How do you keep a pop-up camper from sweating?

In today’s article, we will answer the following question: How do you keep a pop-up camper from sweating? We will discuss in more detail the matter of “sweating” in a pop-up camper and share with you our simple tips to prevent condensation in any type of camper. 

How do you keep a pop-up camper from sweating?

Here are some tips and tricks that keep your pop-up camper from sweating; this will help you avoid humidity and therefore condensation:

• Provide adequate ventilation whenever possible;

• Stopping breathing is complicated, but if we can “control” it, we will avoid leaving sweaty clothes inside, as well as any other wet clothes or objects, such as towels, bathing suits, umbrellas etc.

• When we finish showering, dry the walls and/or curtain and scrub the shower, leave the towel outside to dry and put a plug in the drain so that the moisture from the siphon water does not enter.

• The same thing happens with the sink or basin, once used, remove the remains of water with a cloth and put it outside to dry, also put a plug in the drain.

• Check the rubbers and gaskets of windows and doors, that they are in good condition to avoid leaks

• Monitor and check that the water circuit, the pump, etc. have no leaks.

• Apply tinting films for windows: to attenuate the incoming warm sunlight as much as possible, use adhesive films and sparse sheets;

• Close the pop-up when it is too hot: when summers are serious it is better to close everything in the middle hours.

• Turn on the air conditioner: if you don’t have it, consider portable AC. 
• Avoid cooking inside: the heat generated by the oven and stove inside the camper can be very difficult to dissipate to the outside

• Keep the awning open: it serves for shade, just like an umbrella. 

Why does my pop-up camper “sweat”?

If your pop-up camper is sweating, it only means that there is high condensation inside the trailer. Condensation or also known as fog – is normal water that is generated by temperature differences, in this case between the interior and exterior of the vehicle, for there must be a source of humidity inside, which for the most part of the cases we are ourselves, the people. 

By sweating and breathing, we expel moisture into the environment, which, if there is not adequate ventilation, is deposited on the surfaces and is condensed by the change in temperature. It is more common and easy to see on glass, but it is also created on other surfaces such as sheet metal, plastics or fabrics and canvases (lifting ceilings) as long as they create a “barrier” between one temperature and another.

More tips to avoid it camper condensation

As we said before, for condensation to appear, there must be a source of humidity inside the vehicle. Let’s start by analyzing where that moisture can come from.

Moisture sources:

• Ourselves: Our own breath and sweat;
• Wet or sweaty clothes: If we have sweated while practising a sport, we are wet from the rain, the wet towel from the shower or the beach, etc.
• The sink or shower: Water may remain from normal use;
• Outside sources: Maybe water is leaking from the outside of the vehicle;
• Leaks: Our water installation may have a leak. 

How to remove condensation from your pop-up camper

Option 1: This is the most basic, use an absorbent cloth or cloth and remove condensation manually from bottom to top to prevent water from falling on the dashboard, furniture or floor, drain and repeat until the surface is complete.

Option 2: Especially for the driver’s window. Use the vehicle’s ventilation, start the engine and select the demisting on the ventilation controls (the symbol is a trapezoid that simulates the front window with arrows inside pointing upwards that symbolize the air) and select a warm or hot air temperature.

Option 3: Use a squeegee to drag the condensation onto an absorbent material.

Option 4: Ventilate the vehicle, if the outside temperature and environment are drier than inside, open the windows and/or doors and wait for the condensation to dry or evaporate.

Portable AC will keep your pop-up camper from sweating

Portable air conditioners are a great solution to the condensation problem in your pop-up camper.  These are air conditioners like those at home but with an integrated motor (compressor), not separately as is usual in domestic air conditioners. For this reason, they are the loudest type of device that we will see here.

The presence of the compressor also makes them heavy, it must be taken into account that they can reach, even perfectly exceed 25 kilos.

On the other hand, in addition to cooling, these air conditioners also extract moisture from the air, that is, they dehumidify. For this, they have a tank to house the environmental humidity or with a hose so that you can evacuate the water while it is in operation.

Advantages of portable AC	Disadvantages of portable AC
Have a great cooling power	They are expensive
You can move them and use them during the day in the car and at night in the pop-up	They are heavy
Do not require installation	These are the loudest type of air conditioners that you will see
Cool, dehumidify and ventilate with the same device	You will need to install a duct to evacuate the water outside the camper.
Some have a heat pump, which will keep you warm in winter.

The bottom line

Besides all the above-mentioned options, there are many other tricks and tips that campers use in order to keep their pop-ups clean and condensation free. 

What are some tricks that you use to keep moisture at bay? Let us know if you have any suggestions, tips, comments or questions about the content!

FAQ on How do you keep a pop-up camper from sweating?

Do pop up campers stay cool in summer?

Pop up campers are not known for staying cool in summer. In fact, the vice versa is more accurate: if you are not prepared, you will start sweating in your pop-up camper every summer night.

Does AC work in a pop-up camper?

Yes, AC works in a pop-up camper. We recommend you invest in a portable AC, that is easy to install and a great long-term acquisition. 

Can you sleep in a pop-top in winter?

Yes, you can most certainly sleep in a pop-top (also known as a pop-up camper) in winter, as long as you take all the necessary precautions to stay warm during those cold nights.

Is insulating a pop-up a good idea?

The insulation of the pop-top camper can be more or less valid and efficient, but it is still there. This means that the interior can be heated and the heat maintained, perhaps some models “hold better than others”, but this is not very important: your camper can face the cold. 

Other FAQs about Pop up campers  that you may be interested in.

How do you make a pop-up camper bed more comfortable?

Are pop-up truck campers any good?

What size hitch do I need for a pop-up camper?

References

• Is there a way to stop bunk-end condensation? | PopUpPortal
• Condensation Issues with Camping Trailers | Roberts Sales
• How to stop condensation in 10 steps – Wise Property Care