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To prevent moisture build up on your windows , apply shaving foam on them clean it up and you'll be fine for 4 days but at least you don't have to vacuum them every day.
Hi Mel I'm a huge fan of yours, but I've got to point out a few things. Condensation is not attracted to glass, it simply forms on any cold surface. This is usually is a window as they're very poor insulators. With regards to water vapour and condensation, temperature is your friend. A basic rule of gasses like air is the higher the temperature the more water vapour they can hold, so keeping you van warm (must be the whole van, cold spots will cause condensation) will keep the moisture in the air rather than in you bed. The second is ventilation. If you can blow this warm air out, them hey presto along goes the dissolved water with it. Obviously it's a fine balance. Having a window wide open will cool the van or cost a fortune to heat, but a small fan and aperture coupled with a steady low heat should do the trick. Keep the videos coming really love your projects!
@@vancouvervanagon9453 absolutely. I've run mine well below zero, with clear windows the whole time. The only way the windows would steam up is billing the kettle, but cleared again within five minutes. Apart from the noise of the stupid fuel pump, I love my 5kw heater.
@Mo Sam I purchased a smaller Damp Rid bucket on my last trip. I know it does work bc I used to work at a popular hardware store and we sold a lot of it. It’s basically a manual dehumidifier. I kept checking it to see if there was water in the bottom but there wasn’t yet, however, the granules that is used did turn into the hard brick like they’re supposed to so that means it had to absorb moisture to create the brick. I do run my ceiling fan when I boil water.
I think whatever you use, you are creating moisture quicker than you can absorb it, especially when it's cold. Best thing to do is to have a constant heat and ventilate.
Yes your correct, you really need to be extracting the air constantly, all camper/caravans should have a dehumidifier extract fan, that’s comes on automatically when required and then your not using power needlessly. Just taking it off your glass isn’t enough to be honest.
I noticed his little dehumidifier gadget and I think it is too small. I have a proper dehumidifier and it removes non-trivial amounts of moisture from the air. Ventilation is good, but how good is it during wet and cold months? Heating and dehumidifier should work well, plus some ventilation. My experience is a lot of moisture comes from the outside and dehumidifier works harder in rainy days.
That is if you run it enough to keep the van warm at all times. If you let the van cool down then the windows get cold again and once you warm it back up - bam, condensation.
We've had a window vac for a number of years now, it's Beldray brand which we bought from the local B&M store and it's still going strong a great idea .
I love how intelligent your followers are, so many great explanations here in the comment section. I didn’t think for one minute that you literally meant that glass works the way with water the same way honey works with Winnie The Pooh lol, it’s not a science video, it’s a van life hack video. My friend started out putting Kitty litter in a couple of tube socks, and lays them on the dash board near the wind screen. It really helped absorb the moisture. He was living in his car, so a much smaller space, but he went on to make a few more, put them in his rear window, and he also put rock salt in a couple of used food containers that could slide under his front seats, and each morning they would have water in them, he’d just open the door snd drain them out, and put them back. So if one is on a budget, these tips might help in the mean time.
Hi Mel have you ever thought about running the roof fan above you bed to move the warm air about this shoud keep the condensation away or just getting a little fan pluged into a Jackery this is what we do and fingers crossed its worked for us because we dont have any blinds on our little motorhome just curtains on the front window . This was advice given to us on our first trip away after waking up to a front window full of condensation . x
Hi Sarah yes air movement is definitely the best way to keep condensation at bay but unfortunately the colder it gets the harder it is to stop it from building up on the front windows it’s all part of camping in winter 🥶 thanks for taking the time to comment 👍😊👍
I got a Karcher window vac last month......didn’t even know they existed until I spoke to a guy (weirdly also called John)! It’s changed my life! Can’t believe I’ve had my van for so many years not knowing they existed. Glad you found it too xx
@@BigVanSmallWorld I know!! Thought it was a bit overpriced at first and was going to go for a cheaper one...glad I got the Karcher though, quality product! Haven’t used it to clean my windows yet but wow what a difference it makes to spending time in my van? I’m currently working at the hospital in Shetland over lockdown, thought I’d escape, bring my campervan up here for an adventure. Just love it here and would of been lost without the van. Enjoy your adventure Mel, thanks for replying. Xxx
They are a little pricey for sure I’m with you on that when I say windows I mean my windscreen I don’t seam to get that white over when the sun is low in the sky anymore especially in winter I bet it’s beautiful up there how wonderful for you hope you’re staying safe And it’s not to cold 👍
So you wipe the window with a towel? How / where do you dry the damp towel? Do you just dump it? Do you dry it in the van? If you do does it mean you aren't removing the water from the van. Only way to remove condensation is with a roof vent and front windows cracked ever so slightly for air flow(like you have). It will get cold so you will need the heater running all night. I had to mount the pump better to reduce the clicking noise. It works for me and I have minimum insulation in my van, and zero vapour barriers.
When you burn butane or propane water vapor is given off, flueless cooking appliances should only be used with good ventilation....Van life and Tiny houses have a massive potential to undo years of CO poisoning awareness. Please get a CO alarm less than £20 and can save lives, not just for faulty appliances but possibly drawing attention to the lack of proper ventilation in many home built Van's and house's.
The moisture on the windows is just a tiny percentage of what's in the vehicle, absorbed in the bedding, clothing, mattress, wood, etc. Removing the condensed moisture will do little, esp since it won't collect more throughout the day. Best to just open a vent or crack a window at night, or run your A/C.
Mel, have you tried the laundry basket over your pillow and head idea with a blanket covering the whole of your head, supposedly it traps your breath condensation in the blanket that is suspended over your head by the laundry basket. You take a rectangular basket , cut out one of the longer sides that open side is face down onto the bed, slide a pillow inside that and have a blanket tossed over the basket. I saw that on a YT channel this year 23 and , it might actually work.
Great moisture hacks. I assume that your van also has a moisture barrier along with the insulation. You’ll need to ventilate as well as use that wood burning stove more if you want to completely rid yourself of condensation. I suggest getting well insulated window covers for your cab windows, isolate (via insulated curtains) the cabin from the cockpit, and leave your front windows open a crack to allow air to come in for ventilation. The aim is to leave the cockpit unheated, allow some cold air to ‘leak’ past the curtain, warm up, and then get expelled via your roof van. The incoming cold air will not get any colder when in the cockpit, will warm up in the cab, and will take out any increased moisture (from your breathing, etc) through the roof van.
Those Karcher window vacs are great. Remember to regularly take it to pieces (they clip apart very easily) and clean/dry the internals and blades as best you can, otherwise the dreaded black mold can grow inside the damp gizmo.
Great vid. As you mentioned before, a slatted bed is vital. I had a beautiful mk1 17ft Safari caravan. The sofa/pullout double bed had solid boards. The foam wicks away your sweat, gravity pullls it to the bottom and on occasion it freezes in the depths of winter! Tbh I hadnt noticed till I propted up the cushions to air them one frosty morning but the thought of it wasnt great. Cracking windows and doors and firing up the stove to pants only furnace temperatures is a great option as well. Maybe not in Morrisons car park though.
Try 500g Bags of Silica Gel. We use them where I work to protect aircraft engines during storage (Stored outside!). I had a problem with condensation in my car, and after chucking a couple of bags of gel in the door card pockets, I'd find the windows were perfectly clear in the mornings. Great stuff. You need to replace it after a while, or you can reuse it - by putting the packs of gel in a very low set oven for an hour or so. It should help - if only reduce the issue.
