The Best RV Dehumidifiers: Perfect for Your Traveling Trip

There are a lot of things happening inside your RV. All of these activities, especially cooking showering, can cause the amount of water vapor to increase. And this water vapor becomes water after it cools.

The water in the air will cause condensation to build up inside your RV. This condensation can cause life in your RV to become pretty uncomfortable. And this can be solved by just opening your window; however, this solution isn’t always available.

For instance, what if it’s the middle of winter and you don’t want to freeze? Well, there’s a product called an RV dehumidifier that will solve all your problems. See, the best RV dehumidifiers will not only prevent things like mold but also can reduce the humidity inside your RV.

Sounds like an essential piece to your RV life, right? Well, it is, and we thought we’d help you find the right RV dehumidifier for your particular RV life. And if you read on, we’ll cover all the information you’ll need to make a successful purchase of one of these products.

We’ll even provide ten detailed reviews of the RV dehumidifiers that we consider the best on the market. So continue on reading and let us help make this buying experience as comfortable as possible.

List of Top-Rated RV Dehumidifier Reviews 2023

This section will have those product reviews that’ll help you get familiar with RV dehumidifier market. It will make sure you know what’s out there to ensure you have some basics before you make your final decision.

1. SEAVON SN150 Dehumidifier

Although I love the Eva-Dry EDV500, its eight-ounce limitation is a letdown. I consider the SEAVON SN150 a better option, and many RV owners agree. It is one of the best dehumidifiers they can ever get for their families living in motorhomes.

I like this 12-volt dehumidifier for RV because it doubles the moisture removal capabilities of the Eva-Dry. I can plug this into my motorhome’s electrical system, and this gadget will draw up to 450 mL of water vapor daily across a 280-square-foot room. It is an excellent dehumidifier for medium-sized motorhomes, travel trailers, and campers.

I appreciate the redesigned dehumidifier microprocessor, allowing the device to draw up to 20% more moisture than its predecessor. My favorite is its dual-function design. I can use this as a cozy night light for my baby in his little nook in the RV. People can also set this dehumidifier to work in silent mode, emitting a barely perceptible sound as low as 30 decibels.

I also like this RV dehumidifier for cold weather because it has an auto-shutoff feature that turns off the device upon reaching its 16-ounce daily capacity. It also has a dust mesh filter, perfect for giving me cleaner air. Unfortunately, it is not a battery operated dehumidifier for RV.

2. Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier

Our first RV dehumidifier, the Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier, comes from a manufacturer we’ll see a couple of times on this list, Pro Breeze. This particular model offers a few different features that I find to be incredible.

The first thing that we must acknowledge is the range this product has; 1200 cubic feet is nothing to sneeze at and is quite impressive for a dehumidifier. Now, it wouldn’t serve my particular needs as I need at least 2200 cubic feet coverage with my large RV.

However, it’s a respectable range, and the customer reviews seem to indicate it covers it very adequately. It’s also very lightweight, which is an essential piece for finding the high quality RV dehumidifier. I mean, if you plan on moving it around a lot, you’re not going to want something that takes a vast amount of effort to move around.

Besides being lightweight, it also has an automatic shut off feature that will inform you when the water bucket is full. Honestly, this model seems built to be as user-friendly as possible, and that’s all we can ask for in this type of product.

But there were a few areas that concerned me as a customer. I didn’t like seeing the customer reviews frequently point out that individual pieces of the unit had a proclivity for breaking off. If I buy a product like this model, I expect a certain level of durability, and it seems this product doesn’t meet those expectations.

3. hOmeLabs Small Dehumidifier

Another small dehumidifier for an RV, the hOmeLabs Small Dehumidifier, covers a lot more ground then you’d expect for such a petite model. Again, 1200 cubic feet is a pretty vast space to cover for such a storable product.

It also ensures that you’ll barely notice it’s there with its relatively low noise operation. For me, both these features are a win; it doesn’t take up much room or make a lot a noise. You can’t really complain about much when the dehumidifier can provide those two qualities.

