How To Stop Condensation In A Caravan

If you own a caravan, then you have probably experienced this. You spend the night in your caravan following a fun night around the campfire sharing stories. As you wake up to prepare your morning coffee you throw open the curtain to get another glimpse of the beautiful countryside that surrounds you. Your view should be unobstructed but this morning, the window is covered with fog and water dripping down the glass.

Caravan condensation is an all-too-common problem for van owners. Do you want to know how to stop condensation in a caravan? In this article, we will look at how to stop condensation in a caravan.

How Caravan Condensation Forms

Before we examine how to solve the problem of caravan window condensation, we have to first understand why this happens in the first place. Condensation is the result of warm, moist air coming in contact with a cold surface. You should encounter condensation on windows more frequently during the cooler months simply because of the larger temperature difference on both sides of the glass.

It is important to keep in mind that moisture is always in the air and as that moisture cools down, it changes from an invisible vapor to visible water droplets. You also produce water vapor. Experts figure that 112 pints of water can be produced by a family of four in the space of a three-bedroom home weekly. Cooking, taking showers, doing laundry, and boiling water all contribute to household moisture.

Common Locations Of Condensation

The most obvious places you will find condensation are on flat, glass surfaces. Windows and mirrors tend to “fog up” and display condensation so that it is easy to see. But in a caravan, it can also form on the outside walls, roof, bathroom, and kitchen. Remember, anywhere where there is a temperature difference between the air and nearby surfaces, the conditions are right for condensation to form.

Why You Should Treat Condensation In A Caravan

If you choose to ignore condensation formation you open the doors for more serious problems. The high volume of moisture content contained in condensation can lead to the development of mold and mildew. This is likely in damp locations that are not as easy to access as windows and mirrors.

Mold produces spores that are released into the air and can cause various health issues. These include problems breathing and skin irritations.

How To Prevent Caravan Windows Steaming Up

There are several ways to reduce the conditions that result in caravan condensation. They include the following.

Stop Doing Laundry Inside Your Caravan

Hanging damp clothing to dry inside a caravan will only increase the moisture content within the vehicle. With an increase in moisture, you create an environment that is perfect for the formation of condensation inside caravan windows. Instead, utilize the on-site laundry facilities or if your caravan park does not contain them, visit the nearest laundromat.

Improve The Interior Ventilation

Moving air inside of your caravan prevents condensation and is one of the easiest solutions to this problem. To create proper airflow, use at least two openings so that you produce a draft between the openings. A small window fan will assist in creating the correct airflow and with ventilation where air keeps moving, moisture is reduced eliminating condensation.

Use A Vented Heater During Winter

During the cooler months of the year, you will want to keep your caravan warm inside. This will require a heater. Typically, heaters produce water vapor that can develop into condensation in caravan windows. However, heaters with external ventilation do not produce high volumes of water vapor. This means less probability of condensation.

Try Heating With A Woodstove

A woodstove relies on the moisture in the air for proper operation. This means that by using a wood stove that is rated for use inside of a caravan, you are reducing the humidity which removes the conditions required for condensation to form. Plus, the wood stove gives off a nice, comfortable, dry heat that will keep moisture content low.

Purchase A Caravan Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is designed to regulate and reduce the humidity in an enclosed space. One would work very well in controlling caravan condensation. Be sure to purchase a model that has a built-in humidistat that will turn the unit on and off when necessary. All you need to do is set the humidity level you desire. If it doesn’t have a drain hose, you will likely have to empty a water collection pan, but that will be all.

Click here for some great information and options for caravan dehumidifiers.

Completely Dry The Caravan

If your caravan is going to sit unused for some time, it would be horrible to open it one day and discover mold and mildew have formed. To prevent this, take the time to hand dry all surfaces of the interior such as walls, furniture, and cupboards. Place moisture-absorbent crystals in locations throughout your caravan to keep moisture content down.

Monitor Interior Humidity

Humidity is moisture in the air. One of the most effective tools to monitor humidity is a hygrometer. These instruments come in various sizes and styles. A battery-operated one should be sufficient to track the relative humidity inside your caravan. A safe, comfortable humidity level is between 30 and 60-percent.

In Conclusion

In short, caravan condensation is bad. But, it is easy to prevent, if you know what to do about it. Because condensation requires moist air and cool surfaces to form, introducing ventilation, dehumidification, and preventative measures, you can keep condensation in a caravan at a minimum.