How about using a heat exchanger from a condensing tumble dryer? That way you you can just run a small fan to pull in colder dryer air and vent out your warm damp air. The heat exchanger will improve efficiency and warm up the incoming air. If your van has deep sills you can pull air in through them as they are well vented at the base. The rest is ducting. Why waste power keeping a small plate cold in a dehumidifier - the whole of the outdoors is colder than that! Use the fan to remove air from around a composting toilet, and you can duct the fresh air around the heater flue or into the cabin heater. You may just be able to use the heater fan but depends on how well your van is sealed.
I lived in a shared house, and my shower room was full of black mould. I cleaned it , and it kept coming back because there was a serious damp issue. I ended up with a chronic cough . Roll on 10 years later.. I ended up in hospital because I couldn't breath. After lots of tests and scans in May last year I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A terminal lung condition 😢. Mould is a killer
My wife had a water leak into her car, i removed all the moisture with a great mains driven dehumidifyer unit, after that i have trays of Cat litter, not a single indication of moisture on her cars windows even now at -5C I tried it in my car works fantastic,
I use two “Ivation” small dehumidifiers in my small home. They look like yours. One in the kitchen and one in the bathroom. They are terrific! Also monitor the humidity with a little battery powered reader about the size of a matchbook ☺️
Amazon Harbor thermometer two pack is what I use. They are small. Temp and humidity. They are not always exactly the same reading, even when next to each other but close enough.
Clearly it doesn't work in his case otherwise he would be getting condensation on windows. One can't cheat laws of physics, though. Condensing water takes a lot of energy, as much as boiling away.
As said below - good quality insulated external ‘silver screens’ for the cab and side windows of a motorhome/camper will reduce condensation significantly and keep a van warmer in winter and cooler in the summer. No need for a Karcher. Have a good Crimbo, Mel!!🥶🇬🇧🙏🥶
I forgot to say - external screens will only reduce condensation in the cab front window and passenger and drivers windows - not the whole of the van. Take care.🥶🇬🇧🙏🥶
Good ventilation is a must - all that water vapour in your breath has got to go somewhere. I fitted a low profile Flettner roof ventilator that extracts air in the slightest breeze and doesn't require any power. It vents even when there is no breeze . With that and keeping the van heating on tickover , the side windows opened a few millimetres, all should be well. It also pays to cover windows internally , not only from a condensation point of view, but for added insulation.
1.7 degrees is the dew point where condensation forms, the trick is to keep all surfaces in the van at a temperature above 2 degrees then physics simply will not allow condensation to form so after a lot of playing around the following steps work for me, i set my truma to 15 degrees Celsius, I keep the max fan on at 10% sucking air out and crack my passenger side window about 5 to 10mm, I run my wall mounted fan at the back of my van on it’s lowest setting to circulate the air and I have to say I have zero condensation issues when I wake up. I don’t have a dehumidifier either.
Sorry mate but your wrong about the dew point temperature, dew point can be reached at any temperature, its a combination of air temperature and pressure, unless you give correct advice its better to give none!
@@aberdeendeltaforce you may think is's shit but its correct unlike your version. Dew point temperature is defined as the temperature to which the air would have to cool (at constant pressure and constant water vapor content) in order to reach saturation. A state of saturation exists when the air is holding the maximum amount of water vapor possible at the existing temperature and pressure.
A Window Vac is a good solution to the symptom, but not a cure for the cause (they are good for drying out our shower room after use too!) The condensation revelation for us was moving to an external windscreen cover since then no condensation at all with a bit of heating and ventilation.
Try cutting bubble wrap to the window size. Bubble wrap will stick to glass and reduce the heat loss and condensation . . It's practicle for all glass .
This may sound stupid - but if you put a light coat of shaving cream on your windows (maybe your smaller ones) and buff it out with a rag, they don't condensate as near as much. I do it as I don't need to wash my towels as often as that is a pain in the van!
i live in a van RV also. i use those little microfiber cloths to wipe condensation off glass windows. Ring them out and i can get up to a cup out of front area. Like primitive camping, routine airing of bedding is important too. Every couple weeks, time in low heat dryer to minimize that mustiness in bedding. i am gonna check out dehumidify gismo though ☝🏻☝🏻
You have a curtain up front to divide the cabin, to stop moisture you could put a door there. Ive heard that it can stop the front fogging up. Even a moisture barrier curtain that is well sealed would do a good job. Nothing like built in safety.
Morning Mel, I’ve just watched your video about the condensation. And as you know I have a professionally shop bought van. When I changed my wall coverings I noticed that my van was insulated but with no vapour barrier, I have plastic double glazed side and rear window and the only condensation I get is about 45 inches up my windscreen I have the concertina blinds and I don’t get hardly any condensation. So I conclude that using a vapour barrier doesn’t really work as the air cannot circulate. I’ve built my previous van myself with a vapour barrier and got condensation much like yourself. I have one of those Karcher window vacuums and are use mine for drying my van off after I’ve washed it we live in a hard water area and it stops streaking, another fine well put together video. Merry Christmas and stay safe🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴🌈🙏🏼💙❤️💙❤️
Wrong conclusion. Preventing condensation on windows isn't goal of vapor barrier on the walls. In fact you get condensation because of no vapor barrier on glass, which would defeat the purpose of having window in the first place.
Sure you not suffering from long covid, it's been around before last Christmas. I tried a dehumidifier in my caravan. But pulled a couple of litres a day. Ended up too much trouble. I did use the disposable/refillable silica powder types in cupboards. I made for my motor van some polystyrene sheets covered with sticky backed plastic outside and carpet liner inside. They fit tight to surface of flat windows. That hoover is good, never seen those before. My caravan windows would stream with condensation. The healthiest i have been was living in caravan. Never caught a cold for two years.
I just fitted a fletner wind driven vent above my bed and leave the front windows down and inch and don't close the bulk head curtain and don't any condensation at all and there's two of us in my van, happy days
Ooh yes I had two in my transit they were brilliant now I’m thinking maybe I should look at getting one for my sprinter thank you I completely forgot about them 👍👍😊
@@conor909 they don't pull air in they take stale air out and no as long as there's a breeze it will spin and take air out. If ya leave the front windows open an inch itl keep the air flowing. My van feels warmer for it as theres no stagnant air anymore or so they say.
I put my homemade window covers on = little or no condensation. Like Mel I leave my cab windows slightly open & and my little sliding window slightly open (tho if it’s really cold I might close this one) so have air circulation and window protection.
Would some kitty litter tied in a few old socks help? I’m car living, trying to figure this out as well. I woke up coughing, felt wet everywhere and it was 30f degrees. When everything is so cold you can’t tell if it’s damp or just cold, is a miserable place to be. I got a room for the next few nights until I can solve the condensation problem, or at least help. Thanks for your videos!
Ive lived in a motorhome 3 years ...the only place i get condensation is the front glass windows. External silver screen on = no condensation. Heating on for a few hours in the evening off the rest of the time ...never have any windows or vents open while heating is on or overnight ...but i open skylights etc during the day to air the van ...no mold , no damp etc So if your van conversion is suffering then something hasn't been done correctly. Very few people keep heating on all the time
Best thing you can do ....minus 3 here last night, heating was on 5.5 hours, silver screen on windscreen and side windows ...not a drop of condensation 👍 make sure its an external screen cover the interior ones are nowhere near as good
Nice subject, I have that dehumidifier and the internal chill fin's only get so cold dropping the efficiency level the colder the weather is, it works great at room temperature. I use a USB driven computer fan to exchange the cabin air with very little moisture built up. You do sacrifice the warmth.
