Does my RV need a Dehumidifier?

We are not full-time RVers … yet. Our youngest son is currently taking classes at a local college, so at the moment we can come and go knowing that our home and pets are safe in his care. Once he leaves for an out-of-town university, we may decide to downsize our home and spend more time on the road. Until then, there are times when our trailer sits unused for weeks on end. Even though it is well-sealed, a surprising amount of moisture manages to get in.

With my allergies, I’m particular about mold, odors and air quality. We also want to keep our travel trailer in great condition, so when it sits closed up in the winter we keep both a space heater and a dehumidifier running 24/7. For less than $200, a dehumidifier prevents moisture damage, mold, and mildew … a minor investment to protect any recreational vehicle and keep the inside smelling fresh.

We bought the Ivation 13-pint Dehumidifier for our Coleman 202RD travel trailer. It’s good for up to 270 sq. feet, which is almost exactly our square footage. We open up all the cupboards and doors and let the little guy go to work. It can pull out a half gallon of moisture on wet days during our North Carolina winters, so we empty it at least every other day (it will automatically shut off should we forget)! The Ivation Dehumidifier does include a connection hose for continuous drainage, for those who prefer that option. This one works even in cool temperatures, so it’s practical for our needs. It’s a desiccant model that uses no refrigerant, so it’s also eco-friendly.

To empty it by hand, there is just a small pull-out drawer at the bottom. We keep it near the door, so we can just reach in and grab it from outside (letting in a bit more moisture in the process LOL). It also has a washable filter that’s easy to remove and rinse.

This little dehumidifier is compact and lightweight enough that it could even be taken on a trip to help keep humidity in the bathroom down and help dry towels faster. Although we haven’t opted to do this yet, it could easily be stashed in our “bathtub” during travel. And it’s quiet enough that when I’m out in the trailer puttering around, I don’t even hear it running.

An LCD panel at the top allows you to adjust settings, set a timer, and monitor the temperature and humidity. We recommend this compact and energy-efficfient dehumidifer!

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