Community Forums

PaulAllen · 09-27-2013, 08:18 PM

This will be my first experience of RV living but I spent both college and grad school in tiny single rooms in dorms so this will be spacious by comparison. But I like the idea of downsizing and avoiding ridiculously high property taxes on my former abode.

Any recommendations for learning what I need to know about avoiding condensation/mold issues about 130 miles inland from Houston coastline?

chief02 · 09-27-2013, 08:24 PM

A well constructed "full Time" rig and good ventilation. Even then in-land from Houston you may need a dehumidifier.

**JohnRR** · 09-27-2013, 09:18 PM

You can do a search here on iRV2 and most likely find instant answers if your in a hurry.

Mr_D · 09-27-2013, 09:32 PM

Dual pane windows and good insulation like our Dutch Star has and it's not even rated for full time use according to the owners manual.

Bruce C · 09-28-2013, 02:59 AM

from NH.

Steve N Sal · 09-28-2013, 03:55 AM

Welcome aboard and glad you joined us. Dual pane windows would be a must and as long as your a/c is working properly and you have good air circulation within the rv you should be good to go. Good Luck!

MSHappyCampers · 09-28-2013, 07:04 AM

Hi Paul! Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you join the gang!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

PaulAllen · 09-28-2013, 01:30 PM

>Dual pane windows would be a must and as long as your a/c is working properly and you have good air circulation within the rv you should be good to go. Good Luck!
>

I'm assuming that for anything over 30' (or even less), two ACs will be necessary in East Texas summers. But as to that "good air circulation", is that possible without a central air blower running continuously?

I"m very concerned about condensation and mold issues so I assume that getting moving air into every cranny is vital. Will I find that I need to open cabinet doors overnight (at least) during the winter in order to avoid condensation damage and/or mold in such locations? (I know that everyone will probably say, "Not if you have good insulation", but it is rarely easy to evaluate how well and continuously the walls are insulated behind an installed kitchen.

I've constructed portable sheds/offices for Texas use and find that this "intermediate climate belt" that appears in the energy maps as about 150 to 200 miles wide is peculiar in being in-between the heating and cooling climates where vapor barriers are recommended. I've considered embedding USB temp/humidity sensors in various wall locations and then simply "overheat and ventilate" when my software indicates condensation risks. But I'm wondering just how much difficulty fifth wheel owners have had in this Austin/San Antonio/College Station climate belt. There are so many bad stories out there involving molds and wall damage.

Thank you all for your friendliness to a newcomer. Much appreciated.

Medico · 09-29-2013, 02:39 AM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

TXiceman · 09-29-2013, 09:19 AM

Moisture build up is a problem with most RVs due to the smaller volume. What we do to control moisture is make sure we keep the RV ventilated when cooking and showering. We also keep one roof vent cracked open during the winter. The wamer and moist air will rise and vent.

I know this is contrary to what you would think about keep the RV closed up tight to conserve heat, but you do need to vent to control moisture.

The body releases a lot of moisture with each breath, plus the skin releases moisture. Any cooking will also release moisture into the air.

Another thing to do is to use a squeegee to wipe down the shower walls and get rid of the moisture potential.

Have fun in the RV.

ken