draft and moisture in slide out

roger292 · 01-02-2018, 09:53 AM

I have a 2014 292 bdhs freedom express. we are new to full timing as of mid Nov and really haven't had any problems thus far, but we are only 6 weeks in,,,, but last night after returning from our Christmas trip sitting on the love seat in the slide out I noticed a draft, temp outside 31 degrees, so I pulled out the love seat and couldn't find anything to pinpoint the air leak. but in doing so I noticed dew like moisture on the slide wall and only about a foot from the floor. has any one had this problem and what would be causing the moisture. I need to fix as to not cause any mildew or mold. I'm in northern Florida.

cavie · 01-02-2018, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger292

I have a 2014 292 bdhs freedom express. we are new to full timing as of mid Nov and really haven't had any problems thus far, but we are only 6 weeks in,,,, but last night after returning from our Christmas trip sitting on the love seat in the slide out I noticed a draft, temp outside 31 degrees, so I pulled out the love seat and couldn't find anything to pinpoint the air leak. but in doing so I noticed dew like moisture on the slide wall and only about a foot from the floor. has any one had this problem and what would be causing the moisture. I need to fix as to not cause any mildew or mold. I'm in northern Florida.

That is condensation. I'm betting your windows are wet also. Check where the ceiling meets the side walls. Go to Walmart and buy a dehumidifier. A 30 qt size will do. Don't by the camper size it is too small. We use ours in the summer in the Berkshires when it's cold. As for the draft, is your slide all the way out? Is the seal tight all the way around? Just tap your out switch and see what happens.

glsimms · 01-02-2018, 10:27 AM

Also may want to check the seal outside along the bottom of the slide

roger292 · 01-02-2018, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavie

That is condensation. I'm betting your windows are wet also. Check where the ceiling meets the side walls. Go to Walmart and buy a dehumidifier. A 30 qt size will do. Don't by the camper size it is too small. We use ours in the summer in the Berkshires when it's cold. As for the draft, is your slide all the way out? Is the seal tight all the way around? Just tap your out switch and see what happens.

yes windows were wet as well, didn't check the ceiling and walls corner pretty sure slide is fully extended but will double check, I know the vertical seals are properly in place , but never checked the one underneath
thanks that gives me something to start with. I will follow up once I have examined it more
Thanks for the input

roger292 · 01-02-2018, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsimms

Also may want to check the seal outside along the bottom of the slide

will do thanks for the tip, never really thought of that
thanks again

5picker · 01-02-2018, 11:03 AM

Condensation is a big issue in R/V's.
Are you opening a vent or cracking a window?
There can be enough condensation simply from breathing in a tightly enclosed R/V to cause moisture issues.

Cypressloser · 01-02-2018, 11:59 AM

I don't think cracking a window is as effective, you would replace moisture with moisture. As was mentioned before, a 30 pint compressor type unit is the way to go, in a small space like an rv it is important to remove moisture from the air before it has a chance to settle on the cold windows or walls and create real problems. Absorption dehumidifiers are supposed to operate more energy efficient but it takes them 3 times as long to remove the moisture and that is to slow in a small space like a rv.

Also, try to maintain an air space between the mattress and the wall, a warm, slightly damp mattress against a cold wall is always asking for trouble.
If you feel cold air coming in around the slides that doesn't necessarily mean their is a leak it is more likely that the lack of insulation allows for the cold to transfer which can feel like a draft. The best fix for this is, as far as I know, to roll up a towel or blanket and cover that space.

In this picture the area rug under the couch and the towel are very effective in our trailer blocking the cold, even down to -40.

If you don't have dual pane windows consider putting window film on to help reduce the condensation.

twoclaws · 01-02-2018, 01:42 PM

I ve heard of drafts coming from removable stairs (access to house batteries) in motor homes where no rubber gasket is present between stairs and body. Also drafts from driver side floor boards where gap exists at the break pedal - fill gap with foam insulation

roger292 · 01-02-2018, 10:30 PM

Ok I have purchased a dehumidifier, will set it up and get it going . Will update with results. Thanks for all the tips!

roger292 · 01-02-2018, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cypressloser

I don't think cracking a window is as effective, you would replace moisture with moisture. As was mentioned before, a 30 pint compressor type unit is the way to go, in a small space like an rv it is important to remove moisture from the air before it has a chance to settle on the cold windows or walls and create real problems. Absorption dehumidifiers are supposed to operate more energy efficient but it takes them 3 times as long to remove the moisture and that is to slow in a small space like a rv.

Also, try to maintain an air space between the mattress and the wall, a warm, slightly damp mattress against a cold wall is always asking for trouble.
If you feel cold air coming in around the slides that doesn't necessarily mean their is a leak it is more likely that the lack of insulation allows for the cold to transfer which can feel like a draft. The best fix for this is, as far as I know, to roll up a towel or blanket and cover that space.

In this picture the area rug under the couch and the towel are very effective in our trailer blocking the cold, even down to -40.

If you don't have dual pane windows consider putting window film on to help reduce the condensation.

Is that an additional rug under you couch or something you added

Cypressloser · 01-03-2018, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger292

Is that an additional rug under you couch or something you added

Yes it is, we bought it at Costco several years ago and it just happens to fit snugly under the front of both opposing couches. We do have to roll it up when we pull the slides in but that won't happen for a few more months.

roger292 · 01-03-2018, 08:32 PM

Ok update
I am still having heavy condensation issues. Dehumidifier is pulling moisture almost 30 liters in about 18 hrs. I have it set @ 30% RH. Not sure what else to do.

cavie · 01-03-2018, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger292

Ok update
I am still having heavy condensation issues. Dehumidifier is pulling moisture almost 30 liters in about 18 hrs. I have it set @ 30% RH. Not sure what else to do.

55% works for me. Try Run continues. If it's making water it's working. it will shut off auotomatic before it overflows.

roger292 · 01-03-2018, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavie

55% works for me. Try Run continues. If it's making water it's working. it will shut off auotomatic before it overflows.

I figured if I set it at 30 that would lesssen the condensation. I'm thinking of going to all electric heat as I have been reading the propane will aid in creating condensation. New at this so I'm just trying to figure it all out

FordHauler · 01-03-2018, 09:25 PM

We have been coming to north central Florida for a few years, condensation is a problem, we too have a dehumidifier to alleviate the problems that occur in cooler weather. In addition to condensation behind furnishings you will find that almost all cabinets on outside walls are wet inside. We open those doors to allow air circulation inside them.
For the next few nights when it will be below freezing we will run electric heat only and leave the bath fan lid open an inch or so for ventilation. Just be sure to dry those wet spots and run a fan on them in the warmer part of the day.

Travel safe

Cypressloser · 01-03-2018, 09:57 PM

This proves that it is working.
FYI, running the propane furnace does NOT increase the humidity.

RobnCari · 01-05-2018, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger292

I figured if I set it at 30 that would lesssen the condensation. I'm thinking of going to all electric heat as I have been reading the propane will aid in creating condensation. New at this so I'm just trying to figure it all out

Burning propane does create water but that should be exhausted outside and inside air is heated through a heat exchanger. So no added moisture by using the furnace. Electric space heaters are usually quieter than the furnace.

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