Outdoors RV Mountain Series Owner's Manual page 44

Living With Your RV
 Use a fan to keep airflow circulating inside the RV so condensation and mildew cannot form in
dead air spaces.
 Ventilate closets and cabinets. During use in cold weather, leave cabinet and closet doors
partially open to warm and ventilate the interiors of storage spaces against exterior walls. The
airflow will warm the exterior wall surface and reduce condensation and prevent possible ice
formation. Avoid crowding closets, pantries, and wardrobe space. Overcrowded spaces restrict
airflow.
 Open window coverings and windows as often as possible.
 In hot weather start the air conditioner early as it removes excess humidity from the air while
lowering the temperature.
 Keep the temperature as reasonably cool during cold weather as possible. The warmer the
vehicle the more that cold exterior temperatures and warm interior temperatures will collide on
wall surfaces creating condensation.
 The natural tendency would be to close the RV tightly during cold weather. This will actually
compound the problem. Simply put, you must remove some of the warm air and allow some cool
air to get inside so the furnace will not recycle the humid interior air.
Mold
Mold is a fungus that occurs naturally in the environment and serves necessary functions including
aiding in the decomposition of plant and other organic material. Mold spreads by means of microscopic
spores borne on the wind and is found everywhere life can be supported. Mold has existed for millions
of years, and humans have coexisted despite their exposure to mold and mold spores.
If the proper conditions are present, mold can and will grow in your RV. Most people are familiar with
mold growth on their bread and cheese or in the bathroom shower. In order to grow, mold requires a
food source. These food sources might be supplied by items found in the RV such as fabric, carpet,
wallpaper, or building materials (i.e. wood and insulation). Also most mold growth requires a temperate
climate. The best growth occurs at temperatures between 40 degrees F and 100 degrees F. Most
importantly, mold growth requires moisture, and moisture is the only growth factor that can be
controlled.
Mold growth in the RV can stem from a variety of sources such as spills, leaks, overflows,
condensation, damp or standing water, and human activity such as showering or cooking. By
minimizing condensation as discussed in the previous section you will be reducing the potential for
mold growth.
 Never use open flame gas or kerosene burning heaters indoors.
These devices release water into the air, and the exhaust gases
contain poisonous substances.
 Do not heat the interior of your RV with the range or oven. Open
flames add moisture to the interior air. Do not use an air humidifier
inside the RV. Water put into the air by the humidifier will increase
condensation.
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