The automatic shut-off feature isn’t too shabby either; you’ll never have to worry about the tank overflowing. This model will let you know through shutting the unit down and triggering an LED light when the tank is full.

But the 25-watt ETL-certified adapter is my favorite feature because it effectively prevents the dehumidifier from overheating. This feature will ensure the model safely operators, and that’s what any customer should put above everything else, safety.

And it has all of these incredible features for a cost that won’t hit your bank account too hard. It might be the best bang for your buck product on this entire list. This bargain mystique this product has doesn’t mean the unit is flawless though.

Some customers reported the dehumidifier stopped working after only a couple of months. But given the price, I think this product would be worth the risk if it could adequately cover the area I need. Unfortunately, 1200 cubic feet is a too little for my RV.

4. Pro Breeze PB-03-US Electric Mini Dehumidifier

Our second Pro Breeze product, the Pro Breeze PB-03-US Electric Mini Dehumidifier, continues to showcase how incredible this manufacturer is at creating these models. And unlike the previous model, this one has more than enough cubic feet coverage for my needs.

But the best thing about this dehumidifier is the inclusion of the large 52-ounce water tank. This feature means I won’t have to keep dumping out the water constantly. It will give me a little time between each emptying.

As someone who dislikes doing any chore or task such as emptying a dehumidifier tank, this sort of feature appeals to me. It will be nice to know that I can leave my dehumidifier on and not have to empty every couple of days.

Otherwise, this model is practically the same as the previous Pro Breeze model. It’s ultra quiet thanks to its use of Peltier technology, it has an automatic shut-off feature, and can be used in a various amount of situations.

Now, the last quality is something I didn’t touch on in the first review. But both of these models have a versatile ability to work in many different areas such as RVs, regular households, offices, garage, basements, etc.

Overall, it’s an incredibly versatile product that any Rv owner could find multiple uses for in their lives. But the bump up in coverage space has resulted in one additional flaw that the first one didn’t have; the price has increased and borders on being expensive compared to similar models on this list.

5. Hysure Portable Mini Dehumidifier

The Hysure Portable Mini Dehumidifier is the first model on this list that could cover the square footage I’d need in my RV. Therefore, I’m a little bit more excited about this particular model than the ones I’ve reviewed so far.

And this 2200 cubic range, while perfect for my RV, isn’t the only quality this model has going for it. It also has the other features I loved so much in the other models: automatic shut-off feature, low-noise operation, and is lightweight.

It seems like this unit would be the best dehumidifier for my RV. I mean, it has everything I could ever want my a product like this to have at a price that isn’t very expensive. Then you add in that’s energy efficient, which will help me further save money, and I couldn’t be more satisfied.

In all estimations, it looks like a slam dunk. But nothing in this life is perfect, and this dehumidifier certainly doesn’t break that mold. A frequent complaint among the customer reviews about the product’s longevity lessened my excitement.

This product seems to have a tendency of breaking after a few months. This issue probably wouldn’t be a problem for me, given I’m not a full-time RVer and only plan on taking trips for weeks at a time.

And I think with limited usage, this model could stand the test of time or at least buy me time to save enough money for a suped-up dehumidifier. But for full-timers, I could see how this product’s proclivity for breaking would be a serious issue.

6. Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier

Although the Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier only covers 1100 cubic feet, it does so without any significant issues from a performance standpoint. Honestly, if you’re looking to dehumidify a smaller space, you can’t do much better than this unit.

It has easy to use controls that make it’s incredibly user-friendly. Honestly, there’s nothing worse than buying a product that ends up being too complicated to use. It’s just a stress-filled experience nobody should have to endure.

It also has the two essential features I mentioned in the other reviews: automatic shut-off feature and low-noise operation. Both these features are must-haves for reasons I’ve explained in the other reviews.

But this model also adds in a transparent water tank that allows you to peak in, so you can see how much water has accumulated. A pretty cool feature that allows you to keep track of how well the product is working.

