Stop Van Condensation !!!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Bubble wrap We are being asked similar questions by many people so I will answer new ones here to save time and just refer people to the pinned post. DISCLAIMER First thing I will say is use this at your own risk. We have no idea how this will pan out over time and we might ditch it for something better. We continuously improve everything we can in our van to make life easier. This is an experiment not settled science. We are not experts on condensation. LATEST UPDATE Last night I did further tests but this time I used an aluminium container (which presents a super cold surface ideal for condensation) to try and force condensation to form on it. Temperatures got down to zero but there was no condensation on that canister. This was a test using all counter measures we will be using going forwards, bubble wrap, ventilation via cracked windows, heater holding 15 deg C and a fan to keep the air circulating in the van. This morning I had almost no condensation at all anywhere I could see. WHAT CAUSES CONDENSATION The key thing to understand is that condensation forms when the temperature falls. Cold air is not able to hold as much water vapour so the warmer the air the more water it can hold before condensing. Cooking, breathing, wet clothes, leaks all cause the water vapour to increase due to evaporation. WHERE DOES CONDENSATION FORM Condensation forms on surfaces COLDER than the air so if you have no surfaces colder than the air condensation will not form. We are experimenting with bubble wrap to cover our coldest surfaces - our window glass. BEWARE HUMIDITY LEVELS The amount of water suspended in the air is known as it’s humidity level. We have a monitor in the van that measures humidity and temperature. See our affiliate link to our Amazon store if you want to see which one we use (we will get a small commission if you buy one but it won’t cost you any more. ) If air becomes trapped in a space with people inside humidity will rise. Even if the air is warm eventually you will get condensation. The answer is to get rid of the moist air. Very high humidity will dump the water on anything as it just can’t hold it in the air any more. VENTILATION Leaving the windows and air vents open. We have done this and it certainly helps in the spring and autumn when it’s not too cold. We have experienced rain being driven in even with wind deflectors so it can sometimes not be an option if you have to park with the wind hitting the side. In the winter we found we still had the condensation and used a lot more gas so now we tend to keep them shut. On this test they were all shut. Ventilation is key though so we will be cracking the windows as well going forward. HOW DO YOU BEAT CONDENSATION We can see then that we need to do a combination of things to beat it. Cover cold surfaces (carpet,bubble wrap,insulation) Keep the air temperature warm (heating that does not produce moisture) Reduce evaporation ( cover pans, open a window or use a fan to let steam out) Ventilate the wet air outside (crack your windows at night but use rain shields) We will be using all four going forwards. BUBBLE WRAP Bigger bubbles will work better for retaining heat as they create a bigger air gap. Place the bubble side to the glass as this creates a better air gap. Air does not conduct heat which is why double glazing works well. Cut it to size so that it’s able to cling to the entire surface. Bubble wrap treats a symptom i.e. water condensing onto a cold surface. The water vapour is still in the air and if it reaches 100% it will rain inside the van but it does not reach that level. If you look at the temperature monitor when the heating fails it actually shows the moisture level in the van is low when the inside temperature is only 4 deg C. We normally sleep at 15 deg C which can hold much more water Vapour. Humidity level is not the key problem, it’s the cold of the glass that is the issue. WHERE IS ALL THE CONDENSATION GOING I don’t know if the condensation is going somewhere else that I can’t see but we are carefully checking cupboards etc. Condensation needs a surface colder than the air for it to form. If there is no surface colder it remains in the air until the humidity is so high it rains. Our humidity does not get that high and with all measures in place (now tested) there is virtually none. I could be wrong which is why I say do this at your own risk. Caravans and some campers have double glazed windows that don’t suffer condensation. I can’t recall a video complaining about condensation in those set ups. OUR VAN INSULATION Our van has only 3 season insulation. We didn’t build it so I cannot say how it has been insulated. We make heavy use of it all year and touch wood have never suffered damp. When at home we air the van often on sunny days which probably helps a lot. EXTERNAL SCREENS - DOUBLE GLAZING External screens work much better at stopping condensation and keeping the heat in but we don’t use them when wild camping. If there is trouble at night we want to be able to drive off without getting out to remove screens. On our next van I would probably specify double glazed caravan style windows. These offer far superior insulation and don’t suffer condensation. They don’t look as nice but I am more interested in performance than looks which you will know if you have ever seen my sun screens 😁👍 INTERNAL SCREENS We did make some internal window screens which worked quite well. Trouble was our van is so small we found storage to be a pain during the day, especially if we wanted to pull the bed down for a kip. Bubble wrap does not take up much space. WINDOW VACS We have tried 3 different window vacs as can be seen in our early videos. We bought the professional one which can be used inverted. A window vac does not solve water pooling at the base of the glass during the night. It’s a pain to store in a van as small as ours. It needs an inverter to charge it, it consumes battery power during the worst part of the year for solar. It has much higher maintenance times and is not as quick as a microfibre cloth. SHAVING FOAM ON THE GLASS We have so far not tried the shaving cream / soap trick on our glass but I have seen a video that has and it was not successful as their windows had high levels of condensation which froze. He put a lot of effort into it as well. FANS ROOF VENTS Max fans - yes these are very useful things but our biggest strength in this camper is we can limbo under most height barriers. We are 1.94m tall and a max fan will stop us getting under 2m barriers. This is important to our style of camping so will not be fitting anything that raises our height. 👍 REFLECTIVE BUBBLE WRAP Reflectix doesn’t cling to the glass like bubble wrap so you need to use suckers or a pressure fit to hold it to the glass. The suckers create an air gap but you still get condensation because it’s not sealed. Reflectix needs a minimum 1” sealed air gap to provide insulation otherwise it provides virtually none. It is very effective at reflecting radiated heat though even without an air gap. We use it on the outside of our windows to keep heat out. We hold it in place with magnets.

