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brholt's avatar
brholt
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2015

Running a dehumidifier after camping

I've taken to running a dehumidifier after taking a camping trip (camper is plugged into 110 from the garage). Take Labor Day. It was cool and damp most of the weekend and only turned sunny on Monday (figures). We spent a lot of time in the camper because of the weather. On coming home I put in the dehumidifier (50 pint model), set it to 35%, close the drains and vents, open all drawers and cupboards, and run it.

I am constantly amazed at the amount of water it pulls out. Usually I can get a lot of water out in the first few days and then not much thereafter. For example this time the tank, two gallons, was full and the dehumidifier off when I checked on it three nights later.

I'm not sure where all the water is coming from since this may be a large truck camper but it is still pretty small in the scheme of things. I do suspect the mattress and bedding contribute a fair amount of water. I know it's not coming from outside or the storage tanks because after the initial burst the water collection drops off dramatically. Usually after the drop off in collection I turn off the dehumidifier and open up the vents and leave the camper stored that way.

I'm not sure how much good I'm doing but since water is "the enemy" I figure it can't hurt. I'm curious if others do anything similar or have any thoughts.
  • I had never thought of plugging in a dehumidifier as a precaution. Has anyone run a dehumidifier in areas of the country while there is freezing temperatures? I am assuming these TC's are stored in heated garages? Setting the percent humidity to 35% seems to be on the low side? Is that necessary? Cheers christl
  • After many years I am still floored at how much water is collected. We put ours in the shower and use it while camping. Turns the bathroom into a giant cloth's dryer dryintg towels, swim suits. I have been preaching the benefits of this for years. A built in unit should be offered as an option on new units.
  • Close the drains to sinks and tub and run 24/7. It will slow down and increase based on weather.
  • Run it 24/7 when wt home. I run one all winter with a drain hose outside. Amazing how much water drains out.