And from the customer reviews, it seems this dehumidifier does its job incredibly well; there weren’t a lot of complaints about the performance this model provided. Instead, the complaints mostly revolved around one mechanical flaw that seems to haunt this product.

After a few months of heavy usage, this model tends to stop being quiet. Instead, it becomes very noisy and migraine-inducing for the RV owners. I know, this quality seems weird, however, it’s mentioned multiple times among the customer reviews.

7. Afloia Q8 Air Purifier and Dehumidifier

A perfect full time RV dehumidifier should have a HEPA filter. People who agree with me may consider the Afloia Q8 a great option for protecting the family against high humidity levels and air impurities. It is the ideal solution for RV families with members susceptible to allergies.

This product’s principal selling point is its dual-purpose design, combining a dehumidifier and an air purifier. The H13 True HEPA filter removes almost all dust, mold, bacteria, pollen, and other airborne particles up to 0.2 microns in size. I will feel safer for my family with this motorhome dehumidifier keeping the air free of harmful compounds.

Its moisture removal capability is also better than the SN150, besting it by ten ounces with a 26-ounce daily rate. One can use this in any room with up to 80% humidity, lowering it to safer levels. I appreciate its LED notification system, allowing users to replace the air filter or refill the water tank on time. It also has an auto-shutoff feature for improved safety.

The pictures in the flyers do not do justice to this product. I thought it was bulky, but this dehumidifier only measures 7.8×8.5×12.4 inches. Its tiny footprint makes it an excellent choice for campers and other small RVs.

Sadly, this product can only cover 215 square feet, and its operating noise level is higher than the SN150 at 38 decibels.

8. Ivation Powerful Mid-Size Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier

Another model that’ll cover my particular needs, the Ivation Powerful Mid-Size Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier, has a comfortable 2200 cubic feet of coverage that’ll mesh swimmingly with my RV. It’s also one of the more versatile options on this list.

See, this dehumidifier can be used in many different places besides your RV. Whether it be a bathroom in your actual home, a boat, or an attic this model would do a wonderful job keeping them mold-free.

In fact, it’ll work in a room that doesn’t succeed the 2200 cubic feet maximum. I could see this being very valuable for me considering my house is in constant threat of being flooded. So, when the basement does flood, I can use this excellent product to help dehumidify the room.

Aside from having multiple uses,  it’s also energy efficient with an overall low-energy consumption that’ll help keep down costs when I have to use it. Any feature that saves me money is a win in my eyes.

But sadly, two flaws hold this model back from being the best RV dehumidifier. The first being it’s incredibly expensive compared to the other models on this list. Now, this factor wouldn’t be a huge deal if the second didn’t also exist.

The second flaw is one that several customer reviews mentioned being an issue. It seems this product leaves an odd smell in the room or RV it’s being used in to dehumidify. And as confined as an RV is I can’t see myself justifying this flaw to myself.

9. KEDSUM Electric Small Dehumidifier

The KEDSUM Electric Small Dehumidifier offers something we haven’t encountered on this list yet: a choice of size options when we purchase. In this case, you can either pick a 500ml, 700ml, or 1500ml dehumidifier.

Now, each one works the same; however, the larger option, 1500ml, covers a more substantial area than the smaller models. And for me, the 1500ml capabilities to cover 2200 cubic feet, as you know, is perfect for me.

The other two options cover 1200 cubic feet, so, if you need a smaller amount of coverage, you should opt for one of those two models. The main difference between the two is the design of the 700ml is much sleeker and stylish.

But the best thing about all three options is they all have FCC and CE safety approval, which means you can sleep easy knowing there won’t be any malfunctions when this product is in use. As someone who’s continuously paranoid about these kinds of things, this safety approval makes me feel confident in the quality of this product.

This sense of confidence is backed up by the numerous amount of customer reviews praising its performance. The only thing that seemed to be an issue was the product tended to wear down quickly.

