How to Reduce Condensation and Control Humidity in Your RV: A Year-Round Guide

Simple steps to keep your RV dry, comfortable, and free from mold and mildew in every season

Condensation and high humidity in an RV can turn a cozy adventure into a frustrating experience. Fogged-up windows, damp bedding, and musty smells are just the start. Over time, excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, wood rot, and expensive damage to your RV.

The good news? With intentional steps and seasonal adjustments, you can manage humidity and keep your RV dry and comfortable all year long.

Why condensation happens in RVs

The interaction of moisture and temperature differences inside the confined space of the RV

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air meets cooler surfaces such as windows, walls, or ceilings. Because RVs are compact and sealed to preserve energy everyday activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing introduce significant moisture into the air. This moisture collects on cold surfaces as condensation creating damp spots and potential mold growth.

Condensation is most noticeable on windows because they are usually the coldest interior surfaces. Warm air that hits the cold glass cools, releasing moisture onto it. 

Tips:

Here are effective tips to reduce and manage condensation in your RV:

  • Wipe down windows, counters, and shower walls daily to remove excess moisture.
  • Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering.
  • Avoid drying wet clothes indoors.
  • Use dehumidifiers and moisture absorbers to help prevent moisture buildup especially in small enclosed areas.
  • Promote air circulation by keeping cabinets and closet doors open and avoid overpacking storage spaces.
  • Avoid propane heaters as they produce moisture; opt for electric heaters instead when possible.
  • Use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels and keep them between 30–50 percent.
  • Inspect areas prone to water buildup such as around windows, under sinks, and in storage compartments.
Dehumidifer © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Ventilation: The first line of defense

Allows the warm, moist air inside the RV to escape before it can condense on cooler surfaces

Airflow is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce humidity.

Key strategies include using roof vents and exhaust fans especially during moisture-producing activities like cooking, showering, and washing. Opening vents regularly even in cold weather helps prevent moisture build-up by allowing humid air to exit and fresh air to enter.

In practice, opening a roof vent slightly and running an exhaust fan on low can create continuous air movement that discourages condensation. Additionally, opening a window opposite the vent can enhance airflow and help remove trapped moisture. Natural convection also helps—hot air rises and escapes through higher vents.

Tips:

To maximize ventilation effectiveness:

  • Use exhaust fans during cooking, showering, or washing to expel moist air and reduce humidity.
  • Install vent covers to allow airflow even in rain.
  • Keep bathroom doors closed while showering and use its vent fan.
  • Open roof vents and windows periodically to promote cross ventilation.
  • Use bathroom and kitchen fans whenever you cook or shower.
  • Consider a humidity-controlled vent fan that automatically regulates airflow based on moisture levels.
  • Keep cabinet doors open in cold weather to allow airflow behind walls and around plumbing.
Closet Dehumidifer © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Dehumidifiers

Using a dehumidifier in conjunction with ventilation and heating helps maintain low humidity

Portable dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air keeping the RV dry and comfortable. They are particularly useful in humid climates or during seasons when ventilation alone isn’t enough.

Tips:

To prevent and manage condensation in your RV effectively, here are key tips:

  • Use an electric dehumidifier when connected to shore power or a generator.
  • For boondocking, use chemical moisture absorbers like DampRid or Eva-Dry.
  • Run a dehumidifier overnight or after high-moisture activities like showering.
  • Check the water reservoir frequently and empty it to prevent mold or bacteria buildup.
  • For storage, place moisture-absorbing products like DampRid in cabinets and closets and leave doors open to prevent dampness.
Heating with an electric space heater © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Heat wisely

Heat thoughtfully

Heating wisely in an RV is essential to reducing condensation effectively. The goal is to raise the interior temperature enough to warm cold surfaces such as windows and walls which helps slow or prevent moisture from condensing. However, heating also produces moisture if not done wisely.

Heaters can help control condensation but some types can worsen humidity. Propane heaters release water vapor while electric heaters provide warmth without adding moisture.

By heating thoughtfully and combining it with ventilation and moisture control, you minimize condensation, mold risk, and damage inside your RV during colder times.

