Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 22/12/2013
The reason why people ask about dehumidifiers and other forms of removing dampness from vans is that they have a problem.
Those that do not have damp problems can and probably do, not take any actions with regards these units and a ventilated van should remain damp free.
My recently purchased van had a fairly rough life prior to us purchasing it and therefore had damp problems.
When you spend a considerable amount of money on a van and are then faced with the choice of paying for a professional repair costing thousands or investing in a dehumidifier and a low wattage heater, then common sense says DIY and the cheaper option.
I have completely cured the damp in one section and am now working on the other damp section.
The point I am trying to make is that IF you have a damp problem then it can be cured by your own hand if you invest in the proper equipment.
There is loads of information out there and a bit of searching, time and patience and you will end up with a van that will give you many years service.
For those who do not have a damp problem, then ventilation is the way for you.
After all, most Farmer's Barns are open on most sides and only the roof is there to prevent things becoming damp.
If it works for a Barn then it will work for your Van.
I to bought a caravan that had some damp issues dehumidifier has worked for me in drying it out after repair trying to reseal awning rails is a bit of a challenge this time of year.
We are in the van for Christmas. We haven't been in the van for the past 6 weeks. When we arrived today I found that the tea towels and shower towels stored in the lockers felt very damp. The seat cushion don't feel damp. I have hung the towels on a rail and they are feeling better, they haven't created any condensation while drying. When we take the van back to storage I am going to leave the locker doors open. Having the air circulating seems to be the best thing for our van. I also left the roof blinds open to generate heat on sunny days.
------------- Started with a motorbike and tent.......my gallery, my life.
Issym - stand your cushions on their ends and open all the seat lockers as well - and all the internal doors and cupboard doors, it all helps to get the air circulating. My van looks like it's been burgled overwinter - but it never gets damp.
I take all soft stuff like towels, etc, out and store at home.
I'll definitely try standing the cushions on end. I took all the bedding but left the towels. I don't mind the towels feeling damp but I'm not happy about leaving them in the cupboard to make other stuff feel damp. I stored the bedding at home in vacuum bags so will find room for the towels.
Thanks for the advice.
------------- Started with a motorbike and tent.......my gallery, my life.
I have an electric dehumidifier as the fan on the dehumidifier helps circulate the air. It is on a timer plug for 1 hour a day. I leave all cupboards and shower room door open. I have readings of between 0 and 9 percent on our meter. It always feels dry in there. I spent a lot of money (to me anyway) on the caravan so I don't mind spending about 2pence a day making sure I don't have any issue. In the spring we will be refitting the awning rails as the caravan is 5 years old all as a precaution.
Quote: Originally posted by dogscenturion on 20/12/2013
How do you leave the 500 watt setting on frostguard??? and where is it
Sorry for the very late reply, but every caravans controls are slightly different, with our old Lunar we simply set the electrics to 500watt on the 240v dial, and left the electric heating on low. Our older caravans in the past had a fan heater left in over winter that had its own frost setting, and was positioned as not to blow onto any surface but directed the full length of the caravan. With the new Elddis, there are specific settings on the 240v heating control panel in the kitchen area, set to 500watts and the frost star symbol on the tempreture thermostat.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Quote: Originally posted by BERTIE on 22/12/2013
Get out and use it regularly then you won't have a problem
That's how we've always kept our van operational
Depending on the weather our van is normally in use 11 of 12 months (I won't tow in the snow). If you're a CC or C&CC member you will find regular cheap meets in your area all year. Even going out once a month during the winter will help keep everything in working order.
My attitude is that I pay to insure and store my van 12 months of the year so I may as well use it too.
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: Went to check caravan today
