Humidity can cause serious moisture-related problems in your RV if it is not taken care of properly. It can result in condensation building up on your windows, window seals, window panes, and even on metal objects. The water can eventually cause mold and mildew to grow, wooden surfaces to rot, and metal surfaces to rust. You’ll want to run a dehumidifier inside the RV whether you’re camping somewhere on a hot, sticky day or if your RV is in storage for the off-season.
Meaco recently introduced a portable desiccant dehumidifier that runs quieter and weighs less than most other models. The sleek, small design makes it a perfect fit in RVs, as well as apartments, boats, garages, and other spaces where you want to prevent mold. It can even help you dry out laundry faster!
This desiccant dehumidifier runs quieter and weighs less than other models. Photo via Amazon
The Meaco DD8L Zambezi Z2 has two fan speeds, a variable humidistat, and a timer. It can hold up to eight liters of water and stops automatically when the tank has filled up. A handy built-in cover helps keep water from spilling while emptying the tank.
This type of dehumidifier is especially useful in the damp fall and winter months. It works by drying the air while also adding warmth to the airflow, which is particularly nice on cool autumn days and for drying out hanging laundry. The dehumidifier uses a desiccant, rather than a compressor or cooling coils, making it light enough to carry (at about 20 lbs) and allows it to be used in temperatures as low as 33 degrees F. This also makes it silent enough to run by the bedroom without keeping you up all night.
The brand Meaco has been making dehumidifiers and home air purifiers for over 30 years. Their latest model comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. It is available on Amazon for about $280 with an 8-hour timer and a 24-hour timer. It also works similar to the larger EcoSeb desiccant dehumidifier, which holds up to 15 liters.
You may also want to check out the Air-Dryr for preventing mold
I purchased a desiccant type dehumidifier last year after moving to the Southeast due to high humidity concerns in my 26’ camper during storage. Ivation 13 pint model ($180 on Amazon) works great. Comes with a tube that can be attached for continuous draining. I place the unit on the counter with drain tube discharging in the sink. Has worked great for a year now, Without continuous draining one would need to check and empty the reservoir daily. Another benefit of desiccant type units (compared to compressor units) is that they work down to the freezing point.
I have now owned 2 similar de-humidifiers and caution if left on for unlimited time, even in Houston Texas, you will dry out the wood in your RV. I drain mine in the unit itself, decided not to use the sink as over time it could over fill if un attended. I drain mine every 3 or 4 days. The auto shut float works fine. I set my unit on the stairs in case it overflows. It also emits heat into my already hot RV unit sitting in my storage unit. Other wise it does a great job. I leave it at home when I go out on trips.