Condensation In TT on Cold Mornings
My DW and I went on our first October camping trip and first night out when it was cold enough to get condensation inside the TT. Question: What is the best way to prevent this? Not only the windo...
Forum Discussion
This is from the April 1, 2013 version of the Keystone Owner's manual:
Tips to Avoiding Condensation
• When bathing, washing dishes, hair- drying, laundering, cooking and using appliances and non-vented
gas burners always turn on the nearest exhaust fan.
• Keep the bathroom door closed and the vent open (if equipped, exhaust fan on) when bathing/
showering and for a period of time after you have finished.
• Do not hang wet clothes in the coach to dry.
• In hot weather, start the air conditioner early as it removes excess humidity from the air while lowering
the temperature.
• Manage the inside temperature during cold weather. The higher inside temperature along with colder
outside temperatures will cause condensation to form on areas that are not insulated as well as others
(windows, vents, wall studs, etc).
• Poor air circulation inside the unit can cause condensation to form inside closets and cabinets. Allow air
to circulate inside closets and cabinets (leave doors partially open) so the temperature inside the cabinet
is the same as in the rest of the unit. Please keep in mind that a closed cabinet full of stored goods
prevents circulation and can cause condensation.
• The natural tendency would be to close the vehicle tightly during cold weather. This will actually
compound the problem. Simply put, you need to get the moisture in the air that is created from normal
use outside. The most effective way is utilizing your vents and vent fans.
• Use fluorescent ceiling lights and minimize prolonged use of incandescent lights, which produce heat
and contribute to condensation in the roof above the ceiling lights.
If the tips presented here are not effective in controlling condensation, it may be necessary for you to invest in a
dehumidifier to reduce the health risk to you or your family as well as prevent damage to your RV.
Where There Is Moisture, There May Be Mold
Molds, which are pollutants, are microscopic organisms that naturally occur in virtually every environment,
indoors and out. Outdoors, mold growth is important in the decomposition of plants. Indoors, mold growth is
unfavorable. Left unchecked, molds break down natural materials such as wood products and fabrics.
For mold growth to occur temperatures must be between 40 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit and there must be
a source of moisture such as humidity, standing water, damp materials, etc. Indoors, the most rapid growth occurs
with warm and humid conditions.
By controlling relative humidity (moisture), the growth of mold and mildew can be inhibited.
• In warm climates, use of the air conditioner will reduce the relative humidity.
• Opening vents and operating exhaust fans when introducing high levels of moisture to the inside of the
unit (bathing, showering, cooking, washing dishes, etc.) will help control the environment needed for
mold to grow.
• Clean any spills immediately
• Avoid leaving damp towels, cloths, etc. out to dry inside the unit
• On safe surfaces, use mold or mildew-killing cleaning products.
• Check sealants regularly and reseal when necessary to avoid water leaks. Proper preventive maintenance
to the RV and its accessories, as described both in this manual and in accompanying literature, will
provide the best protection for your unit.
• In extreme conditions, a dehumidifier may be necessary.
Tips to Avoiding Condensation
• When bathing, washing dishes, hair- drying, laundering, cooking and using appliances and non-vented
gas burners always turn on the nearest exhaust fan.
• Keep the bathroom door closed and the vent open (if equipped, exhaust fan on) when bathing/
showering and for a period of time after you have finished.
• Do not hang wet clothes in the coach to dry.
• In hot weather, start the air conditioner early as it removes excess humidity from the air while lowering
the temperature.
• Manage the inside temperature during cold weather. The higher inside temperature along with colder
outside temperatures will cause condensation to form on areas that are not insulated as well as others
(windows, vents, wall studs, etc).
• Poor air circulation inside the unit can cause condensation to form inside closets and cabinets. Allow air
to circulate inside closets and cabinets (leave doors partially open) so the temperature inside the cabinet
is the same as in the rest of the unit. Please keep in mind that a closed cabinet full of stored goods
prevents circulation and can cause condensation.
• The natural tendency would be to close the vehicle tightly during cold weather. This will actually
compound the problem. Simply put, you need to get the moisture in the air that is created from normal
use outside. The most effective way is utilizing your vents and vent fans.
• Use fluorescent ceiling lights and minimize prolonged use of incandescent lights, which produce heat
and contribute to condensation in the roof above the ceiling lights.
If the tips presented here are not effective in controlling condensation, it may be necessary for you to invest in a
dehumidifier to reduce the health risk to you or your family as well as prevent damage to your RV.
Where There Is Moisture, There May Be Mold
Molds, which are pollutants, are microscopic organisms that naturally occur in virtually every environment,
indoors and out. Outdoors, mold growth is important in the decomposition of plants. Indoors, mold growth is
unfavorable. Left unchecked, molds break down natural materials such as wood products and fabrics.
For mold growth to occur temperatures must be between 40 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit and there must be
a source of moisture such as humidity, standing water, damp materials, etc. Indoors, the most rapid growth occurs
with warm and humid conditions.
By controlling relative humidity (moisture), the growth of mold and mildew can be inhibited.
• In warm climates, use of the air conditioner will reduce the relative humidity.
• Opening vents and operating exhaust fans when introducing high levels of moisture to the inside of the
unit (bathing, showering, cooking, washing dishes, etc.) will help control the environment needed for
mold to grow.
• Clean any spills immediately
• Avoid leaving damp towels, cloths, etc. out to dry inside the unit
• On safe surfaces, use mold or mildew-killing cleaning products.
• Check sealants regularly and reseal when necessary to avoid water leaks. Proper preventive maintenance
to the RV and its accessories, as described both in this manual and in accompanying literature, will
provide the best protection for your unit.
• In extreme conditions, a dehumidifier may be necessary.
