High humidity is a common problem for RVers. A lot of things happen inside an RV. Cooking, washing, and showering within that small confined space will inevitably build up moisture in the air. If you’re looking for the best dehumidifier for an RV, the first thing you to know is what size you need.
Mold loves cold, dark, and moist places. Along with mold, other common indoor allergens thrive in high humidity environments. Reducing the humidity in your RV can help prevent allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues, ensuring your health and comfort in your travels.
Excess moisture and mold can also damage your furniture and the structure of your RV, which may compromise your safety over time. You can reduce humidity inside your RV by simply opening a window, but obviously you don’t want to keep your windows open all the time.
A dehumidifier is the best solution to control humidity levels in your RV. To help you choose the best RV dehumidifier, we’ve come up with this comprehensive guide to explore the features and benefits of a dehumidifier for your RV.
Our Top 6 Best RV Dehumidifiers
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Best RV Dehumidifiers Review
Best Small Dehumidifier for RV: Pro Breeze Mini Dehumidifier
RVs are each built differently. If you need a small and compact dehumidifier you can easily place on top of a table or counter in any RV, this Pro Breeze unit is for you. It is perfect for any space within 150 to 215 square feet. This small yet powerful portable dehumidifier extracts up to 9 ounces (250 ml) of excess moisture with a water tank capacity of 16 ounces (450 ml). This means you only have to empty it at least every two days.
Pro Breeze uses the Peltier technology or thermoelectric cooling for whisper-quiet dehumidification, which makes it a great dehumidifier even in living and sleeping spaces. This unit is incredibly easy to operate with just one button for the power switch.
It is also equipped with the auto shut-off feature for when the water tank is almost full, along with an LED indicator light that alerts you when this happens. Emptying the tank is also made hassle-free by the simple design. Slide the tank along the front of the dehumidifier, pull the plug out, then drain the water into the sink or drain.
This small RV dehumidifier runs on 23 Watts, which means it consumes about 0.55kW after 24 hours of use. Being light and portable, you can easily place it in any of the most humid parts of your RV, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
On the downside, this unit is not built for heavy use. Most Peltier dehumidifiers are designed to work under average conditions for shorter periods. Pro Breeze works best in warmer climates between temperatures 56°F and 86°F, and stops at 41°F. However, in most cases, the Pro Breeze is more than enough for a typical RV.
Pros
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Low energy consumption
- Whisper quiet operation
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- Very limited operating temperature range
- Light-duty components may need repair or replacement
Best Portable Dehumidifier for RV: Afloia Dehumidifier
If you don’t like the Pro Breeze model for any reason, another great mini dehumidifier for your RV is this Afloia Dehumidifier. It uses the same technology only with a slightly bigger tank capacity of 52 oz (1500ml). It can remove up to 18 oz (500ml) of excess moisture from any humid space in your vehicle. You can leave it up to four days or more before you need to empty the water tank.
The Afloia mini dehumidifier is ideal for spaces up to 250 square feet in size. Lightweight and portable as they come, this dehumidifier can fit almost anywhere you need, from your bathroom, kitchen, or living area. With an average noise level of 30 decibels, you can even leave it running overnight without disturbing your well-deserved rest and sleep.
This small dehumidifier also features the standard auto shutoff to prevent water overflow, and an LED indicator light to warn you when the tank becomes full. The sleek design comes with a single button for the on and off switch that is found on top. The unit is easy to use and even easier to maintain. To drain, simply slide out the water tank from the front of the unit, remove the lid, and pour the water into your sink or drain. For optimum performance, rinse and wash the tank before replacing it into the dehumidifier.
Similar to any Peltier dehumidifier, this unit works best at temperatures between 59°F and 104℉. It will not operate at 41℉ and below. It is also not built for heavy, long-time use. Still, it is one of the most reliable mini dehumidifiers for RVs and small rooms.
Pros
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Low energy consumption
- Whisper quiet operation
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- Small capacity and coverage
- Temperature restrictions
Best Mid-Size Portable Dehumidifier for RV: SEAVON Dehumidifier
If you have a bigger space in your RV, this SEAVON dehumidifier is a great choice for you. It is ideal for larger RVs and up to 560 square feet or 5,300 cubic feet. This portable dehumidifier can quickly remove 750 ml (approx. 25 oz.) of moisture at 80℉, 85% RH. At 59℉, performance may start to decline. Likewise, it will not work below 41℉.