I don't think condensation is attracted to the glass, I think its caused by warm air meeting the cold surface of the glass - which then forms small water droplets - you can also get it on bare metal in the van too. You could make yourself some Reflectix (or other - see Eat Sleep Van NZ) window covers to prevent a lot of it, both in the cab and the back of the van. I've made these for mine using magnets to hold them up - with an air gap at the back of them, so they are not touching the cold glass. Plus I have insulated curtains too - the two layers of fabric work much better than a single layer with the thermal fuzzy stuff on one side. You are also better with curtains that cover the window without gaps - like Greg Virgoes (Vanex?) ones, or the ones that are inbuilt like Gadget John has on his van- you could add some velcro or magnets to solve this issue rather than changing curtains. I'm speaking from personal experience of caravanning in Scotland as a child and living in a freezing cold draughty wooden house where the roller blinds were more effective then the curtains! Plus even in a warm house with double glazed windows, we got massive condensation issues in winter when it got below 10 overnight and we'd had the heating on - solved this by making thermal curtain linings - problem gone 😁🚐🗺❄
@@BigVanSmallWorld Good to hear, you need to keep the van warm enough at night so you aren't breathing in cold air - even if you are toastie in bed. I had a chest infection back in 2013, have some permanent upper respiratory damage from it - have to have a preventer inhaler through the winter - which is way milder here than in the UK - and can't go outside if its below 10 as the cold air really affects it. Stay Warm!! 👍😊👍
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that tiny thermoelectric dehumidifier may be collecting water but it's not reducing the humidity in the air, which is obvious with the amount on your windows. So you either have to stop breathing or heat with a diesel heater that exhausts outside, to lower the humidity levels inside or a larger compressor dehumidifier. If you can't do the above, very well fitting insulated window covers will help stop condensation, but you'll still have high humidity, that is working it's way into everything. Good luck.
Wood burner coupled with a diesel heater for the spaces between not having the wood burner going, that combined with a few moisture bags and air circulation and you are set. I haven’t added the diesel heater yet nor the bags because my stove does a great job, but once I add those then I’ll be able to forget about it.
G`day Mel , I feel very lucky to be living on the east coast of Australia , we have a dry heat so we don`t get condensation to much , if it gets cold we run the aircon in heat mode that's dry air also ,, anyhow hope your lungs feel better soon mate , I lived on a boat for a while and that was a drama due to the temp differential from the air to water , mould was a problem , and cooking with gas is bad as propane is heavy with water ,, stay safe mate , Rob in sunny Jervis Bay NSW Australia
Hi Mel - came across your channel today and really enjoyed it! Thanks for the info. Loved your dehumidifyer idea and also came across another tip- bubblewrap on the windows (bigger bubbles than regular works best) and it seems to work great as an option to avoid condensation. So the combo of a dehumidifyer a d the bubblewrap should be great!! 👏👏. I'll check out your other vids - stay safe, healthy and keep smiling 😃👍
Happy Christmas Mel .... take care mate over Xmas ... you’ll have to light that stove, and get rid of that condensation... great channel, really enjoy it .. all the best mate ..
Cheers for that information Mel, I already have a version of the karcher but will definitely look into getting the dehumidifier. Stay safe and dry, catch you later. 👍😊
There used to be a squeegee/scraper that collected condensation, similar to the vacuum devise but without the need for electricity. It worked really well but haven't seen one for years. I guess nearly everything is electric these days.
Aww I love the mug mel 🥰🥰🥰🤗🤗😊 wow I didn’t know they made a dehumidifier that runs off a usb :) that’s amazing how much water it has taken, the window vac is an amazing idea ;) Sorry to hear you had a lunge infection last year :( that’s terrible 😢 hope you been ok through this winter living in your van ;) always look forward to seeing your out takes ;) I fitted my solar pannel last night, thank you 🙏 after watching your video how to put one up I copied your idea, was a nightmare as that pannel I showed you was huge 😂 struggling to lift that up on my own was a challenge, plus dodging the rain 😂 I’ll finish the wires in side in a bit :) Have a lovely weekend bud 😊🤗👍👊🏻💪
That sounds like good old COVID last year , I use a dehumidifier in the cab but a must is the silver thermal screens I reckon it stops 90% of it obviously they need to be on the side windows too, the lowest temp I’ve been down to is -26. Mind you the problem I did have was the antifreeze in the engine, how low could I go before that froze. Had to call a garage in the U.K. to find out what mix I had . Great vid have a happy Christmas and a lovely lock down .
Make sure that Prestone coolant/antifreeze is the choice for ALL vehicles. It can be added to whatever brand you already have in the system, but obviously a good flush and a full Prestone refill is best. Full instructions are on the bright yellow container and it protects from -37C to +129C. Sorted
Even by using a window screen that moisture may not be landing on the windows any longer but it still is in the van's fabric and other surfaces. Probably the dehumidifier along with an extractor/air exchange fan is a better solution for capturing or getting rid of the humid air created by your breathing and or water in the fuel for cooking..
The biggest moisture generating source is your breathing. Using propane can also cause condensation. Be careful with any heat source. You're in a small confined space so any adverse effects can happen fast. I just ventilated and used a good sleeping bag. Be safe.
I lived in a similar sized space that would condensate like this, my solution was a 5” computer fan continually extracting and a small oil filled electric radiator. Even when boiling food the condensation was minimal and short lived. Those pound shop gadgets are gimmicks in my opinion though the big dehumidifiers are great for drying clothes in small spaces.
Shaving foam on bathroom mirror stops condesation....wonder if it works in a van! (then again, as you say, you don't know where the moistures going if its not on the windows!)
Living in a van in UK winter is a nightmare because its always damp. One is better off when water frozen as it is dry air. Snow is a good insulator, rain is not
Unvented propane heaters give off water vapor. It’s just the chemistry of how it works. (I read once a gallon of propane will give off about a gallon of water in vapor form.) The gadgets on this video are not the answer. You need a vented heater. He’s right, black mold is deadly. Do the right thing.
A quick Google search says that we exhale around half a pint of vapour per night, so your machine isn't catching very much. A small heat exchanger would do ha much better job, assuming the outside air is dry?
I have the mini dehumidifier and am always disappointed in how much it actually collects... It does about the same as yours... I just think it would do more....
@@fionnut yep I knew about the desiccant wheel working in low temps but never wanted to confuse people lol , be good to use if you had a hookup to run one .
With some ventilation eg cracking roof fan open a bit plus a dehumidifier running do you think that would suffice to keep condensation at bay? I'm not a fan of having multiple gadgets plus vacuuming the windows every morning doesn't sound that much fun to me. Thanks for the video very helpful.
Black mould (aspergillous) is a serious problem with the spores in lungs. Drugs don't work very well. Ultra violet C light will help. Another thing to try is to wash everything with dilute hydrgen peroxide as this will kill spores.
I found that directing the ventilation system AWAY from the windscreen helped massively. So before parking up and switching off, switch the vents downwards and shut them using the direction controls.
Counterproductive, the water vapour then just goes into other inner surfaces. The window as a surface cannot absorb water , but can act as a dehumidifier of sorts. Then you can suck the water off with that vacuum thingy.
We got a cheap silver screen from Aldi it is for a car but fits almost over front hold it with the wipers and it does help a lot and we got one of those window vacs , Doesn't stop my hair from getting frizzy when i wake up though lol i may wear a hat :) Merry Christmas Mel and best wishes for 2021
So if your dehumidifier works why is all the windows covered in mist,? can't be that good or am i missing something, have you tried them bags that you microwave once full ?
