Outdoors RV Mountain Series Owner's Manual page 42

Living With Your RV
Condensation occurs naturally, just as moisture collects on the outside of a glass of cold water. During
humid weather, moisture can condense on the inside surfaces of the RV during cold weather when
relative humidity of the interior air is high. This condition is increased because the insulated walls of a
recreational vehicle are much thinner than the walls of your house. Estimates indicate that a family of
four vaporizes up to three gallons of water daily through breathing, cooking, bathing, and washing.
Unless the water vapor is carried outside by ventilation or condensed by a dehumidifier, it will condense
on the inside of the windows and walls as moisture or in cold weather as frost or ice. It may also
condense out of sight within the walls or ceiling where it will manifest as warped or stained panels.
In extreme conditions it may appear as though the walls, windows, or roof vents are leaking.
Appearance of these conditions may indicate a serious condensation problem. When you recognize the
signs of excessive moisture and condensation in the RV, action should be taken to minimize their
effects.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about condensation and some answers that will help you
understand more about your RV and how to keep it comfortable.
Q. - In cold weather my windows and walls look like they're sweating. Is that condensation?
A. - Yes. Your windows are a good way to know if the humidity in your RV is too high. All air contains
water vapor. When air is warm it can hold much more water vapor than when it is cold. When the air
cools, the water vapor condenses back to liquid. Since your windows are usually cooler than the air, the
water collects on the surface of the glass.
Q. - Where does all the water come from?
A. - Moisture in the air comes from many sources. Some of the most common are:
Cooking - Meals prepared for a family of four can add up to a gallon of water per day into the air
from cooking.
Bathing - An average shower can put between 1/4 - 1/2 pound of water into the air.
Dishwashing - Washing the dishes for a typical day's meals can add up to one pound of water
into the air.
Floor Mopping - When an 8' x 10' kitchen floor is mopped and rinsed, almost 2 1/2 pounds of
water can be released into the air.
Clothes Drying - After 10 pounds of clothes have been washed and spin-dried in a washer, they
still contain about 10 pounds of water. If these clothes are dried inside, that water is released into
the air.
Propane Appliances - When propane is burned, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water are given
off into the air. For every 100 cubic feet of propane burned, nearly 88 pounds of water is
released into the air.
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