This unit is a lot bigger than most, but it uses the same thermoelectric cooling technology for a quiet and low-cost operation. Its design looks almost similar to a full-sized dehumidifier with the back inlet and side outlet. It also has the auto shutoff function along with a full tank indicator and a water-level window on the side. To drain, simply remove the 2000ml water tank from the side of the unit.
The cool thing about this SEAVON dehumidifier is the easy operation – it has one button onboard for the power switch and a magnetic remote to control the lights and fan speed. In Sleep mode, the fan is set to low speed for ultra quiet dehumidification. A possible downside is it may be easy to lose the remote control. In that case, there is no way to control the fan.
This small dehumidifier has a handle on the back for added portability. You can place the unit almost anywhere in your RV, even on a countertop or side table. Running on 72 Watts, it is one of the most cost-efficient options for a large RV with light to moderate humidity issues.
Pros
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Low energy consumption
- Whisper quiet operation
- Easy to use
- With remote control
Cons
- Temperature restrictions
Best Wireless Dehumidifier for RV: Eva-Dry E-333 Wireless Dehumidifier
For small RVs or less severe humidity, a wireless, mini desiccant dehumidifier may be all you need. If you’re not familiar with desiccant dehumidifiers, they typically use silica gel beads to adsorb moisture from the air. The Eva-Dry E-333 Wireless Dehumidifier is one of the best-selling desiccant dehumidifiers in the market.
The Eva-Dry doesn’t require batteries or electricity in order to operate, making it the perfect dehumidifier on the go. It is also completely safe, non-toxic and environment-friendly.
Through the indicator window you can see the silica gel beads change color from orange to green once they have absorbed about 4 to 6 ounces of moisture. This usually happens within 20 to 30 days. To recharge, just plug the unit into a power outlet to dry out the moisture. This very easy process can take about eight to ten hours. The beads can be renewed repeatedly for up to ten years and the unit comes with a five-year warranty.
As the name suggests, the Eva-Dry E-333 can cover an area of 333 cubic feet. Keep in mind that this type of dehumidifier does not reduce humidity levels significantly. Their main purpose is to keep moisture out in tight spaces.
The Eva-Dry is extremely light and portable, weighing around 14 ounces or barely a pound. You can use this mini dehumidifier in small areas within the RV, such as the kitchen or bathroom. It can even fit in closets, safes, and cabinets. Eva-Dry is also available in twin packs and a bigger capacity.
Pros
- Light and compact
- Cordless
- No batteries required
- Renewable and eco-friendly
Cons
- Small capacity
- Recharging process can cause a fire hazard
Best Full-Size Desiccant Dehumidifier for RV: Ivation 13-Pint Small-Area Desiccant Dehumidifier
Unlike the compressor types, this desiccant dehumidifier removes 13 pints of moisture in a wide range of temperatures. It works quietly and efficiently even at temperatures as low as 33°F and as high as 104°F. The desiccant technology in this Ivation 13-pint model ensures quick and efficient dehumidification anywhere and anytime you need in a space up to 270 square feet.
This portable dehumidifier has an LCD display with touch buttons for easy control. You can adjust the humidity level from 35% to 85% in increments of 5%, or run the unit continuously. Once powered, the dehumidifier will maintain the set humidity. It also features Sleep mode with low fan speed and dim screen. The timer lets you schedule operation duration and shut off between 1 and 12 hours.
The built-in safety features make this a perfect dehumidifier for RVs and boats. The auto stop function prevents damage by automatically shutting off the unit during threat of tilt or water overflow. Auto restart resumes operation in your last settings in case of a power interruption.
Additionally, if you need to dry laundry inside, you can also change the fan speed and adjust the air vents to speed up drying. The unit also comes with a washable air filter and a 3.8-pint tank with a transparent water level indicator and handle. For continuous drainage, attach the included drain hose to the outlet port.
If you need a versatile and efficient dehumidifier you can easily bring anywhere, you can’t go wrong with the Ivation 13-pint desiccant. Just one drawback is it draws more power than a compressor unit of the same capacity. Although, this won’t be a big deal if you only need to run it for a few hours a day.
