One of the primary reasons why we need shelter is because we need to protect ourselves from the harsh elements of nature, particularly the weather and temperature. We experience comfort in our own homes because we do not feel too hot or too cold inside. However, maintaining a pleasant level of comfort in the RV can be a bit of a challenge because of one thing: humidity.
What are the tips on how to manage the humidity in your RV in summer? Always check the weather forecast, fix the leaks in your RV, invest in a dehumidifier, change your windows into bigger ones, maintain good airflow in your RV, run the air conditioner properly, and do other tasks outside if you can.
In this article, we will discuss the different tips on how to manage the humidity in your RV to a pleasant and comfortable level. We will also cover the dangers of having low and high humidity levels in your RV and what it can do to you and your family. Lastly, we are going to show you the updated CDC guidelines on how to live outdoors in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Different Tips On How To Manage The Humidity In Your RV
There are a lot of ways on how to manage the humidity inside your RV to a comfortable one. Here are some of those.
Always Check The Weather Forecast Daily
Weather stations can help you determine how much humidity is present in your RV. When attempting to control humidity and the resulting condensation, this can be helpful.
A reasonable rule of thumb is to keep the humidity level between 30% and 50%. If your rig has a weather station, you’ll be able to get an exact readout of your levels. If your humidity level rises above the recommended amount, you can use some of the tools listed below to reduce it.
By checking the daily weather forecast, you will be informed on how to regulate the humidity inside your RV to make your living experience much more comfortable and bearable at all times.
Consider Buying A Dehumidifier For Your RV
You will need to manage the humidity in your RV at some time, regardless of where you live or keep it. Moisture management within your RV is crucial to the lifetime of your vehicle and your enjoyment of this precious asset.
Humidity levels are obviously higher in some parts of the country than others, but regardless of where you are, it is a problem that all RVers face because we all breathe. The average individual loses roughly 23 fluid ounces of water every day through their skin and breath, a process known as “insensible water loss.”
Inside an RV, dry air is preferable. Mold, decay, and damage are all potential outcomes of damp air inside an RV. An RV dehumidifier is the most effective way to reduce water in the air.
Invest In The Best Moisture Absorbers For Your RV
Moisture absorbers exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be very affordable. However, not all moisture absorbers are safe for the environment.
You can buy special products like DampRid or reuse other goods like little silica packets found in shoe boxes, electronics, and new apparel for this purpose. If you plan to use DampRid or a similar product, my only advice is to make sure it has a safety cover. This is because they contain chemicals that, if handled incorrectly, can be harmful to pets, children, and even ourselves.
If you have cats, kitty litter may be useful as a moisture absorber. I have heard that putting it on the dashboard in a Ziploc bag or jar can help decrease condensation. It does not hurt to try it if you already have cat litter on hand.
A linen-stitched bag filled with nontoxic bamboo charcoal can be purchased for roughly $10 and can be reused for up to two years. This one is an environmentally friendly moisture absorber, and the Earth will thank you more than enough for it.
Manage Your RV’s Ventilation Inside And Out
Ventilation can assist in preventing condensation from accumulating in the first place. There are a few different ways to ventilate your RV, but the best practice is to do all of them when you have the opportunity.
When cooking or showering, crack a window, cook with lids on pans, open and turn on the rooftop fan or vents, or simply cook more outside. You can help the humidity escape to the outside by following these simple steps.
We do not realize it but sometimes, it takes just simple steps for us to make our RV living more comfortable in terms of keeping the humidity in check.
Consider Changing Into Double-Pane Windows
You can always replace your single-pane windows with double-pane windows if you are ready to take on humidity and condensation head-on. This strategy requires a little more commitment than the others, but it might pay off handsomely. You may keep the inner window at a warmer temperature by upgrading to double-pane windows.
Differences in air and material temperatures are one of the main causes of condensation, therefore this could help you a lot in your fight. I have heard this works well, albeit it is not fully guaranteed to completely reduce condensation. This method will better insulate your RV while also reducing the likelihood of condensation accumulating.
At the very least, you will be able to keep your RV’s interior temperature more consistent, which will be useful in the summer and winter.
Fix Any Leaks Present In Your RV
One of the first things you should do is address any leaks. This is not simply about humidity, because standing water causes far more damage than water vapor in the air.
Regardless, the issues are the same, resulting in mold and other damage to your RV. By preventing additional water from entering your RV, even a tiny leak can help minimize humidity. Roof leaks are not the only problem. High humidity and all the difficulties that come with it might be caused by a minor leak from your sink, toilet, or shower. Make sure you address these concerns as soon as possible.
Nevertheless, no matter how small or massive the leaks are in your RV, fix them before it gets worse. Otherwise, you can just watch your RV slowly decay and deteriorate while thinking how much you have to spend for these repairs belatedly.
Check If The Airflow In Your RV Is Free-flowing
The absence of air movement in many RVs in storage or between travels is an issue. Air can’t move when everything is zipped up tight. This implies that instead of being exchanged with dryer air outside, humidity will build up within the RV.
