Condensation in Small Spaces-tiny house,home,RV,Van,Camper,car,reduce,control,remove,eliminate,stop

[@wearemilesfromnowhere4630]

This is a top level topic for anyone building in a small space. Your humidity levels are directly related to the temperature. Humidity is measured in grains of moisture. The higher the temperature, the more grains of moisture that the air can hold. Another factor that comes into play here is dew point. Dew point is the temperature at which condensate will form, this is why the moisture collects on conductive surfaces such as aluminum or glass or even the blanket under your cushion. For example: If the air temperature is 75° with a 50% humidity, the dew point may be 45° (estimate) therefore pretty much any surface that gets to 45° with begin to show signs of moisture collecting. That is why you see it down low where the air is cooler or on highly conductive surfaces. How to combat this is to keep your dew point as low as possible. 1. You can add heat, this raises how much moisture the air can hold before condensing. You will still get some condensation on highly conductive surfaces where the cold spots are 2. Air movement like you show is great. 3. Remove actual water from the air. There is only one way and that is by dehumidification. A dehumidifier $$. A humidity absorber that gets regenerated later, a real pain and not very effective. 4. Something that is part of any structural design is air exchange which is constantly bringing in and exhausting fresh air. Yes, it will cost you a little more heat in the winter but if you want to stay healthy, this is a must. As a matter of fact, it is part of most building codes. 1.5 air exchanges per hour is near the minimum to keep air from fostering molds. A combination of these methods will make your space healthy. Great work!!

[@timdillen]

Lots of great information - thanks for taking the time to put this together. I have been working for several months to find the right dehumidifier that is compact, effective and efficient. I am waiting on one to come in to test it out. Will compare the thermoelectric ones to the compressor ones. Found some very interesting statistics. I have been keeping my floor vent running all the time but we have now had non-stop rain for 5 days and another 3 are coming so the outside air drawn in is 100% awful. The best thing helping now is the electric space heater.

[@C4M3120N]

Thank you for sharing that!

[@C4M3120N]

These videos you made for KZbin are amazing! The way you think and work is similar to my own thought processes. You and I are definitely kindred spirits or something. I've watched quite a few videos on vehicle camper conversions and your videos are my favorite for inspiration. I'm in the early planning stages of converting my Prius to a functional habitat. I've watched countless videos on the subject. You are the first person to address moisture and mildew prevention and maintenance. Several videos from others have complained about the moisture but that is all it ever was, just a complaint. I noticed you have not posted any new videos in awhile. I hope your allergies and asthma are not the culprit and that you are doing well. This is just a sincere and genuine thank you for all the advice you left. Thank you brother!

[@yearofthegarden]

The most detailed video I have seen. I live near Seattle and everything rots. I was living in my tinyhouse while dismantling it, and I can tell you it was the worst idea. After I cracked the air seal, moisture turned every spec of debris into mildew within a week. I built a temporary tinyhouse out of a cargo trailer, and I went with aluminum flashing for interior walls. They are stapled onto cedar strip I screwed to the metal frame, iso insulation between. It is amazing how much condensation occurs overnight, I can now see it on the ceiling but is gone in 10 minutes of opening by better placed windows. This is not the warmest house because of conduction, but the aluminum acts as a space blanket and heats up the air fast by just moving around. Putting my wood stove today and it should suffice for the month until I start renting a house. 2ft aluminum flashing rolls cost the same as plywood for sq/ft, but it will never rot, and you don't have to pay for paint, plus it reflects light really well if you go with small windows.

[@KindredSpirit909]

Thank you so much! You've provided a valuable service that will help many people!

[@timdillen]

Thank you for your kinds comments and glad you found it helpful!

[@iveyivey1298]

So much work you've done and there's so many things that you need to be aware of, this build your doing calls for alot of knowledge and talent that you have, it is very educational also, I could never do this but I enjoy watching you go from nothing to something!

[@timdillen]

Thank you for your very kind comments. I knew almost nothing when i started on the Prius and each little project has helped me learn a lot of new skills I would never have taken on intentionally but became a necessity to learn due to a limited budget. You can do more than you think. Start with the vehicle parked in your driveway. So glad you are finding the videos helpful!

