Closing down and condensation

[Derek]

Having recently joined the ranks of the tin shed owners (static) we are now coming to the time of year when the little nest is closed down for the winter. Like all good caravans there is a manual and this gives advice on what to do. Some of this is equally relevant to motorhomes that are left unused.

The manual points out that the temptation is to get things hot and dry by running the heating system and then shutting the door. What happens next is the warm air that has soaked up all the moisture cools and dumps the water on the nearest cold surface. The trick is to let all the warm moist air out by ventilating thoroughly, they suggest 20 mins, and replacing it with cold but dry air. This is best done on a cold dry day, not wishing to state the blindingly obvious

This condensation stuff has always been a bit of a mystery to me, nice to see what to do written in a handbook.

Derek

[Graham]

Hi Derek

Thanks for that information, we don't use our Dimension for long periods over the winter so we'll be putting some of those tips into practice.

Congratulations on your static, we briefly considered buying one a few years ago but after much consideration decided that we didn't want to give up touring and we couldn't afford both. It maybe something to consider when we think we've been everywhere and seen everything we want to see.

Graham

[barry5933]

I have always believed that the answer is VENTILATION. If you seal the air space, there is no way that the air can equalise inside and outside, so variations in temperature and moisture content can lead to trapped moist (inside) air dropping its wetness onto colder surfaces when the outside temperature drops and cools down the inside surfaces.

We always leave the side windows open on the vent catch (under the cover) and don't tie down the bottom hem of the cover. Thus air can move and equalise.

Following the recent rain, gales, cold, warm weather we have just experienced, we opened the van two days ago and found it dry and fresh. I have always followed the same idea with our boat which stays afloat most winters, with the same success.

I believe in permanent, through ventilation as the answer to preventing condensation.

[sunshine1]

Hi Derek, Now roma homing! But did have a static!

I had a static for several yrs, 6 in total before moving to the coast! I filled every utensil ,eg cup, bowl,plate, pan etc with salt and left them around the satic! In spring it had absorbed any water! I had no mold or mildrew! I had bought moisture absorbers before this but to no
avail ! Came back to mildrew filled caravan. An 'Old boy' on camp site gave me the tip!

Have a dry winter and spring!

Sunshine1

[Derek]

Dec 13, 2008 0:43:35 GMT sunshine1 said:

Hi Derek, Now roma homing! But did have a static!

I had a static for several yrs, 6 in total before moving to the coast! I filled every utensil ,eg cup, bowl,plate, pan etc with salt and left them around the satic! In spring it had absorbed any water! I had no mold or mildrew! I had bought moisture absorbers before this but to no
avail ! Came back to mildrew filled caravan. An 'Old boy' on camp site gave me the tip!

Have a dry winter and spring!

Sunshine1

Thanks for that, we have closed down now, we may try salt next year. The handbook said salt was OK as long as you remove it when it gets damp so we were undecided.

I agree with Barry about ventilation. The statics seem to have more air vents that a motorhome which is good.

[djsooz]

Hi Derek,

I've used Sunshine's advice re salt in my Romahome as I don't camp December to mid March (though we do use the van once a week for shopping or trips to visit friends etc) and it works I also added a cheap household 'damp absorber' from poundland - I bought 2 and was sceptical 'cos they were cheap but they absorbed all the moisture the salt didn't so are great value.

Good luck with the tin tent ;D

DJSooz.

[Derek]

Thanks for that advice, it is getting to that time of year again, we will probably close down in mid Nov. All was fine last winter without bowls of salt. Might try some damp absorber.

Derek