Escape Hatch Condensation

[BurbMan]

Our 2002 Lance 811 has the crank-up hatch over the bed that also has the quick-release as an escape hatch. With cool weather outside, the aluminum frame produces condensation like crazy, to the point where it drips on the bed.

The factory did provide an insulated vinyl cover that snaps to the ceiling around the hatch. The problem is it doesn't form an air tight seal to the ceiling, so condensation still forms and just puddles on the top of the vinyl cover.

Obviously what's needed is a way to stop the inside air from contacting the aluminum frame of the hatch. I thought about spraying some of that Flex Seal liquid rubber on the exposed aluminum but not sure if that would insulate it enough.

What have you guys figured out for this?

[Bedlam]

We have small dehumidifier that runs on 9vdc. It sits in the dry bath and runs anytime we have shore power. I didn't look into 12vdc model and just looked for something compact that could run for a couple days without emptying.

[covered_wagon]

I wish they made a small build in unit dehumidifier. One that self drains so you don't have to empty the tray all the time. Now this idea has gone on for a long time really, but no one builds one for RV's unless I missed it.

Just did a search for '12 volt dehumidifiers' and a few came up.... not too expensive, they also help clean the air of mold and bacteria laden moisture. Seems like a good product to look into.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

One of my first experiences with truck camper camping was unpleasant: it was a cold rainy night in the Pac NW; and I was getting "rained on" by our ceiling vent. I wrongly assumed it was leaking, but it was simply condensation. After getting some advice on this forum, I learned that no matter what the weather, that vent needs to be cracked to allow moisture created by us simply breathing, to escape. My current truck camper just got a new Fantastic Fan installed, to deal with any possible condensation problems.

[Eric_Lisa]

+1 on venting. The condensation on the aluminum is a symptom, not the problem.

I have added memory foam and a down pad on top of the mattress pad. Under them I have an electric blanket (we are not sleeping directly on the blanket). So when we are hooked up, the bed stays nice and toasty warm. This allows me to have the vent over the bed open. The air cools off, but it does keep the camper from filling with stale moist air.

[JimK-NY]

My Heki has a screen that stop moist air from causing the frame to sweat. Unless it is not sealing well, I would think your vinyl cover would act the same way. Another option would be to tape a piece of plastic sheeting to the vent to seal moist air from the frame.

Regardless venting moisture out of the RV is a big issue in cold weather. You need some ventilation. Also you need to vent out moisture from cooking and showers.

[specta]

BurbMan wrote:

stickdog wrote:
Quit breathing.

Did my wife tell you to post this?

LOL too funny :B

[covered_wagon]

I used the foam padding that comes in a roll for under your sleeping bag when your sleeping on the ground. Easy to cut and flexible, you can cut it a bit large and stuff it tight. This has helped a lot. I lined the underside of the hatch cover as well using contact cement. Remember to cut a bit larger for snug fit.

If you don't do a good job remember the hungry Grit Dog will bite you right where it counts.

[Bedlam]

billtex wrote:
Open the hatch a crack.

X3

[zulu52]

billtex wrote:
Open the hatch a crack.

I agree with this. Just 1/4" worked for me. No condensation.
Zulu

[BurbMan]

stickdog wrote:
Quit breathing.

Did my wife tell you to post this?

[Lwiddis]

Dog's recommendation is a last resort problem solver IMO.

[stickdog]

Quit breathing.

[billtex]

Open the hatch a crack.

[Kayteg1]

cut a square of Styrofoam to fit tight into opening.
Better yet, you can buy polyurethane boards at HD with foil on both sides. Put some masking tapes on the edges to prevent scratching the foam.