Interesting that I use a Olympia Wave propane heater and as long as I provide ventilation, I have not had any issues with condensation. On a van build I had years ago with the same heater, I did have condensation issues and I believe it was due to inadequate ventilation. My current build is with Havelock Wool and it might be possible that that is also soaking up some as well. So far so good, but eventually I will install a gas Webasto, and then I will be there!
Burning propane is actually producing watervapor. For every molecule propane: C3H5 burn with 5 molecules oxygen 5O2, results in 3 mol. CO2 and you produce 4 molecules of water 4H2O. You can observe this putting cold water filled kettle on the burner. the produced water vapour will partly condensate on the lower side of kettle. Until the water in de kettle is heated enough, and condensation can not occur. Then all you produce goes into the air. Next to that when the water boils. So your venting specially while cooking on propane is a very good thing.
If you had one of those new modern technology doohickies that produces water from the air ( which, essentially, in a small space, would/should be a dehumidifier), it produces clean water for you to drink - you'd have it made.
@@BigVanSmallWorld Also, I'm not sure of the arrangement of your bed, but if it is on a pedestal and you have storage beneath it, you could put a little fan , like a computer fan 3×3/4×4" In the panel to ventilate underneath your bed. Turn it on during the day. Or maybe during the night in summer, Maybe if you get just the right size it will keep you cooler. I was watching one of your other videos and you were talking about having an infection in your chest because of mold or something I was dozing off so I really don't know. But when this video came on I figured I would say something. I don't know what year these videos of years were made but I do hope you are quite fit now.
@@BigVanSmallWorld According to the things I've learned, your heat source has a lot to do with moisture inside. It seems that woodburners are the best at keeping the inside drier. . other heat sources actually create water in the air. Also, is your Van actually sealed tight or does it "breathe". I tried to sit through one of your videos wherein you were installing the vapor barrier.. I wasn't in a patient mood to see an outcome of that so I moved to another video Because I'm not gonna be building mine anytime soon. But from what I've learned, having watched about 3000 videos, people whose vans "breathe" don't have condensation. Do you have a store associated with your channel maybe you could sell that windshield water sucker doohickie and get a cut of the money. You could advertise it for all the people who are having a problem with window water, who haven't found or cannot facilitate a change just now.
It's not attracted to your glass it's just that glass is cold and the warm air hitting the cold then forms condensation as moisture cannot hold inside the air if it's cold, it only holds in warm air, hence why warmer countries are more humid, have you thought about putting cat litter inside a sock to suck up the moisture?
Hi Mel, says in the description of that dehumidifier that its re chargeable, is that right and if so why do you need it plugged into the power oak all night? Also, do you need to charge the power oak every day just using the dehumidifier? Try and keep the van warm, even keep the diesel heater on low and crack your front windows a little and that should make a difference especially in the winter months. all the best, stay safe, Merry Christmas
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To prevent moisture build up on your windows , apply shaving foam on them clean it up and you'll be fine for 4 days but at least you don't have to vacuum them every day.
Can't get them anywhere in UK and the few available suffer the usual greedy twice or treble the price
Hi Mel I'm a huge fan of yours, but I've got to point out a few things. Condensation is not attracted to glass, it simply forms on any cold surface. This is usually is a window as they're very poor insulators. With regards to water vapour and condensation, temperature is your friend. A basic rule of gasses like air is the higher the temperature the more water vapour they can hold, so keeping you van warm (must be the whole van, cold spots will cause condensation) will keep the moisture in the air rather than in you bed. The second is ventilation. If you can blow this warm air out, them hey presto along goes the dissolved water with it. Obviously it's a fine balance. Having a window wide open will cool the van or cost a fortune to heat, but a small fan and aperture coupled with a steady low heat should do the trick. Keep the videos coming really love your projects!
Thank you James that’s some great advice 👍
@@vancouvervanagon9453 absolutely. I've run mine well below zero, with clear windows the whole time.
The only way the windows would steam up is billing the kettle, but cleared again within five minutes. Apart from the noise of the stupid fuel pump, I love my 5kw heater.
Any advice for bedrooms windows please…
@@theknightcrossing I saw a video with a guy that put a muffler on the air intake and then the filter and the sound went almost invisible.
@Mo Sam I purchased a smaller Damp Rid bucket on my last trip. I know it does work bc I used to work at a popular hardware store and we sold a lot of it. It’s basically a manual dehumidifier. I kept checking it to see if there was water in the bottom but there wasn’t yet, however, the granules that is used did turn into the hard brick like they’re supposed to so that means it had to absorb moisture to create the brick. I do run my ceiling fan when I boil water.
I think whatever you use, you are creating moisture quicker than you can absorb it, especially when it's cold. Best thing to do is to have a constant heat and ventilate.
Yeah I wipe any off with a sponge straight away, no mess no fuss.
Yes your correct, you really need to be extracting the air constantly, all camper/caravans should have a dehumidifier extract fan, that’s comes on automatically when required and then your not using power needlessly. Just taking it off your glass isn’t enough to be honest.
I noticed his little dehumidifier gadget and I think it is too small. I have a proper dehumidifier and it removes non-trivial amounts of moisture from the air. Ventilation is good, but how good is it during wet and cold months? Heating and dehumidifier should work well, plus some ventilation. My experience is a lot of moisture comes from the outside and dehumidifier works harder in rainy days.
We have a dehumidifier on the landing in our house. Works a treat in the winter....gets so much moisture out of our 1930's built house
The Diesel Heater has dry heat that eliminates the excessive moisture problem in Van Living.
Yes it does work extremely well 👍
That is if you run it enough to keep the van warm at all times. If you let the van cool down then the windows get cold again and once you warm it back up - bam, condensation.
We've had a window vac for a number of years now, it's Beldray brand which we bought from the local B&M store and it's still going strong a great idea .
Thank you 😊
I love how intelligent your followers are, so many great explanations here in the comment section. I didn’t think for one minute that you literally meant that glass works the way with water the same way honey works with Winnie The Pooh lol, it’s not a science video, it’s a van life hack video. My friend started out putting Kitty litter in a couple of tube socks, and lays them on the dash board near the wind screen. It really helped absorb the moisture. He was living in his car, so a much smaller space, but he went on to make a few more, put them in his rear window, and he also put rock salt in a couple of used food containers that could slide under his front seats, and each morning they would have water in them, he’d just open the door snd drain them out, and put them back. So if one is on a budget, these tips might help in the mean time.
Hi Mel have you ever thought about running the roof fan above you bed to move the warm air about this shoud keep the condensation away or just getting a little fan pluged into a Jackery this is what we do and fingers crossed its worked for us because we dont have any blinds on our little motorhome just curtains on the front window . This was advice given to us on our first trip away after waking up to a front window full of condensation . x
Hi Sarah yes air movement is definitely the best way to keep condensation at bay but unfortunately the colder it gets the harder it is to stop it from building up on the front windows it’s all part of camping in winter 🥶 thanks for taking the time to comment 👍😊👍
I got a Karcher window vac last month......didn’t even know they existed until I spoke to a guy (weirdly also called John)! It’s changed my life! Can’t believe I’ve had my van for so many years not knowing they existed. Glad you found it too xx
Thank you they are definitely a game changer and my windows have never been so clean 👍😂👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I know!! Thought it was a bit overpriced at first and was going to go for a cheaper one...glad I got the Karcher though, quality product! Haven’t used it to clean my windows yet but wow what a difference it makes to spending time in my van? I’m currently working at the hospital in Shetland over lockdown, thought I’d escape, bring my campervan up here for an adventure. Just love it here and would of been lost without the van. Enjoy your adventure Mel, thanks for replying. Xxx
They are a little pricey for sure I’m with you on that when I say windows I mean my windscreen I don’t seam to get that white over when the sun is low in the sky anymore especially in winter I bet it’s beautiful up there how wonderful for you hope you’re staying safe And it’s not to cold 👍
So you wipe the window with a towel? How / where do you dry the damp towel? Do you just dump it? Do you dry it in the van? If you do does it mean you aren't removing the water from the van. Only way to remove condensation is with a roof vent and front windows cracked ever so slightly for air flow(like you have). It will get cold so you will need the heater running all night. I had to mount the pump better to reduce the clicking noise. It works for me and I have minimum insulation in my van, and zero vapour barriers.