[@BBMeyer100]

Research using wool for curtains and blankets. I like your O2Cool fan mod. I know you don't want to cut a hole in the roof, but a fantastic fan is amazing. If you're nervous about doing it yourself, go to an RV shop and have them install it for you. They will seal it all up on the roof properly. It will vent air out or push it in, depending on your needs.

[@timdillen]

I think having the roof vent would be very helpful. Might get the nerve up to do it. Glad you liked the fan mod. Thanks for your comments and tips!

[@michaelm9621]

Your knowledge about living in small places is amazing, thank you for education everyone on this matter.

[@timdillen]

Thanks! Getting to learn a lot this winter with the wet and cold. Thank you for you kind comments.

[@debslifesimplified6406]

I to have been following you since I found your channel. I have impelemented some of your ideas into my van build as well. The windows turned out great. I'm waiting for my BoHo tapestry to come and will work on privacy from the cab of the van. I kept my window covers up for a month and no trouble with condensation on the windows they are on.

[@timdillen]

So glad the window covers worked out. The first two privacy curtains I made, I did not allow enough for the egg shape of the front of the vehicle so there was not enough material on the sides as it went to the floor. Leave about a foot of material extra on the sides, this way you can tuck it in the trim or clip the sides to something to make sure no light gets through. You can always trim then down later.

[@64maxpower]

Your camper is bad ass

[@wanderlostrvr2582]

Great info as always. I have developed minor asthma symptoms. Not necessarily related to van dwelling as I use it 3 to 5 days a week. But I’m checking your bullet points.

[@andys623]

You might want to look into making or retrofitting an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator). I've only seen one guy build one out of coroplast and used it more for soldering fume extraction. I believe this would greatly if not completely eliminate most issues in both parts 1 and 2. Just pop it into an opening window.

[@timdillen]

Sounds like an interesting project - will have to educate myself on that. Thanks for posting!

[@katherinekelly5380]

I love polar fleece vests to add an extra layer in the winter and found they shed water really well - maybe it would work for winter curtains ?

[@barbarateasley51]

Always enjoy watching your educational videos. You also have a pleasant speaking voice.

[@timdillen]

Thank you for your kind comments. Glad you are finding the videos helpful!

[@mishu3271]

Hello! What excellent coverage of a very important human health topic. Kudos! I am lucky enough (maybe) to be able like you to sense problems in the air - toxins, humidity, mould etc. Could you please do a video on how to adjust the 02 fan and show us where you mounted your digitemp thermostat and if you set it up it for heating or cooling or both. In my various humidity challenged non conditioned areas such as my shipping container, cold cellar and previously cottage with dirt crawl space for I used a chemical absorbent solution. The absolute best ones are from our Dollarama and cost 1.50 each. Forget products like damp rid - overpriced and underdelivering. Change out the containers as soon as white chemical has turned to liquid in the bottom of the container. Don’t get solution on hands or fabrics. Diligence is 👑!

[@timdillen]

I knew this video would be right up your alley! You inspired the idea and I figured you would have more to add that would be helpful for a followup video. The O2 Cool fan will be an easy video. The heating one will be a difficult one. There are people very passionate about their Buddy heaters so it has to be done meticulously so I have been putting it off. I wanted to try one of these small dehumidifiers but the comments are quite poor on their performance. I have read the same of the damp-rid and was wondering what type of chemical product would really work. What is the name brand of your chemical water absorbent?

[@mishu3271]

PSC Camper Conversions Hi again...called Damp Trap..calcium chloride. Poison. Keep the container out of reach of children and pets. When travelling put inside a plastic container in your sink. Do NOT dump into your plumbing. Bag up the finished container with liquid solution and throw it into the garbage. I’ve tried similar items like damp rid or one that came in bags you hang..waste of money.

[@timdillen]

Thanks. I'll order some.

[@rebekahleonard2884]

Thanks for this....much more info (and practical fixes!) than usually found on yt for these concerns! Journey mercies.

[@timdillen]

Glad you found it helpful! Have been trying to find the right dehumidifier for a small space, have been working on finding the right one for several months. Have one coming that I hope will work well. Should make a helpful video.

[@patrickharper9297]

Another great video that really answered a question I have been pondering

[@timdillen]

Great! Glad you liked it and thank for you post and watching!

[@papadalethebandit5619]

Great channel, PSC. New Subscriber here. Great info, thanks a bunch. Happee Trails, Papa & The Bandit!

