If your caravan or motorhome is left empty and unused for long periods, the risk of moisture damage increases. Moisture in these vehicles is a common problem and it is therefore important to address it as soon as possible.
By taking preventive measures, you can avoid mould growth which can lead to serious problems. However, there are also effective solutions available even when your rolling holiday home has already become damp.
In this article, we'll look at why early detection is important and how you can prevent it easily and effectively. We'll start by looking at how to recognise signs of damp in your caravan and motorhome - it's easy if you know what to look for!
It is important to recognise the obvious signs of moisture in caravans and motorhomes. The easiest way to detect high humidity is by using your eyes or sense of smell.
Common characteristics:
These four characteristics are easy to spot, even for those with no experience in moisture damage. If your caravan has foggy windows or a stale odour, you should take action quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse. The best thing to do is to set up a desiccant dehumidifier to help dehumidify the air. It's a very convenient and cost-effective solution for all camping lovers.
If the moisture problems are so severe that you discover mould in your motorhome or caravan, you will need to carry out mould remediation first. For example, it is common to find mould on textiles such as cushion covers and curtains. In the case of mould growth, there is usually also very bad air and poor air quality inside the vehicle. Severe mould growth can cause extensive damage to the interior surfaces of the vehicle, which is costly to repair.
Moisture is a dreaded enemy of holiday vehicles, but fortunately it is relatively easy to detect high moisture levels. If you want to find any moisture problems quickly, it's a good idea to carry out a moisture measurement in the areas where moisture often occurs. These areas include kitchens and shower rooms, storage areas, walls and ceilings, and windows. Also look for external damage where moisture can get in.
Easily measure moisture levels in air and materials with a moisture meter. You can choose between a moisture meter and a hygrometer. A moisture meter measures the moisture content of different materials using needles that are inserted and give a precise percentage. A hygrometer measures the humidity in the air. You can also have your motorhome moisture tested by a surveyor for a small fee.
Many families have realised their holiday dreams and bought a caravan or motorhome. However, the Swedish summer is short, so it's common for caravans to be stored in winter for more months than they are actually used. When the caravan is empty and unused, it is at risk of moisture damage.
Common causes of damp in your motorhome or caravan:
Rain and temperature differences are a major problem, especially if the vehicle is stored outside during winter with snow and cold outside the door. Spring and autumn also bring difficult humidity conditions as humidity levels are highest during these seasons. If the relative humidity is too high, the risk of mould and bacteria attacking different materials in the vehicle increases.
As mentioned, foggy window panes are a clear first sign of condensation. Condensation occurs when warm, moist air meets a cool surface. It can happen when you cook, sleep and shower in your motorhome, but also when it's in winter storage, depending on how poorly ventilated it is.
Water leaks can also cause moisture damage that can quickly become serious. Leaks can occur at external seals, roofs, water pumps, in kitchens and bathrooms. Small leaks can quickly become big problems when the vehicle is left unattended.
Moisture is a common problem for holiday vehicles and it can lead to mould and rot damage that affects not only the overall structure of the caravan but also your health. A certain level of moisture is natural, but worryingly high levels can soon become a costly affair. If mould has spread inside the vehicle, you may need to rip out all the interior fittings and replace all the insulation material.
Motorhomes have more penetrations and larger ventilation systems and are therefore particularly vulnerable to moisture ingress if the seals are not well maintained. Caravans, on the other hand, often have more problems with moisture in the floor and roof when they are stationary for a longer period.
The best thing is to work preventively even before moisture problems arise. This way, you won't have to open the door of your caravan in spring and be greeted by a musty odour that stings your nose.
Four prevention solutions for high humidity:
Good ventilation and airflow is important, but not all wheeled holiday homes have it, especially older ones. It is therefore advisable to place moisture-absorbing materials in the caravan that can absorb excess moisture. These can be materials such as silicon or silica gel.
However, in case of high humidity, moisture-absorbing materials are not enough. Instead, you need to set up a dehumidifier which can run when needed. When the humidity drops below a pre-programmed level, the dehumidifier goes into a sleep mode to save energy. Today, there are many small and handy dehumidifiers that are really powerful in small, confined spaces.
If you want to dehumidify a caravan it is best to set up a desiccant dehumidifier. The same goes for moisture in a mobile home. These awkward spaces, which lack heating, attract moisture from outside and are a perfect breeding ground for mould.
We recommend that you take a closer look at EvoDry 6H 2.0, which is particularly well suited to small spaces with poor ventilation. It is a compact and efficient dehumidifier that can be discreetly placed in a cupboard or other hidden space. It does not need to be placed on the floor to dehumidify the air.
The EvoDry 6H is a great dehumidifier for winterised vehicles because it does not collect water in a container. Unlike traditional refrigeration or condensation dehumidifiers, the EvoDry 6H instead transports the moisture away through a wet gas hose. This means you can leave the dehumidifier on without having to go to the winter storage area to empty it regularly. It simply takes care of itself and removes moisture in caravans.
💡 Need help choosing a dehumidifier? Maybe you need a dehumidifier with a higher capacity? Feel free to try our digital tools free of charge. You are also welcome to contact us via email or phone and our technical sales representatives will help you.
