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 Topic: fridge vents, cat litter & winter use
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04/11/2013 at 10:49am
Location: cheshire
Outfit: Abbey Alliance 1998
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I have a few questions, this being my first winter of caravan ownership! I intend to keep using the 'van during the winter, so I know I need to sort out propane for cooking when it gets colder.
I was advised when the van was serviced that there is some damp in the nearside rear sidewall. It is a 15 year old van so I wasn't that surprised and am told that if I keep on top of it I can keep the 'van useable for several years to come. So, I have put several of those moisture trap type things in to collect water. These were pretty pricey. I am looking at electric dehumidifiers for when we use the 'van over the winter. It is not hooked up to power when stored though so absorption is the only way to mange moisture levels. I have it in my head that someone said that cat litter is an effective and inexpensive way to do the same thing, is this true?
Should I buy those 'blanks' to cover the fridge vents when the 'van is not in use over the winter? I am reading through the threads and am in the caravan club so reading all their advice, but generally have found nothing beats the advice on here, so any tips at all on both enjoying using my 'van in winter and keeping it in the best possible condition when I am not using it will be avidly read! In case it's relevant, it's stored in a field on grass, I always leave it sloping down towards the back thinking that will help water to run off it. Thanks in advance, Claire ��
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August - Carsington Water CC Site. Don't know where else yet - only picking up the caravan on Friday!
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04/11/2013 at 11:13am
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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The fridge vent covers are not fitted for when the caravan is not in use but for when the caravan is in use during winter. What they do is stop the fridge from over-cooling when it is in operation but the time to apply the fridge vents is when the temperature drops to 8 degrees celcius or below. Books can be of use which most of my personal knowledge has been gained over the years and this one in the link (same as mine) explains everything you need to know about winter caravanning and just above everything else as well plus it' handy to keep with you in the caravan.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Caravan-Handbook-Owning-Enjoying-Improving/dp/1859608019/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383563430&sr=1-1&keywords=caravan+handbook
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04/11/2013 at 2:40pm
Location: Dorset
Outfit: Swift Classic Corvette 1998
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Claire - you may get away with ignoring the damp for a couple of years, but without finding out where the damp is coming from - there will be water leaking into the caravan from a joint/hole in the outside of the van and leaking in behind the wallboards and will get a lot worse unless you fix the leak. A dehumidifier won't help much with the damp, as the water is trapped in behind the wallboard, which is rather waterproof with the vinyl wallpaper on, so the water can't be sucked out from behind it..sorry!
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xxxx
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04/11/2013 at 3:05pm
Location:
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You need to seal the exterior of 'van, dehumidifiers are pointless if wet is getting into structure, it will rot it away unless you sort it soon. I would'nt bother with cat litter of any other dehumidifing device, just make sure there is plenty of ventilation. If there is water ingress into the structure the interior walls will be even colder so you will get more condensation when using 'van.
If damp is on nearside edge then probably awning rail needs removing/resealing also water can get in around grab handles so seal around them.
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Regards, Jack+Jon.
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