10. KEDSUM 500ml Small Electric Dehumidifier

The Kedsum 500ml Small Electric Dehumidifier is another option for RV owners looking to dehumidify a smaller area as it covers 1200 cubic feet. And it does its job quickly and efficiently. There’s nothing more you could ask for as an RV owner.

But this particular model does offer some other features that might appeal to your dehumidifier needs. It comes with anti-slip rubber feet to ensure there’s no issue of it sliding across your RV’s floor if you’re taking a sharp turn.

It’s also made from high-quality, durable material that’ll make sure the model will stay intact for years to come. I mean, there wasn’t one mention in the customer reviews of pieces breaking off or anything concerning the sturdiness of the material that was used in making this unit.

Honestly, this dehumidifier might be one of the best ones available for anyone looking for a 1200 cubic feet unit. It has everything you’d be looking for in one and offers the standard features you’ve come accustomed to seeing after reading these product reviews.

And it comes at an affordable price that makes it clear the manufacturer was trying to make a product with their customers in mind. But in doing so, they forgot to ensure you one thing about this particular product: its longevity.

Several customer reviews complained of this model failing after a few months of heavy usage, which is quite concerning. Therefore, if you’re looking for a dehumidifier you can use on a regular basis over a long stretch of time, this unit isn’t the one for you.

11. Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier

Now, all the dehumidifier we’ve reviewed so far are called refrigerant RV dehumidifiers. It’s a term you’ll get more familiar with as you read through the remaining sections. But the Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier is a desiccant RV dehumidifier.

And being a desiccant dehumidifier, it doesn’t need a power source or water tank to work. It instead uses a silica gel technology that will silently suck the moisture out the room. Sounds great, right? Well, it is. And you don’t have to worry about any maintenance for 20 to 30 days at a time.

Then, when it does need a renewing, all you need to do is plug in for eight to ten hours, and it’s ready for use. Plus, you can keep repeating this process up to ten years without having to spend another dollar on a new model. Not that it matters, given how cheaply priced this unit is compared to the rest mentioned in this article.  

It’s also able to work in whatever environment you’d need a dehumidifier for regardless of the circumstances.  All these features make this model sound like a slam dunk product that you should put into your Amazon cart immediately, but there’s one major flaw.

It has a  limited coverage zone at only 333 cubic feet, which can’t even cover the smallest RVs or campers. You’d have to buy several to cover the dehumidifying needs of your entire rig.

12. Powilling Smart Dehumidifier

Our last product, the Powilling Smart dehumidifier, has certain features that we haven’t seen yet in this article. The ability to set customized humidity levels is a feature that allows you to have complete control over the climate inside your RV.

Honestly, this feature is something I love. It would save me the hassle of having to turn on the dehumidifier every time I want to use it. Instead, I’d just set it to a humidity level I deem comfortable and let it do its work.

It also has a touch panel that makes setting these levels incredibly easy and convenient for the RV owner. This unit seems to be the most user-friendly option we’ve reviewed so far. And these features aren’t the end of it.

It even has a drain hose attachment that allows you to attach a drain hose for continuously emptying. As you’ve learned from the other reviews, I loathe the emptying the water tank process, so, this feature is ideal for my particular circumstances.

Asides from these unique features, this unit also has the most coverage area at 5500 cubic feet. Now, this amount of coverage is a little too much for my rig; however, it also prioritizes lowering its energy consumption, so, this issue isn’t that much of a problem with this unit.

In every aspect but one, this dehumidifier is easily my favorite. However, the one aspect where it fails to meet my standards is sadly the most vital: the price. This unit is easily the most expensive on this entire list and would require a significant increase in the money I set aside for a dehumidifier.

Eva-Dry EDV500 Dehumidifier (Outdated)

The Eva-Dry EDV500 is a non electric dehumidifier for RV that absorbs excess moisture in the air without fuss and hassle. It offers RV owners a convenient and effective way to keep things dry in the motorhome and prevent the growth of nasty mold and mildew.

I love this RV moisture absorber because it is more convenient and effective than the DampRid. Unlike the calcium chloride-containing DampRid, this product features non-toxic silica gel, the same crystals people see in silica bags found in electronics and leather items. Its desiccant properties are impressive, attracting water molecules up to 500 cubic feet.

