Ace Condensation

[AndyR1]

Hi All,

Sorry I'm sure this has been covered loads of times but here goes.

We keep our 2008 Ace Jubilee Equerry in a storage site so access to mains electricity is not an option. During colder months we use dessicant packs throughout the van to help keep moisture down. The problem is we still seem to suffer from heavy condensation especially on the front and rear wall boards. The front gets that bad that the window sill gets traces of mould which has to be removed at regular intervals. At the point where the front wall boards meet there seems to be some swelling and separation of the boards We use the caravan all year round so some drying out does occur each month.

What more can be done to stop this problem. I am worried that over a period of time the walls are going to suffer from damp and require major surgery. We have our warranty but prevention is better than cure in my book.

Maybe Andy, Ash, Dave or Mick from Swift have some ideas.

Cheers

Andy

 

[SwiftGroup_374327846]

Hi Andy,

I'm sure you already know this, but condensation forms when warm, moist touches a cold surface. To eliminate condensation, you need to remove one or more of these elements.

The normal solution is to introduce ventilation, and as all Swift vehicles have high and low level fixed vents, you should have some ventilation already. However, it may be worth checking all vents are clear, including the lower vents.

Next, make sure nothing is obstructing the flow of air through the caravan. Leave all doors & lockers open, so that air can travel around. Also, remove all bedding, to the same affect.

The source of the warm air is probably generated during the day, and at night, this condenses on the now colder walls. It maybe worth closing all the blinds to reduce the amount of heat transferred inside the vehicle.

I hope that helps.

Ash

 

[AndyR1]

Hi Ash,

Thanks for your quick response as usual.

We already do all that you state including the blinds at night while away. The blinds are left open while in storage though and the curtains closed to reduce fabric fade. Also while we are away we try to leave a couple of windows on night vent to help the moist air to escape but this doesn't help with the walls. Is there are chance that the wall boards might rot due to this condensation?

While the caravan is in storage we try to visit at least once a fortnight to check all is OK and take home the dessicant to dry out then replace the following day. Even after all this the condensation seems excessive and mold returns on the window sill.

Regards Andy

 

[SwiftGroup_374327846]

Hi Andy,

It does seem strange that there is that much condensation, even with the windows on night vent. With condensation, we always suggest that it is wiped (and dried), as soon as possible.

Are you able to determine that there is good airflow in the caravan? Are all the low level vents clear and can you feel a draft through the high level skylights?

Ash

 

[AndyR1]

Hi Ash,

Yes to all your questions. The condensation was that bad on Saturday morning that I thought the front windows had leaked again (long story). The water had run over the top of the seals and down the front wall board on to the sill (I have photos if you would like to see them). I even phoned Discover at Chorley to warn them and arrangements were made to take the caravan in. After further rain over Saturday night it became apparent that this was indeed condensation and not water ingress so we decided not to return the caravan.

Your point at wiping dry asap is noted and is done when we are in attendance but obviously that cannot be done so regularly whilst in storage.

Andy

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Andy,

as Swift have indicated the only way to reduce condensation is to ensure proper ventilation is maintained.

I must add though, the sources of moisture in the air are us human beings, when we breath out, and any naked flame (i.e. cooker hob, and oven.

Your space and water heater and fridge will not contribute providing they have been correctly, as they are 'Room sealed' and ALL their products of combustion are discharged outside not inside.

 

[AndyR1]

Hi John,

It is because we do have good ventilation and still seem to be suffering from excessive condensation that I am worried. My 2005 Equerry suffered from bad condensation in the rear corner wardrobe and the wall board started to peel away (the 2008 version has the blown air pipe routed into the corner to prevent this from happening). I obviously don't want a repeat of this at the front.

It was interesting at weekend that the worst area of condensation was not at the side where our heads were for sleeping. Also because we were on electric we hardly used the gas stove as we could use the microwave and hot plate. We do try to keep some windows on night vent while away but obviously there are limits to how many can be kept open and keeping the van warm

Andy

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Andy,

I have given some more thought to your difficulty. The fact remains that condensation only occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with a colder surface that drops the air temperature enough to cause the water vapour to clump into water droplets on the surface.

If you have one area in your caravan where this seems to happen more readily than elsewhere, then it means the surfaces in question must be cooler for longer.

There are a number of scenarios where I can envisage that happening,

The area concerned does not get as much warmth from the heating system,

It is not as well ventilated as other areas,

The outside wall does not receive as much light or sunlight,

The prevailing wind strikes that part of the caravan keeping it just a bit cooler than the rest.

Slightly more sinister may the construction is faulty, perhaps the insulation has been left out, or it has been compromised and got wet, which makes that section of wall far more thermally conductive than the rest of the caravan.

I hope you can get to the bottom of the problem and resolve it soon.

 

[AndyR1]

Hi John,

Thanks for your thoughts. I have had confirmation from Discover that they believe this is quite normal but they will check the worst offending areas closely during its service in April. In the meantime we just have to follow all the guidelines and monitor the situation over the winter.

Cheers

Andy