We are here to pick and choose the best dehumidifier for van life! Or if you should even use a dehumidifier in a van?
Let’s get straight into that question, a van is a small space so a dehumidifier wouldn’t be successful. But there are other alternatives on the list as well as ways you can prevent condensation below.
When it comes to camper vans, condensation is typically formed when you are heating the inside of the vehicle on a cold day.
Warm and moist air inside the van comes in contact with any cold surface, like a window, and it immediately forms into vapor or condensation.
Condensation will form in the coldest parts of your van:
- Windows
- Roofs
- Walls, if not properly insulated.
How Do You Dehumidify a Van?
A dehumidifier catches water vapor present in the air, turns it into liquid, and collects it into a container for easy disposal. In other words, it removes moisture from the air.
Related: Best Portable Desiccant Renewable Dehumidifier For Your Van
Best Dehumidifier For Van Life
A dehumidifier is nothing more than an air conditioning unit designed and optimized for collecting water: instead of focusing on blowing cold air into the room, it focuses on refrigerating the surfaces located within the unit, so water condenses on it.
1. Seavon: Portable Small Electric Dehumidifier
Seavon portable and compact electric dehumidifiers are perfect for your van, RV, or other small areas. Especially we recommend this as a perfect dehumidifier for the camper van.
It comes with a large water tank and can be turned off automatically when full. It is lightweight and portable, you can take it anywhere you like. It has a washable filter that captures dust, pollen, and other particles that can cause allergies and asthma.
2. Damprid
As a non-electric option, the Damprid draws moisture from the air as an electric dehumidifier will. These come in hanging bags or small containers that can be set around in different areas.
These are great if your van is going to be parked for a while and you just want to make sure that moisture does not overtake the living area. They can definitely help to decrease the moisture but you will have to replace them occasionally depending on how long you have your van sitting and the amount of humidity in the air.
3. Trudin Dehumidifier
The Trudin dehumidifier is able to humidify the air to enhance productivity for you. It can hold up to 31 oz of water and can be used for a long time to keep the air dry and comfortable. It’s small so it can be placed in the corner of your room.
This mini Dehumidifier has a built-in drainage system to prevent spills, an indicator light to alert you when it’s time to empty it, and an adjustable humidistat for custom settings.
Related: How To Stop Condensation In RV
How Do I Stop Condensation On My Van Roof?
- Ventilation (roof vents or opening windows).
- Cover bare metal
- Install a vapor barrier on top of your insulation
- Install an externally vented heater
- Install a wood-burning stove
- Avoid using propane cookers that produce a lot of water vapor.
- Cook outside when possible, open a window or make sure that you have an extractor fan running.
- Make sure to always ventilate your van. Get into the habit of opening vents and windows to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Keep your van warm with a heater
- Shower outside when on campgrounds or National Parks (join a best RV park membership)
- Hang wet clothes outside to dry to avoid excess moisture inside your van.
Related: How To Remove Moisture From RV
Why Does My Van Have Condensation?
All air contains water molecules.
Even the heat from your body gives off moisture into the air. Running a heater, cooking, or moving around will give off gas and lots of vapor. In an enclosed space like a van, this builds up fast!
When there is a large temperature difference between the cold outdoors, and a warm humid van interior, condensation will form on the cold surfaces.
The most noticeable condensation will appear on your windows, it can also form on your roof or walls if not properly sealed. When lots of condensation occurs, droplets can stick together and create wet spots that quickly lead to mold or rust if not treated.
Wrapping Up
We hope you found the best dehumidifier for van life or but the absolute best thing is to prevent condensation in the first place. When you’re living in a small space, like a camper van, every bit of extra moisture can make things feel cramped and uncomfortable.