Unlike ordinary silica bags, this product comes with a nifty case with a built-in hook. People can hang this humidity reducer almost anywhere, including cabinets, under the sink, bathrooms, closets, pantries, gun safes, and other warm and poorly ventilated areas. The casing has grills to prevent spilling the crystals.

I am impressed with this device’s renewable or rechargeable design. The casing features orange and green LED indicator lights to warn people if it is in operation or already full. People can plug this product into an electric outlet to ‘recharge’ the crystals.

Measuring only 5.5×5.5×2.5 inches and weighing 1.8 pounds, I can slip this gadget into my pocket or my bag for different applications.

As admirable as its design is, people cannot expect this moisture absorber to be the perfect solution in a highly humid environment. It can only draw eight ounces of water vapor before requiring a recharge.

What to Look for When Buying an RV Dehumidifier

The RV dehumidifier market isn’t cut and dry. There are some nuances and factors you must consider before identify the right one for your RV. And that’s what this section will discuss in length; the essential elements that will shape your final decision.

Space to Dehumidify

Understanding the amount of space you need to dehumidify is the most crucial piece of your search. Most RV dehumidifiers will advertise the exact amount of cubic feet it can be expected to cover.

As a result, you should know the exact cubic footage you’d need covered and match it to an accompanying model. It’s also essential you don’t get too big of a model as the bigger the model, the more energy the end up using.

Let’s say you need to dehumidify an area of 1200 cubic feet; there’s no reason you should get a model that has the capabilities of covering 3000 cubic feet. All you’d be doing is wasting energy and money.

Likewise, you don’t want a too small dehumidify either. It won’t have the capability of doing the job effectively. In the end, it’s essential you know the exact square footage the area to ensure you get peak performance from the dehumidifier you end up purchasing.

In my particular case, this means finding a model that can cover my RV’s 2200 cubic feet, which won’t be difficult given the amount of options available on the market. It might seem like a little detail, but trust me; it will make a significant difference in your final decision.

Desiccant or Refrigerant

As you’ll see in more detail in the FAQ section, most dehumidifiers can be separated into one of two groups: desiccant or refrigerant. Without going into significant detail, refrigerant models rely on coil cool technique that funnels all the condensation in the air into a bucket or water reservoir.

Desiccant dehumidifiers instead rely on water-soaking material which rids the air of moisture without needing a power source or regular emptying. And as you might expect, each type has certain pros and cons that it would provide an RV owner:

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

From these lists of pros and cons, you can see in what circumstances a refrigerant unit would more better than a desiccant model and vice versa. Let’s take my situation for instance: I’m looking for a dehumidifier that would cover an entire RV during a summer trip to Arizona.

In this case, it’s obvious I’d be looking for a refrigerant unit rather than a desiccant one. If I got a desiccant dehumidifier, it would be vastly under qualified to handle my rigs dehumidifying needs, and I would be at the wrath of a hot Arizona summer.

Now, you can see why understanding which type would be best for your situation is essential to a successful RV dehumidifier buying experience.

Additional Features

Features, features, features are what all customers are looking for first in their products and the RV dehumidifier market is no different. Each model will have its own set of unique features that will either appeal to you or won’t.

With this in mind, you must decide which features are necessary for your unit to have; do you want one with a thermostat,  a laundry setting, a timer, adjustable louvers, or all of the above? And these aren’t the only features you might see on an RV dehumidifier.

In my personal experience, a good dehumidifier might come with at least one of the above mentioned features (thermostat, laundry setting, timer, and adjustable louvers). All of them provide useful functions that any RV owner could benefit from having inside their RV.

For instance, a unit with a thermostat will be able to continually measure the humidity levels in your RV and switch off when it reaches optimum levels. Therefore, offering the customer complete control of the climate inside their RV.

