Overwintering

[Chrisgr31]

Our last caravan was old and so to prevent damp and mildew in it we left an electric fan heater in it over the winter, which came on if the temperature dropped towards freezing. Pondering whether to do it to the newer caravan we have.

So does anyone leave any heating on in their caravan?

[Rosscow]

Yep, I leave the caravan heater on. Set it to 500w and leave it on the '3' heat setting. I think it definitely helps.

I also stand all the cushions etc. up on edge and make sure that no soft furnishings are touching the outside walls.

Stick 3 or 4 of the £1 dehumidifiers in strategic locations (not sure if this really helps or not, but for £4 why not!).

[Chrisgr31]

Thanks, just need to ensure I know how it works!

[surveyor]

Sadly heating not an option for us due to no power at storage location, but it seems fine after each winter.

[Xpuffin]

I use a desiccant gel dehumidifier and a fan to keep Ducky damp free. RH is pegged around 45%, it still smells like the summer in there.

[eatcustard]

Why use a dehumidifier, caravans have holes in them for gas to escape and if you have water inside it will evaporate and condensate onto windows.

I fund all caravans get a little damp in the winter but dry out in the spring.

[Kenty]

Does anyone leave the power on to the battery charger or do you switch on once a month or so?

[Rosscow]

I leave it on. If I turn it off, I can't run the heater. I've done this for 2 winters and everything seems fine!

[Xpuffin]

eatcustard said:

Why use a dehumidifier, caravans have holes in them for gas to escape and if you have water inside it will evaporate and condensate onto windows.

I fund all caravans get a little damp in the winter but dry out in the spring.

Because if I don't then I get condensation on the windows as the RV has holes in them to allow the gas to escape and its damp inside all winter and only dries out slowly in the spring.

[task]

I use my caravan as much in the winter as I do the summer but when not in use it's just left as follows;

Water heater drained
All taps open
Water filter removed (screw in type from outside)
Cupboard doors opened
Cushions removed from walls
Bedding removed

When not in use this seems to work fine with no mold on surfaces or issues from damp.

I don't see the point of heating it up before I use it, the journey to the campsite soon introduces enough cold damp air and cools the van enough to negate any benefit from doing this. Once on site it warms up and dries out within 30 mins.