Owner guides
Motorhome dehumidifier guide: control humidity NZ
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Should you use a dehumidifier in a motorhome? The short answer is yes. A dehumidifier is one of the most effective ways to extract moisture and condensation from your motorhome. However, it is not the only way.
In this article, we explain why you should use a dehumidifier in your motorhome and list the best motorhome dehumidifiers in New Zealand. We also explain the alternatives to using a dehumidifier in a motorhome so you can choose the best option for your needs!
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Should you use a dehumidifier in a motorhome?
Yes. You should use a dehumidifier in a motorhome. A dehumidifier should be used both when travelling and storing the motorhome. It should also be used year-round, in both the warmer and the colder months.
A dehumidifier helps to control the humidity in your motorhome and extracts moisture from the air. This helps to prevent motorhome problems such as mould, mildew, rot and corrosion that can leave your motorhome damaged.
The best dehumidifier for a motorhome in New Zealand
1. Sheffield 2L Midi Dehumidifier - Best overall dehumidifier for a motorhome
This mini dehumidifier is ideal for use in a motorhome and readily available in New Zealand. Its compact and lightweight design means you’ll save space, whilst the additional DC power cord means it can run on both 230V and 12V power.
It has a 2L water tank capacity and can extract 0.5L of water from the air in your motorhome each day. Features include an auto-shutoff when the tank is full, a water level indicator and quiet thermoelectric operation.
Pros:
Affordable
Readily available in New Zealand
Small and compact (2.2kg)
AC and DC power cords (runs on both 230V and 12V)
2L water tank capacity
Extraction rate of 0.5L per day
Auto-switch off when full
Water level and power indicators
Quiet thermoelectric operation
Cons:
Works best in temperatures over 15℃
Won’t extract as much water as a large household dehumidifier
Doesn’t have the same features as a large household dehumidifier
Available at:
Noel Leeming - $129
Homeware Shop - $99
2. Hysure 2L Mini Dehumidifier - Best value dehumidifier for a motorhome
This mini dehumidifier is highly efficient, compact and can be shipped to New Zealand from Australia. However, it only runs on 230V power (meaning this dehumidifier may not be suitable to use in a motorhome when it is running off of 12V battery power).
It has a 2L water tank capacity and can extract up to 0.75L of water from the air in your motorhome each day. Features include an auto-shutoff when full, a water level indicator, ultra-quiet operation (below 33dB) and a built-in washable filter.
Pros:
Affordable
Readily ships to New Zealand
Small and compact (2.6kg)
2L water tank capacity
Extraction rate of 0.75L per day
Auto-shutoff when full
Water level and power indicators
Ultra-quiet operation
Built-in washable filter
Works best in temperatures over 10℃
Cons:
Only runs on AC power (230V)
Won’t extract as much water as a large household dehumidifier
Doesn’t have the same features as a large household dehumidifier
Available at:
Amazon - $115
3. DampRid - Most affordable dehumidifier for a motorhome
DampRid is a product that uses natural moisture-absorbing crystals to control the humidity in your motorhome. It offers an affordable and non-electrical alternative to a dehumidifier. However, it may not be as effective as using a dehumidifier.
Damprid is sold in 300ml containers or 400ml hanging bags that need to be emptied when full of water. The moisture-absorbing crystals expire after 45 days and need to be replaced regularly.
You should consider using several DampRid products in your motorhome at the same time. Alternatively, use DampRid in addition to an electrical dehumidifier.
Pros:
Highly affordable
Readily available in New Zealand
Small and compact
Does not require electricity
Cons:
Maximum of 400ml water tank capacity
Won’t extract as much water as a dehumidifier
Does not work as well in high temperatures (not great for summer)
Available at:
4. Pingi Dehumidifier - most eco-friendly dehumidifier for a motorhome
This compact dehumidifier comes in 3 sizes and is one of the most eco-friendly on the market due to its reusability. Once the moisture indicator changes colour from blue to pink, it simply needs drying out in the microwave for a few minutes before using again. No refills required.
The Pingi is shipped to New Zealand from Australia.
The Pingi dehumidifier bags are small enough to be be placed anywhere in the motorhome - cupboards, the bathroom, pantry etc
Pros:
Eco-friendly
Reusable, therefore a 1 off investment
Microwaveable
Leak-free as the moisture is held in using silica gel pellets.
Child and pet friendly
Humidity indicator
Affordable
Readily ships to New Zealand
Small and compact; comes in 3 sizes 150g, 250, 450g
Tested and approved in Germany (TÜV Rheinland)
Absorbs approx 30% of its weight
Cons:
Requires a microwave to recharge faster, although can be recharged in the sun.
Won’t extract as much water as a large household dehumidifier given its smaller size.
Available at:
Camplify- from $17.95
Humidity in your motorhome
Humidity is water moisture in the air. It is critical that you manage the humidity in your motorhome so that you can extend the vehicle’s longevity.
Regardless of where you live or travel in New Zealand, there will always be some degree of humidity in your motorhome. However, the humidity tends to be worse in the parts of New Zealand that get a lot of annual rainfall, such as the West Coast of the South Island (particularly in winter). Other subtropical areas near the coast, such as the Northland and Coromandel, can also experience high humidity in summer.
Moisture enters your motorhome through open doors, windows and other gaps. Humans also exhale more than 0.5 litres of moisture per day.
Moisture gathers as condensation on hard surfaces inside your motorhome, including the walls, windows, timber and metal framing. Moisture also penetrates soft surfaces such as insulation, mattresses, cushions and curtains.
High levels of humidity in your motorhome can cause all sorts of damage:
Mould and mildew
Wood rot
Metal rust and corrosion
Damage to electrical appliances
But how long does a motorhome last? About 10-30 years depending on how well you manage issues such as humidity.
Ways to control the humidity in your motorhome
To control the humidity in your motorhome, you can use these methods individually or in tandem with one another:
1. Use a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is usually the best way to control moisture and reduce condensation in your motorhome. There is no need to invest in a large dehumidifier made for a home - a small dehumidifier is usually large enough to draw all the moisture out of a motorhome.
However, you must empty the water tank on the dehumidifier frequently, unless you install permanent drainage. Also, be aware that dehumidifiers use a lot of energy and most models require 240V power.
2. Use moisture control crystals
Products like DampRid are highly affordable and use moisture-removing crystals to control the humidity in your motorhome. The crystals normally come in a can or a pouch, which absorbs the moisture in the air. This saves you from having to run an electrical appliance like a dehumidifier.
That said, you will have to change out the crystals regularly (i.e. every 40 days) and these products may not be as effective as a dehumidifier.
****3. Open the roof vent or fan ****
Most motorhomes have a roof vent or a fan that allows the humidity to escape. It is important that you open the vent regularly, particularly when performing activities that produce moisture (see below!).
If you don’t have a roof vent, you can simply crack the windows and open the door (although this may not be as effective). Alternatively, if you want to install a hatch or fan in your campervan, please see our guide to van roof vents.
Manage activities that produce moisture ****
Daily activities in your motorhome that contribute to producing moisture and condensation include cooking, washing and sleeping.
When cooking in your motorhome, cover your pots and pans with a lid to trap moisture. Alternatively, cook outside on a barbeque or camping stove.
When sleeping, try to open a window and allow the carbon dioxide to escape. In the cold winter months, heating your motorhome will help to control condensation.
Make money by hiring out your motorhome
So you’ve now got an answer to your question: should you use a dehumidifier in a motorhome? Yes!
But here’s something you might not know… when your motorhome is not in use, you can make money by hiring it out on Camplify!
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Why Camplify?
Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their motorhome through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.
And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year if you rent out your motorhome!