Dehumidifier

[Frank DeFeo]

Live in MUGGY Florida. Times that I have to store my MH for several weeks at a time. I leave my 3 roof vents partially open and keep 4 damp rids that fill up within 2 weeks. This has been an extremely humid summer. My last visit to the coach to check on things I noticed that a couple of cabinet doors were sticking do to some swelling.
Thinking of installing a portable dehumidifier. My concern is that it is in a storage unit and I am not able to check it for several days. Do I need to or should I be concerned about it being unattended? Does anyone use a dehumidifier in their units?

[Mdaniels4]

The dehumidifier will shut off when it's full, so I don't think you have anything to worry about. Bad news is it will be full in 2 days.

[Flybob]

I installed a drain line thru the floor along side the shower drain using 1/2" vinyl hose. I added coupler just inside next to shower and another piece of 1/2" hose to the permanent drain port on the dehumidifier. I run it on auto set at 50%. It keeps the inside dry and the mold out. I run mine whenever the temp is above 45F ( essentially April thru Nov). I tried one of the solid state ones in an earlier smaller trailer. It did not remove enough water to make a dent in the humidity. If you are in a building that prohibits running the condensate out the bottom, You can run it down a drain into the black or grey tank. Unless you only use the MH once a year you should not have a problem filling the tank.

[Frank DeFeo]

Originally Posted by Mdaniels4

The dehumidifier will shut off when it's full, so I don't think you have anything to worry about. Bad news is it will be full in 2 days.

Thanks for the reply. Have never used one. I've heard that they have a tendency to freeze up (fact or fiction?). Also don't know from a good brand or bad, nor what quart size. I'm thinking maybe 30 quart.

[Mdaniels4]

Yes and no. They can freeze up, but the newer ones generally do not. Actually, if you can check it every few days, and you can drain it into your grey tank, just leave that valve open to the ground. It's just water.

[kcmusa]

get one with a drain hose and put the thing in your tub.

[jeffandrews55]

Following this thread...great info. Does anyone use solar to keep batteries charged to keep dehumidifier running? I'm wondering what size solar I'd need.

[SailorSam20500]

I have one in my S&B that freezes up depending on the temperature in the basement. I put the dehumidifier on a timer - 1/2 hour on, 1/2 hour off. Freeze up melts completely during the off time.
Since these things can pull up to 8 gallons a day, do plan on how to dispose of the water and look for one that has a continuous discharge.

[Cowracer]

I have a GE 30 pint/day in my cabin. Some of the best money I have spent. I keep it on the "Always on" setting and I have yet to have it freeze up. I have not used the hose yet, so I have to empty it when I get up, and when I go to bed. If it fills up, it just shuts off and alerts me.

While my A/C units can keep the cabin very cold, they are not up to keeping the humidity out. The dehumidifier keeps it very nice inside.

Tim

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by jeffandrews55

Following this thread...great info. Does anyone use solar to keep batteries charged to keep dehumidifier running? I'm wondering what size solar I'd need.

You will need a major investment to run a dehumidifier on solar.

[Brewhedd]

Hey fellow Floridian. I have found the humidity is lower if I keep the vents closed. I use a dehumidifier when temperature permits and drain it into the kitchen sink, most have a spot to attach a hose. They do not work well when the temp in the TT is above 85 degrees and these days the inside temp is running near 100. I keep my TT covered, as it is right now, and haven't had any humidity related problems.