You’re absolutely right 👍
I have the same condensation in my Tiny House on wheels especially after using gas butane stove.
Thank you for sharing, i will buy this Karcher.
Thank you happy new year too 🥳
When you burn butane or propane water vapor is given off, flueless cooking appliances should only be used with good ventilation....Van life and Tiny houses have a massive potential to undo years of CO poisoning awareness. Please get a CO alarm less than £20 and can save lives, not just for faulty appliances but possibly drawing attention to the lack of proper ventilation in many home built Van's and house's.
The moisture on the windows is just a tiny percentage of what's in the vehicle, absorbed in the bedding, clothing, mattress, wood, etc. Removing the condensed moisture will do little, esp since it won't collect more throughout the day. Best to just open a vent or crack a window at night, or run your A/C.
Thanks for that
Mel, have you tried the laundry basket over your pillow and head idea with a blanket covering the whole of your head, supposedly it traps your breath condensation in the blanket that is suspended over your head by the laundry basket. You take a rectangular basket , cut out one of the longer sides that open side is face down onto the bed, slide a pillow inside that and have a blanket tossed over the basket. I saw that on a YT channel this year 23 and , it might actually work.
Oh my goodness me don’t know if I could get to sleep like that 👍
Great moisture hacks. I assume that your van also has a moisture barrier along with the insulation. You’ll need to ventilate as well as use that wood burning stove more if you want to completely rid yourself of condensation. I suggest getting well insulated window covers for your cab windows, isolate (via insulated curtains) the cabin from the cockpit, and leave your front windows open a crack to allow air to come in for ventilation. The aim is to leave the cockpit unheated, allow some cold air to ‘leak’ past the curtain, warm up, and then get expelled via your roof van. The incoming cold air will not get any colder when in the cockpit, will warm up in the cab, and will take out any increased moisture (from your breathing, etc) through the roof van.
Thank you 😊
Use kitty litter in a couple long tube socks. It'll suck up the moisture all the time including while you sleep
Brilliant I would if I had any socks without holes in lol 😂 👍😊👍
Those Karcher window vacs are great. Remember to regularly take it to pieces (they clip apart very easily) and clean/dry the internals and blades as best you can, otherwise the dreaded black mold can grow inside the damp gizmo.
Ohh that’s good advice thank you buddy 👍😊👍
thanks from germany, mate. hope you're all right up there!!
Thank you buddy I’m doing ok 👍 same to you too
Great vid. As you mentioned before, a slatted bed is vital. I had a beautiful mk1 17ft Safari caravan. The sofa/pullout double bed had solid boards. The foam wicks away your sweat, gravity pullls it to the bottom and on occasion it freezes in the depths of winter! Tbh I hadnt noticed till I propted up the cushions to air them one frosty morning but the thought of it wasnt great. Cracking windows and doors and firing up the stove to pants only furnace temperatures is a great option as well. Maybe not in Morrisons car park though.
That’s funny thank you 🙏
Window vacum 😂😂😂. Who woulda thought. Love it
I know rite but tell you what I use it most mornings in the winter 👍
Try 500g Bags of Silica Gel. We use them where I work to protect aircraft engines during storage (Stored outside!). I had a problem with condensation in my car, and after chucking a couple of bags of gel in the door card pockets, I'd find the windows were perfectly clear in the mornings. Great stuff. You need to replace it after a while, or you can reuse it - by putting the packs of gel in a very low set oven for an hour or so. It should help - if only reduce the issue.
Thank you 👍
Such a genuine fella. Keep up the good work mate. Im based in Essex and currently converting a mk7 tranny welfare van.
Thank you and good luck with your build I had a welfare van it made an extremely good camper 👍😊👍
How about using a heat exchanger from a condensing tumble dryer? That way you you can just run a small fan to pull in colder dryer air and vent out your warm damp air. The heat exchanger will improve efficiency and warm up the incoming air. If your van has deep sills you can pull air in through them as they are well vented at the base. The rest is ducting. Why waste power keeping a small plate cold in a dehumidifier - the whole of the outdoors is colder than that! Use the fan to remove air from around a composting toilet, and you can duct the fresh air around the heater flue or into the cabin heater. You may just be able to use the heater fan but depends on how well your van is sealed.
I lived in a shared house, and my shower room was full of black mould. I cleaned it , and it kept coming back because there was a serious damp issue. I ended up with a chronic cough . Roll on 10 years later.. I ended up in hospital because I couldn't breath. After lots of tests and scans in May last year I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A terminal lung condition 😢. Mould is a killer
holy shit, can it be fixed? can you in-hail like garlic water collidel silver steam?
Like the good old days you on the tools Mel ,,,only thing missing is th cats lol I'm really looking forward to this build mate
Awww thank you 😊
My wife had a water leak into her car, i removed all the moisture with a great mains driven dehumidifyer unit, after that i have trays of Cat litter, not a single indication of moisture on her cars windows even now at -5C I tried it in my car works fantastic,
I use two “Ivation” small dehumidifiers in my small home. They look like yours. One in the kitchen and one in the bathroom. They are terrific! Also monitor the humidity with a little battery powered reader about the size of a matchbook ☺️
That’s a really good idea to get a sensor I’ll have to have a look for one 👍🍻
Amazon Harbor thermometer two pack is what I use. They are small. Temp and humidity. They are not always exactly the same reading, even when next to each other but close enough.
Thank you ☺️
Clearly it doesn't work in his case otherwise he would be getting condensation on windows. One can't cheat laws of physics, though. Condensing water takes a lot of energy, as much as boiling away.
As said below - good quality insulated external ‘silver screens’ for the cab and side windows of a motorhome/camper will reduce condensation significantly and keep a van warmer in winter and cooler in the summer. No need for a Karcher. Have a good Crimbo, Mel!!🥶🇬🇧🙏🥶
I’ll have to get some and try thank you 👍
I forgot to say - external screens will only reduce condensation in the cab front window and passenger and drivers windows - not the whole of the van. Take care.🥶🇬🇧🙏🥶
Yep on our second one now.. 4 years of use.. Of course an outside thermal cheap window cover and never any condensation on the windows.
Good ventilation is a must - all that water vapour in your breath has got to go somewhere.
I fitted a low profile Flettner roof ventilator that extracts air in the slightest breeze and doesn't require any power. It vents even when there is no breeze .
With that and keeping the van heating on tickover , the side windows opened a few millimetres, all should be well.
It also pays to cover windows internally , not only from a condensation point of view, but for added insulation.
Ohh you’re absolutely rite I had one of them vents in my Ford transit mate thank you I’ll be looking into getting one 👍🎄👍
I have the anniversary edition of the karcher comes with two blades one the same as yours and one smaller, easier for fiddly windows.
