CONDENSATION IN A VAN - why we don't suffer from it?

[@sp10sn]

Omg. This is the best accent ever. Ever.

[@koningbolo4700]

Sometimes even the best of build vans and campers can get in some areas develop condensation issues, especially in closed off bins and storage totes and even in vented cabinets. For example: I use several buckets with a lid (square repurposed frying oil buckets - 10L) for storing anything from small pieces of firewood collected from the forest (floor) for my outside wood stove to dirty laundry and tools. I have seen these buckets at times had some moisture problems. I solved this by using several nylon panty socks (light color) in which I put about 3 handfuls of pure silica gel cat litter filling material (make sure you get the 100% silica gel variety, you don need the bentonite clay in there)
Place the filled sock in with the stuff in the container or cabinet and any moisture in the air trapped in the container or cabinet will be absorbed by the silica gel. You can tell if the gel is saturated when the colored granules (common with silica gel products) start to change color (hence the light colored nylon panty socks so you can inspect the socks contents) The silica gel will stop working if saturated but it can be regenerated by placing the socks on the window defroster under the windscreen and use the van's heater to apply some heat to dry them out again. The granules will turn blue (ussually) indicating they are ready for use again. A 1 hour drive with some heat applied should dry them out as new. Cat litter silica gel (so called type B) is capable of holding about 25% of it's dry/regenerated weight in water.
I never actually used a cat litter sock to dry out the air in the van and now that I come to think of it I should test it to see if a sock is anywhere near capable of drying the air to an acceptable level and how fast a single sock is saturated... I imagine different type of sock, maybe one which is filled with not only cat litter silica gel but also with something which creates a "fluffy" environment inside the sock, maybe some of these clothy plastic bathsponges to keep the silica gel granules from clumping up together and allow the air to pass more easily. Possibly hanging the fluffy sock over the bed at night to see if it does anything and to what extent...

[@lebon2002be]

I love your curtains, it's super cozy. The ones with green, black trees..

[@TripUnlimited]

Interesting video! We guess the combination of heating and ventilation is the key. Many people don’t want to loose heat so they never open a window and the moisture can not go out. We are currently building a camper truck on a Mercedes chassis and are thinking about putting the pipes of the heater through the upper cupboards so that they are heated as well. Stay warm! Greetings Susanne

[@daseteam]

Hello from Germany. I really like your practical tips. This was a good one!

[@TrinityRidge1959]

Very good information. I wanted to mention here in the USA you have a choice for a winter RV package or not. The rvs that are winter compatible have certain things that are different then the other summer campers. I have a vintage anodized 1969 AVION winter package. The windows are plastic dont frost over and you can clip storm windows over every single window again plexi or plastic whatever the company made. Some people prefer hot weather camping in the southwest deserts and some love the north Dakota bad lands and winter camp there. I guess it's what you want to do. I prefer cold weather myself being part Scandinavian. I love colder weather but would not mind traveling straight to that desert. Lovely couple great info thank you stay cozy.

[@jamesfoote8916]

As you say heat and air flow. We have a Hymer caravan and was away this Christmas with not using the caravan for a while things were damp.
How we deal with it
1 when we left the caravan in storage and the end of summer we put cushions pillows and bedding into one of those bags they you suck the air out off. This keeps them nice and dry even if the pad expands again it does not matter because the damp does not get to them.
2 When we start our first few nights camping the heating is on, Aldi wet central heating, and the roof vents are open a small way and the windows and on night vent
3 By day two the caravan feel totally dry and very warm so much so the windows can be closed and the roof vents also
As you say in your video Heat the damp is in the warm air and now goes though the roof vents and the window vents allow for air circulation.
Great video and thank you
James

[@ireneburke1732]

Aw, so great to see the two if you doing so well. I do miss those snowy nights out in the forest but understand staying in the campground with facilities.

[@larserdmann7153]

Hey you. Very useful video. Condensation is also a problem in Denmark, even at a temperature just below zero.
We enjoy your videos. Hope to visit many off your travel destinations. But resent years we have travel to, Island, Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland. This summer we go to the Baltic contries, so before that, we vil see your Baltic videos again. Have a nice winter.

[@Dedqw3434]

Thanks for the helpful tips. 👍🏼 Enjoy seeing your videos!! 😀 Stay warm

[@amalkic]

Now imagine this: Two sauna loving Finns suggesting to some Californians they should open their window at -15°C :-)

[@koningbolo4700]

Well sorry to say but Californians should start to listen to people outside California for a multitude of reasons on a multitude of issues... just saying...

