Helpful Tips
Campervan / Pop Top condensation
Condensation occurs when warm air inside the campervan comes into contact with a colder surface, such as the van windows or the pop top tent walls or roof. Air temperature in the camper can become warm and humid from people, heaters, and a lack of ventilation.
When the warm air inside the van hits the relatively cool fabric of the pop top tent, the van windows, or even the side walls of the van if there isn’t good enough insulation behind them in the cavities, the moisture condenses into liquid form.
One person can exhale up to 1 pint of water overnight, and this water vapour converts to liquid when it meets the colder surfaces of your campervan or pop top roof tent. Furthermore, if there are multiple people and pets sleeping in the van, the amount of water in the air increases considerably and condensation can be so much that it’s easily and often mistaken for a leak.
Here is a link to an interesting article by Vango explaining the problems with condensation inside tents, which is basically exactly the same as you will experience with a campervan.
Do all campervans suffer from condensation?
Basically… yes. Campervans designed with good ventilation and good insulation will fair best. In certain weather conditions, the design of any van can be overwhelmed by moisture. For example, if it is a cold night and there is no breeze to circulate the warm, moist air out of the campervan, condensation is likely to form.
Best ways to prevent camper van condensation
1 – Proper ventilation
Ample ventilation is your first line of defence against condensation. Ensure your pop top roof tent has windows, vents, or mesh panels that can be opened to allow for adequate airflow. Keeping vents open you create a pathway for moisture-laden air to escape, reducing the chances of condensation build up.
2 – Location matters
Selecting the right campsite or camping location can make a real difference. Try to avoid areas prone to moisture accumulation, such as valleys or near bodies of water. Well ventilated locations that promote natural airflow around your campervan will help.
3 – Consider a pop top thermal cover and thermal window screens
Although they can be bulky and a pain to store, especially if they get wet and dirty, thermal covers and screens like those available from Rainbow Screens and others manufacturers, can really help to keep the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the van to a minimum which will help prevent condensation.
4 – Control moisture inside
Limit the introduction of moisture inside your van. Wipe down and try to dry wet gear as much as possible before bringing it in, or leave it outside. Avoid activities that generate a lot of humidity, like cooking or boiling water, within the campervan.
5 – Utilise ventilation aids
If your campervan’s ventilation options are limited, consider using electric fans to improve airflow. Position the fans strategically to move air around and facilitate moisture evaporation.
6 – Warm yourself up, not the camper
Using a heat source like a diesel heater or oil-filled radiator, even though it is dry heat, can make condensation worse. Further warming the air inside the van will increase water vapour in the air as warm air can support more moisture, plus the warmer the interior of the van is, the more moisture is likely to be released into the van through evaporation and perspiration.
Instead of heating the tent, warm yourself up with the right clothing and good sleeping bags.
8 – Use silica gel packs
Reusable silica gel packs are excellent moisture absorbers and can help a bit. Place them strategically inside your van to help combat excess humidity. Regularly dry out or replace these packs to maintain their effectiveness.
9 – Regular surface wiping or squeegeeing
In the morning, take a moment to wipe down or squeegee any surfaces inside the van that may have accumulated condensation. Karcher (and other manufacturers) make a really useful electric squeegee (Window Vac) which has a lot of good reviews from campervan owners on many forums.
Removing excess condensation prevents moisture from being absorbed into materials and prevents mould or mildew growth.
We hope this information helps you control the condensation in your campervan a bit better so your camping trips are more enjoyable and less of a worry.
