Leave AC on or Buy a Dehumidifier When Storing Our RV?

[Grandmabette]

We just bought a 400 sq foot park model in southwest Florida and will be leaving it empty 5-6 months when we return north. We plan on leaving two tubs of Damp-Rid in the trailer and leaving the covered vent open.

My question: would it be better to leave the A/C on at a high temperature (after closing the vent) or should we purchase a dehumidifier to leave running all the time. We'd put the dehumidifier in the shower where it could drain continually. Cost really isn't an issue; we just want to ensure mold doesn't get started.

Thanks for any advice.

[Grandmabette]

Thanks for all the advice. We decided to purchase a dehumidifier but have already returned it. Two issues: the filter needed to be cleaned every two weeks and it put out a tremendous amount of heat. We also had concerns about leaving the unattended trailer plugged in during the long, thunderstorm ridden Florida summer. We're just going to leave the vent open and crack a window or two. We'll also use 3 of the large tubs of Damprid - they are advertised to last 6 months. Thanks again for all your input.

[2gypsies1]

Would advise that if you use AC or dehumidifier that you have someone check in on your park model once or twice a month to see if everything is running o.k. The Damp-Rid need constant replacing or draining.

[Tequila]

Dick_B wrote:
What's the downside to having a dehumidifier on all the time. The poster said cost is not an issue! I'd also leave the windows/vents open as previously suggested.
However, it would be nice to have someone check on the rig monthly to be sure the dehumidifier is working.

And make sure it is draining

[captbru]

There leaving in Florida, It's very humd down here. You don't leave the windows open a little and a vent. A dehumidifier is the best, but you need one with a hose fittings in the collection pan so it drains. If just set up out of the box the pan will fill and the float will shut it off when pan is full. Other option set the a/c on 80 turn celling fans on low speed. For added protection hire someone at the park to check on very couple weeks.

[Dick_B]

What's the downside to having a dehumidifier on all the time. The poster said cost is not an issue! I'd also leave the windows/vents open as previously suggested.
However, it would be nice to have someone check on the rig monthly to be sure the dehumidifier is working.

[Tequila]

Dehumidifier. I know people who have left RVs in Mexico on the coast & found it black inside when they return.

[I_am_still_wayn]

1. Forget the damp-rid. Unless it is changed every week or so, it is useless.
2. Forget the A/C. There is no need to leave the unit operating that long without someone checking it and cleaning/changing filters frequently.
3. Forget the dehumidifier. Again, unless someone is checking on it, then there is too much potential for a clogged drain to flood the RV, or a frozen appliance to overheat and cause a fire.
4. The key to successfully leaving the RV unattended during the summer months is ventilation. Slightly open enough windows to get cross ventilation. The more air you can naturally exchange through the RV the better you are. Hot air rises and affording an exit toward the ceiling for the hot, stale air, and offering an entrance closer to the floor for cooler, fresh air will provide the exchange of air and will be all you need to do.

[captbru]

Forget the damp rid, it turns to all water and some one has to change it out on a regular basis. You just have to go with the dehumidifier. Set it in the shower leave the bathroom door open and let it drain into the shower. You should be just fine.

[Oasisbob]

Dehumidifier on a timer with a drain. Set the humidity level where you want it

[BuckBarker]

I know of absolutely nobody here in FL that doesn't run the AC when they are away for an extended period. Yes, it will probably get too cool at times to run much but the cooler air also brings lesser humidity.

[donn0128]

A dehumidifier would cost less to run and if set correctly will run nearly 24/7 thereby removing more moisture.