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Old 08-07-2016, 09:48 PM   #1
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Condensation inside

When running our AC over night in the humid summer we always seem to wake up with condensation on things inside the camper. We have both roof vents open. The only exhaust fan is in the bathroom and can't leave that door open as it blocks the kids bunks.

Anyone else have condensation and how do you eliminate or handle?


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Old 08-07-2016, 11:00 PM   #2
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We had so much when we were in florida i thought the sink was leaking
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Old 08-07-2016, 11:08 PM   #3
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We shut all roof vents to the outside when camping in humid weather.
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Old 08-14-2016, 08:32 AM   #4
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I left the roof vent open by accident and had a condensation issue. Closed it and the issue went away.
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Old 08-14-2016, 08:47 AM   #5
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Interesting. I always thought you should have vents open to decrease the condensation. But seems like that's not the case....


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Old 08-14-2016, 09:18 AM   #6
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Hi,

The open vents allow humid outside air to enter the unit, and the cooler interior, somewhat less humid, environment promotes condensation.

FWIW.

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Old 08-15-2016, 12:29 PM   #7
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The A/C is basically a dehumidifier, so keeping the RV closed as much as possible will allow the A/C to lower the humidity in the unit. Leaving the vents open results in moist outside air migrating into the less humid RV, as eluded to above in a couple of posts.
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Old 08-15-2016, 12:38 PM   #8
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If you have condensation inside, then you have a massive air leak that's allowing warm humid air to get in and the moisture is condensing on the cool surfaces.

It appears your massive air leak is your open vents.

Close the vents and I bet your condensation problem goes away.
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Old 08-15-2016, 12:49 PM   #9
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Winter time is the opposite, warm moist air trapped inside will condense on any surface in contact with cold outside surfaces. This is when you need to vent.
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Old 08-15-2016, 12:52 PM   #10
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Cold outside vents open to prevent condensation
Hot out vents closed to prevent condensation.
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Old 10-18-2016, 10:07 AM   #11
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Bought a dehumidifier at Walmart which we run during day when we are out and about, or at night (doubles as a nice noise maker) and have had no issues. Amazing the volume of water it accumulates in a day's time. Good luck!
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Old 10-18-2016, 10:18 AM   #12
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Condensation inside

Condensation is the result of cooling down air that contains moisture (humid air).

Running the air conditioner removes moisture from the air. That is the dripping condensate you see from your roof.

The longer the air conditioner runs, the more moisture is removed from the inside air and dumped on the ground. However, if you are leaving vents open, you are continually letting in more humid air from the outside. This warm humid air touched the colder surfaces and instantly leaves condensation.

You must seal up your camper by closing your vents.

Remember: the act of cooling down warmer humid air creates condensation. When warmer humid air touches anything colder, it will condense.
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Old 10-18-2016, 10:37 AM   #13
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I have 3 small air circulating fans and an electronic dehumidifier that I run at varying times. It helps
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Old 10-18-2016, 10:45 AM   #14
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Condensation inside

Something else to keep in mind, an undersized (or properly sized) air conditioner will remove humidity better than an oversized air conditioner. This is due to the smaller a/c running longer/more-often.

"To much" a/c is rarely an issue in campers, however I thought I would bring it up.

Letting your a/c continually run, rather than turning it off except when you need it, will help de-humidify.
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Old 10-19-2016, 06:56 AM   #15
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A good dehumidifier works great!
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Old 10-19-2016, 07:53 AM   #16
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When I worked in the HVAC industry we used to remind folks that "it an air conditioner not a cold air machine" To big an AC cools to fast without removing moisture you get condensation (in a stick house wet sheetrock and mold) to small AC can't keep up with heat generated. Like others have said close vents in summer crack vents in winter just the opposite of what one would think.
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Old 11-10-2016, 10:53 PM   #17
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Well, that was helpful advice. I've never had condensation problems in warm weather but have had problems with water condensing on the inside of windows in cold weather. I have a Hemisphere Lite and the only ceiling vent is in the bathroom. Wonder if that would be enough. Otherwise, I'd have to crack a window open I guess.
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