Pros
- Quiet desiccant operation
- Works in a wide range of temperatures
- Small and portable
- Convenient features for RVs
Cons
- Small capacity and coverage
Best High-Capacity Dehumidifier for RV: Inofia 30-pint Dehumidifier
This 30-pint dehumidifier from Inofia is perfect for large RVs up to 1,000 square feet. It’s also great for a small home, basement, garage, or laundry room. On account of its 4-pint (0.5 gallon) water reservoir, this is one of the smallest 30-pint dehumidifiers you can get.
With the automatic controls, you can set a target humidity between 30% and 80% in increments of 5% RH. The unit will stop dehumidifying when your desired humidity level is reached and automatically restart when the humidity rises again. It has four buttons on the top control panel: fan speed, timer, humidity, and the power switch.
Like most modern dehumidifiers, this small unit features a full tank alert, auto shut-off, auto restart and auto defrost functions, along with the corresponding Full and Defrost lights. You can attach the included 6.56-ft drain hose to allow continuous drainage.
You can choose between two fan speeds to maximize moisture removal. The lights indicate if the unit is operating at Low or High speed, and if the timer is set. At 112 CFM air power, it operates at a peak noise level of 46 decibels. If you’re a light sleeper, this may be a little loud for you. It is not the most energy efficient option for a 30-pint, but it’s a great choice for RVs for its small size and portability.
Pros
- Small and portable
- Smart humidity control
- Continuous drainage with hose included
Cons
- Small tank capacity
- Low energy efficiency
How to Choose a Small Dehumidifier for RV
When looking for an RV dehumidifier, it’s important to take the following factors into consideration.
Moisture Removal Capacity
The capacity refers to the volume of moisture that the dehumidifier can remove from the air in 24 hours. Full-size dehumidifiers have a moisture removal rate that ranges from 20 to 70 PPD, at 65°F and 60% relative humidity. Portable dehumidifiers, like the ones we featured above, have a much lower rate. They go from 9oz/250ml to 34 oz/1000ml per day. The actual amount of moisture removed per day depends on the condition and the size of the space. A larger space with a higher moisture content calls for a more powerful dehumidifier. However, this doesn’t mean that you should get the highest capacity you can find. Use only the right size for your space to maximize its effectiveness and efficiency.
Tank Capacity
Dehumidifiers collect the moisture in an internal tank. Once the tank is full, you will need to remove it from the unit and empty the water manually. Most portable dehumidifiers have a tank big enough so that you only need to drain it every two days. For less severe humidity issues, you may need to empty the tank at least every few days up to a week. On the other hand, full-size dehumidifiers offer an optional continuous drainage through a hose (may not be included with the unit).
Coverage Area
You want to get a small dehumidifier that can also cover as much space as you have. The efficiency of the dehumidifier will also depend on the amount of space that it has to cover. You can expect a dehumidifier to accomplish its task more quickly in a smaller area than a larger one with equal humidity levels. Portable models can cover anywhere from 150 to 500 square feet. Standard 30- to 50-pint units have coverage areas between 1000 to 3000 square feet.
Energy Usage
Mini dehumidifiers draw power as low as 20 Watts. If you need to run a dehumidifier 24/7, you may want to know this value so you can calculate the possible electric costs. For a full-size dehumidifier, look for the Energy Star label to make sure you’re getting an energy efficient unit. You can find the energy efficiency information in the manual, on the unit itself, or in the Energy Star website. If you have a limited power source, consider getting a cordless dehumidifier instead.
Noise Level
Dehumidifiers use fans to draw the air in and out of the unit. Some also use compressors to power the dehumidification process. Any dehumidifier is bound to produce a noise of some kind. The noise level is subjective, but in general, portable dehumidifiers that use a Peltier module instead of a compressor are the quietest. They produce 30 to 35 decibels on average while a full-size desiccant produces around 40 decibels. Compressor dehumidifiers make noises anywhere from 45 to 60 decibels on the lowest settings.
Portability
To save on costs, look for an RV dehumidifier that you can also use on different occasions. For easy movement, you want a unit as small and compact as you can get. Portability relies on the physical dimensions of the unit as well as its build and design. For mini dehumidifiers, a simple grip handle may be enough.
Additional Features
Small dehumidifiers usually include the standard auto shutoff feature and indicator for your convenience. Full-size units offer more custom control over the operation. You set a target humidity level and the dehumidifier will automatically cycle on and off to maintain this level and conserve energy at the same time. Some also offer an on/off timer, multiple fan speeds, and different operation modes depending on your needs.
