Forum Discussion

zulu52's avatar
zulu52
Explorer
Oct 31, 2015

condensation

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
Truck Campers
  • billb1's avatar
    billb1
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2015
    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's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Nov 01, 2015
    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's avatar
    HMS_Beagle
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2015
    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's avatar
    GeoBoy
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2015
    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's avatar
    sabconsulting
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2015
    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's avatar
    zulu52
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2015
    Thanks for all the tips. Sounds like a little airflow can go a long way!
    Zulu
  • brholt's avatar
    brholt
    Explorer II
    Oct 31, 2015
    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's avatar
    Reddog1
    Explorer II
    Oct 31, 2015
    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's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Oct 31, 2015
    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's avatar
    filrupmark
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2015
    When you shower open the vent and turn on the exhaust fan. This will help keep the moisture level lower in your trailer.

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