It seems there is a huge confusion about damp. There are 3 sorts of damp:
1. Water ingress from the outside into the frame between the inner and outer skin.
3. Condensation after using the van for a holiday.
4. Dampness inside reflecting the damp atmosphere outside.
Firstly, damp caused by water ingress cannot occur by the interior of the van being damp. The inside panels of the van are waterproof and so unless the water can get through a join somewhere, the dreaded water ingress between the 2 skins will not happen from the inside at least.
Secondly, it is wise to dry a van out after use as there will be a condensation build up in colder weather. A dehuimidifer on for a day will usually cure this.
Finally over winter, condensation (and therefore mould) should not build up in an unheated van so long as there is some ventilation. Condensation requires the inside to be a different temperature to the outside.
Quote: Originally posted by rcpilot on 01/12/2013
the heat produced is so small it does not produce convection currents in the caravan as Mr Al+Mel seems to think, also cold air is heavier than warm air and so sinks thus enters your caravan via the roof vents if you use a heater in your caravan during the winter you ARE producing convection currents in the van so drawing moist air in through the floor vents
Small amount of heat from the dehumidifier, plus a bit more on the 'van roof from the heater (?) in the sky. The top of a 'van is pretty much always going to be warmer than the bottom in the daytime, so the warm air will rise etc.
Dehumidifiers are excellent providing all the vents are sealed. If they aren't you are just drying out the planet!
Quote: Originally posted by old chap on 01/12/2013
Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 28/11/2013Hi Old Chap. I do hope you do not have gas drop holes inside your van. If you do then it means you have gas cylinders inside the van.
An electric powered dehumidifier not only extracts the moisture from the air, but also warms the air and thus negates any problems with condensation.
As already mentioned, you must seal the roof vents and stop outside air from entering the van while the dehumidifier is running.
Once the damp meter tells you the van is dry, then switch to low heating and good ventilation.
However, if you have an electric dehumidifier, it is a good idea to run it for a week before heading off on the first trip of the season, just to make sure all the seating and bedding is completely dried out.
Hi Loby. I suggest you have a good look under all the seats, all caravans have to have by law a certain amount of fixed ventilation usually gas drop holes are fitted under seats , beds ,or under,in my van,the drawer units under the sink.plus the roof lights have permanent ventilation built in as I said required by law>
Gas drop holes are not limited to the gas locker
I was working in my van this afternoon and because you are saying that "the law" states that all vans "must have vents/drop holes" and mine most certainly has not, perhaps you would be good enough to put a link to this Law so that I can contact Bailey and find out why they are producing vans that are breaking the law.
Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 02/12/2013
Quote: Originally posted by old chap on 01/12/2013
Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 28/11/2013Hi Old Chap. I do hope you do not have gas drop holes inside your van. If you do then it means you have gas cylinders inside the van.
An electric powered dehumidifier not only extracts the moisture from the air, but also warms the air and thus negates any problems with condensation.
As already mentioned, you must seal the roof vents and stop outside air from entering the van while the dehumidifier is running.
Once the damp meter tells you the van is dry, then switch to low heating and good ventilation.
However, if you have an electric dehumidifier, it is a good idea to run it for a week before heading off on the first trip of the season, just to make sure all the seating and bedding is completely dried out.
Hi Loby. I suggest you have a good look under all the seats, all caravans have to have by law a certain amount of fixed ventilation usually gas drop holes are fitted under seats , beds ,or under,in my van,the drawer units under the sink.plus the roof lights have permanent ventilation built in as I said required by law>
Gas drop holes are not limited to the gas locker
I was working in my van this afternoon and because you are saying that "the law" states that all vans "must have vents/drop holes" and mine most certainly has not, perhaps you would be good enough to put a link to this Law so that I can contact Bailey and find out why they are producing vans that are breaking the law.
Loby what i said was "all caravans must have a fixed amount of ventilation by law" This is a ratio worked out via the cubic area. This required ventilation is supplied several ways 1 by the fitting gas drop,or if you like ventilation holes & 2,by fixed vents round the the roof lights
this statement was made to try & explain why some folk have the opinion that the use of salt pans or dehumidifier crystals is a waste of time due to the constant exchange of air in the caravan
We use the crystals all the time and they work well, and we also bring the seating inside over winter and store on top of spare room wardrobes so warm and dry for next season. Will also start opening up on a sunny day...never thought of that one ...doh !!
I use a dehumidifier to dry out my caravan.
However I also take care to block any ventilation to concentrate the effects of any moist air entering the van and negating the effect of the dehumidifier.
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Topic: ideas to prevent damp