[@timdillen]

Thanks! Great to have you along. Thanks for your kind comments and for subscribing!

[@mishu3271]

Hello 👋 there is a newbie Canadian RV channel called Living Light RV that shows you the moisture absorbers that I think might be simIlar to the ones I use in Canada. Look at their latest vid camping and rv life hacks at abt 5:51. Dollar tree...branded names will always be $$ but chemistry is the same. We don’t have this large size here. I think Lisa’s suggestion of inside cupboards is a good one especially since you are testing perimeter walls for condensate/mould. Lisa has severe asthma as well. I just missed these guys in Calgary on my last trip in October to the Rockies bc they had to leave for south of the border west coast employment in late Sept...drats! Did you manage to find some?

[@timdillen]

I subscribed to their channel and checked out the video and was helpful to know they are at the Dollar Tree. Will stop by and see if I can find them. Thanks for the tip!

[@melindamarie6139]

I got the ones from the $ tree n if it is cold at all the moisture freezes in the balls and freezes and they ruined!! I stocked up n bought 30 n can't use them. I keep it cooler because i use a Mr Buddy (propane!) which causes more dampness sooo 😵 i don't know what 2 do i don't have enough power 4 anything!

[@jhemnes1]

You will always have problems if you don't have the right insulation in your walls and have a proper gap

[@boxvango9021]

Half way through and thanks for exploring this important topic. I'm seeing a lot of Chinese knock off parking heaters on the UK market. Dry hot air heat from either diesel or gasoline, and you can tap into your vehicle's fuel supply. I would love to hear what you think about using those vs the regular Camco or Mr. Heater Buddy. Thank you again, I always look forward to your work.

[@timdillen]

Good question. I like the idea of having a diesel fired furnace for hot dry air. I have not looked very far into it as the price is so high and would have to be installed by someone who is very qualified.I have not looked into the cheap chinese ones. I have owned a Buddy and Wave and been terribly disappointed in both. There is no temperature control and all the over production of heat has to be vented. I came up with a neat modification to the DynaGlow heater that controls the 10,000 BTUs well enough to use in a van. I will make that video eventually. Will take a lot of time to make as it will upset the Buddy fans so it has to be meticulously shown and proven.

[@boxvango9021]

​@@timdillen The knock offs are attractively priced. I thought that might be a great one stop solution for heat and condensation/mold prevention in a very small package.

[@timdillen]

I'll have to check them out. Thanks!

[@scenenuf]

Do you recommend using marine based carpets and materials for camper vans and cars? Aren't they meant to be mold and moisture resistant?

[@chrisrodenbeck6327]

Luckily this is much less of an issue in Colorado. Mostly dry dry dry. Seems to be even less when camping at 10,000 ft.

[@timdillen]

That sounds nice - I live in a rain forest - like today, been raining 3 days straight. I think I need to move to Colorado!

[@chrisrodenbeck6327]

PSC Camper Conversions I have a customer in Mebane, NC that I visit frequently and it gets humid there. I imagine you get it even worse.

[@rickywright583]

Hi been following you ever since I found your Prius Camper Build . You have Awesome Ideas and Project Builds and I am planning to use these when I Retire here shortly . I probably will add a Roof Top Box ( already have ) , Bike Rack ( Electric Bike ) and maybe a rear Carrier that attaches to a Receiver Hitch ( already have ) (?) I know the car will not be as STEALTH ...... I will start looking for a PRIUS next year ( any thoughts ? ) Are you still using yours ? How is it working out ? Just curious what your Background is ..... For some reason I haven't been Receiving your POST ... Your SITE Name Changed .... ? Thanks for all of your Great Videos and Information !! Rick

[@timdillen]

Thank you for following my channel! I changed the name since I was losing a lot of subscribers who just came for the Prius and I was working on several other projects. The un-subscription rate has improved. I am curious about electric bikes. There are so many out there. Have you selected one yet? You might consider experimenting on the highway and testing the MPG numbers with and without the roof storage and also the bike rack. I would be very interested in knowing those numbers. People ask me and I don't know. There are lots of good priced Prius out there. The Gen1 and Gen2's are great. Just make sure you put the seats down on the model you select and lay down to check the fit before you buy. If you are close or over 6' this is critical. Also, hit the notification bell on my channel, that should keep you up to date. I try to post every Saturday morning at 6 am but might be less with the holidays. My background is in computers. I used to work for EDS a subsidiary of GM as a Systems Engineer. I went back to school and now work in Physical Therapy. Much more rewarding helping people learn to walk again.