Brilliant 👍
1.7 degrees is the dew point where condensation forms, the trick is to keep all surfaces in the van at a temperature above 2 degrees then physics simply will not allow condensation to form so after a lot of playing around the following steps work for me, i set my truma to 15 degrees Celsius, I keep the max fan on at 10% sucking air out and crack my passenger side window about 5 to 10mm, I run my wall mounted fan at the back of my van on it’s lowest setting to circulate the air and I have to say I have zero condensation issues when I wake up. I don’t have a dehumidifier either.
Well done 👍
Sorry mate but your wrong about the dew point temperature, dew point can be reached at any temperature, its a combination of air temperature and pressure, unless you give correct advice its better to give none!
@@EnglishHobbyMachinist don’t talk shit mate 😂
@@aberdeendeltaforce you may think is's shit but its correct unlike your version. Dew point temperature is defined as the temperature to which the air would have to cool (at constant pressure and constant water vapor content) in order to reach saturation. A state of saturation exists when the air is holding the maximum amount of water vapor possible at the existing temperature and pressure.
A Window Vac is a good solution to the symptom, but not a cure for the cause (they are good for drying out our shower room after use too!)
The condensation revelation for us was moving to an external windscreen cover since then no condensation at all with a bit of heating and ventilation.
ExploreVan UK yes they make a huge difference but not ideal if you have to move pronto!
Thanks for the advice for using window vac - nice one. I use mine after a shower on the ceiling, walls and floor. Happy Safe New Year to ONE AND ALL.
Thank you that’s a great idea 👍🎄👍🍻
@@BigVanSmallWorld Window vac is probable good on getting some / alot of water out wetsuites .
Try cutting bubble wrap to the window size. Bubble wrap will stick to glass and reduce the heat loss and condensation . . It's practicle for all glass .
I’m on it 👍☺️👍
Great idea mate ,
Will be getting a dehumidifier.
They’re great 👍
Liking the Amazon store - so easy to find things later, rather than having to scan back through videos to find something. 👍
Thank you Linz for the positive feedback I do so really appreciate your encouragement 👍😊👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld No problem - I really like how you have laid the store out in different sections with pictures of a few items. 👍😊👍
like your crook lock lol when i was putting one on my van in Portugal this woman said i knew you were a brit the moment i saw that
This may sound stupid - but if you put a light coat of shaving cream on your windows (maybe your smaller ones) and buff it out with a rag, they don't condensate as near as much. I do it as I don't need to wash my towels as often as that is a pain in the van!
That’s brilliant thank you 👍🤓👍
i live in a van RV also. i use those little microfiber cloths to wipe condensation off glass windows. Ring them out and i can get up to a cup out of front area. Like primitive camping, routine airing of bedding is important too. Every couple weeks, time in low heat dryer to minimize that mustiness in bedding.
i am gonna check out dehumidify gismo though ☝🏻☝🏻
Thank you iv ordered some window covers now 👍
You have a curtain up front to divide the cabin, to stop moisture you could put a door there. Ive heard that it can stop the front fogging up. Even a moisture barrier curtain that is well sealed would do a good job. Nothing like built in safety.
Thank you that’s a great idea 👍🎄👍
Morning Mel, I’ve just watched your video about the condensation. And as you know I have a professionally shop bought van. When I changed my wall coverings I noticed that my van was insulated but with no vapour barrier, I have plastic double glazed side and rear window and the only condensation I get is about 45 inches up my windscreen I have the concertina blinds and I don’t get hardly any condensation. So I conclude that using a vapour barrier doesn’t really work as the air cannot circulate. I’ve built my previous van myself with a vapour barrier and got condensation much like yourself. I have one of those Karcher window vacuums and are use mine for drying my van off after I’ve washed it we live in a hard water area and it stops streaking, another fine well put together video. Merry Christmas and stay safe🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴🌈🙏🏼💙❤️💙❤️
It’s ment to say 4 to 5 inches up my front window 🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴🌈🙏🏼💙❤️💙❤️
Merry Christmas buddy thank you for all the positive feedback 👍😊👍
Wrong conclusion. Preventing condensation on windows isn't goal of vapor barrier on the walls. In fact you get condensation because of no vapor barrier on glass, which would defeat the purpose of having window in the first place.
I only joined Xmas eve and iv been glued to ur videos love the van can't wait to get out in mine keep up the good work Mel and merry Christmas
Thank you Tom that’s really appreciated merry Christmas buddy 👍🎄👍
I use a shower squeegee then sop up the water at the bottom with a towel.
Then use damp towel to swipe up dust on the dash.
Brilliant 👍
Sure you not suffering from long covid, it's been around before last Christmas.
I tried a dehumidifier in my caravan. But pulled a couple of litres a day. Ended up too much trouble.
I did use the disposable/refillable silica powder types in cupboards.
I made for my motor van some polystyrene sheets covered with sticky backed plastic outside and carpet liner inside. They fit tight to surface of flat windows. That hoover is good, never seen those before.
My caravan windows would stream with condensation.
The healthiest i have been was living in caravan. Never caught a cold for two years.
Thanks for the tip Mel and taking the time to share it. Will differently getting a window vac for the van, will work great in the winter months.
Thank you for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍😊👍
I just fitted a fletner wind driven vent above my bed and leave the front windows down and inch and don't close the bulk head curtain and don't any condensation at all and there's two of us in my van, happy days
Ooh yes I had two in my transit they were brilliant now I’m thinking maybe I should look at getting one for my sprinter thank you I completely forgot about them 👍👍😊
Do they only pull air in when the van is driving? Or do they let air out also, without having to drive?
@@conor909 they don't pull air in they take stale air out and no as long as there's a breeze it will spin and take air out. If ya leave the front windows open an inch itl keep the air flowing. My van feels warmer for it as theres no stagnant air anymore or so they say.
@@patrickpirelli7897 I see. Thanks!!
Take 100ug B12 from holland and barratt..I've had similar problems, low B12 makes it worse ..
I recommend damp rid or similar products I also have heard of bamboo charcoal bags are worth trying as is normal kitty litter
Thank you I’ll have a go next winter 🤓👍
I put my homemade window covers on = little or no condensation. Like Mel I leave my cab windows slightly open & and my little sliding window slightly open (tho if it’s really cold I might close this one) so have air circulation and window protection.
Thank you for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍🎄👍
It's just that it's visible on the windows buddy but it's everywhere else as well.
Beautiful campervan.
Thank you 😊
Would some kitty litter tied in a few old socks help?
I’m car living, trying to figure this out as well.
I woke up coughing, felt wet everywhere and it was 30f degrees. When everything is so cold you can’t tell if it’s damp or just cold, is a miserable place to be.
I got a room for the next few nights until I can solve the condensation problem, or at least help.
Thanks for your videos!
Ive lived in a motorhome 3 years ...the only place i get condensation is the front glass windows. External silver screen on = no condensation. Heating on for a few hours in the evening off the rest of the time ...never have any windows or vents open while heating is on or overnight ...but i open skylights etc during the day to air the van ...no mold , no damp etc
So if your van conversion is suffering then something hasn't been done correctly.
Very few people keep heating on all the time
Thank you I’m looking at getting some window covers now 👍
Best thing you can do ....minus 3 here last night, heating was on 5.5 hours, silver screen on windscreen and side windows ...not a drop of condensation 👍 make sure its an external screen cover the interior ones are nowhere near as good
Nice subject,
I have that dehumidifier and the internal chill fin's only get so cold dropping the efficiency level the colder the weather is, it works great at room temperature. I use a USB driven computer fan to exchange the cabin air with very little moisture built up. You do sacrifice the warmth.