Tips:

Key tips for heating wisely in an RV to reduce condensation are:

  • Keep a consistent, moderate temperature inside rather than large temperature swings. Frequent heating on high and then cooling causes moisture to build up.
  • Use electric space heaters instead of propane or gas heaters. Propane heaters release water vapor as a combustion byproduct increasing humidity whereas electric heaters add heat without adding moisture.
  • Avoid overheating small spaces as it may promote condensation on colder surfaces elsewhere; the key is balanced heat distributed evenly.
  • Leave cabinet doors open in winter to circulate warm air behind walls and around pipes.

Reduce moisture at the source

Minimizes condensation

Limiting how much moisture enters the air is just as important as removing it.

Tips:

To reduce moisture at the source in your RV and prevent condensation, focus on limiting activities and conditions that generate excess humidity:

  • Ventilate actively during moisture-producing tasks like cooking, showering, and washing by using exhaust fans and opening windows or vents to expel humid air outside.
  • Use lids on pots while cooking to trap steam.
  • Take quicker showers or use campground bathhouses to reduce the moisture released by long, hot showers.
  • Hang wet towels or clothes outside instead of indoors.
  • Wipe down damp surfaces immediately after use.
  • Avoid storing wet gear inside the RV, especially in closets or cabinets.
Dehumidifer © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Season-specific considerations

In all seasons, reduce moisture at the source

Season-specific considerations for managing condensation and moisture in your RV vary primarily between winter and warmer months focusing on controlling humidity and temperature differences effectively.

Winter

Cold air outside and warm air inside create frequent condensation. Insulating windows, doors, and vents helps reduce this effect.

Tips:

In winter, managing condensation and moisture in your RV requires a multifaceted approach. Important tips include:

  • Use thermal window covers to reduce temperature differences.
  • Warm the RV interior adequately to raise surface temperatures. Using electric space heaters is advisable since propane heaters produce moisture. Keeping a steady, moderate heat prevents cold spots where condensation forms.
  • Vent the RV periodically to let fresh air circulate.
  • Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity ideally keeping relative humidity below 60 percent, closer to 20-30 percent for very cold conditions.
  • Use roof vents and vent fans regularly even cracking windows slightly for ventilation to expel moist air generated by cooking, showering, or breathing.
  • Keep airflow moving around plumbing and storage areas to prevent condensation behind walls.

Spring

Fluctuating temperatures and rainy weather can raise indoor humidity.

Tips:

In spring, managing condensation in your RV focuses on balancing ventilation and moisture control as temperatures fluctuate and humidity levels can rise. Key tips include:

  • Open roof vents and windows regularly to improve airflow and allow humid air to escape especially during warmer days.
  • Inspect for leaks after winter storms especially around windows, roof seams, and slide-outs.
  • Hang wet clothes or towels under awnings or outside instead of indoors.
  • Monitor indoor humidity and run a dehumidifier when levels exceed 50 percent.
  • Check that roof vents and fans are clean and fully operational after winter.

Summer

Warm, humid air increases condensation risk especially when nights are cooler.

Tips:

For summer in an RV, managing condensation mainly focuses on controlling humidity and maintaining good airflow. Here are the best tips for summer:

  • Use air conditioning to cool the RV and reduce indoor humidity as AC units help dehumidify air while cooling.
  • Run ceiling or vent fans consistently to improve air circulation and prevent moisture buildup on surfaces.
  • Keep windows slightly open with vent covers to allow airflow without letting rain in.
  • Always use lids on pots and run kitchen exhaust fans while cooking.
  • Use a dehumidifier if humidity remains high, especially in very humid climates.
  • Avoid storing wet towels, clothing, or gear inside the RV.
  • Inspect and maintain seals on windows, vents, and doors to prevent moisture intrusion.

Fall

As temperatures drop condensation can reappear especially on windows and walls.

Tips:

Fall tips for managing condensation in your RV focus on maintaining proper ventilation, moisture control, and insulation as temperatures cool:

  • Ventilate regularly by opening windows and roof vents during activities that generate moisture such as cooking, showering, or using a propane heater. Use vent fans to aid airflow even on cooler days.
  • Maintain steady, moderate heat to prevent cold surfaces from attracting moisture.
  • Wipe down surfaces where condensation appears to prevent mold and mildew.
  • Seal any small gaps or cracks in preparation for winter.
  • Use a dehumidifier or moisture absorber during fluctuating temperatures.
  • Check for leaks around windows, doors, and roof seams regularly and seal any problems promptly to keep out moisture.
Closet Dehumidifer © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Insulate and protect cold surfaces

Target the major cold surfaces

Cold surfaces attract condensation. Insulating windows, walls, and storage areas reduces moisture buildup.