On the other hand, the laundry setting is a bit more of a luxury. But I find it incredibly useful as it helps dry my clothes faster by continually being in operation. Anything that quickens my time spent doing laundry is a plus for me.

But the additional timer is also must-have essential in any RV dehumidifier I plan on considering. See, with the timer feature, it lets you set the unit to function for a particular number of hours when you’re away from the house. I mean, you’ll never come home to a musty air filled Rv ever again.

And lastly, the adjustable louvers is another luxury feature; however, they allow to redirect the airflow of the vents. Again, giving the RV owner more control over the climate of their rig.

Other features you’ve already encountered in the product review section are things like automatic shut-off, anti-slip bottom, and transparent tanks. Now, these are only some of features you might see.

But regardless of the features, you must decide what you deem necessary for your unit to have before making your final decision.

Portability

Some of these dehumidifiers weight a lot and are tough to move around your RV. These are the models you aren’t going to want. Instead, you’re going to want a lightweight model that prioritizes being portable.

Why you may ask? Well, there will be a time where you’ll need to store the dehumidifier somewhere, and a model with peak levels of portability will make this a much smoother experience than one that hurts your back when you lift it.

As you’ve seen in our product section, we’ve turned our focus toward units that have this requirement to ensure moving around your dehumidifier isn’t something you loathe doing. Instead, with a portable model, you might find additional ways that you can use it in other parts of your life.

For instance, if your basement floods, you could merely transport your RV dehumidifier into your basement and let it do its job. However, if you had a heavier model, this becomes problematic because of the amount of effort it would take to carry it into your home.

In the end, it’s in your best interest to make being lightweight one of the most crucial aspects of your RV dehumidifier search. In my opinion, if an RV dehumidifier isn’t lightweight, it isn’t a good RV dehumidifier for anyone’s particular needs.

Noise Level

Although this won’t be an issue with any of the desiccant units, some of the refrigerant models can get quite noisy. Therefore, if you’re in the market for a refrigerant dehumidifier, look at the customer reviews.

These reviews will convey whether or not the noise level was migraine inducing. If the customer reviews describe the noise level as something like “deafening”, then you should probably stay away from purchasing it.

After all, an RV is a confined space, and anything that’s described as deafening in a small area could drive any sane person insane. An RV trip is supposed to be relaxing and stress-free, don’t let an appliance ruin what’s an otherwise divine experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The FAQ section is a fundamental part of any good buying guide. Ours is no different as we’ll try to answer any remaining questions you have about RV dehumidifiers.

What is an RV Dehumidifier? How Does it Work?

All dehumidifiers will have one job they do incredibly well: remove moisture from the air. It doesn’t matter if the dehumidifier is the most expensive or the least, it will do its job in roughly the same way.

See, air from your RV will get drawn into the dehumidifier’s vent which then passes the air over cold coils. This action will create condensation on the cold coils as the warmer air hits them. The condensation that does form will then drop into a bucket or water reservoir.

And from there is where the process gets different depending on the type of dehumidifier you buy. The more rudimentary bucket models will collect the water in a bucket that gets manually emptied when it becomes full.

In comparison, the more technologically advanced bucket models will have an automatic shut off when it senses the bucket is full. And some other types might have a window you can peak into to keep track of the water accumulating in the bucket.

Now, as previously mentioned,  some models won’t even have a bucket, and the water will need to be drained away. You can do this by either by having a hose mounted at the bottom of the unit and then positioned downwards toward a drain or through a pump system.

As you can see, you’ll have many different options to choose from in your RV dehumidifier search. It really depends on your particular circumstances and which model will fit those the best.

Honestly, given the number of choices available, I’m confident the perfect RV dehumidifier for you is out there. You’ll just need to be realistic about what exactly you want out your dehumidifier and then limit your search according to those needs.

What are the Different Types of RV Dehumidifiers?

RV dehumidifiers are typically classified into one of the following two categories: refrigerant or desiccant. The refrigerant models are the ones you’re probably picturing in your head right now. You know the big, rectangle box looking things you often see in moldy basements.