[@haslundk]

@@timdillen As a physical therapist, you would be in position to be an ideal traveller. Migrate with the seasons and pocket the housing allowance.

[@timdillen]

That is exactly the plan!

[@rickywright583]

@@timdillen Hi thanks for the quick response ! There is a Professor in California that has done studies on ROOF RACKS , Surf Boards / SUP's etc and ROOF TOP BOXES Areo Dynamics ( I think roughly 5 MPG loss and up depending on placement etc ) I am a BOARD HEAD and have used ROOF RACKS for over 40 yrs ... I will try and find the Information for you. For ELECTRIC BIKE BUILD use existing Bike , Used Bike etc For a New Bike I recommend BIKES DIRECT out of JACKSONVILLE FL . They are ONLINE and have a great STORE at SAINT JOHNS TOWN CENTER Jacksonville . If you buy the Bike at the Store you get LIFE TIME TUNE UP'S ! Lots of Bike Choices and configurations / addons etc . Hands down the BEST PRICES ! Check out YOU TUBE VIDEOS of MICAH TOLL and his Books on Building Batteries and Electric Bikes also look at the Bike HOBOTECH built and many others . Bike Rack on rear of Car will have minimum effect if any ... I know I will have some questions going forward and hope you don't mind me asking .... Please let me know if I can supply any information for you . Are you going to Travel and Live Full Time out of your Converted Ambulance ? Do you follow CHEAP RV LIVING etc ? Thanks ! Rick

[@timdillen]

I really like the Cheap RV Living Channel. Thanks for the tip on the bikes. Happy to answer questions you have. I am living full time in my backyard to test out in the coldest weather conditions. Learning a lot. I plan to work contract jobs and live in the ambulance. It is the perfect size for me. I found the van conversion I did was good but wanted just a bit more space. The 8'x14' box size is just the perfect size and proportion plus has square walls which makes things so much easier to build. I still have the Prius for vacations and daily running around. I don't think I will ever get rid of that one. Love it.

[@mckeon1960]

Could you use gorilla expanding foam for insulation? Your videos are so good thank you

[@bearbait2221]

open flame propane makes lots of moisture

[@MrBlaxjax]

Wouldn't a diesel heater be good as an efficient source of 'dry' heat?I try to avoid propane, though it is useful as a backup. I liked the tip about using a good thermometer etc to assess humidity.

[@timdillen]

I would LOVE to have a forced air diesel heater - I just don't have the budget for it and would have to have it professionally installed (I fear messing that one up!). Glad you found the video helpful and thanks for watching!

[@kayg5401]

Thanks for the info!

[@timdillen]

Glad you liked it and thanks for watching!

[@jimsteele7108]

A little cubic mini wood stove with dry that box out.

[@timdillen]

Those little stoves are pretty neat!

[@jaybee4962]

Why not just buy a dehumidifier?

[@timdillen]

The problem is that the thermoelectric ones don't work, the compressor ones use too much power for a 1,500 watt extension cord power source. I have found one that is compressor based and is mid sized and only uses 150 watts. A normal one uses around 800 watts and is way too noisy and bulky. Been testing this new one for 2 weeks. Will eventually get a video out on it.

[@jaybee4962]

There are so many options as far as dehumidifiers, you are only talking about a very tiny space so a dehumidifier is such a great solution, drain it straight out the floor.

[@santafefavs]

I got the fan controller and there's a capacitor in the package. I'm not sure what to do with it. Did you figure it out? Thanks

[@timdillen]

That’s odd. I didn’t get one with mine. Not sure what it would be for.

[@santafefavs]

Thanks. I realized it had broken off the controller's circuit board in shipping. They're sending me a replacement.

[@timdillen]

Dang - I hate when a project get delayed for parts!

[@santafefavs]

I know, right? Thanks again for the tips. I like your channel.

[@santafefavs]

Hi again. I’m having trouble with this. I popped the fan cover open and I’m not sure where to attach the speed controller. Also I’m afraid to force the knob off so I can mount the controller onto the fan case. Thanks.

[@troyfowler5177]

First!