Fighting Condensation in Your Class A Motorhome

As temperatures outside your Class A motorhome start to cool off, you might notice the return of an old nemesis: condensation. It’s a classic problem for RV owners, particularly when it comes to motorhomes, since there are so many windows and Class A models in particular have such a large windshield. That’s why Golden Gait Trailers & RVs has provided some tips for fighting condensation and keeping the humidity down in your camper. If you need additional advice, stop by our location in Concord, North Carolina, serving Charlotte and Raleigh, and chat with one of our experienced staff or a fellow RV owner.

Sources of Moisture

Let’s start by figuring out where all this moisture is coming from. Humidity is essential water vapor that’s collecting in the air and accumulating on surfaces. The more sources of moisture there are, the more humid it’ll be, and the bigger your problem is. Not only is it uncomfortable, but if you don’t take care of the issue, it can lead to mold and even mild water damage.

Some sources come from simply keeping the interior of your camper hotter than the outside. But the issue can be exacerbated by other sources, like shower and cooking steam, as well as sweat, wet clothes, and even simply the water vapors we release when we exhale. 

Keeping the Condensation at Bay

Moisture is a natural part of the air around us and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Comfortable humidity levels range from 30% to 50%, so all you need to do is keep these levels under control. 

Ventilation

The easiest way to manage humidity when it starts to climb is to simply open the vents or windows. If you’re going to be cooking or showering, make sure the steam has a place to go so it’s not trapped inside your motorhome. If this is your only source of excess moisture, then you won’t even have to let in too much cold air to manage the problem. 

Dehumidifiers

If you’re willing to spend a little extra money, dehumidifiers are a great investment if your problem is particularly persistent. These are designed to collect the extra moisture to be dumped out at a later date. Because Class A motorhomes tend to be big, you might need to get a few dehumidifiers and place one at either end of the camper. 

Cover Windows

If your biggest problem comes from the moisture that accumulates on your windows, try to keep them covered, or invest in double-paned windows if your camper doesn't have them already. These kinds of barriers between the windows and the rest of the motorhome can reduce how the humidity climbs inside the main living areas and keeps excess moisture contained. 

Desiccant Crystals

Another way to absorb moisture is desiccant crystals, like the kind you might find in a shoebox or new bag (though on a slightly bigger scale). You’ll need to switch out the crystals periodically as they’re used up, but it’s a passive way to control the situation. Also, keep them out of reach of children and pets. Contrary to popular belief, desiccants like silica gel are not toxic to ingest, but they are a choking hazard and some dyes that might be used can be dangerous for animals to consume.

Hopefully, a combination of these strategies will help keep the moisture down in your Class A motorhome. Then again, maybe all this still isn’t quite doing the trick. There might be a maintenance solution to your problem that our technicians here at Golden Gait Trailers & RVs can help you with. Stop by our location in Concord, North Carolina, and ask how we can help you with all your RV-related concerns. We also welcome those from Raleigh and Charlotte.