Thank you buddy for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍
The best dehumidifier you have in your van is your wood burner!
Yep 👍
was thinking the same, if that was running through the night on low damper i wonder how much that would take care of it?
Where do you dry the towel? If it's in the van, then it's going back in the air.
During the day when the van is open 👍
I don't think condensation is attracted to the glass, I think its caused by warm air meeting the cold surface of the glass - which then forms small water droplets - you can also get it on bare metal in the van too. You could make yourself some Reflectix (or other - see Eat Sleep Van NZ) window covers to prevent a lot of it, both in the cab and the back of the van. I've made these for mine using magnets to hold them up - with an air gap at the back of them, so they are not touching the cold glass. Plus I have insulated curtains too - the two layers of fabric work much better than a single layer with the thermal fuzzy stuff on one side. You are also better with curtains that cover the window without gaps - like Greg Virgoes (Vanex?) ones, or the ones that are inbuilt like Gadget John has on his van- you could add some velcro or magnets to solve this issue rather than changing curtains. I'm speaking from personal experience of caravanning in Scotland as a child and living in a freezing cold draughty wooden house where the roller blinds were more effective then the curtains! Plus even in a warm house with double glazed windows, we got massive condensation issues in winter when it got below 10 overnight and we'd had the heating on - solved this by making thermal curtain linings - problem gone 😁🚐🗺❄
Thank you it’s definitely work in progress iv ordered some window covers 👍😊👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Good to hear, you need to keep the van warm enough at night so you aren't breathing in cold air - even if you are toastie in bed. I had a chest infection back in 2013, have some permanent upper respiratory damage from it - have to have a preventer inhaler through the winter - which is way milder here than in the UK - and can't go outside if its below 10 as the cold air really affects it. Stay Warm!! 👍😊👍
@@linz_in_NZ thank you and you too 👍😊👍
That's a great water 'Karcher'
Will try the upside down method with my Vax one.
Good luck buddy hope it works for you 👍🎄👍🍻
Diesel heater gives dry air, probably helps on the condensation problems
Thank you yes it certainly does 👍
You can get a smaller head for the window-vac; perhaps may be more useful in the van than the large head?
I’m not sure 🤔
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that tiny thermoelectric dehumidifier may be collecting water but it's not reducing the humidity in the air, which is obvious with the amount on your windows. So you either have to stop breathing or heat with a diesel heater that exhausts outside, to lower the humidity levels inside or a larger compressor dehumidifier.
If you can't do the above, very well fitting insulated window covers will help stop condensation, but you'll still have high humidity, that is working it's way into everything.
Good luck.
Thank you 😊
Wood burner coupled with a diesel heater for the spaces between not having the wood burner going, that combined with a few moisture bags and air circulation and you are set. I haven’t added the diesel heater yet nor the bags because my stove does a great job, but once I add those then I’ll be able to forget about it.
G`day Mel , I feel very lucky to be living on the east coast of Australia , we have a dry heat so we don`t get condensation to much , if it gets cold we run the aircon in heat mode that's dry air also ,, anyhow hope your lungs feel better soon mate ,
I lived on a boat for a while and that was a drama due to the temp differential from the air to water , mould was a problem , and cooking with gas is bad as propane is heavy with water ,, stay safe mate ,
Rob in sunny Jervis Bay NSW Australia
Thank you Rob have a great Christmas and all going well I’ll be seeing you next year 👍😊👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld sounds great buddy I will have the beer in the fridge
Hi Mel - came across your channel today and really enjoyed it! Thanks for the info. Loved your dehumidifyer idea and also came across another tip- bubblewrap on the windows (bigger bubbles than regular works best) and it seems to work great as an option to avoid condensation. So the combo of a dehumidifyer a d the bubblewrap should be great!! 👏👏.
I'll check out your other vids - stay safe, healthy and keep smiling 😃👍
Hi Silvia thank you for taking the time to comment especially for such positive encouragement that’s really kind of you 👍🤓👍
External silverscreen, padded ones does the job for no condensation on the windows, and ventilation
Thank you 😊
Really enjoying the videos thanks for posting your tips too
The wood burner stops condensation drys the van out a treat
Yes but unfortunately it goes out around 3am and buy then I’m sound asleep 😴
@@BigVanSmallWorld Do they make slower burning ones or higher capacity ones that are longer and slower burning?
Happy Christmas Mel .... take care mate over Xmas ... you’ll have to light that stove, and get rid of that condensation... great channel, really enjoy it .. all the best mate ..
Thank you buddy all the best to you too 👍🎄👍
I'll be bringing my essential oils and diffuser with us on our travels to kill off any impurities in the air. They'd be good for your lungs too Mel.
Ohhh that’s a great idea 👍👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I'm good with oils if you need suggestions let me know x
Cheers for that information Mel, I already have a version of the karcher but will definitely look into getting the dehumidifier. Stay safe and dry, catch you later. 👍😊
Cheers buddy merry Christmas 🎄
There used to be a squeegee/scraper that collected condensation, similar to the vacuum devise but without the need for electricity. It worked really well but haven't seen one for years. I guess nearly everything is electric these days.
Have you thought about getting an external "Silver Screen" I don't get any condensation at all when the screen is on.
I’m hoping Santa will bring me one 👍😊👍
🤯🤯🤯 when he broke out that vacuum thing for the windows
😂🤣😂me when I see your comment 👍😊👍
Happy New Year Mel
Thank you buddy happy new year to you too 👍🥳👍
Aww I love the mug mel 🥰🥰🥰🤗🤗😊 wow I didn’t know they made a dehumidifier that runs off a usb :) that’s amazing how much water it has taken, the window vac is an amazing idea ;)
Sorry to hear you had a lunge infection last year :( that’s terrible 😢 hope you been ok through this winter living in your van ;) always look forward to seeing your out takes ;) I fitted my solar pannel last night, thank you 🙏 after watching your video how to put one up I copied your idea, was a nightmare as that pannel I showed you was huge 😂 struggling to lift that up on my own was a challenge, plus dodging the rain 😂 I’ll finish the wires in side in a bit :)
Have a lovely weekend bud 😊🤗👍👊🏻💪
Thank you and good luck with your panel it’s not stopped raining here for days now 👍😊👍🍻
@@BigVanSmallWorld it’s been the same here weather been awful here too :( 😊🤗
@@BigVanSmallWorld
Hi Mel. No rain here in Vegas for over 230 days. 78DEG. Wish you were here? LOL.
That sounds like good old COVID last year , I use a dehumidifier in the cab but a must is the silver thermal screens I reckon it stops 90% of it obviously they need to be on the side windows too, the lowest temp I’ve been down to is -26. Mind you the problem I did have was the antifreeze in the engine, how low could I go before that froze. Had to call a garage in the U.K. to find out what mix I had . Great vid have a happy Christmas and a lovely lock down .
Ohhh thanks for the reminder I got some antifreeze for my camper I must put it in when it stops raining merry Christmas 🎄
Make sure that Prestone coolant/antifreeze is the choice for ALL vehicles. It can be added to whatever brand you already have in the system, but obviously a good flush and a full Prestone refill is best. Full instructions are on the bright yellow container and it protects from -37C to +129C. Sorted
Even by using a window screen that moisture may not be landing on the windows any longer but it still is in the van's fabric and other surfaces. Probably the dehumidifier along with an extractor/air exchange fan is a better solution for capturing or getting rid of the humid air created by your breathing and or water in the fuel for cooking..
