Due the house sale we have to stay in the camper in winter and condensation is huge problem. Bathroom window and slide windows do have internal gutters, that fill up with water and we have to sponge it on daily basis, but the biggest problem is the nose, where condensation from front window drips down behind the matters, getting our pillow wet and mildew growing. Occasionally I lift the mattress (it is upgraded, heavy sucker) and stick heater under for drying, but I am trying to figure out a way to keep the matters not sliding under the window. We do have about 5" clearance on the bed, but with normal movements the mattress slides and the pillow will go against dripping window. Ideal would be plastic cage, wedge shaped that would lift the end of the mattress and keep air circulation under it, but such don't exist. I am thinking about buying 6" or bigger drainage pipe and drill big holes in it for good air flow. Any other ideas?

Take a look at the Froli bed systems - made specifically for boats and RV's where condensation can be an issue. http://www.froli.com/en/bed-systems/

We totally eliminated all condensation issues by running an electric water collecting dehumidifier. We keep it in the shower when not showering. We just dial the humidity level to whatever we want and dump the two gallon water tray every day or so as it gets full. Problem solved. Often wondered why RV industry does not offer a built in version as an option

Do you have a low point like the front slider window cracked and an upper vent cracked? You need to have a means to let the air flow naturally to whisp away the moisture. I usually crack the slider window about 1/4" and a roof vent about 1/4-1/2 turn. When I cook, I open the roof vent more and the window behind the stove about 1/2-1". When you take a shower, make sure to open the nearest vent about a turn and leave it open for at least 15 minutes after the shower while it's still drying.If you are having condensation on the windows, you need a bit more ventilation.Some folks have built or use a heat exchange air flow system with a small fan. This way you exchange the air without losing hardly any heat.You have the same problem in the house, but there is such a larger volume of air and enough natural leaks that you don't notice it.

The moisture is condensing on the cold window surface. Insulate that with foam or reflectix ( you don't look out the window in the dark anyways). That should solve the moisture issue at the bed

Some winter RV campers place perforated pvc pipes, side by side under their mattress to increase air flow under the mattress.b

Camper "nose" condensation | Good Sam Community

sbryan
Explorer II
Jan 25, 2017
Take a look at the Froli bed systems - made specifically for boats and RV's where condensation can be an issue. http://www.froli.com/en/bed-systems/
Oasisbob
Explorer
Jan 25, 2017
We totally eliminated all condensation issues by running an electric water collecting dehumidifier. We keep it in the shower when not showering. We just dial the humidity level to whatever we want and dump the two gallon water tray every day or so as it gets full. Problem solved. Often wondered why RV industry does not offer a built in version as an option
kohldad
Explorer III
Jan 25, 2017
Do you have a low point like the front slider window cracked and an upper vent cracked? You need to have a means to let the air flow naturally to whisp away the moisture. I usually crack the slider window about 1/4" and a roof vent about 1/4-1/2 turn. When I cook, I open the roof vent more and the window behind the stove about 1/2-1". When you take a shower, make sure to open the nearest vent about a turn and leave it open for at least 15 minutes after the shower while it's still drying.

If you are having condensation on the windows, you need a bit more ventilation.

Some folks have built or use a heat exchange air flow system with a small fan. This way you exchange the air without losing hardly any heat.

You have the same problem in the house, but there is such a larger volume of air and enough natural leaks that you don't notice it.
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Jan 25, 2017
The moisture is condensing on the cold window surface. Insulate that with foam or reflectix ( you don't look out the window in the dark anyways). That should solve the moisture issue at the bed
bka0721
Explorer II
Jan 25, 2017
Some winter RV campers place perforated pvc pipes, side by side under their mattress to increase air flow under the mattress.

b
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jan 25, 2017
That froil bed sure looks interesting, but they don't even post the pricing, just want you to email them for quote.
But it will not work in camper as it raises the mattress. My camper used to have 2" high storage under the mattress, but that made us banging our heads against the cabinet and due the moisture PO did not address, part of the wood was already rotten.
I was thinking about cutting insulation for the windows, but after house sale all my tools are in storage and our local HD sells polyurethane insulation in 2" sheets, what would be too thick. Still probably the best solution for front window on long run.
This still is one time problem for us as we are buying next house on Las Vegas desert and don't plan winter "camping" in the future.
That is why I am seeking easy solution that would not leave permanent mark on the camper.
Thanks for all the suggestion.
smooth1
Explorer
Jan 25, 2017
Opening the vent above the cabover bed slightly will greatly reduce the condensation.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jan 25, 2017
I have permanent skylight there.
Today we finally have nice weather, although in 50's F, but everything dries nicely with open windows.
In last 2 weeks we had storm of Century... twice.
Rubiranch
Explorer
Jan 26, 2017
Kayteg1 wrote:
getting our pillow wet

Am I the only one who sleeps with their feet by the window and my head towards the door?

I like the dehumidifier idea myself.

It just seems best to eliminate the problem rather than to just cover it up.
AnEv942
Nomad
Jan 26, 2017
Maybe couple of layers foiled bubble wrap, reflextix as mentioned. Most hardwares sell by the foot, easy inexpensive non permanent, all you'd need is some scissors and tape.

Our nose window, air just doesnt move around it, everything else can be bone dry and waters running down it. It has an inner channel, was always going to insert a piece of plexiglass to see if it'd help-just never have.

Spacer- something like foam pool noodles to keep mattress away from wall?

Forum Discussion

Camper "nose" condensation

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Another condensation ?

skylight condensation

Condensation

Condensation under mattress

condensation or leak?