condensation

[zulu52]

I seem to remember this topic coming up before but I didn't pay enough attention to it because I thought it didn't concern me.

Now it does!

On my recent Utah trip, we had some nights in the upper 30's.
We were not using the heater.
In the middle of the night, condensation started dripping on us from the dome vent above the bed.

The same was happening from the dome skylight in the shower.

Is this just something I'm stuck with? Water dripping on you in the middle of the night is no fun.

How is this handled by any one else?
Zulu

[billb1]

We bought a dehumidifier for our 5th wheel. Put it between the two lounge chairs, made a top for it and used it as a table. Had it there for ten years until we sold the trailer.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

To avoid condensation the surface must be kept warmer than the dew point. Keeping vents and windows open does lower the relative humidity and helps.

[HMS_Beagle]

An advantage of vent/escape hatches that are plastic framed is they do not condense nearly as badly, because the plastic frame has much more thermal insulation than an aluminum one. Something to keep in mind a replacement time.

[GeoBoy]

GeoBoy wrote:
I always keep a vent open so the camper can breath.

You should have a vent cover on the vent that you keep open, when traveling close all vents.

[sabconsulting]

I glued pieces of old carpet to the underside of my domed escape hatch vent to act as insulation - before that condensation would build up and drip on me exactly as you have experienced. Now it only build up on the aluminum frame around the hatch (and drips on me).

Steve.

[zulu52]

Thanks for all the tips. Sounds like a little airflow can go a long way!
Zulu

[brholt]

As others have said, crack the vents. Note that if you heat the camper you will also reduce condensation as warm air can hold more moisture than cold air.

[Reddog1]

jimh425 wrote:
Open vents to reduce the condensation and don't breath. Seriously though, your breath has moisture. 🙂 I prefer the roof vents vs the windows being open. As far as showering goes, use a squeegee to remove most of the water off the walls.

This has pretty much been my experience. I have only closed my bathroom vent 2 or 3 times in the past 11 years, rain or shine. I always leave the cabover vent open about 1/2-inch. The only exception is while on the road. It does require a little more heat, but having fresh air to breath is worth it, and lowering the condensation is a side benefit. Most people think propane is the cause of condensation. Although it contributes, it is not the sole cause.

[jimh406]

Open vents to reduce the condensation and don't breath. Seriously though, your breath has moisture. 🙂 I prefer the roof vents vs the windows being open. As far as showering goes, use a squeegee to remove most of the water off the walls.

[filrupmark]

When you shower open the vent and turn on the exhaust fan. This will help keep the moisture level lower in your trailer.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I was one who posted on this recently, after getting "rained on" one night (it was raining and we had closed up the vent, and my first thought was that my vent was leaking, it was so bad) - and heeding the replies of this forum, the problem was solved by opening the ceiling vent a bit, and cracking open a couple of windows.

[DutchmenSport]

Crack open a couple windows or your roof vent. You need air flow in and out of your camper.

[GeoBoy]

I always keep a vent open so the camper can breath.

[Dick_B]

For previous posts on this subject, common around this time of year, search this Forum for `condensation' and read on.