The biggest moisture generating source is your breathing. Using propane can also cause condensation. Be careful with any heat source. You're in a small confined space so any adverse effects can happen fast. I just ventilated and used a good sleeping bag. Be safe.
Nice one picked up some good tips
Thank you 😊
Not always possible I know but external window covers stop condensation on the screen totally
I’m definitely going to look into getting some 👍🎄👍
I lived in a similar sized space that would condensate like this, my solution was a 5” computer fan continually extracting and a small oil filled electric radiator. Even when boiling food the condensation was minimal and short lived. Those pound shop gadgets are gimmicks in my opinion though the big dehumidifiers are great for drying clothes in small spaces.
Thank you buddy that’s really good advice and quite interesting really appreciate you taking the time to share 👍🤓👍
Shaving foam on bathroom mirror stops condesation....wonder if it works in a van! (then again, as you say, you don't know where the moistures going if its not on the windows!)
Thank you for your positive feedback really appreciated
Living in a van in UK winter is a nightmare because its always damp. One is better off when water frozen as it is dry air. Snow is a good insulator, rain is not
Let it snow ❄️ 🤣👍
That ticking of the heater would do my head in
Trust me it’s dose 👍😂🤣👍🥸
Shame there isnt an alternative pump that you could use 🤔 keep up the good work 👍👍
Unvented propane heaters give off water vapor. It’s just the chemistry of how it works. (I read once a gallon of propane will give off about a gallon of water in vapor form.) The gadgets on this video are not the answer. You need a vented heater. He’s right, black mold is deadly. Do the right thing.
I would consider putting in ome of those house window trickle vents. Their Small , can be opened and closed easily enough.
A quick Google search says that we exhale around half a pint of vapour per night, so your machine isn't catching very much. A small heat exchanger would do ha much better job, assuming the outside air is dry?
Interesting thank you 😊
I have the mini dehumidifier and am always disappointed in how much it actually collects... It does about the same as yours... I just think it would do more....
Well it’s only 5v 2amps it wouldn’t be an outright winner but it definitely works to keep it down 👍
they only work if the area is heated , if temps drop below 10 c they won't work , same for larger ones that are used in the house on mains .
@@uptowndisco2 The desiccant wheel type work well at low temps but use quite a lot of energy in operation, around 350W for the household sizes.
@@fionnut yep I knew about the desiccant wheel working in low temps but never wanted to confuse people lol , be good to use if you had a hookup to run one .
@@uptowndisco2 Sure thing. Might be a good option for a van in storage all right
With some ventilation eg cracking roof fan open a bit plus a dehumidifier running do you think that would suffice to keep condensation at bay? I'm not a fan of having multiple gadgets plus vacuuming the windows every morning doesn't sound that much fun to me. Thanks for the video very helpful.
Thank you 😊
Black mould (aspergillous) is a serious problem with the spores in lungs. Drugs don't work very well. Ultra violet C light will help. Another thing to try is to wash everything with dilute hydrgen peroxide as this will kill spores.
Thank you I’m seriously worried about this happening to me again so thanks for your advice really appreciated 👍🍻👍
Bake the moisture out with your wood stove. Wood stoves are the Best dehumidifier. Believe me. I’ve lived with a wood stove the last 24 years.
I found that directing the ventilation system AWAY from the windscreen helped massively. So before parking up and switching off, switch the vents downwards and shut them using the direction controls.
Thank you I’ll try that tonight it makes perfect sense 👍🤓👍
Counterproductive, the water vapour then just goes into other inner surfaces. The window as a surface cannot absorb water , but can act as a dehumidifier of sorts.
Then you can suck the water off with that vacuum thingy.
We got a cheap silver screen from Aldi it is for a car but fits almost over front hold it with the wipers and it does help a lot and we got one of those window vacs , Doesn't stop my hair from getting frizzy when i wake up though lol i may wear a hat :) Merry Christmas Mel and best wishes for 2021
That’s brilliant 👍🎄👍
So if your dehumidifier works why is all the windows covered in mist,? can't be that good or am i missing something, have you tried them bags that you microwave once full ?
I don’t have a microwave
Great vid fam!!!
Thanks for the visit
Vapour will condense against any surface area colder than itself not just glass.
Great little video..
Thank you buddy 👍🎄👍🍻
Interesting that I use a Olympia Wave propane heater and as long as I provide ventilation, I have not had any issues with condensation. On a van build I had years ago with the same heater, I did have condensation issues and I believe it was due to inadequate ventilation. My current build is with Havelock Wool and it might be possible that that is also soaking up some as well. So far so good, but eventually I will install a gas Webasto, and then I will be there!
Thank you and good luck with your build 👍🎄👍
Burning propane is actually producing watervapor. For every molecule propane: C3H5 burn with 5 molecules oxygen 5O2, results in 3 mol. CO2 and you produce 4 molecules of water 4H2O. You can observe this putting cold water filled kettle on the burner. the produced water vapour will partly condensate on the lower side of kettle. Until the water in de kettle is heated enough, and condensation can not occur. Then all you produce goes into the air. Next to that when the water boils. So your venting specially while cooking on propane is a very good thing.
@@LucScheffers Thanks for the very detailed explanation.
If you had one of those new modern technology doohickies that produces water from the air ( which, essentially, in a small space, would/should be a dehumidifier), it produces clean water for you to drink - you'd have it made.
Oh that’s really good idea I wonder if it would work thanks for taking the time to comment really appreciated 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Also, I'm not sure of the arrangement of your bed, but if it is on a pedestal and you have storage beneath it, you could put a little fan , like a computer fan 3×3/4×4" In the panel to ventilate underneath your bed. Turn it on during the day. Or maybe during the night in summer, Maybe if you get just the right size it will keep you cooler. I was watching one of your other videos and you were talking about having an infection in your chest because of mold or something I was dozing off so I really don't know. But when this video came on I figured I would say something. I don't know what year these videos of years were made but I do hope you are quite fit now.
@@BigVanSmallWorld According to the things I've learned, your heat source has a lot to do with moisture inside. It seems that woodburners are the best at keeping the inside drier. . other heat sources actually create water in the air. Also, is your Van actually sealed tight or does it "breathe". I tried to sit through one of your videos wherein you were installing the vapor barrier.. I wasn't in a patient mood to see an outcome of that so I moved to another video Because I'm not gonna be building mine anytime soon. But from what I've learned, having watched about 3000 videos, people whose vans "breathe" don't have condensation. Do you have a store associated with your channel maybe you could sell that windshield water sucker doohickie and get a cut of the money. You could advertise it for all the people who are having a problem with window water, who haven't found or cannot facilitate a change just now.
It's not attracted to your glass it's just that glass is cold and the warm air hitting the cold then forms condensation as moisture cannot hold inside the air if it's cold, it only holds in warm air, hence why warmer countries are more humid, have you thought about putting cat litter inside a sock to suck up the moisture?
Hi Mel, says in the description of that dehumidifier that its re chargeable, is that right and if so why do you need it plugged into the power oak all night? Also, do you need to charge the power oak every day just using the dehumidifier? Try and keep the van warm, even keep the diesel heater on low and crack your front windows a little and that should make a difference especially in the winter months. all the best, stay safe, Merry Christmas
Thank you Bob really appreciate your encouragement 👍🎄👍
Gadjet John is the Doyen... We have our Karcher too!