Tips:

Here are key tips to prevent and manage condensation in your RV effectively:

  • Install thermal window covers or curtains.
  • Add foam padding behind drawers or along exterior walls.
  • Insulate the underbelly and storage compartments of your RV.
  • Ensure vents and air channels remain unobstructed so insulated areas get airflow.

Monitor and maintain

Routine monitoring and maintenance prevent moisture problems from becoming major issues.

Tips:

To effectively monitor and maintain condensation control in your RV, several practical steps are recommended:

  • Use a hygrometer or humidity meter to track indoor humidity levels regularly. Aim to keep relative humidity between 30 percent and 50 percent to prevent mold growth and condensation.
  • Regularly inspect common problem areas such as windows, roof seams, door gaskets, walls, and cabinetry for signs of moisture buildup, leaks, or mold.
  • Wipe away condensation as it forms on windows and surfaces to prevent mold.
  • Seal any cracks immediately using RV-safe sealant.
  • Regularly check dehumidifiers, vent fans, and moisture absorbers to ensure they’re working properly.

Make moisture control part of your seasonal RV checklist to stay ahead of condensation issues.

Closet Dehumidifer © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Final thoughts

Effectively prevent and manage condensation

Condensation and humidity are common challenges for RVers but they are manageable with the right approach. Condensation results from warm, moist air meeting cold surfaces inside the RV causing water droplets to form. Managing condensation requires a multifaceted, proactive approach focused on controlling moisture, temperature, and airflow.

The most effective strategies are removing excess moisture at the source improving ventilation and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. Use exhaust fans and open vents during cooking and showering to expel humid air; avoid drying clothes indoors. Employ dehumidifiers to reduce indoor humidity, especially in cold or humid climates.

In essence, preventing RV condensation is about balanced moisture control, ventilation, heating, and insulation combined with ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure your RV remains dry, comfortable, and damage-free year-round.

RV condensation & humidity control — seasonal checklist

Here’s a one-page seasonal checklist for controlling condensation and humidity in your RV. It’s designed to be a practical reference you can keep inside your RV:

Year-round essentials

  • Keep a digital hygrometer to monitor humidity (30–50 percent ideal).
  • Wipe down windows, counters, and shower walls daily.
  • Ventilate using roof vents, windows, and fans.
  • Use dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers.
  • Check roof seams, windows, doors, and slide-outs for leaks.
  • Maintain steady interior temperature.
  • Reduce moisture at the source: lids on pots, shorter showers, hang wet items outside.

Winter

  • Use thermal window covers.
  • Run electric heaters (avoid propane).
  • Open vents periodically to circulate fresh air.
  • Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air.
  • Use portable dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers.

Spring

  • Vent your RV frequently.
  • Inspect for post-winter leaks around windows, roof seams, slide-outs.
  • Hang wet clothes or towels outside or under awnings.
  • Monitor humidity; run a dehumidifier if above 50 percent.
  • Check vent fans and roof vents for proper operation.

Summer

  • Run air conditioning or vent fans to reduce humidity.
  • Keep windows slightly open with vent covers.
  • Cook with lids on pots and use kitchen exhaust fans.
  • Avoid storing wet towels, clothing, or gear inside.
  • Inspect and maintain seals on windows, doors, and vents.

Fall

  • Maintain steady, moderate heat to prevent cold surfaces from condensing.
  • Run bathroom and kitchen fans consistently.
  • Seal any small gaps or cracks before winter.
  • Use dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers as temperatures fluctuate.
  • Inspect insulation, vent covers, and thermal window treatments.

Insulation & cold surface tips

  • Add foam padding behind drawers and along exterior walls.
  • Insulate underbelly and storage compartments.
  • Use thermal window covers or curtains.
  • Keep vents and air channels unobstructed for airflow.

Note: This checklist can be laminated or placed inside your RV door or cabinet for quick seasonal reference, helping prevent condensation year-round.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in December 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.

Worth Pondering…

Control the moisture, enjoy every season, and your RV will thank you.

13 Tips for Winter RV Living

Your RV need not be in storage during the cold months. Get out there! Here are 13 winter camping tips for RVers.

