Bed -- condensation

[Ruthe]

A big reason we are getting a 19 is that it is the smallest trailer we liked that had a bed that size. Now a few people are talking about condensation -- and I've seen a few interesting ways to deal with it. I'm wondering how many people have had to deal with moisture on sheets, pillows, etc. as a result of condensation or whether it is just with winter camping. I don't really want to reduce the size of the bed.

[J Mac]

I don't see how condensation can happen in the warmer weather with fan going and windows open. In the winter the propane heater can cause condensation. For the most part ventilation is the saving grace.
Water can and does come in through the window screens

[Ruthe]

I just spoke to Tammy who said that to deal with condensation Reace has cut 1 1/2" on the sides of the bed.

[Dave Walter]

My experience is that condensation is biggest issue when camping in areas where humidity is high and when there are multiple bodies sleeping in the trailer. In drier climates condensation has been hardly noticeable, particularly since I like to crack a window or vent for some fresh air anyways. For those humid nights on the west coast, we did have to keep the fan going at a good clip and a window cracked to minimize the condensation.

The propane furnace does not seem to contribute to the condensation as it is well vented to the outside.

[gocamp]

Ruthe was this just per your request or do you think this will now be standard on all new builds, thanks.

[J Mac]

Originally Posted by Ruthe

I just spoke to Tammy who said that to deal with condensation Reace has cut 1 1/2" on the sides of the bed.

Making the mattress 1 1/2" smaller will stop condensation?

[Ruthe]

I'm pretty sure this is standard. Making the mattress smaller will help keep duvets, mattress, etc. from touching wall and getting wet in case of condensation

[J Mac]

Originally Posted by Ruthe

I'm pretty sure this is standard. Making the mattress smaller will help keep duvets, mattress, etc. from touching wall and getting wet in case of condensation

It may keep sheets duvet etc. from getting wet if they don't touch the walls but that may be difficult to do when sleeping.
I don't winter camp but I do camp in the Pacific North West and we always keep all windows open and the fan going and so far have experienced moisture only when rain came in through the bug screens on the windows.
I say ventilation is the key here.
What do others do to combat condensation?

[cpaharley2008]

I used this in my 19' around the sides and underneath, took care of the problem
Hypervent Condensation Prevention Matting

[sjnuss]

So far we have not experienced any condensation issues.

Steve

[Ruthe]

Jim, how much did you order?

[ChuckS]

When I owed a 19ft we ran the max/Fan day and night it keeps the moisture out of the trailer. Our current 21ft we run the fan day and night no moisture problem. We ran the fan when showering in the Escape.

[Linda]

We've never had a problem with condensation. We don't camp in the winter, though. Had some condensation in our 17ft. Escape when we camped in late October one year. I think that the extra insulation package may help prevent some of the moisture. We have never noticed dampness of our bedding or under the mattress. I think ventilation helps.

We also live in the Pacific Northwest, so we don't have extreme temperatures.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Ruthe

Jim, how much did you order?

I ordered 14 feet and cut it in half and installed so that the sides were covered

[Vermilye]

Another similar product that comes in a 6' X 6'-6" piece is DryMesh. It is a bit thinner than the product Jim mentioned - 1/2" compared to 3/4". I have no way to compare them, but the DryMesh works well for me.

[Mr.J]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I ordered 14 feet and cut it in half and installed so that the sides were covered

I ordered 14 feet myself do to your previous post about the stuff. Now I just have to wait for the trailer to be finished!

[cpaharley2008]

I believe Escape is now cutting the mattress smaller so that it does not touch the walls, you may only need about 10 feet if you are not doing the walls. Verify this before making any changes.

[gocamp]

Cheap foam pool noddle from the dollar store under the mattress after you wake up. A trick mentioned on a number of other RV forums.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by gocamp

Cheap foam pool noddle from the dollar store under the mattress after you wake up. A trick mentioned on a number of other RV forums.

I tried that, except I bought the foam pipe insulation and put around the edges, there was still wetness, however the mattress pad mentioned above installed with some coming up the sides seemed to work better as it allowed the air to circulate vs trapping it.

[gocamp]

From my reading, the solid core not hollow core dollar store ones worked best. Firmer for the heavy mattress weight I guess.