When it comes to RVs and campers, space is limited, and comfort is essential. One of the biggest challenges during the summer months is dealing with high humidity. Excess moisture not only makes the air feel sticky and uncomfortable, but it can also cause mold and mildew growth, damage to your belongings, and even pose health risks. A dehumidifier is an essential appliance that can help mitigate these problems by maintaining the right humidity levels inside your RV or camper. This guide will explore the importance of dehumidifiers for RVs, how to choose the best one, and recommend some top-rated options tailored for mobile living.
RVs and campers are prone to moisture buildup due to their compact space, poor ventilation, and frequent use of appliances that produce moisture, such as cooking, showers, and even breathing. During the summer months, when the outside humidity rises, it can exacerbate these issues. Here are a few reasons why having a dehumidifier is crucial for RV and camper owners:
Mold and mildew thrive in warm, damp environments, and RVs and campers are perfect breeding grounds when humidity levels are high. These fungi can grow on walls, floors, fabrics, and even food supplies. Not only do they damage the structure and furnishings, but they also pose significant health risks. A dehumidifier helps maintain the right moisture levels to prevent mold growth.
High humidity encourages the growth of dust mites and other allergens, which can degrade the air quality inside your RV or camper. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture, reducing the presence of allergens and making the air easier to breathe, which is particularly important for those with respiratory issues or allergies.
Condensation can form on windows and walls when the inside of the RV or camper is more humid than the outside air. This moisture can drip onto the floor, damaging furniture and flooring. A dehumidifier prevents excess moisture from accumulating, helping keep windows and walls dry and free from condensation.
Electronics, books, clothing, and other personal belongings can suffer damage due to prolonged exposure to high humidity. For example, wood furniture can warp, and electronics can suffer from corrosion. A dehumidifier helps protect your possessions by keeping moisture levels under control.
The presence of excess moisture in the air can make the inside of your RV feel much warmer than it actually is. By reducing the humidity, a dehumidifier helps improve comfort, making it feel cooler and more breathable.
When selecting a dehumidifier for your RV or camper, it's important to consider the unique needs of mobile living. The right dehumidifier should fit well within your limited space while providing efficient moisture control. Here are the key factors to consider:
RVs and campers are typically smaller than homes, so you don't need a large-capacity dehumidifier. Look for compact models that are designed specifically for small spaces, typically offering capacities between 20-30 pints per day. This will be sufficient for most RVs and campers without taking up too much space.
Since you will be moving your RV or camper, the dehumidifier should be lightweight and easy to transport. Many models come with handles, wheels, or compact designs, making them easy to move around the vehicle as needed.
RVs and campers often rely on limited power sources, so it's important to choose an energy-efficient dehumidifier. Opt for Energy Star-rated models to minimize electricity consumption while still achieving optimal humidity control.
RVs and campers are small spaces, so noise can quickly become a problem, especially during rest periods. Look for a dehumidifier with a quiet operation (ideally under 45 decibels) to ensure it won't disrupt your peace and quiet while you sleep or relax.
In case of a power outage or when you're on the road, a dehumidifier with an auto-restart feature ensures that the unit will automatically resume operation when the power comes back on. Additionally, models with adjustable humidity settings allow you to maintain your desired comfort level by setting the ideal moisture levels for your space.
In some models, the water collected by the dehumidifier is stored in a tank that needs to be emptied regularly. For long trips or extended stays, choose a unit with a continuous drainage option, so you don't have to worry about manually draining the water.
Here are some of the best dehumidifiers on the market, tailored for RVs and campers, that offer excellent performance, portability, and convenience.
The Eva-Dry EDV-1100 is ideal for small RVs and campers, offering a balance of size and capacity. Its quiet operation makes it perfect for use in confined spaces, and the continuous drainage feature is perfect for longer trips. The energy-efficient design ensures you can run the dehumidifier without significantly increasing your energy consumption.
For those looking for a small, affordable, and quiet option, the Pro Breeze Mini Dehumidifier is a fantastic choice. Its ultra-quiet operation makes it ideal for tight spaces, and it's easy to store and move around. The automatic shut-off feature is an added convenience, making it hassle-free.
The hOmeLabs 1,500 Sq. Ft Dehumidifier is perfect for larger RVs or campers that need more moisture removal capacity. The continuous drainage option ensures it's low-maintenance for long trips, while the adjustable humidity settings allow you to control the environment exactly how you like it. Although it's a bit larger, it's still compact enough for most RVs.
This Frigidaire model offers a solid combination of power and convenience for medium-sized RVs and campers. The washable filter helps improve air quality, and the auto-restart feature makes it ideal for use on the road. The continuous drainage option adds extra convenience, especially on extended trips.
Choosing the right dehumidifier for your RV or camper can significantly improve your comfort and protect your belongings from the damaging effects of excess moisture. Whether you need a compact, quiet model for small spaces or a more powerful unit for larger RVs, the dehumidifiers listed above offer great options to maintain a healthy, comfortable environment during the humid summer months. Consider your specific needs---whether it's size, portability, energy efficiency, or noise level---and choose the model that works best for you to enjoy your travels without the discomfort of humidity.