Disposable dehumidifiers

BeeBee · Feb 18, 2024

Been using disposable dehumidifiers over winter and happy with results.
Van used a couple of times a week but mostly sits on driveway in winter so thought let’s give them a try.
Couple of pics to show results and will probably opt for the reusable ones next year.

66tim99 · Feb 18, 2024

wow, they’ve been successful!
I leave 2 of these in the van which also work well but no doubt not great for the environment
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vacplus-De...e&qid=1708275458&sprefix=dehum,aps,176&sr=8-7

lohr500 · Feb 18, 2024

I did read somewhere that putting absorbent type dehumidifiers inside vehicles and caravans was a waste of time

The reason given was that as fast as the granules absorb any damp, more damp is drawn into the vehicle through the various vents to the outside world.

No idea if this is fact or fiction, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

66tim99 · Feb 18, 2024

lohr500 said:
I did read somewhere that putting absorbent type dehumidifiers inside vehicles and caravans was a waste of time

The reason given was that as fast as the granules absorb any damp, more damp is drawn into the vehicle through the various vents to the outside world.

No idea if this is fact or fiction, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Interesting theory, I’d like to read that.You might ask then what is the point of them anywhere?
Californias are pretty well sealed if parked up, and more confined than other places you might use a dehumidifier.

WelshGas · Feb 19, 2024

lohr500 said:
I did read somewhere that putting absorbent type dehumidifiers inside vehicles and caravans was a waste of time

The reason given was that as fast as the granules absorb any damp, more damp is drawn into the vehicle through the various vents to the outside world.

No idea if this is fact or fiction, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

There is probably an element of truth but if you test with a humidity meter you will still find the humidity level within the van is less than outside.

lohr500 · Feb 19, 2024

66tim99 said:
Interesting theory, I’d like to read that.You might ask then what is the point of them anywhere?
Californias are pretty well sealed if parked up, and more confined than other places you might use a dehumidifier.

Can I use a dehumidifier through the winter to stop condensation in a caravan or motorhome? - The Camping and Caravanning Club

Dehumidifiers have a place where there’s a large build-up of water inside a caravan or motorhome, perhaps from condensation after you’ve been sleeping inside. It may, therefore, be useful to run such an appliance in a tourer immediatel...

www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

If you look on Google, there are quite a lot of other discussions about using dehumidifiers in caravans.
Some positive, some negative.

I do agree though that a Cali will be better sealed than a caravan but I'm not sure they are airtight.

Personally I wouldn't bother.

BeeBee · Feb 19, 2024

Interesting comments.
Reasoning behind trying these was our waterproof seat covers and the picnic chair compartment in the boot were getting some mildew stains, not this winter, not a stain in sight so for us …. result.

Ch1pbutty · Feb 19, 2024

Mildew stains in the boot (chairs / roller blind) are normally due to a leaky high LED brake light strip (gently pull on one corner of the brake light strip, if it lifts then you need a new one). This could also be the reason why you seat covers have mildew. If you eliminate water leaks, you shouldnt need a dehumidifier in the van.

BeeBee · Feb 19, 2024

Ch1pbutty said:
Mildew stains in the boot (chairs / roller blind) are normally due to a leaky high LED brake light strip (gently pull on one corner of the brake light strip, if it lifts then you need a new one). This could also be the reason why you seat covers have mildew. If you eliminate water leaks, you shouldnt need a dehumidifier in the van.

Interesting , I’ll have a look… not quite sure where you’re referring to … is this accessible in boot /tailgate or sidelights.

Ch1pbutty · Feb 19, 2024

BeeBee said:
Interesting , I’ll have a look… not quite sure where you’re referring to … is this accessible in boot /tailgate or sidelights.

Its the external led brake light - that sits in the centre of the van above the rear window.

‘If’ it needs changing you open the boot, and remove the top part of the internal trim, then you can access the screws to remove. It’s fairly straightforward, hardest part is removing the trim as it needs ‘careful’ brute force to remove! There are some forum threads on removal; Only replace with an original VW one (there is a VW Dealership based in Bristol that sells them on ebay).

I had same issue with mildew, and it was caused from a leaky brake light. Once changed no mildew.

BeeBee · Feb 19, 2024

Ch1pbutty said:
Its the external led brake light - that sits in the centre of the van above the rear window.

‘If’ it needs changing you open the boot, and remove the top part of the internal trim, then you can access the screws to remove. It’s fairly straightforward, hardest part is removing the trim as it needs ‘careful’ brute force to remove! There are some forum threads on removal; Only replace with an original VW one (there is a VW Dealership based in Bristol that sells them on ebay).

I had same issue with mildew, and it was caused from a leaky brake light. Once changed no mildew.

Thanks, will have look