Camping in the winter can open up your RVing experience to a number of unique benefits you can’t get any other time of the year. The world around you is beautiful, there’s a crispness to the air, and you can even experience the holidays in other parts of the state or country.
There are some downsides though, particularly when it comes to condensation. This time of year, it’s easy for condensation to build up in your camper, which can not only feel gross but also create water damage. That’s why Pete’s RV Center Indiana has provided some tips for managing this. Check them out for yourself and contact our location in Schererville, near Indianapolis, with any additional questions you may have. We also serve those from Champaign and Decatur, Illinois.
Sources of Moisture
Let’s start by figuring out where all this humidity is coming from. After all, you didn’t have this same problem in summer. Or maybe you did. The reason it’s often more noticeable in the winter is because you likely shut your windows and try to keep the RV as closed off from the cold as much as possible. While this does trap in the warmth, it also traps in water particles that can evaporate from things like showers, cooking, and wet clothes.
1. Ventilation
Understanding where the moisture is coming from is the first step to managing it. You might not need to manage this issue all the time, just when you’re showering or cooking. As cold as it is outside, consider opening a vent when someone’s washing off or run the fan when you’re boiling water. After all, ventilation is one of the most effective solutions, although given the temperature outside your camper, we realize it may not be everyone’s favorite solution.
2. Dehumidifiers
As an alternative, there are ways to cut down on humidity without opening a widow. Dehumidifiers are going to be the more expensive but definitely most helpful solution. The more you’re on the road, the more worthwhile this investment may be. Keep in mind, smaller rigs may only require one dehumidifier, while a larger one may need two, one at each end, for the best results.
3. Desiccant Crystals
If you’re not ready to spend the money on a fancy machine, there are other ways to manage humidity. This can include desiccant crystals, like the kind you find in shoe boxes and bags. You’ll need to switch them out periodically to ensure they’re working properly, but scattering them around the camper can help manage moisture.
4. Managing the Temperature
Sometimes, something as simple as adjusting your temperature can help. If you actually turn up the heat, you can raise the temperature of the cold surfaces around you and manage the problem more efficiently.
How to Measure Moisture
If you’re interested in the technicalities of humidity management, consider investing in a hygrometer. This will measure the relative humidity in the air and help you monitor how well some of your solutions are working. The most comfortable range is 30%-50% humidity, and a hygrometer will help you understand when you’re in this optimal range and when moisture levels are getting too high.
With the right plan, you can properly manage the humidity in your RV and keep everyone in your camping party comfortable throughout the winter. If you still need the right RV to improve your traveling experience, visit Pete’s RV Center Indiana and let one of our experienced staff give you the complete tour of available options. We welcome all those from Schererville and Indianapolis, as well as Champaign and Decatur, Illinois.