyone in the camper how to use the entry door locking system and emergency exits. Occasionally open the emergency exit
to prevent the seal from sticking. Always keep the dead bolt on the entry door in working condition.