Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine
Wondering “How do you keep moisture out of a camper in storage?”
Winter has finally ended, and the family is starting to plan when and where to take the camper on holiday. You decide to check on the camper, unlock the door and step inside and are met with a horrible, dank, and clammy smell from the moisture in the vehicle. How do you keep moisture out of a camper in storage?
The best way to keep moisture out of a camper while in storage is to prepare it before it is placed in storage properly. Start by checking the camper for leaks and repairing it as necessary, clean it, blow all the water out, and use a dehumidifier and desiccants to keep it dry.
Prevention is more effective than a cure, and never has this cliché been so true as preparing a camper for storage. If it is parked with no preparation, it is almost assured that mildew will have invaded the space when it is opened up at the start of the next season.
The Most Effective Way To Keep A Camper Dry In Storage
The steps detailed in this article will help you store your camper in the best possible way to prevent moisture from entering.
Winterizing The Camper
The process of protecting your camper starts before you store it for Winter.
If you do not plan to use your camper during Winter, follow the process listed below to reduce the potential of moisture damaging your camper during the cold months.
The first thing to understand is that mildew is caused by humidity and moisture, and it can grow on any organic matter, including the wood, wall, and wallpaper.
It makes a camper a prime breeding ground for mildew.
Step 1 – Check The Camper For Leaks
Carefully check the condition and integrity of
- All of the roof panels.
- The joints where the roof attaches to the walls.
- Check for dried or cracked caulking, tears, or holes.
- Check the vent fan for broken seams.
- All of the door and window seals.
- If an air conditioner is mounted, check the seals of all pipes and ducting.
- Check the vehicle’s plumbing, particularly around the toilets and sinks
- The seals which protect the toilet vent through the roof.
- Check the plumbing seals, particularly where the pipes leave the interior.
If you find issues, it is time to repair them before they grow in scope and size.
Step 2 – Time For A Bath
While climbing over the camper, give it a good wash, using lots of water.
After washing and drying the camper, check all the window and door seals again to ensure that no water leaked through.
Some camper owners blow out all freshwater tanks and plumbing lines to ensure the whole water system is clear.
The purpose of blowing out all plumbing lines and tanks is to remove any moisture from within the system to ensure the RV remains dry through Winter.
The steps to blow out the lines are:
- Disconnect all of the gas and electrical power from the RVs water heater
- Open all of the faucets and drain the toilet
- Drain all each of the water tanks (fresh, grey, and black water)
- Remove any water filtration systems which you may use.
- Fix the blowout plug into the exterior water inlet
- Attach the air compressor to the blowout plug
- Turn on the compressor at its maximum pressure setting
- Then open all of the valves to drain each of the water lines one-by-one
- Switch the air compressor off and disconnect the blowout plug.
The system should be clear of water.
Step 3 – Dry The RV
After the RV has been washed and the lines have all been blown out, take your time to dry it very well.
Try also to park it in bright sunlight and leave all hatches, doors, and windows open.
Dry all of the inside edges of the window and door frames. Dry the inside of all vents.
Step 4 – Use A Dehumidifier And Desiccants
Connect the RV to an electrical supply for the Winter and place a dehumidifier inside the camper.
While it does not need to run for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, depending on yeh climate, it is a good idea to use it regularly.
The dehumidifier will keep the humidity level in check and prevent RV condensation, leading to mildew.
Desiccants are hygroscopic substance (meaning it absorbs moisture from the air) that can be used as a drying agent.
In simple terms, desiccants are designed to eliminate humidity from the air and create and sustain a moisture-free environment.
Desiccants are available at most home stores and places online.
- 50 packs
Step 5 – Park The Camper Indoors
If you have the facilities available, the optimal place to store the RV is indoors.
It protects the camper from the elements and prevents water ingress.
Step 6 – Cover The Camper
Even if you park the camper indoors, it is still a good idea to cover it with a specialized camper cover. It will protect the camper from collecting dust that falls into all the nooks and crannies and can be very difficult to remove.
By parking the camper indoors with a cover on, you can open the vents and windows part of the way, allowing air to flow through and which will go a long way to preventing condensation from forming.
Step 7 – Rodent Proof The Camper
Rodent-proofing is more than keeping the mice out; depending on the country you live in, it may include animals, insects, or reptiles from moving into the camper.
Squirrels, mice, and rats are incredibly destructive and can squeeze into the smallest cracks. Once they gain entry, it is open season.
They will eat wood paneling, electrical insulation, water pipes, carpets, and curtains, to name just a few.
Despite what you may hear, there are very few ways of keeping them out, and while you should try to block any obvious holes, it is still important to keep the windows slightly open for airflow.
If you have no moral issues, it is recommended that you place rat poison or traps inside the camper to try and kill off any unwelcome intruders.
Step 8 – Inspect The Camper Through Winter
Please don’t leave the camper for the whole Winter; instead, inspect it periodically and check that no mold or mildew is forming on any of the surfaces.
If you find mildew or mold, address the root causes (leaks, excess moisture, etc.) as soon as possible so that it stays away.
Conclusion
Preparing the camper for winter is essential because it sets you up for a hassle-free summer using it to explore the wonderful country. The main requirement is to remove as much moisture as possible from the inside, preventing mildew and mold from forming.
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