Whether in an RV or a sticks-and-bricks house, mold is a 4-letter word no one wants to hear! Did you know that during colder months, the walls of your RV are likely to sweat? This can lead to costly repairs or even health concerns. Let’s learn how to prevent it with RV dehumidifiers.
What Are RV Dehumidifiers?
RV dehumidifiers are typically more compact than those found in homes. By reducing the amount of moisture and condensation in your RV, dehumidifiers can help mitigate the chance of mold growth.
The dehumidifier pulls water from the air and stores it in a reservoir that you should check and empty regularly. RVers who plan to spend time in moist or humid environments should plan to purchase at least one dehumidifier, if not more.
You can also encounter moisture build-up when cold weather camping. Water vapor from your breath or using water inside the RV can condense on cold walls or windows. RV dehumidifiers actively work against this condensation, reducing the air humidity so it can evaporate the condensation again before causing problems.
Why Do You Need an RV Dehumidifier?
Moisture buildup in an RV is a nightmare. Significant damage occurs where there’s little circulation and temperature changes, like inside storage compartments and under mattresses or bed frames. In these spots, condensation can quickly turn into mold and cause a battle you don’t want to fight.
If left unchecked, mold can win the war before you’re even aware there’s an issue. It can cause severe health conditions and ruin your RV carpets, mattresses, and wooden structures. Be proactive in this battle and invest in an RV dehumidifier before your next trip.
→ Pro Tip: RV water damage is the biggest killer of campers. Don’t let yours succumb to this awful fate.
Another way RVers use dehumidifiers is when storing their RV. If they have power hookups during storage, this is a great way to keep your camper fresh and ready for the next trip. They are more effective than setting up Damprids around the camper. However, they do need to be checked and emptied periodically. Damprids and other moisture absorbers are great for mild moisture RV situations, but in extreme humidity, you’ll definitely want to use an RV dehumidifier.
What to Look for When Shopping for RV Dehumidifiers
There are many RV dehumidifier options. Let’s take a look at some essential qualities you should consider first.
Size and Capacity
RV dehumidifiers come in all sizes. When selecting a dehumidifier, RVers must balance practicality and available storage space. A 43’ toy hauler needs a different dehumidifier capacity than a small campervan, for example.
Standard RV dehumidifiers will store 16-36 ounces of liquid, but some units keep 230+ ounces. If you need your dehumidifier for a larger rig, and you often travel in more humid climates, consider a larger unit.
Power Consumption
How do you spend most of your time camping? If you usually connect your RV to a power source, you have a lot more options.
Boondockers and those that enjoy being off-grid have more concerns regarding power consumption. If power usage is important to you, research and prepare for your RV dehumidifier’s additional power consumption.
6 Best RV Dehumidifiers
With a little more knowledge in your pocket about how to choose an RV dehumidifier, it’s time to look at specific units. Here are six options you may want to consider:
1. Trudin RV Dehumidifier
The Trudin Dehumidifier is a portable option that covers 215 square feet. The holding tank has a capacity of 31oz, so there’s less frequent emptying. One of its claims to fame is that it is quiet, with sound readings of less than 40db.
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The energy usage comes to 40W an hour, making it less than a kW a day, even when it’s running at all times. This dehumidifier has an auto-shutoff so that it won’t overfill. What’s more, the Trudin easily sits on counter spaces, and you can move it around as needed.
The primary complaint about this dehumidifier is that the blue light is brighter than they’d like, so not the best for bedrooms when sleeping.
2. ProBreeze Electric Dehumidifier
If a smaller humidifier is appealing to you, you might be interested in the ProBreeze Electric Dehumidifier. This compact unit works great wherever you need it to, even on the countertop.
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It’s smaller with an 18oz storage reservoir. When the holding tank is full, it will auto-shutoff to avoid overfilling. This unit is energy efficient and claims to be “whisper quiet.” It’s a great option if you’re looking for a dehumidifier for 150 square feet or less.
3. Seavon RV Dehumidifiers
The Seavon RV Dehumidifier is a budget-friendly and compact unit that will fit almost anywhere! The reserve tank is 16 ounces, which is not much, but the auto-shutoff will prevent overflowing when the tank reaches capacity.
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This dehumidifier is ideal for spaces under 205 square feet. Like most small RV dehumidifiers, it doesn’t use a compressor, which helps keep it quiet.