[@olevoni1990]

@@koningbolo4700 LMMFAO

[@salvothegermanshepherd4399]

Great video and thanks for sharing.
We are just starting with van touring and after 4 days of a German shepherd swimming in the sea and a few wet things in the van we suddenly found our van starting to gaining moisture around the pillows and in the bedroom cupboards, lots of air flow and warm sorted the problem in a day.
Open vents every day from now on.

[@unowhotravelchannel]

Great video, really useful information! Hope you’re having a great wintertime! 😀👍👍👍

[@katcankan7129]

That was useful advice. You are right it is a big topic for those who live in their van.

[@karenmiller9381]

Love you guys! You both give lots of good tips and and plenty of common sense. 🙏❤

[@sixsixteensevens297]

You have it worked out, well done!

[@baabaabathsheba9107]

I live on a boat - it is well insulated, we have a humidifier (essential) and we use a diesel heater (produces less condensation). Also, as they say good air flow everywhere. Plus, do your checks regularly. We live in Cornwall and never have health problems (respiratory especially).

[@Vantasticvan]

Boatlife would be interesting, i know couple of families in Finland who live in their boats. Helsinki is building new residental area and they are also building dock for people living in their boats there. :)

[@oldcrow6990]

Wonderful info, no matter what climate you're in. You two could talk about any topic and make me smile! I saw a tiny 16 ounce dehumidifier on Amazon, and was wondering what size you are using?
🌼😊🌼😊🌼

[@jethro9341]

I really like the idea of venting the enclosed spaces.

[@Taylorsumnerstar]

In fla usa we got our airconditioner on trying not to 😓.
I was wondering if you looked at electric dehumidifiers .
Been watching your great videos

[@Agueybana55]

Hello from Alabama, USA. I love your Van perfect layout. Great video.

[@Vantasticvan]

Thank you!

[@williamsobolewski1361]

You guys are such beautifully heritage people I love how you guys look together and you guys is accent is so beautiful

[@Vantasticvan]

This is so sweet comment. Thank you!!

[@williamsobolewski1361]

@@Vantasticvan vantastic thanks guys 🙏

[@mishu3271]

Great video! Our NA vans pay no attention to humidity issues at all. The manufacturers slough off that responsibility to owners. 👎👎

[@ajisroadtrippin5505]

Had my first large amount of condensation two days ago. Once I got the air flowing, it wasn’t a problem. Vents are a great idea. 🇫🇮🚚

[@Vantasticvan]

Great! Ventilation and healthy airflow is the key to non condensation

[@ajisroadtrippin5505]

@@Vantasticvan and an epic beard helps, I’m told. 😊

[@Vantasticvan]

It is an organic Nordic scarf! -Sara

[@RossEphgrave]

Really enjoyable watching the two of you. Take care.

[@Camerounisme]

Thank you for all advices, and the way you speak english👍

[@DigisDen]

What do you guys sleep in clothes wise? Do you have to ware clothes or is it warm enough not too need them?

[@Vantasticvan]

No need for clothes while sleeping. At the moment im writing this on my underwear and t-shirt with my laptop. 😂

[@zeproo]

SO when do you guys start your USA tour with the Adria ? :-)

[@skashax777x]

some people with houses need to understand this idea too, as it would help combat black mould issues

[@WanderbusAdventures]

Fantastic video full of practical tips. Thank you for this. Appreciated

[@Vantasticvan]

Your welcome. :)

[@Evange]

How do you stop cold air from coming in your intake vents?

[@Vantasticvan]

We dont, it gets little drafty around the intake vents, but there is Truma vent so it help heating the incoming air.

[@jonathanbmBen-Menachem]

Thank you for the excellent video. I think no1. tool to prevent condensation is the wood stove. Double glazed windows are also importnat. Could you please leave a link to the blanket you have on the fornt window. Many thanks!

[@taxslave5766]

Hi, The cover you had hanging in the front of the van, what is that? It looks like it's thermal reflectent? or is it just a regular blanket?.

[@DailyRealness]

might be a good idea to add outside insulation just so you don't have to vent so much warm air since it is silly to think it is BS. If you get a Japanese dehumidifier like a Toshiba they don't have the chemical factory smell. I agree I had that problem too.

[@DailyRealness]

Currently my window is open and I am only wearing boxers and it is -9C. I just got done with an intense cardio workout though and need the crisp cool air. Sweating here.