These work using the cool coil technique to cool the air and form droplets as explained in the previous FAQ. On the other hand, desiccant RV dehumidifiers take up a lot less space and work in a completely different way than your standard refrigerant models.

See, these models are filled with water-soaking material which rids the air of moisture without needing a power source or regular emptying. Instead, they’ll usually have sort of light or color changing feature that’ll let you know the dehumidifier is full.  Then, once it’s full, you plug it into a socket, and it’ll dry out. Sounds great, right?

Well, these models have significant limitations as you’d need several to dry out an entire RV. But if you have one area inside your RV that’s collecting a lot of condensation, such as bathroom, these models could be convenient.

As a result, the desiccant RV dehumidifier is typical a lot less expensive due to their limited range. Plus, they’re quieter, lighter, and as previously mentioned take up less space. So, these desiccant models should be at least in consideration if you have one centralized problem area.

What humidity should an RV be?

Motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers, and other RVs should have a humidity level of 30% to 50%. Anything that increases the moisture level in the RV interior can lead to mold and mildew proliferation.

Some people are allergic to mold and the spores they produce and release into the air. These substances, when inhaled, can cause an inflammatory reaction. The spores can also cling to the skin and irritate it. In most cases, mold and mildew can produce a distinct odor that can make life in the RV unpleasant and unbearable.

Excess moisture in the RV interior can also cause water damage on wood panels or lead to rusting of metal components. It would be best to use RV moisture control products to maintain the interior humidity within ideal levels.

How do you absorb moisture in an RV?

People can absorb moisture in an RV using either a dehumidifier or a moisture absorber. Although both products serve a similar function, they differ in the mechanism of action.

• Dehumidifiers – These moisture-removing appliances for motorhome units, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and campers use a mechanical pump to pull water vapor from the RV’s interior. These devices run on electricity or battery power to draw moisture from the air and lower humidity levels.

Manufacturers rate their dehumidifiers according to how much moisture they can pull from the air during operation. Some dehumidifiers can absorb 20 ounces of water vapor per day, while others can only accommodate 15 ounces.

• Moisture Absorbers – A moisture absorber for RV does not require a pump to draw water from the air. It utilizes crystals with desiccant properties to absorb moisture, an example of which is the silica bags people see in electronics and shoes. These products contain silicon dioxide that keeps things dry.

Although moisture absorbers are economical and convenient, they can only draw six to eight ounces of moisture from the air.

What size dehumidifier do I need for my camper?

The size of the dehumidifier needed for a camper depends on the RV’s square footage. It is worth noting that dehumidifiers for travel trailer units, campers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, and other RVs have a square-footage rating.

For example, the SEAVON SN150 can remove the moisture in a 280-square-foot room, while the Afloia Q8 is more suitable for a 215-square-foot space. It would be best to check the RV manual for the vehicle’s rated square footage and compare it with the dehumidifier’s rated coverage.

Some RV owners use a household dehumidifier with a 1,500-foot coverage, which is overkill. A 40-foot Class A RV has 320 square feet of living space, making a small dehumidifier for camper units more suitable.

What’s the ideal place for a dehumidifier in an RV?

The ideal place for a dehumidifier in an RV is an area with excess moisture in the air. It would be best to consider the sources of humidity, such as the oven, shower, doors, and windows.

RV owners must also understand that relative humidity is higher in places with inadequate ventilation and high temperature. Hence, water vapor concentration is higher in bathrooms, kitchens, and storage spaces such as cabinets and compartments. Placing a dehumidifier for RV storage in these areas can help control humidity.

People must place dehumidifiers away from electric appliances. These devices have water tanks that can spill without an auto-shutoff mechanism. Spillage can increase the risk of short circuits and damage to other gadgets.

Is it safe to allow a dehumidifier to run constantly?

Yes, it is safe to allow a dehumidifier to run constantly. However, there are a few precautions people must observe.

Dehumidifiers continuously running 24/7 might overfill their water tanks and cause spills on the floor. Seasoned RV owners recommend a dehumidifier for RV with drain hose integrated into the design to avoid overflow-related spills.

