How do I stop condensation in my horse trailer?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How do I stop condensation in my horse trailer? We will discuss the main reasons why condensation appears in a horse trailer and explain how to prevent and beat it once and for all. 

How do I stop condensation in my horse trailer?

To stop condensation from forming in your horse trailer, the first step is to understand where it comes from!   Condensation forms when the air releases the moisture it is conducting. This occurs due to a change in temperature or the air becomes too saturated. 

If condensation or moisture is left off for a long time in your horse trailer, mould, mildew or mildew will start to grow. These organisms will cause health problems for your horse(s) and can make towing impossible. Moisture also causes the wooden frame of your horse trailer to rot. 

There are two main approaches to managing condensation on a horse trailer:

1. Regular dehumidification: Choose the ideal place to install the dehumidifier. This should be an open space on the trailer in a location where it receives the most airflow. Closets with closed doors are not good locations. If the horse trailer has an area that is lower than the rest of the trailer, this is a good place. Humidity is heavier than air and travels to the lowest zone.

Plug the dehumidifier into an electrical outlet and adjust its control until it turns on. The humidity of 40 to 50 per cent is the ideal level for your horse’s comfort. Remove the water basin when it is complete and drain it into a sink or tub. If the trailer has a large amount of humidity this task may need to be done several times a day.

2. Proper ventilation: Open a window, vent, or door at one end of the horse trailer. Open another vent, door or window at the other end of the trailer. This makes it possible to move around the trailer, picking up the moisture and moving it out of the air.

Consider installing mechanical vents to aid air movement or installing fans near doors or windows to increase air flow. Open the inside doors of the horse trailer to allow air to flow through when you are not transporting your horse(s). 

How to prevent horse trailer condensation?

The most optimal and efficient way to reduce condensation in your horse trailer is through good proper ventilation. It is indeed necessary to have a constant flow of air throughout the van, going from the bottom up and bringing in cooler and drier air and pushing the humid air out.

If you don’t feel very comfortable opening the windows in the dead of winter, we understand. That’s why there are concrete solutions that will make your life easier!

• Dehumidifiers and other absorbent solutions: Still, a quick-fit dehumidifier or moisture absorber is not going to work very well inside your horse trailer. Why? Quite simply because these devices need to be constantly plugged into a power source and among us, we know that electricity in a horse trailer is a rare and precious commodity! Next,

• Create dry heat: This solution will certainly not work for everyone, but it does exist. Wood stoves are very profitable in terms of investment and suck moisture from the air efficiently … However, if this solution may seem attractive, the installation of a wood stove in a horse trailer is prohibited for obvious safety issues. Next,

• Stationary heating: If you have the budget, ventilated outdoor heaters are one of the best ways to keep the horse trailer warm in the winter. Basically, these types of heaters use fuel in the tank to keep your van warm, and because they are vented from the outside, you can keep your windows closed in the winter! 

Therefore, stationary heaters produce less humidity in the air than other types of heaters. You can find different qualities and prices of stationary heaters on the market: around $ 150 for products from Amazon, around $ 500 for Planar brand heaters and around $ 1,000 at Webasto.

The simplest and most effective solution to stop condensation in your horse trailer

The simplest most effective solution to stop condensation in your horse trailer is to ensure a constant flow of air in the trailer. 

Having high ventilation and low ventilation in your trailer is ideal! In addition, if they are placed opposite each other, then the air will have a greater distance to travel and its renewal will only be more effective.

In terms of aeration and ventilation, some standards must be respected: First, you will need to take into account the internal volume of your horse trailer, the number of horses travelling onboard and the equipment you have installed in it. Taking this data into account will give you an idea of ​​the number of air vents you will need, as well as their sizes.

The existing types of ventilation for horse trailers

• Skylights for high ventilation: widely used in the fitting out of horse trailers, they will give you a significant airflow allowing permanent ventilation of your vehicle. In addition, skylights have the advantage of providing a source of light, which is not negligible in a trailer!

• The ventilation grilles are ideal for low ventilation. Stainless steel, PVC with mosquito nets, motorized or manual… There is a wide choice. There is bound to be one that meets your needs!

• Electric ventilators: Installing a 12V vent fan in your ceiling is not as difficult as it seems. This fan will provide you with good airflow and be useful on hot summer days and just as pleasant throughout the winter.

Otherwise, you can also opt for removable ventilation grilles to be placed on a window. This device will also have a positive effect on reducing condensation.

Quick tips to avoid high humidity in a horse trailer

A fundamental tip to avoid high humidity in a horse trailer is to carry out an inspection every year to avoid further damage. It is convenient to remember that when we observe humidity in our horse trailer, the filtration has occurred for a long time and it has been able to damage the structure without realizing what the cost of the repair can multiply. 

The structures of horse trailers are generally made of wood, which is very absorbent to water and ends up rotting.

Visually check the condition of the exterior sealants. If we detect that they are cracked, broken or hardened, there is no doubt – we must replace them.

Park the horse trailer (if possible) with a certain inclination, so that there is no stagnation of water on the roof. Many horse trailers have flat roofs and become pools of water. This causes the water level to rise on the roof and seep through skylights or profiles. 

Although it may not seem like it, interior condensation is also a problem that can generate breakdowns. As in any building, airing is convenient. And if possible use dehumidifiers from time to time.

In summary

Maintaining good airflow is the best way to prevent condensation in your horse trailer. You will live in a much more comfortable environment with constant air exchange. Also, make sure that your walls and ceiling are perfectly insulated because good ventilation is only effective with good insulation!

Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments or questions on the content. 

FAQ on How do I stop condensation in my horse trailer?

Where is the best place to put a dehumidifier?

The best place to put a dehumidifier is in the room you need it in most. Dehumidifiers are commonly placed in bedrooms, basements, laundry rooms, crawl spaces, and indoor pool areas since these areas often have moisture problems.

Should you leave a dehumidifier on all the time?

A dehumidifier needs to be on for at least 12 hours a day to see any changes. The number of hours varies according to the size of the room, the capacity of the dehumidifier and depends on one’s needs.

How do I keep my trailer damp-free?

To keep your trailer damp-free you must keep it ventilated at all times, shower outside when possible, cook with the windows/door open, don’t dry your laundry inside the horse trailer and invest in a good humidifier. 

What causes mould in trailers?

Mould in the trailer is most of the time caused by high levels of humidity.  With the arrival of autumn, temperatures drop, the rains begin and humidity levels increase. This situation can aggravate the structural humidity problems suffered by trailers.

What percentage of damp is acceptable in a trailer?

A maximum of 15% of damp is more than acceptable in a trailer. If the humidity level regularly exceeds 70%, it can cause rust, mould, musty odour and rot. To remedy this, dehumidification must be carried regularly. 

Other FAQs about Horse Trailers  that you may be interested in.

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References

• How do you stop/reduce moisture/condensation in your trailer
• Viewing a thread – Condensation causing problems – Horse Trailer …
• How to Reduce Moisture & Condensation in Your RV or Travel Trailer