If you enjoy spending time in your RV, you will probably deal with condensation at some point. Since most RVs are designed to seal out the elements of weather, it causes moisture inside them to get trapped, which can lead to significant amounts of condensation. Moisture and condensation inside your RV can lead to mold growth and rust. Also, you may feel uncomfortable with the humidity inside your RV.
It's important to understand the various ways moisture is introduced inside your RV so you can eliminate them. Here are a few places moisture can come from.
Behavioral
Of course, living full time in your RV means you'll be cooking and bathing. These are the primary culprits of moisture and condensation inside RVs. It should go without saying that it is crucial for you to open the nearest vents and turn on the fans when cooking and bathing, but sometimes these things are forgotten. Here are a few other things you could be doing to cause moisture and condensation in your RV.
- Sweating. On average, adults can sweat as much as 1.5 gallons each day. Any strenuous activity can cause additional sweat. Therefore, if you want to exercise, do it outside.
- Tracking in moisture. When it rains or snows, do not track moisture into the RV with your shoes. Use a towel to wipe moisture off of your shoes.
- Air drying towels, clothing and dishrags. Hanging these things inside your RV will result in vapor in the air as the moisture evaporates from the materials. This vapor can then condensate on your windows and walls. Instead, hang the items outside or tumble dry them in your dryer if you have one.
Structural
Just as with homes, there are likely some leaks that allow air and moisture to seep in. Seals around doors, windows and the windshield can cause moisture to get inside your RV. These seals are made of materials that degrade over time. It's important to check the seals several times a year and replace them if you notice they have deteriorated.
There could also be leaks between the various panels of your RV. These panels also have seals that may deteriorate over time. Also, any damage to the RV from an accident can cause the panels and frame to shift, which can also lead to leaks in between the panels and other structures.
To remedy these types of problems, it's a good idea to hire a service that specializes in RV repairs and auto body work, such as http://www.orangewoodrv.com/. The reason this is important is because any leaks through the structure of your RV could cause the frame to rust.
Mechanical
Sometimes, mechanical problems can cause moisture. Here are a few things to check.
Engine cooling system. The RVs engine cooling system, which includes the radiator and heater core, may leak and cause moisture to get into your RV. Should this happen, you will likely smell a sweet, syrup-like odor through the vents in the dashboard. If this moisture condensates, it may leave a slimy residue.
A leak from your engine cooling system could cause the engine to overheat. Therefore, you'll want to keep a close eye on the engine coolant level until you have a mechanic check things out.
Air conditioner. A blocked condenser of your air conditioning system can moisture. One tell-tale sign of this problem is that the air will smell musty, especially if a significant amount of moisture has accumulated inside the air conditioner. If this problem is not taken care of, the drain pan inside the air conditioner could overflow.
This could cause significant leaks through your roof from your roof-top air conditioner. Roof leaks can cause structural damage to the materials of your RVs frame and insulation. A mechanic can force air through the drain to unblock it. In the future, periodically check the drain to see if it is functioning properly.
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