Introduction: When Your RV Turns Into a Rainforest
The first time I winter-camped in my RV, I woke up thinking I had somehow turned on a humidifier in my sleep.
Fogged windows, wet bedding, damp walls the whole place felt like a greenhouse.
I wasn’t leaking.
Nothing was broken.
The enemy was something much sneakier:
Condensation winter’s silent villain.
Most RVers underestimate how quickly moisture builds up in cold weather. One minute you're warm and cozy, and the next, you’re wiping down windows, peeling wet blankets off the mattress, and wondering why your walls suddenly feel clammy.
Let’s break down why this happens, how dangerous it can be, and what you can do to fight back.
Why Winter Turns RVs Into Moisture Traps
Condensation is simple science with very annoying consequences.
When warm, moist indoor air meets a cold surface (like windows, walls, or even your mattress), it turns into water droplets.
And RVs, with their thin walls and compact living spaces, are basically perfect moisture factories.
Here are the biggest culprits:
1. Cold Walls + Warm Air = Instant Moisture
RVs don’t have home-style insulation. The minute warm air hits cold metal or glass…
drip, drip, drip.
2. Breathing Adds Moisture Yes, Seriously
Two people sleeping overnight release almost a pint of water just by breathing.
Add a dog? Make that even more.
3. Cooking + Boiling + Showers
Steam from:
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pasta water
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morning coffee
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hot showers
…has nowhere to escape in winter unless you ventilate (which no one wants to do when it’s 18°F outside).
4. Propane Heat Produces Moisture
Most RV furnaces burn propane and propane combustion creates water vapor.
A warm RV can still become a wet RV in minutes.
Also Read: How to winterize rv like a pro
The Hidden Dangers of Winter Condensation
1. Mold & Mildew
Those damp walls and window edges?
Perfect breeding ground.
2. Wet Bedding & Mattresses
Moisture collects under mattresses, especially over cold storage compartments.
Wake up on the wrong morning and your sheets feel… swampy.
3. Rust & Wood Damage
Over time, hidden moisture can corrode metal fasteners, stain wood, and even warp cabinets.
4. Poor Air Quality
Moist air = harder breathing, more allergens, and a very uncomfortable living space.
A Real Winter Morning I’ll Never Forget
One January in Colorado, I woke up to:
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inches of condensation on the windows
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dripping vent hoods
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damp dog blankets
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and a mattress that felt like it had been left outside overnight
The temperature inside the RV was warm enough, but everything felt wet.
That’s when I realized:
Heat alone doesn’t prevent moisture in fact, it can make condensation worse unless you manage it intentionally.
Also Read: 7 essentail tips for living in a motorhome in winter
How to Fight the Winter Moisture Battle (and Win)
1. Ventilate Even When It’s Freezing
Crack a window ½ inch and turn on a fan.
Yes, it lets cold air in but it also lets moist air out.
Even 5 minutes can prevent hours of wiping.
2. Use a Dehumidifier
A small RV-friendly dehumidifier can collect cups of water overnight.
They’re game-changers for winter trips.
3. Insulate Your Windows
Try:
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Reflectix
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Thermal curtains
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Double-pane window film
This reduces cold surfaces meaning less condensation.
4. Lift Your Mattress for Airflow
Put a breathable pad or slatted platform under your bed so moisture can escape.
No more waking up on a damp mattress.
5. Run Your Vent Fan While Cooking
Steam is the biggest moisture bomb.
Use your stove vent every time you boil, simmer, or sauté.
6. Avoid Drying Clothes Inside
Tempting… but disastrous.
Hang damp gear in the bathroom with a running fan or outside if possible.
7. Keep Your RV Warm But Evenly Warm
Cold corners = condensation magnets.
Use small space heaters to keep temperature consistent throughout the RV.
Bonus Tip: Check Hidden Spots for Moisture
Every winter trip, inspect:
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window sills
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under the mattress
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behind couches
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wardrobe corners
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slide seals
These are the places where moisture likes to collect quietly until mold says hello.
Conclusion: Winter Moisture Isn’t Inevitable It’s Manageable
Yes, condensation is annoying.
Yes, it makes your RV feel like a damp cave.
But with the right habits of ventilation, insulation, and moisture control you can keep your RV dry, cozy, and winter-ready.
Because winter camping shouldn’t feel like living inside a fogged-up fishbowl.
Disclaimer
This blog shares general experiences and moisture-prevention tips for RV living. Always follow your RV manufacturer’s guidelines and consult a certified technician if you suspect leaks, mold, or insulation issues. MyWaggle is not responsible for any damage or loss resulting from actions taken based on this content.