Most RVers in northern states and provinces leave their RV in storage from the first frost until spring. Some, like us, are snowbirds who head out for warmer temps in the southern Sun Belt states. But many others winterize their RVs and leave them sitting there all winter.

Other RVers love camping in the snow.

First, decide whether your RV needs to be winterized and learn what that means. Winterizing your RV means you’ve taken steps such as:

  • Emptying water tanks
  • Draining the water heater and water lines
  • Disabling plumbing to prevent the pipes (which run along the undercarriage of the RV) from bursting or being destroyed
Winter RV living © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

But winterizing your RV is not always a must-do especially if you plan to spend considerable time in your rig or temperatures at your cold destination won’t get below freezing. If a vehicle has been winterized you won’t be able to use the sink or bathroom inside the RV as usual (unless you take extra steps like using antifreeze).

Bur, you can absolutely use your RV for camping in the winter provided you prepare adequately to keep yourself and your RV safe from harm.

It’s not easy to camp in winter but many people do it with joy and very little stress and that’s because they’ve learned how to prepare their RVs for winter RV living. They know how to keep the plumbing system from freezing and bursting, keep the temperature inside the RV at a safe and comfortable level, reduce or prevent moisture accumulation, seal out intruders with little paws and big whiskers, and many other important winter camping preparations.

Anyone who’s lived in an RV for any duration of time in cold and snowy climates is likely to have a list of things to do—and a list of things to NOT do—to stay safe and warm while keeping the RV from winter damage.

Here are 15 of my top tips for winter RV living.

Heated water hose © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tip # 1: Fill your fresh water tank and/or use a heated water hose

Water is very important for a multitude of reasons but when the temperature falls below freezing, water turns to ice. And when it does this, it expands—potentially bursting/damaging hoses and plumbing. For this reason, if you plan to winter camp you need to put water on the top of your list of things to prioritize.

If you’re winter camping for a short duration (say a week or less) you can simply fill your fresh water tank and plan to use that water for washing, cooking, and drinking. If you’re parked near a city water source of any kind, you can connect your fresh water hose and refill your fresh water tank as needed. This technique avoids the issue of your fresh water hose freezing.

However, if you’re planning to be winter camping in an area where ambient temps are likely to hit freezing or below regularly, you may wish to invest in a heated water hose.

Check this out to learn more: Winter RV Camping Must-Have: Heated Water Hose

And while you’re at it, be sure to always use a water pressure regulator when connected to any city water source including in the winter in which case you may want to wrap it in some type of insulation.

Heated water hose © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tip # 2: Fill Propane or connect to an external propane tank

Before heading out on a winter camping trip (or before settling into a long-term winter campsite), be sure to fill your propane tank/tanks or obtain the necessary materials to connect to an external propane tank.

If you’re going to need propane for heating your rig and water and for cooking you’ll need to prepare ahead of time so that you don’t run out (I recommend having a couple of different options for heating your rig if you’ll be camping in sub-freezing temperatures because you can’t risk losing a single heat source).

If you are boondocking, bring a snow shovel and clear off the area.

Tip # 3: Keep sewer hose off the ground and flowing downward

If you connect to a sewer outlet during your winter RV living, you’ll want to keep your sewer hose off the ground and running on a downward slope. An easy way to achieve both of these goals is to use a Slunky sewer hose support.

The Slunky elevates and supports your sewer hose (off the frozen ground) and provides the slope you need for proper drainage. The Slunky is a 20-foot support that’s 7 inches tall at the RV end sloping to 4.5 inches in height at the sewer end.

Keep valves closed when not dumping © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tip # 4: Keep gate valves closed during winter RV living

Along with using a sloping sewer hose support, you’ll want to keep your gray water and black water gate valves closed (you should ALWAYS leave your black valve closed) opening them only when you want to dump your holding tanks.

When left open, only small amounts of gray water will drain out through the hose at a time; that small flow could freeze as it flows through slowly building up (like the layers of a pearl) until the hose is blocked.

Here are some articles to help:

Tip # 5: Seal off sewer hose entry

Another way to tend to the warmth of the basement or water compartment during winter RV living is to seal off the sewer hose entry. If you’ve got your sewer hose connected then you’re probably running it through a hole provided in the bottom of the bay. That hole allows cold (and potentially rodents) into the water compartment.

You can use steel wool to seal around your sewer hose opening when camping in the cold. This serves two purposes—to keep the cold from entering the bay and to keep mice from entering as well! If staying in a damp climate or for the longer term, consider brass/bronze wool instead since it won’t rust.

