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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: andyr on August 14, 2012, 01:56:58 pm

Title: Moisture/humidity
Post by: andyr on August 14, 2012, 01:56:58 pm
I've recently moved to a very hot and humid climate (rains every afternoon) from the desert. I am concerned that this humidity is going to do damage to my coach. I run the A/C pretty much all the time. I had condensation leaking inside but with some good advice found here I was able to fix that.
I use some damp rid canisters but don't think this is enough. Any suggestions to help keep mold from forming where I cant see it?
Title: Re: Moisture/humidity
Post by: Michelle on August 14, 2012, 03:04:08 pm
Andy,

Is the coach is a storage situation or a "being used" one?

We use DampRid in storage and a dehumidifier when we're actively using the coach in a humid climate (like now, in Maine).  The one we have is a Soleus CFM-25E 25 pint dehumidifier, unfortunately a discontinued model.  Looks like the current one is a 30 pint model.

Michelle
Title: Re: Moisture/humidity
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on August 14, 2012, 03:10:49 pm
I lived in Miami for 30 years.  Had a boat that stayed in the water and later a Motorhome.  Ventilation is the answer, you have to keep air moving through the interior.  On the motorhome I had window vents on several of the windows that allow them to be open about 3 or 4 inches, but still keeps the rain out, and a cover over the roof vent so it could stay open and no rain could get in.  All I need in Austin is the roof vent.  Mold likes to get started under the roof AC units, so clean under there fairly often.  Also the awnings if they stay damp around the edges. 
Title: Re: Moisture/humidity
Post by: John Haygarth on August 14, 2012, 04:18:08 pm
Fans, a few good ones to circulate air
John h
Title: Re: Moisture/humidity
Post by: wolfe10 on August 14, 2012, 06:02:09 pm
Actually, if you are storing it in a humid/hot climate, suggest you buy a small home dehumidifier.

Here is a well-rated one: Shop Frigidaire 30-Pint 2-Speed Dehumidifier at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_336443-48789-LAD304NUL_0__?productId=3303464&Ntt=dehumidifier&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Ddehumidifier&facetInfo=)

Also, be sure to clean your A/C evaporators once a year to keep from getting that "wet dog" smell from them due to mold and mildew growing on the evaporator coils.
Title: Re: Moisture/humidity
Post by: andyr on August 14, 2012, 11:22:12 pm
Thanks Guys!
I'm living in the old girl full time. I think a dehumidifier is the ticket... I've looked at the local Walmarts and they didn't have any which I was surprised by. I'll get online and get one on it's way..
Thanks for taking the time to answer this post. I'm looking forward to the time some one has a question about the long list of stuff I"ve had to figure out.You guys know how it is. Every day is an adventure.
Thanks again,
Andy
Title: Re: Moisture/humidity
Post by: bbeane on August 17, 2012, 05:49:33 am
Andy, I live in central Fl, the coach is parked under a cover with a couple of windows cracked and the bathroom vent open. At time the coach will sit completely closed up for 2 weeks at a time no problem with mold for 7 years. I would think liveing in your coach full time with the A/C on you will be fine.