Dehumidifiers also have a rated capacity – the maximum amount of moisture they can draw from the air in 24 hours.

For example, a 1-pint unit can only remove 16 ounces of water vapor every day. If there is a high humidity level in the RV, there is a chance the dehumidifier will reach its capacity in less than 24 hours. Most products have a feature that automatically shuts off the device upon reaching its rated capacity.

There is also the question of relative humidity. The ideal humidity level in an RV is 30% to 50%. Running the dehumidifier 24/7 can reduce humidity to dangerously low levels, leading to dry skin, scratchy throats, chapping, itching, and dry hair and lips.

Why Do You Need an RV Dehumidifier?

Buying an RV dehumidifier is always a good investment. If you’re RVing in a hot, humid climate, they’ll remove harmful humidity or condensation that can get trapped inside your rig and cause mold and mildew to form.

Let’s be honest, any mold or mildew forming inside your RV is never a good thing. And these harmful substances can be caused by all sorts of things: showering, cooking, our body heat or breathing, weather, etc.

Then, once these substances do form, they can cause a variety of problems: destroying your clothes, furniture, walls, floors, and the overall structure of your RV. None of these issues are even in the realm of good. And it gets worse.

As you probably already know, mildew/mold can cause issues for you as well. Numerous health issues can present themselves because of you being in contact with these substances.

The number of health issues associated with these substances is too prevalent to list, but the main highlights are breathing problems and allergic reactions. So, as you can see, it’s a good idea to reduce the risk of mildew or mold being a part of your RV life.

Aside from protecting your RV in hotter climates,  if for some reason you plan on RVing somewhere cold or storing your RV for a long time, the dehumidifier can help regulate the moisture that might accumulate, which could cause your vehicle some severe issues.

In the end, one thing becomes clear; wherever you plan on going, an RV dehumidifier is an essential part of the RV living. It’s a must-have purchase for anyone looking to become a full-time or part-time RVer. Honestly, not having one could be a risk to your overall health.

RV Dehumidifier vs. Regular Dehumidifier – What is the Difference?

Well, there isn’t much difference between an RV dehumidifier and a regular household one. After all, they both serve the same purpose of making sure mold doesn’t become a factor in your home or RV.

But the subtle differences between the two does make a difference in things like storage capacity. See, RV dehumidifiers are often made wider to help make them more storable.

And since there’s limited space aboard even the biggest RV’s this feature could make a significant impact. Plus, refrigerant RV dehumidifiers are also made with a non-slip base, which is essential given you don’t want these flying all around your RV.

Of course, this doesn’t apply to the desiccant models. But it’s essential you know these small differences to ensure you don’t make the mistake of getting a household dehumidifier for an RV.

I mean, the results won’t be disastrous, but it will end up being very inconvenient and a more expensive than getting an RV one.  See, household dehumidifier uses a lot more energy, and the initial cost is substantially more than you see for an RV dehumidifier.

In other words, you’d be buying a product that’s over-equipped for the job you need it to do. It’d be overkill and end up sucking up all the money in your bank account.

Conclusion

Looking for an RV dehumidifier can get a little complicated. But finding the best RV dehumidifier boils down to figuring out what your expectations are and finding the product that can fulfill them.

Once you do find that model, you shouldn’t have any issues keeping your RV mold-free. In fact, your RV should be a place of completely clean air that’s ready to help make your trips incredibly relaxing and stress-free.

So please, take all the information you’ve learned and search the RV dehumidifier market for the best available model for your needs. After all, there’s no reason you should be stuck in your RV filled with musty, humid air.

It will honestly make all your trips more enjoyable and stress-free!

We would like to thank you for reading this article. Find out more about how to choose the most popular RV thermostats, RV air conditioners, RV grills and RV vent fans with our reviews and ratings. Furthermore, please take a look at the top-rated 12 volt refrigerators, RV washer dryer combo and RV heaters, to buy the best one for your RV appliances, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.