1st trip and some condensation issues!

[Blinkey]

Well, I've just ventured out on my first trip with my family in my lovely Lexon to Rutland Water for 4 days between Christmas and New Year. We had a wonderful time despite all the snow and fog!! Some said we were 'mad' to go out in a caravan this time of year but after reading PCV's article on Winter Caravanning (and wanting to play with my new 'toy'!) I thought "why not!!"
The Rutland Camping & Caravanning site was kind enough to upgrade us to a fully serviced pitch which saved lots of trips to the facilities!
My question is one of condensation. We were toasty warm in our van with minus temperatures outside but we did notice a considerable amount of condensation. We had to place towels beneath the front window and wipe some windows down to prevent the water damaging the furniture and fittings.
Is this a common problem? Are there any work arounds or best practice ideas out there?
Grateful for any advice

Rog

 

[Parksy]

A good way to minimise condensation during winter caravanning is to put one or two windows and the rooflight on the night catch and have heater on half way all night. The air circulation should get rid of heavy condensation.

 

[waffler]

Lots of points to ask here. How many people are in the van? We breathe out huge amounts of water. Did you do lots of cooking or use the gas hob? Both through out water. The time in question was very cold and even though the windows are double glazed they get very cold. Also if the van hasn't been used there will be damp in the fabrics etc. So all a recipe for condensation. There should be enough ventilation between floor and roof with the fixed ventilation in roof lights to prevent a lot of ventilation. Next time out put the heat on early put the fan on. Get the bedding out and try to warm it and dry it- we have fixed bed so easier for us. Use kitchen roll to dry the windows and throw out- don't use towels as they keep the moisture in the van. I would not recommend letting additional cold air in as the temperature inside the van determines how mush moisture you get.

 

[Parksy]

Having a couple of windows on the night catch won't let cold air into a warm caravan, it allows circulation of the warm air.

 

[Bluebird1]

Totally agree with Parksy - we always leave the roof window slightly open which minimises condensation whatever the weather

 

[DandP]

We like to leave at least 1 window on night catch overnight and the 2 small rooflights are open constantly as well as the heating on. Once the caravan is aired no condensation problems whatsoever plus we shower in the caravan too.

 

[RayS]

With the usual Truma warm air heating system the pipes leading from the heater unit to the outlet vents usually have small holes punched in them. There pipes usually run round the outside walls and hence under the windows. If you have the vents less than fully open and run the fan above minimum speed warm air is pushed (very gently out of these small holes and will rise up behind the seat cushions etc. and help to minimise condensation in the window frames. Admittedly this usually wont work for the front windows, but as Parksy has said just a little ventilation will help a lot without letting in undue cold air.
Another idea for winter caravanning in a fixed bed van is to use an electric underblanket. Uses very little current but absolute bliss to old bones. We've used on coming down to Spain staying at sites with only a few amps EHU and it's been wonderful.

 

[forestgump]

yes your own boady heat will cause condensation let a bit of air in.

 

[Blinkey]

Well a MASSIVE thanks for all the replies! There are 3 of us in the van and we had been using the cooker as well (but not the shower). My wife would NEVER open any windows as she would see this as letting cold air in! I will let her know that opening one or two windows/roof lights slightly will aide air circulation and not cool down the van!
Thanks again