Quote: Originally posted by lindbrite on 22/9/2010
II propose running a dehumidifier through the winter as we also have a boat and this makes a lot of difference.
Thoughts please.
Thanks
If your van is not damp then why bother with a dehumidifier. All you will do is import damp air through the vents in the van. There are a lot in the roof openings and under the beds.
A boat is different as it sits in water and is more subject to condensation due to constant changes of temperature.
Never used one in ours and it is as dry as a bone.
Unless your van is stored under trees I wouldn't bother with a cover either. They are a pain to put on and it is easier to wash the van at the end of the winter. Trees are a different matter as the leaves stick to everything and the pigeons sit on the branches and deposit their doings!!!!!
I found that a breathable cover does not work.I covered the van with one of these spec covers and after about two months looked in side only to find high levels of condisation running from the ceiling.I do not care what anybody says these cause damp and by the way the vents were clear.A dehumidifier is a great idea and i use one once a week during winter if not to cold but be carefull as these suck moisture out of your fittings and can make them brittle..Ps i used this after i got rid of cover.
Thanks Jeff,
Saved me the expense of a cover. The van is not under trees so doesn't need protection really.
Interesting what you say about making fittings brittle.
but for frosty days i use a small dehumidifier most of the time during the winter.its on a timer 6 hours a day.would not be without it.some say i am trying to dehumidify the world but i say it has to do the caravan first.if you want protection you can use fenwicks over winter spray ....
I wondered about having a frost protection heater such as you get for a greenhouse which kicks in when the temperature falls below freezing. Is this necessary?
All this business about dehumidifiers - what in an empty caravan is causing it to be "humid" in the first place? Usually, in the UK at least, dehumidifiers are used in areas of poor ventilation which are made overly moist by human habitation. A caravan is quite well ventilated. I just don't see the point.
As for covers, there seem to be as many people pro as anti. A van doesn't have to be parked under trees to get absolutely filthy over winter - there's enough muck and grime in the atmosphere and the rain to do that job quite well. A cover would, surely, protect a van from that and help keep out the worst of the weather while, if made of the right material and fitted properly, cause no other problems? I don't have a cover on my van, but am thinking about investing.
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Winter Storage