Tip # 6: Use steel or brass wool to seal small openings

To keep mice from seeking warmth inside your RV seal all small openings using steel wool. Brass wool also works. Also, use mouse traps and glue sticks in the basement and interior just in case they foil your attempts to seal them out. We’re not mean-spirited and we do love animals. We just don’t like stowaways that reproduce at warp speed and love to gnaw on everything in sight (and lots that ISN’T in sight) ending an otherwise wonderful winter RV living experience!

That’s why I wrote this article: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Mice Out of an RV

Dehumidifier for moisture control © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tip # 7: Moisture control for winter RV living

Moisture control is essential in an RV to prevent mold and mildew from causing potentially serious issues. In winter, it’s especially important to keep moisture at bay. The three greatest producers of moisture in an RV are showering, cooking, and breathing. Since we generally need to do all three, I suggest keeping moisture at bay using a few simple methods, especially during periods of winter RV living.

Even though you’re probably inclined to want to seal everything up airtight to keep heat in and cold out, DON’T! You’d just be trapping in all of the moisture you’re creating in your RV. First, run your vent fans—yes, even in winter. You need to be able to run your roof vent fans in any kind of weather. This is why I recommend the installation of RV roof vent covers. They allow vents to be open without letting rain or snow enter the RV.

Vent covers aren’t expensive and are well worth the minimal effort to install.

Second, I recommend using a squeegee to pull the water off of your shower walls and toward the drain after each shower. If you don’t do this, your RV absorbs a significant amount of moisture while the shower is drying on its own because the water is evaporating.

A shower squeegee is also inexpensive but is an important tool in keeping moisture at bay. We use it all year long—not only when winter camping.

Finally, you can opt to use a small electric dehumidifier (if you’re connected to shore power) or a dehumidifying product like DampRid or something similar positioned throughout the interior of the RV.

Here’s a helpful guide to avoiding moisture damage in your RV: How to Reduce Moisture and Condensation in Your RV

Dehumidifier for moisture control © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tip # 8: Use holding tank heating pads

If you’re winter camping in sub-freezing temperatures for an extended period, you may need to warm your holding tanks by using holding tank heating pads. Some RVs come from the factory with tank heating pads (we opted for them when we bought our Newmar Dutch Star and ultimately we’re glad we did).

Tip # 9: Insulate RV windows

You may also want to consider insulating your RV windows depending on how long you plan to winter camp in very cold temperatures.

You can insulate windows with heavy curtains or you can create DIY storm windows using ⅛-inch plexiglass or PETG panels which you’ll custom cut to fit your windows. You can adhere them to your windows using clear double-sided mounting tape.

Many RVers choose to use Reflectix, heavy-duty foam board, or even bubble wrap to insulate windows. The problem with these products is twofold. First, they seal out the light and need to be removed and installed daily to allow the sun in (unless you like living in a dungeon). Also, they tend to allow moisture to accumulate on the windows.

You can also use a combination of choices to cover your windows such as your choice of window covering combined with heavy-duty curtains. Although we often think of them as insulation from the sun, high-quality windshield covers can also be helpful in cold weather.

Winter RV living © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tip # 10: Insulate your skylight

You may also want to insulate your skylights using a pre-made skylight cover. These are inexpensive and serve to insulate your RV from the cold that can come through the relatively thin plastic of the skylight. You’ll need to measure the inside of your skylight frame to obtain the proper dimensions for your insulator.

Some RVers use these in their roof vents as well but if you do this remember not to cover them all as it’s very important to run a roof vent fan to prevent moisture from accumulating in the RV.

These skylight/vent insulators are also good to keep the heat out in summer.

Tip # 11: Cover AC unit/units

Cover your roof air conditioning units. This is important from the perspective of keeping the cold from entering your RV in winter and also as a means of protection from the elements.

Of course, you don’t want to do this if your RV air conditioners are also heat pumps and you plan to use them as a source of heat while you’re camping. Just be aware that they’ll only work in outside temperatures above freezing so they won’t be of much use when the temps begin to drop.

