First time out if it's cold

[LMH]

I can't keep my current van on the drive so I store it somewhere. We are going away in it soon, however, I'll be taking it to work and running the heating in it (electric) for a couple of days before we set off.

Will that be ok to air it out? The reason I ask is that I can remember a year or so ago when we went away and the previous van we had at the time had been standing for a while. There had been torrential rain for several days leading up to when we used it and on the day and night that we used it. I put the heating on, gas I think and after a while, the condensation was unbelievable, water running down walls etc. So I don't want to be in that position again!!

So to sum up, would running an electric heater in it prior to us going away suffice?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks.

Lisa

 

[gypsy]

We always use an Electric heater to warm the Van before we leave also on site, I know this is not possible if there is no hook-up available, but just wondered if the fact that Gas is a moist heat, and Electric is classed as a dry heat, (I think thats what I was told)makes any difference.

 

[Lol1]

You can if you want to, Lisa. But in my humble opinion, it wont make much difference. To help alleviate the condensation, make sure there is a supply of fresh air going through the caravan, particularly at night when on site, or use a dehumidifier.

 

[DeliDave]

as the gas heater is flued the condensation in the products of combustion should not come in the caravan the heat exchanger should provide the heat,I would not want to leave the gas heater on while asleep however

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello LMH

If you have any suspicion that your space heater is allowing flue gasses and or condensation into your caravan get it checked by a qualified gas fitter. It should be checked regularly any way as some items will deteriorate with age.

The situation you describe could occur because the caravan has been left cold for some time. As soon as you warm air, it can hold and take up more water vapour, and as the air temperature rise quickly ahead of the walls and other fittings, when the warm moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, the air has to release some of its moisture in the form of condensation on to the cool surface.

Good ventilation is an essential part of reduction of condensation.

It is a feature of all combustion of hydrocarbon fuels (Coal, oil LPG etc) that water vapour is a by-product. So any open flame will contribute to the condensation issue. For this and other reasons the use of the cooker will produce warm moist air and probably some condensation.

By contrast, all modern touring caravans are likely to be fitted with ROOM SEALED SPACE HEATERS

These ensure that that all the and gas for burning along with all waste products are only vented outside, None of these items should find their way into the living accommodation. A heat exchanger takes heat from the combustibles and only hot dry air is produced in the caravan.

There is no technical reason why such a heater cannot be left on overnight - provided that nothing can block the heat outlet and return air grills of the appliance.

 

[LMH]

Hi

Thanks for the replies. The dripping condensation down the walls etc was in my other van which was quite old. The van I have now is only a couple of years old.

I was just checking out people's opinions as I didn't want to be in that situation again.

Thanks again.

Lisa