So we just got back from a recent trip (Upper Peninsula of Michigan night time temps 34 degrees with day time temps in the mid to upper 40's) we had the heater running and noticed excessive moisture buildup on the windows. We also noticed moisture on the linoleum surfaces under the table and within the storage space where there is linoleum under the front bunk. Suggestions on how to deal with this problem other than no Fall camping.
Tue, 10/30/2018 - 11:15
#1
Condensation problems
Heater? or the stock Scamp furnace?
This probably not an uncommon situation. The windows and frames and many other nonporous surfaces will sweat like crazy if there is not enough air movement. Even our 26 foot motorhome did it especially if it had been raining. These tiny campers with fiberglass outer walls have no way to breath unless possibly cracking opening a window or getting some cross air flow going and leaving the heat on. Even using the stove top will add a ton of moisture. We have a Scamp 13 being built with the shower toilet and it would be even more moisture. Maybe a small fan to move air around.
2019 Scamp 13 standard
The Scamp shower/toilet has a powered fan in ceiling, and the installed roof fan near the stove is excellent for expelling moisture from cooking. If you seal it up on a cold night, however, the moisture from your breath will be dripping from the cap nuts.
The cool kids play outside.
The only time our 13 Scamp is closed up tight is when we are traveling. We have camped with temps below freezing and have not had a problem with condensation. We always try to keep at least two things open slightly. Usually the roof vent and one window. They don't have to be open very much. Just enough to allow air flow. Both the roof vent and the jalousie style windows can be open an inch or so without letting rain in. The Scamp furnace will keep you warm even with a couple things open. It's such a small area to heat.
Exactly what athearn2 says.
Also, when parked waiting for the next Scamp-about, we leave a small electric heater set on lowest setting and aimed at those areas that are hard to keep dry while Scamping.
Bob D
2005 13' Scamp "Lil Critter"
Brenda, AZ
Yes, this is a known issue when temps hit in the 30’s, As said above leaving vents cracked or the best is if you have a maxxfan leave it on out setting and on low overrnight.
The condensation issue will be worse the more beings that are breathing in the camper. If you are traveling with children or dog(s) their breathing really exacerbates the condensation issue. Ventilation overnight, preferably with a maxxfan will help the most.
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I won't be getting mine until 9/19, but I have a tiny dehumidifier saved on my Amazon RV list. It holds only sixteen ounces, but then shuts off automatically in case you don't empty it. I hope it will help somewhat for this anticipated problem.
I'm dealing with this very problem now. I've just been in my Scamp for two weeks, chilly nite time temps. My dog had his bed under the dining table and I noticed it was very damp. His body heat next to the chilly floor resulted in condensation. I solved that by getting him a small Kuranda bed https://kuranda.com/dog-beds/standard-dog-bed which elevates him off the floor. The 30 x 20 size fits under the table. It's really a little too small for him, but works. Then I discovered that some tools I had in storage under the couch had started to get rusty! I'm wondering if Damp Rid or similar will work for the storage spaces. Anybody have experience with that?