Forum Discussion
- ScottGNomadYesterday I cleaned the moss off the north side of my truck.
Been here my whole life and still trying to figure out how to avoid mold. If you're going to be in a RV, it's going to be a challengr to keep condensation down. All that moisture seems to mostly collect in the window channels and starts molding fast. My inlaws spent one winter in their Fifth wheel here and never did it again. - 2oldmanExplorer IIHeat and moving air.
- wolfe10ExplorerAnother viable option is to buy a 30 pint home-type dehumidifier. That will remove up to 30 pints of water a day.
We do exactly that when storing our motorhome and sailboat. Set it to 50% and forget about it. No mold or mildew ever. - MrWizardModeratorSet and Forget ?
How often do you have to empty the container that collects the water
Or does it drain outside ? - NaioExplorer IIOr, depending on how big your rig is, a small dehumidifier might work.
I got one of the little tiny under $20 ones for my van and I'm amazed at how effective it is! I have to turn it off when my nose dries out too much :-).
If you have mold on soft furnishings like clothing, cushions, etc., wash them with non-chlorine ( = all-fabric, or peroxide) bleach. It removes the stains and the odor, and kills the mold.
If it's something you can't put in the washing machine like carpet, front seats, headliner, you can use a carpet cleaning machine. Put the bleach in the first wash, and then put distilled vinegar in the second wash to deactivate the bleach. If at all possible, wait till warm weather to do this, so that you can dry it out with outside air. Otherwise you will definitely need a big dehumidifier :-).
Ammonia is good for killing mold, too. Put a little bit in a bucket of water and use it to wipe down solid surfaces. Window channels, of course, but also just any walls or ceiling areas or whatever that get moldy. Or use Windex, which is basically ammonia mixed with water.
I had a windshield leak on a previous van when it was in storage. By the time I saw it, the entire headliner, front to back of the van, was covered with mold. Also the seats,seat belts, carpet, etc. I used a carpet cleaner with non-chlorine bleach and vinegar, and got rid of it! I was surprised that it worked, TBH. I camped in the van for years afterwards with no problem. - ksg5000ExplorerMoisture outside doesn't necessarily mean you have mold inside - been living in PNW for 35+ years and never had mold in my RV.
- Just go do what is needed. If you feel or observe excessive dampness then get a dehumidifier. Use the vent when you shower or cook in the RV. All that you need will be available at your destination.
- rhagfoExplorer III
ScottG wrote:
Yesterday I cleaned the moss off the north side of my truck.
Been here my whole life and still trying to figure out how to avoid mold. If you're going to be in a RV, it's going to be a challengr to keep condensation down. All that moisture seems to mostly collect in the window channels and starts molding fast. My inlaws spent one winter in their Fifth wheel here and never did it again.
Well we full time in the PNW, currently Park Hosting about 50’ off the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon. Coast. We have very little issues with dampness and mold. We heat with the furnace using the RV Comfort Systems “Cheap Heat” and have a dehumidifier set at about 40%, need to empty the container about once a day. Run the bathroom fan when showering and kitchen vent when cooking. - ScottGNomad
rhagfo wrote:
ScottG wrote:
Yesterday I cleaned the moss off the north side of my truck.
Been here my whole life and still trying to figure out how to avoid mold. If you're going to be in a RV, it's going to be a challengr to keep condensation down. All that moisture seems to mostly collect in the window channels and starts molding fast. My inlaws spent one winter in their Fifth wheel here and never did it again.
Well we full time in the PNW, currently Park Hosting about 50’ off the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon. Coast. We have very little issues with dampness and mold. We heat with the furnace using the RV Comfort Systems “Cheap Heat” and have a dehumidifier set at about 40%, need to empty the container about once a day. Run the bathroom fan when showering and kitchen vent when cooking.
The dehumidifier is what's keeping you dry. If the OP has the same issues my inlaws did, that is the best answer - and not a passive unit. He'd need a 120V unit. - rhagfoExplorer III
ScottG wrote:
rhagfo wrote:
ScottG wrote:
Yesterday I cleaned the moss off the north side of my truck.
Been here my whole life and still trying to figure out how to avoid mold. If you're going to be in a RV, it's going to be a challengr to keep condensation down. All that moisture seems to mostly collect in the window channels and starts molding fast. My inlaws spent one winter in their Fifth wheel here and never did it again.
Well we full time in the PNW, currently Park Hosting about 50’ off the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon. Coast. We have very little issues with dampness and mold. We heat with the furnace using the RV Comfort Systems “Cheap Heat” and have a dehumidifier set at about 40%, need to empty the container about once a day. Run the bathroom fan when showering and kitchen vent when cooking.
The dehumidifier is what's keeping you dry. If the OP has the same issues my inlaws did, that is the best answer - and not a passive unit. He'd need a 120V unit.
We got our at HD for about $150, about the only time we see condensation on windows is when we have a cold driving rain.
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Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,191 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 19, 2025