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Truck Campers • nucamprv.com
CONDENSATION
When the air temperature cools, it increases the water saturation in the air. Humidity is the amount
of water in the air expressed as a percent. Condensation begins when the air has reached 100%
humidity. Generally, condensation in a camper is from improper air flow. Most campers are compactly
constructed, giving limited air space volume into which moisture can be assimilated. The average
person can vaporize up to 1 gallon of water through normal daily activities such as cooking, bathing,
washing and even breathing. If water vapor is not controlled and kept to a minimum by ventilation or
use of a dehumidifier it will begin to collect on windows, inside walls and ceiling, and on cabinetry. This
can lead to mold or mildew development.
To keep condensation to a minimum:
• Monitor the humidity in the camper with a hygrometer device.
• Keep relative humidity to 60% or less in warm weather and 35% or less in cold weather.
• Ventilate the camper when cooking, cleaning or sleeping using the range hood exhaust fan and
installed ceiling vents.
• Turn on exhaust fans when showering or using a hair dryer.
• Hang wet clothes or towels outside to dry.
• Promote air circulation inside the camper with a portable fan.
• Avoid closing cabinets when they are full of stored goods unless the camper is in transit.
• In warm weather start the air conditioner earlier in the day.
• In cold weather, ventilate the cabin to keep humid air moving out.
• Use a dehumidifier to control humidity.
Using a dehumidifier and hygrometer device is the easiest control method to combat condensation.
Small dehumidifiers and hygrometers can be purchased at electronics or building supply stores for a
fraction of the cost of repairing condensational damage. Place your dehumidifier in a high air flow area
rather than in a closet or enclosed space. Ideally, purchase a dehumidifier that can be continuously
emptied into an appropriate drain or to the outside. This will allow you to run it continuously and not
have to empty the bucket all the time. Otherwise you will have to empty the bucket frequently. Please
do not use condensed water from the dehumidifier for sanitation or drinking purposes.
During cool, rainy weather, your camper will be more susceptible to condensation due to the higher
water saturation in the air. At night, outside air temperature decreases which, in turn, increases
humidity and allows condensation to form easier. It is important to ventilate the cabin while sleeping
to remove humidity.
