Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Bayliss Thomas]

Please advise the best solution to over winter dampness whilst caravan is stored. I do not want to run heaters or dryers from electric if this can be avoided. Thanks

[HMK]

As most caravans already have several fixed air vents, you don't want to be running a dehumidifier as it will just be drawing water from the air outside as well as the air in the van. You'll be forever emptying it & it will cost a fortune in electricity, so not worth the trouble.

If you're absolutely sure that any dampness is not being caused by actual leaks, then the best thing to do is what I always do & that is to leave all the roof lights half open. They don't want to be too far open & always make sure that they are tilted away from the direction of the strong westerly winter winds. If there is a warning of very strong winds, then I usually shut them down for that period.

Leave internal doors such as the toilet compartment half open so as to allow air to circulate. Open all curtains wide, but let them hang - don't tie them back so as to let them keep their shape, but so they don't fade or rot due to sun light. If any windows face mainly south, then cover these completely from the inside with cardboard so as to protect the curtains & the interior from sun damage.......that's about it.

[Dalek63]

To stop the damp air condensating on the caravan interior you need to raise the temperature to just above the dew point, when condensation takes place. So a relatively cheap solution is to have, at least on very humid / damp days, a small wattage mains light bulb on in the caravan. This will give enough heat to stop condensation, which is all that is needed. You do need to use one of the old type filament bulbs not the new low energy ones. I find a garage wandering light holder is just the job as the bulb is guarded from touching anything and doesn't become a fire hazard. Hope this helps.
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[Bayliss Thomas]

Good stuff, thank you for the tips.