How Does an RV Dehumidifier Work
Peltier Effect
Dehumidifiers use different technologies to reduce humidity. Mini dehumidifiers for RVs often use the Peltier Effect or thermoelectric cooling. Humid air is drawn by a small fan on one end of the unit and enters through the cold side. As the air cools, the moisture condenses and drips down to the water tank. The cold, dry air then passes through the hot side. The warmer and dryer air exits through this side.
Peltier dehumidifiers are extremely light and quiet because they do not use a compressor to cool the air. Instead, they convert a voltage of electricity into a temperature difference between the two sides of the Peltier module. These dehumidifiers have an optimal operating temperature range between 59F to 90F.
Desiccant
Desiccant dehumidifiers use a hygroscopic chemical like silica gel to absorb or adsorb the moisture from the air. They operate in a wider range of temperatures than other dehumidifiers. Wireless units like the Eva-Dry use crystal-like silica gel beads to take all the moisture until they are fully saturated. In this case, you will have to plug the unit to dry the silica gel, effectively renewing it to adsorb moisture again.
Full-size desiccant dehumidifiers are about the same in appearance as the typical refrigerant dehumidifier but lighter and quieter since the desiccants do not use compressors. Instead they feature a rotating wheel that is filled with silica gel. Damp air from the room passes through the process zone of the desiccant rotor. The excess moisture clings to the surface of the desiccant and the now dryer air reenters the room.
A heater warms the circulated air before it passes through the remaining part of the rotor in the opposite direction of the processed air. Moisture is then transferred from the desiccant to the warm air, effectively renewing the desiccant so it can absorb more moisture. This warm and moist air runs through a condenser where the moisture condenses into water.
Refrigeration
Refrigeration-based dehumidifiers are probably what most people are familiar with. A refrigerant dehumidifier uses compressor-powered condenser and evaporator coils to remove the excess water in the air.
The fan draws moist air and passes it through the refrigerant coils. As the temperature decreases, the air loses its ability to hold water vapor. Moisture condenses and the water formed is collected in a tank or pushed out through a drain hose. Once moisture is removed, the air is then reheated and exhausted back into the room. The optimal operating temperature range for refrigerant dehumidifiers is between 41F and 90F.
Benefits of Using an RV Dehumidifier
Eliminates mold and mildew
A dehumidifier extracts moisture, mold spores, dust mites, and other common allergens in the air. Keeping humidity levels within 30% to 50% makes the environment less hospitable for mold, mildew, dust mites, and bacteria. This reduces the risk of allergies, asthma attacks, and other health problems.
Prevents damage to furniture and structure
Maintaining ideal indoor humidity helps prevent rapid destruction caused by condensation, rust, corrosion, or pest infestation. Mold can grow on almost any surface with enough moisture. You may not notice it right away, but once it starts to grow in an area of your RV, it can be hard to get rid of. Mold and mildew eat away at the soft furnishings, fabric, and wood, which could affect the structural integrity of your RV if left for long.
Helps air feel cooler
A dehumidifier gives you more control over the humidity level and temperature in your home. High humidity can cause discomfort or a muggy and sticky feeling, making hot weather feel even hotter. Instead of turning up the air conditioner, you can use a dehumidifier to maintain a comfortable humidity level, which also helps conserve more energy the air conditioner might consume.
FAQ
How do I control humidity in an RV?
The simplest thing you can do is to open a window or ceiling vent. Run the air conditioner and increase airflow with a fan. You can also improve the insulation on the floors and windows. When cooking or taking a shower, open a vent to avoid building up moisture. If possible, dry your laundry outside. The best solution is to run a dehumidifier.
What causes humidity inside an RV?
Something as simple as breathing can add humidity inside your RV. Various activities create water vapor. When the warm and moist air comes into contact with colder surfaces such as glass windows, mirrors, metal frames, or even walls, the air loses hold on the moisture and water droplets are formed.
What size dehumidifier do I need for my RV?
The dehumidifier capacity you need mostly depends on the size of your RV and the current climate. Large RVs go up to 45 or 50 feet long with a maximum square footage of 400 feet. In most cases, you won’t even need a home dehumidifier rated for a 1,500 square feet space. Manufacturers usually indicate the recommended square footage for a dehumidifier.
