Moisture Management - Tiffin Motorhomes 2014 Phaeton Owner's Manual

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES –PHAETON® Chapter 13 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Warning
Use caution when working on the top of your motor home. The wet roof may be
extremely slippery and, as such, a possible safety hazard.

Moisture Management

This section outlines important recommendations to manage moisture in your motor home to avoid moisture-related
damage, such as mold, which is caused by moisture. The materials and methods used to construct your motor home
were selected in part to minimize air leakage and to create a weather tight exterior shell. However, in order to protect
your investment and reduce the risk of moisture-related damage and costly repairs, attention and care has to be taken
to manage moisture inside your RV. Note: These are only suggestions intended to minimize moisture-related issues with
your motor home. If any concerns arise, contact Tiffin Motorhomes' Service Department at (256) 356-0261.
Interior Care of Your RV
Signs of excessive moisture can be obvious, such as water droplets forming on surfaces or wet carpet. Conversely, signs
of excess moisture can be subtle, such as condensation forming on metal surfaces. When symptoms appear it is
important to timely determine the cause of the excess moisture and take appropriate corrective action to prevent
moisture related damage.
Control Relative Humidity
Monitoring and controlling relative humidity within the motor home is one of the most
important steps to minimize the risk for moisture-related damage. Ideally, relative humidity
should be at 60% or less. Relative humidity can be monitored utilizing a portable
hygrometer (Figure 13-5), a small device that measures temperature and relative humidity.
Hygrometers are available at electronics or building supply stores. Use exhaust fans, the air
conditioner, and/or a portable dehumidifier to manage moisture inside the RV to maintain
relative humidity at 60% or less. In cold climates, relative humidity may need to be at 35%
or less to avoid window condensation issues. If the motor home is used the majority of the
time in a hot humid climate, it may be difficult to keep relative humidity below 60%.
A dehumidifier will help, but is important to check the condensation (water) collection
bucket regularly or discharge the condensation (water) directly to a drain.
Figure 13-5. Portable
Hygrometer
13-6