If you do not keep the air circulating, mold spores, germs, and dust mites will become trapped within your RV. When you are cooking or showering, make sure to open the vents because these are high-humidity activities. During high humidity situations, breaking a window near your kitchen or bathroom, in addition to opening the vents, can help transport the damp air outside.
Small fans might also be beneficial. The ones in the windshield can be run so that the air would flow properly inside your RV, lessening the level of humidity inside.
Do Other Tasks Outside To Prevent High Humidity
Some cooking, more than others, has a significant impact on humidity levels. If at all possible, things like boiling water for pasta, a low country boil, or making ice tea should be done outside.
You can also use concentrated iced tea. It is what I use at home and in the RV because it does not require any boiling water, either inside or outside. It is also a lot better than the old sun tea. Traditional cooking methods produce less water vapor than Crock-Pots and Instant Pots. Try opening them outside if feasible, which will also assist with the heat inside the RV during the summer.
Run Your Air Conditioner Properly And Regularly
The air conditioner does wonders when it comes to lowering humidity. The AC eliminates humidity from the air as it cools it. Moving the air around will assist manage humidity in addition to the cooling effects. Make sure to maintain your air conditioner on a regular basis to keep it in good working order.
Swamp coolers, sometimes known as evaporative coolers, should be avoided. These actually increase the amount of moisture in the air. Many are even promoted as humidifiers, but they will not help you keep your RV’s humidity low.
Furthermore, under higher humidity, they lose a lot of their potency. When the humidity is higher, you sweat more because your body doesn’t cool as well. At work, the same idea applies.
Dangers Of Having High And Low Humidity In Your RV
Aside from making ourselves feel uncomfortable, there are other dangers if you do not have the right amount of humidity in your RV. The following are the dangers of low and high humidity in your RV.
The Ideal Level Of Humidity For Your RV
For most temperature ranges, ideal humidity is between 30 and 50 percent. You’ll have trouble if the humidity levels rise too high. For a variety of reasons, humidity in your RV is a concern. Maintaining optimum humidity levels is crucial for a variety of reasons, including health, comfort, and the preservation of your investment.
Problems When Having High Humidity Levels In Your RV
When you are in an RV, high humidity might cause health problems that can make your stay unpleasant to uncomfortable. Bacteria thrive in humid settings. In a humid climate, dust mites and mold thrive as well.
If you have allergies, you must avoid being uncomfortable or unwell when outside by keeping the humidity low. People who are exposed to mold are at a higher risk of respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, and asthma aggravation, according to the World Health Organization.
Dehydration can also be a result of high humidity. To assist you stay cool, your body will produce extra perspiration, which may seem counterintuitive. This lack of water might be harmful to your health.
Having Low Humidity Levels Can Be A Problem Too
According to new research, the best humidity range for keeping our bodies’ defensive mechanisms working effectively to prevent flus, colds, and other illnesses is between 40 and 60 percent.
As our skin dries and flakes, microorganisms are released into the air, causing infection in others. Our epidermis is also destroyed, allowing other microorganisms to enter and infect us through minute, sometimes invisible crevices. Our skin is our first line of protection against infections, thus we must maintain it well moisturized to protect it.
Updated CDC Guidelines For Living Outdoors Full Time
Cleanliness is a must in every living space, and that need is given more emphasis thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are the updated guidelines for living outdoors as issued by the CDC.
Clean Your RV As Thorough As Possible
Always take things up a notch, especially when cleaning, since the pandemic is still here and not everyone is safe. Clean surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting.
Using a disinfectant that has been approved by the CDC is the best way to do it. For hard surfaces, use diluted bleach solutions or alcohol-based products containing at least 70% alcohol if none are available.
It is recommended to put a wipeable cover on electronics when able and to obey the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting. If you do not have any given directions, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays that contain at least 70% alcohol, then thoroughly dry the surface.
Clean Your RV As Frequently As Possible
It is highly recommended to clean your RVs daily as it is very much exposed to the virus, especially the exteriors. Clean every surface, from inside to outside, not sparing an inch and disinfect as much as possible.
Do not leave out the driver’s area, and clean the steering wheel, the dashboard, door handles, and even the sides. Make sure to clean everything daily so that the probability of exposure to the virus gets smaller and smaller.
Observe Social Distancing Among Campers
Always wear your masks when you go out, even if you just need to pick your clothes from the clothesline or just do simple errands outside. Observe social distancing at all times, especially at camping grounds where your neighbors can also talk to you outside.
Wash your hands every time you touch something dirty, and do not ever touch your face without washing your hands first. Always bring a spare mask and a bottle of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer with you for easy access.
Conclusion
Humidity exists all year round, be it a warmer season or a colder one. If you do not have the right amount of humidity in your RV, it would make your stay an uncomfortable one, and it can also cause the breeding of germs that can make you sick, especially now that we are all very careful because of the coronavirus. Practice maintaining your humidity to ensure that you will have a cozy and comfortable stay while you are living in your RV.