[@namastesteven5655]

Love the accents, and you made me laugh

[@BreakerInc]

That accent when you say bullshit.. awesome. Also, great tips and tricks that are easy to use to prevent condensation, thank you, that's going to help me with my own van build SO much! :)

[@desmondbroad1305]

I love you accents and your English is amazing great video thankyou 😍

[@patrickpirelli7897]

I just fitted a fletner vent on roof in back which works 24,7 even when I drive lol and two wind deflectors on front doors so I can leave windows open an inch, and if ya lose some weight and get fit youl not sweat in bed, just saying.

[@Vantasticvan]

Yeah, we have gained little weight recently. No time or energy to work out. :(

[@MatthewsBrother]

Just good sensible tips, great video.🙂

[@in-the-vanpeter5157]

Great advice

[@brianknowles1727]

Your right we keep our top window open all night and heating on low

[@wd5082]

Great Tips!!👍👍👍

[@He110World]

Kudos for reaching the wider English audience!

[@roylavender3433]

When you say you run your ac when your driving do you mean that you have the van engine heat on as well? We can run our engine heater on hot and hit the ac button and still warm the van up.

[@hongshi8251]

Wood stove helps a lot too.

[@mrs.ladyjo3582]

thank you for this video i learned a lot

[@lauralee9041]

You guys Re always very practical about everything. You should do the assumption tag where people write assumptions and you say if they are true are not. Like I assume you are practical about everything but are you really? Looked icy cold outside so stay dry and warm.

[@medot8296]

What do you do when the moisture outside in winter is always 95%?

[@Vantasticvan]

Make sure there is good ventilation and use heater. It might get to point that there is too dry in the van.
More cold its outside the drier the air gets when its heated.

[@medot8296]

@@Vantasticvan Thanks for the answer! Do you think it is normal for bed sheets to feel quite cold and damp when I open my window in winter, am I doing something wrong, or is this normal? Thank you

[@LibellulaGlass]

Good to hear from you and very useful information. Are you both working? What do you do in the long winter nights? If that is not a rude question!

[@peterhere6298]

Love it

[@LeopoldoManuelRamirezMena]

interesting :D and how is the insulation behind the panels?

[@Vantasticvan]

There is just same kind of material as camping mattress, less than 10mm thick.

[@boomme3598]

Thanks for your video!! Where do you store the liquorice??

[@ESLinsider]

Fantastic. I am curious about those holes on the floor. Like what is in between the outsideand the inside? Is it just an open pipe? Is there insulation in it? Do you feel cold air coming in?

[@Vantasticvan]

There are couple of fist sized holes beneath the cubboards on the floor. Yes, if its really cold windy weather you can feel the draft in your feet.

[@rvboondocker2559]

Maybe open the clothing cupboard at the same half hour that you open the bed area ceiling window. That way you get the fresh air in the clothing too? Just a friendly suggestion...Thank you for the great video again. Is there a baby on the way? Seems like you are hinting about it, giving clues. Like last video looking at vans that can have a family, mentions today this van was made for four....and so on. If not, makes a great scandal!

[@susie9893]

But they were 4 living in their rv - couple + 2 gorgeous fur babies

[@juliehorn2240]

Hey, nice teeny woodburner - what make is it?

[@Vantasticvan]

Cubic mini woodstove, cub model.

[@sirvilzu]

Teistä oli juttu iltalehdessä luin tänää aamulla!!

[@fiikahlo]

yhhh kosteus autossa on kyllä perseestä. Itsellä ollut paljon ongelmaa sen kanssa, kurja aloittaa aamu sillä että joutuu ensin raappaamaan tai sulattamaan tuulilasin sisäpinnan että näkee mihin ajaa :D Auton vaihto edessä, toivottavasti seuraavassa autossa saa ongelman jotenkin ratkaistua, kun ainakin mun mielestä autossa asuminen on mahtavaa suomen talvessa, kun en itse niin kylmää kaihda.

[@thenoworriesnomad]

For me the winter time is the best...What is that peg on the outside vent for??

[@peora65]

if you ment that clothespin in heater exhaust pipe? I think it is for drops so those not make nasty marks on the side of the van.

[@RiDankulous]

The vents are very interesting! Condensation is an issue which I never thought about. Your vent solutions and air heating notable. You sound like you are less concerned about vapor barriers. Also, you may not have to worry as much knowing the van was constructed by a company that has mechanisms in place to solve this problem known to occur.
I have heard a mattress can get condensation in this video as well as others. Is it possible to simply cover the entire mattress with plastic? Barrier, nothing in or out. I understand your other methods can work good but I don't see a reason why a mattress cannot have such a barrier to guarantee no problems. =D I'm not even a van guy, just wondering.

