Which RV dehumidifier should you get?
An RV is a little different from a house. Most RVs are considerably smaller than the average living space and there are stricter limits on power consumption as well as noise levels. When shopping for a dehumidifier that will be used in your RV, you must keep all of these things in mind to find the best option.
Because of this, finding the best dehumidifier for your RV can become a balancing act. You have to choose a model that is large enough to reduce the humidity in your entire RV but won’t draw a great deal of power or create a lot of noise.
Why do I need an RV dehumidifier?
Besides personal discomfort and making everything in the RV feel soggy, high humidity levels create excessive condensation and promote the growth of mold and mildew. This can lead to sneezing, headaches, respiratory issues and more. Additionally, the condensation in your RV can damage cabinets and walls, which causes wood to rust and metal to corrode. Regularly using a dehumidifier in your RV not only extends the life of your investment but also creates a healthier living environment.
The three main types of RV dehumidifiers
Three types of dehumidifiers may be suitable for use in your RV: thermo-electric, desiccant and refrigerant.
Thermo-electric
A thermo-electric dehumidifier uses heat and a heat sink to create condensation, much like the way condensation forms on a cool glass on a hot day. Condensation is the moisture that is being removed from the air. These dehumidifiers are inexpensive and run quietly, but are best for smaller spaces, which is why they work well in RVs.
Desiccant
A desiccant dehumidifier uses a chemical to absorb the moisture from the air. These types of dehumidifiers are best in smaller spaces, but they do not function as effectively as other types of dehumidifiers when used in higher temperatures. The strength in these models is in removing humidity in lower temperatures.
Refrigerant
This is the most expensive option, but it is also the most effective at higher temperatures and higher humidity levels. This type of dehumidifier uses refrigerant to create a cold area inside the machine that causes the moisture in the air to condense. It is best for larger spaces and higher temperatures, but it is loud and requires the most power when the condenser is running. In most cases, these models are more than what you want or need in an RV.
Key considerations when shopping for an RV dehumidifier
Size
The most important aspect of choosing a dehumidifier for your RV is to match the size. If you purchase a dehumidifier that is best for 150 square feet but your RV is 300 square feet, it won’t be powerful enough to keep the humidity levels down.
Power draw
Since you are working with limited power in an RV, and a dehumidifier will be running most of the day, you need one that has a small enough power draw to allow you to run other needed appliances without compromise.
Noise level
Compared to a house, an RV is small. A loud dehumidifier may create an unreasonable disturbance.
Humidity control
Some models offer precision control of the humidity levels while others constantly remove moisture from the air. The more control you have, the better.
Cost
Most of the dehumidifiers that are best for an average-size RV will cost under $50. Larger RVs may require a dehumidifier that is closer to $100. If you want to use a refrigerant dehumidifier, those will cost closer to $200.
Best RV dehumidifiers
The following RV dehumidifiers have been divided into three categories: thermo-electric, desiccant and refrigerant dehumidifiers. In each section, the items are arranged from the smallest- to the largest-capacity models.
Best thermo-electric RV dehumidifiers
Eva-dry Petite Dehumidifier: available at Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond
For the smallest spaces, Eva-dry’s petite dehumidifier is your best option. It is amazingly discrete and meant to be plugged in and left running to tackle your smaller RV humidity problems. The spill-proof tank makes emptying easy.
LONOVE Dehumidifier: available at Amazon
This small, thermo-electric dehumidifier has an elegant tabletop design that distributes dehumidified air in all 360 degrees. It is best for small spaces (165 square feet) that only need a small amount of moisture removed (11 ounces per day).
SEAVON RV Dehumidifier: available at Amazon
This whisper-quiet model covers up to 225 square feet and removes up to 10 ounces of water from the air. It weighs less than 2.5 pounds and has a reservoir that is easy to remove and empty.
LONOVE Dehumidifier: available at Amazon
If you have a slightly larger RV with a little more humidity, this model from LONOVE can cover 240 square feet and remove up to 17 ounces of water from the air each day. The unit runs quietly and has overflow protection built-in.
Pro Breeze Mini Dehumidifier: available at Amazon
For an RV that is roughly 250 square feet, this compact thermo-electric model can remove up to 18 ounces of moisture from the air each day. It runs quietly and features an automatic shut-off when the unit is full.
InvisiPure Hydrowave: available at Amazon
If you have a larger RV, this dehumidifier is designed to remove 17-27 ounces of moisture from spaces that are up to 300 square feet each day. If desired, you can attach a hose to this model so you never have to worry about emptying the reservoir.
COSVII Dehumidifier: available at Amazon
Because it is designed to cover spaces up to 480 square feet, this thermo-electric dehumidifier is suitable for the largest RVs. It features one-button control, ultra-quiet operation and has a large, 68-ounce reservoir to reduce emptying.
Best desiccant RV Dehumidifiers
Eva-Dry Mini Dehumidifier: available at Amazon and Wayfair
This handy little unit is filled with silica gel beads that can absorb up to 6 ounces of moisture from a 40-foot square space. When the unit is full, just plug it in to renew and it can be used again.
DampRid Disposable Moisture Absorber: available at Amazon
DampRid’s moisture absorber uses crystals to absorb moisture and activated charcoal to remove odors from up to 300 square feet of space. It is best for RVs that are in storage. To use, simply remove the lid. When the container is full of water, discard it.
Ivation Desiccant Dehumidifier: available at Amazon
Capable of handling the largest RVs, this 19-pint desiccant dehumidifier removes moisture while warming the air, making it best for cooler seasons. It features an easy-to-read LCD that shows the current temperature and humidity levels in your RV.
Afloia Desiccant Dehumidifier: available at Amazon
This dehumidifier is large enough to handle a basement, so it is more than adequate to keep your RV humidity levels down. It features three speeds, a timer, a humidity level setting, manual or continuous draining and more.
Best refrigerant RV dehumidifiers
Whirlpool 20-Pint Dehumidifier: available at Amazon
If you have a larger budget and would like to use a refrigerant dehumidifier, this model from Whirlpool is sized for the task. It also includes three fan speeds, a bucket-full alert, a clean-filter alert and an auto-defrost.
GE 35-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier: available at Amazon
Admittedly, this model is overkill, sized for a much larger space than an RV, but if you want a quality, affordable dehumidifier that could be used in your home as well as your RV, this feature-packed model is not a bad option.
Allen Foster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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