Be careful where you park your car and RV © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Tip # 12: Dress in layers

Dressing in multiple layers including base layers, mid-layers, hoodies, and shell jackets gives you greater control over regulating your body temperature. As you move through the activities of the day, you’ll work up body heat. As you do so, it’s important to avoid sweating because as it dries, sweat cools, wrapping you in a cold cocoon. Managing your body heat by constantly adding and subtracting layers helps you prevent sweating as much as possible—a key component of staying warm on winter adventures.

Tip # 13: Snow shovel and ice scraper

You might need to dig out your RV and scrape ice from your windows when it’s time to drive. Driving an RV in winter requires the same common sense you need to drive an RV any other day: Slow down and avoid being on the road when it’s dark.

Driving an RV in winter presents its own set of unique challenges: You’ll need to make sure your RV is set to handle winter conditions and you’ll have to track down additional winter gear and take extra precautions when driving and camping that a warmer destination wouldn’t necessarily require.

Read more: Don’t Get Stuck in the Cold: RV Winter Driving and Survival Tips

Worth Pondering…

The blizzard doesn’t last forever; it just seems so.

—Ray Bradbury

Handling Cold Weather While RVing

Sometimes you get caught in cold weather due to an early winter or unexpected circumstance

A major benefit of the RV lifestyle is the ability to follow good weather.

We hide out in the south during the winter and cool off up the north in the summer. We also enjoy spring and fall for several months as we move in between.

But sometimes we get caught in cold weather due to an early winter or an unexpected circumstance.

Our latest introduction to winter resulted from a delay in taking delivery of our new factory-ordered 2019 Dutch Star 3717 diesel pusher.

The typical recreational vehicle is not designed for use in the snowy, cold, and icy northern climates. Even with the cold weather limitations of most RVs, there are things we do to reduce heat loss and stay warm.

Upon arrival at our destination, we try to select a site that will receive sun exposure throughout the day, and also offer some type of wind break.

Since windows are a major heat loss in RVs, we lock our windows. That extra latch helps close the seals in the window. We close the blinds/curtains when we don’t need them open for the view or the warming sunshine.

A goose down duvet is an investment with high returns that’s realized every time you cozily cuddle in bed. A duvet cover is typically purchased separately.

Down is a great natural insulator. It is the very first undercoating of goose feathers. The clusters of down are made of plenty of soft fibers that directly radiate out from the central core of the feather. The structure of down is perfectly created to trap air. For this peculiar characteristic, goose down duvets keeps you suitably warm. It still allows the moisture to escape and is a great product to keep snug yet dry. Goose down duvets is amazingly soft and light.

The quality of down duvets is measured by its insulation abilities. The best quality down duvets have larger clusters of down. Best quality down is able to acclimatize according to warmer or cooler atmospheric temperatures. If the thick, fluffy and breathable down can keep the goose so cozy out in the cold, it definitely is a sure winner for you.

We don’t need spare blankets for the bed with our down duvet but they add another layer in insulation during our waking hours.

It’s best to use a combination of heating methods when dealing with extreme cold weather while RVing.

A word of caution: Be very aware of the dangers associated with each heating method and take proper safety precautions to avoid an RV fire, asphyxiation, carbon monoxide poisoning, or even death.

Make absolutely certain you have carbon monoxide, smoke, and LP gas detectors in good working condition. We change the batteries annually.

Never use your oven to heat the RV.

Space heaters are cheap and can help in reducing your heating costs if you’re NOT on a metered site. We use ours during the day while in our rig and the furnace at night on a low setting (between 50 and 55 degrees) and in the mornings to take off the chill.

Today’s portable heater models offer a variety of safety features that include tip-over and overheat protection Check for these safety features when purchasing a new heater.

As a safety precaution, shut off and unplug for the night and when you’re away from the RV.

Once we have our rig insulated and warm, the next consideration is how to get the moisture out so dreaded condensation inside the RV does not occur. Left unchecked the condensation can quickly build up on all the windows and some walls and lead to mold.

We use the stove vent and fan when cooking, especially when boiling vegetables on the burner top. The quicker you can get the moisture out the better.

We also use absorbent cloths for removing moisture. Wipe down the shower stall and any condensation that builds up on the windows.

There are numerous small portable, dehumidifiers on the market that are suitable for use in your RV. We place one near the shower and in various locations inside the RV and in basement compartments.

RVs aren’t designed for cold, but you can survive!

But the best advice of all is “The RV has wheels, Go South!

Worth Pondering…

I’ve never gotten used to winter and never will.

—Jamaica Kincaid