[@judylloyd7901]

Plastic might not be very nice to sleep on. Also it's slippery, so sheets might not stay in place.
I bought a rubberized mattress cover (the kind you'd probably get for a child not quite potty trained), just to prevent body moisture from getting into the mattress, and found it really good. My mattress was on slats, which also helped.

[@TheEarthandyou]

"That's a bullshit."
Nicely said.

[@martinmoore7920]

I like Finland and I go there quite often to Pori where I drink a lot of Karhu beer and meet up with my Finnish friends ( I live in Dublin Ireland ) but the Finnish accent when people are speaking in English reminds me of someone who is recovering from a very serious Stroke or is inflicted with Cerebral Palsy..P.S. PEOPLE.. I am by no means making fun of people with Cerebral Palsy or has had a stroke ....it is just a sound comparison...it's a very odd sounding accent indeed......After Coronavirus I will be on the first flight back to Helsinki then a 4.30hr train ride to Pori then check into my favourite Hotel...Hotel Bebop....then to The Beerhunters bar to get wasted on Karhu.....sounds like a plan...

[@Vantasticvan]

We love to really carefully think our words, so thats why it sounds like stroke patient. :D

[@EspenX]

You drive with the AC at full blast during winter? I would understand driving with the fans at full blast. Unless you have really shitty AC, nobody drives with air condition at the coldest setting at full blast at all times in winter...

[@ledzepandhabs]

I think what they mean is the condenser runs, my Mercedes, (by default always on), has a humidity removal button that allows the AC condenser (which on North American cars automatically does not run in winter) to operate in cold temperatures even with your heat on full blast. It is such a sweet feature, my car is never damp and wet and the windows are always moisture free, I am in a cold and snowy part of Canada BTW.

[@trevorpat-lifeontherun]

👍

[@guidomotta83]

greetings from Italy. ciao

[@synos0202]

so you let -40 degrees air coming in permanantly?

[@Vantasticvan]

Yes and it has worked great. Eight years living in same van, zero mold or mildew problems.

[@synos0202]

Do you heat your van with a diesel heater? Thanks@@Vantasticvan

[@Vantasticvan]

We use LPG heater because it uses 6 times less energy from batteries. In Finland there is 5 month period when we get zero solar. Also we have our woodstove which we use regularly to heat the van.

[@nodwaa9227]

Hey guys new to your channel. Loving it. How did you go about starting your van life. Costs? Ect? Here in the UK just seems so hard and expensive

[@Vantasticvan]

We decided to keep one year vacation from work and travelling with the van sounded like great idea.
We sold our house, so with that money we were able to buy our van. Yes they are expensive even if they are old

[@nodwaa9227]

@@Vantasticvan thanks for the reply :D loving the videos, im from the UK and my GF is from Lithuania. i drove there summer 2017 it really is the best feeling ever. i keep trying to convince her to buy a van but she doesnt want too :(

[@adventureaways1534]

New sub from UK hey 🇬🇧😜👍

[@veli-mattiylipelkonen2553]

muuten ois mutavaa jos tyä joskus muistaasitta höpistä suamenkiälelläkin jos satutta ossaamaan tainnu kiäli unohtva

[@susie9893]

Have to admit I found it very difficult to concentrate once your 2 cutest little fur babies made their appearance

[@taylordtreks]

you guys are so cute.

[@guachingman]

best local source of heat is the two little mice you keep as pets

[@Christer885]

👍😊

[@shariburns6263]

The closed captioning is hilarious because it doesn't translate their accent very well🤣

[@katcankan7129]

#1😸

[@Nick23Wood]

Now tell the truth - your Secret is really that Hydroscopic Beard isn't it @:)>>

[@zeiters2055]

hi finland

[@Vantasticvan]

Hello!

[@tainakallas6560]

2:42 doggeee :3

[@dickfitswell3437]

"we let them breathe" = just lazy. They're going to breathe folded or made.

[@abbygolden9975]

Have u guys been feeling horror on your journey in a van? I mean ghost

[@JonMadsen70]

:)

[@travellingtom6091]

The Fucktree?

[@oldthudman]

Ah com'n….this is an SNL skit isn't it???????...….

[@dickfitswell3437]

1/8 of the video, the first minute was nonsense repetitive. Jeez. Just get to the point

[@007nadineL]

U guguxguguxgcu