How to keep your motorhome dry
Especially when you’re based in the UK, a place notorious for being able to pour with rain for days on end, keeping your motorhome dry can feel really hard. The risk of damp, mildew and mould is a serious one, which can have expensive consequences. That’s why our team of engineers have put together this list of tips and tricks to help you keep your motorhome free from water.
Make sure there are no leaks
The first and most important step to take when keeping your motorhome dry is to make sure that there are no leaks. A leak in a motorhome can cause mould and damp which cause significant damage. We always recommend checking your motorhome for leaks before setting out on any adventure, and to also carry a tube of silicone with you in case one is discovered during your journey.
Keep your motorhome warm
An obvious step to take in keeping your motorhome dry is to keep it warm, though especially in winter, this will increase your running costs. By keeping your motorhome nice and warm, you prevent condensation forming, and also can avoid your possessions becoming damp or clammy.
Make sure the van is well ventilated
When it’s less cold but your motorhome is full of damp things, it will really help to keep the motorhome well ventilated. This will help reduce the levels of moisture in the air, therefore keeping the motorhome far more dry. Obviously, in the coldest months, or during severe weather, you may want to avoid opening your windows so this method isn’t as good during winter!
Use an extractor fan when cooking
One of the best way to avoid damp inside your motorhome is to use an extractor fan when cooking. Both cooking and using a kettle will greatly add to the moisture in the air within the vehicle, and by using an extractor fan you can drastically reduce the risk of damp, especially during cooler weather.
Don’t be afraid to open a window
Even in winter, don’t be afraid to open the windows for a while to help reduce the moisture in the air. While it’s going to be a bit chilly, and probably shouldn’t be done in the middle of a rainstorm, it can be a great way to stop damp building up in the motorhome.
Use campsite facilities when available
Another option is to avoid using your own facilities when on a campsite. Cooking, washing clothes and even just showering will all massively increase the moisture levels inside your motorhome, so making use of campsite facilities when possible is a must. This will also cut down on your costs, so it’s a real win-win scenario!
Don’t try and dry clothes indoors in winter
In winter, whatever you do, don’t try and dry your clothes inside your motorhome! This will fill the vehicle with hot damp clothes, making everything wet and clammy. Where possible it is strongly advised to go to a laundrette or using campsite laundry facilities to keep the inside of your motorhome dry.
Use a dehumidifier
Don’t be afraid to use a dehumidifier, as this can really help draw out the damp. If you’re worried about fire risk or draining batteries, then using a crystal or powder dehumidifier can work just as well, though make sure you don’t start driving with it uncovered!
Create airflow
If you’re going to be out of your motorhome for a few days, or you’ve had an issue with things getting damp due to bad weather, make sure to create airflow within the vehicle. Open up the drawers and cupboards and make sure that every nook and cranny gets aired out to prevent damp.
Don’t forget about cushions, seats and bedding
When keeping your motorhome dry, make sure you take steps to keep your cushions, seats and other furnishings dry too! They are the items within your motorhome most prone to being damaged by damp, and it will make your motorhoming far more enjoyable to have them stay soft and dry.
Try and keep things clean and dry
Ultimately, you just need to take sensible steps to try and keep everything clean and dry. Combined with the tips above, this should keep your motorhome in tip-top condition at all times, and keep it ready for all your adventures, whenever or wherever they are!