4. Makayla Dehumidifier
Those looking for a larger holding tank will appreciate the Makayla Dehumidifier. The holding tank is 56oz, which is one of the bigger dehumidifiers we are recommending. This means you can go longer between emptying, but also that this unit is a bit bigger. It measures 12.5 inches tall and about 7 inches in diameter.
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The dehumidifier will auto-shut off once full, and you’ll appreciate the unit’s quiet operation. This dehumidifier is best for spaces up to 550 square feet, so it will work well in larger RV campers. While this dehumidifier is larger than most counter-sized options, it is only 4 pounds and can still be easily moved.
This unit has a night mode that is quieter, <30db. It also lets you control the LED colors or turn them off completely.
5. Afloia RV Dehumidifier
The Afloia RV Dehumidifier is ideal for small spaces under 200 square feet. It measures 10.5 inches tall and has a diameter of less than 6 inches. It weighs under 2 pounds, and this unit has a reserve tank of 20oz.
It will auto-shut off when the reserve is full, turning it’s power light from blue to orange. It’s also highly efficient at just 23 watts per hour, so you don’t need to worry about it taking up too much power.
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This dehumidifier runs quietly at around 35db. Plus, it will fit on your countertop and is easy to move if needed. It also comes with a cute “cat ear” design.
6. Invisipure Hydrowave Dehumidifier
Despite being a compact dehumidifier, the Invisipure Hydrowave Dehumidifier covers up to 300 square feet. It will auto-shutoff when the 64oz tank has reached its capacity.
Additionally, users can attach a small hose to the unit for continuous drainage instead of filling the reserve tank. Users will appreciate the quiet nature of this dehumidifier and its efficiency.
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RV Dehumidifiers: An Easy Choice!
Deciding to buy an RV dehumidifier is an easy choice, even if it isn’t an exciting purchase. However, the comfort of knowing you won’t discover mold damage is something to get excited about!
Which style of dehumidifier fits your travel needs? Drop a comment below!
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Dalton Bourne
Thursday 20th of January 2022
I have used the RV dehumidifier Pro Breeze in my 2002 Riatla QD. My motorhome is about 1000 cubic feet. This winter was very wet and the interior was showing signs of mold on some interior surfaces. I am well aware of the damage mold and mildew can do to motorhome interiors. I use two small rechargeable dehumidifiers that turn pink when wet and blue when dry. These were not enough this winter. So, I bought the Pro Breeze Mini and couldn't be happier. I have a gauge in my motorhome that shows the temp and humidity. It has reduced the interior humidity by 20%.
Dalton Bourne
Monday 7th of February 2022
Besides being lightweight, it also has an automatic shut off feature that will inform you when the water bucket is full. Honestly, this model seems built to be as user-friendly as possible, and that’s all we can ask for in this type of product.
Shiela Ehlen
Sunday 13th of June 2021
A dehumidifier helps maintain an ideal relative humidity level (RH level) in your home. Relative humidity refers to the ratio of the current absolute humidity to the highest possible absolute humidity.
Bruce Parker
Wednesday 12th of May 2021
This is a reasonable list of available small dehumidifier. Aside from the mention of air exhaustion for air conditioners, the content does not address the title: Small RV Air Conditioners. Another time, perhaps?
Mortons on the Move
Thursday 13th of May 2021
You can find our recommendations for small RV air conditioners here: https://www.mortonsonthemove.com/smallest-portable-air-conditioners/
Jim Kamery
Sunday 18th of April 2021
I bought 2 of the Lonove for my Winnebago Outlook32 almost 2 years ago. The 2 of them together do an excellent job. One in the back bedroom and one in the kitchen. They draw 22W each and although they don't come with a 12V connector, they can be run with 12V if you get a little creative building a small voltage regulator. I used Damp Rid before this and life is so much better now!
Mortons on the Move
Monday 19th of April 2021
Thanks for sharing your experience! You bring up a good point. Some RVers, especially those with larger RVs, may find that using two dehumidifiers works best.
Ron Brooks
Sunday 18th of April 2021
The reason the walls sweat is because they are poorly insulated. It is a reaction between the different temperature inside and out. If you have covers on you roof vents then you can leave your vents open to let the air temperature equalize and vuala no condensation on the walls.