[@clarasmith1873]

Very thorough answer. Thanks from Kansas

[@MamaKim.]

I watched this video where they used a certain product on the windows that had some success. Someone in the comments suggested a motorbike visor spray, that might help in conjunction with the bubble wrap. Lots of other suggestions in the comments that you might find useful kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqarn6mKr9qJrNk

[@joshable337]

I apologize but I have to ask this you probably been asked a million times but what about your oxygen levels and CO2?

[@LifeistooshortCK]

We normally sleep with the front windows slightly open for ventilation and the van is certainly not airtight. We do also have a CO2 monitor in the van.

[@joshable337]

@@LifeistooshortCK thank you for answering so quickly! I'm in Jacksonville Florida USA. Looks like the two of you are having fun. God bless.

[@adamshinbrot]

Speaking from a fractured America, let me just say what lovely people this couple are. So calm and kind.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thank you Adam ☺️

[@FreeSpiritMom]

The way you rubbed her back in the intro 😊 I’m glad you two have each other

[@gp1971]

I just turned 50. When I was younger , 50 was so far off I didn’t know if I’d ever see it. But Man did it get here quickly. Life is short. I’m starting to appreciate my time here and my family more and more. You and your wife are a great team. God bless you two. Endure till the end.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

The older we get the faster time passes. I remember joining the police in 1978 and thinking 30 years from now I can leave with a good pension. It passed in a flash. God bless you as well 👍

[@paulgray1699]

Just watch and see how fast 50 turns into 65. Don't blink, you'll miss it.

[@stevegabbert9626]

I'll be 70 in August and time passing is like a jet pack on full with no off switch. Fortunately I have this new parachute to slow things down, all I have to do is grab it and.....wait......where'd I put that thing..........oh crappppp......

[@AnhNguyen-hn9vj]

nice winter camping in a van. so relaxing.

[@paige6028]

I will be 48 in March & I reflect daily how quickly the 30s passed me by but I also remain very grateful for each day. After losing my 64yr old (young) Dad 2yrs ago I have thought of death daily. It's inevitable. We each have an "expiration date" predestined & no matter what we do to change that we can't. When our time is up that's it. Watching this beautiful couple just warms my heart & reminds me to live each minute of each day to its fullest as my Dad did. He was in a 64yr old body but maintained a fun, happy 20yr old attitude. Even 2wks before passing from liver cancer he was getting up making rounds to take breakfast to those that couldn't get out or do for themselves. I miss him dearly to say the least. When my husband & I were grocery shopping in our early 30s an older gentleman working in the store said "we're all just a speck of dust passing through...here but for a brief moment". That one statement has resonated with us so profoundly that we reference back to it often & have passed it along to those younger than us hoping it will give them food for thought as it did for us. I am new to this channel but I am very glad I stumbled upon you. I look forward to watching your past videos & those yet to come. Wishing you a Happy New Year & safe & happy travels.

[@peonni8094]

"This is our personal windsock" at 4:35 ... too funny!

[@whiskeycook3323]

My husband used to tell me that the windows would steam up due to all the hot air coming from me. Brought me smiles. He passed 12 years ago. Anyway it was nice to put my feet up n relax watching your video. I just finished roasting a variety of nuts. My daughter is coming tomorrow and we will make a couple gallons of mixed nut butter ( no peanuts)for family and friends n neighbors. Next week will be canning venison that the family hunters brought home. Thanks for the video

[@LifeistooshortCK]

We love hearing about all the things you make. Not many left with your skills these days 😁👍

[@peterallman8474]

Great, I'm off to find a recipe for a mixed nut butter, to hell with the calories. Another great vid btw Ken and Carol. Reminds me I should have a good air-through here in the house more often.

[@whiskeycook3323]

@@peterallman8474 I roasted walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts ( a few, it only takes 2 to get 100% selenium daily requirement ) sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. This is what I made up because there are family members with peanut allergies and cashew allergies. Mix any nuts, seeds that you like. Easy to make

[@biblesupportsflatearth5945]

From a corrupt evil America, it nice to see two beautiful spirited ppl, Elohim bless both of you wonderful ppl, thanks for your tip!!

[@Sushi2735]

Oh my…………,.you’ll freeze! The poor heater just gave up! 😂😂😂😂😂 Ken you are a good guy to stay up and get the heat working for your Bride! 👏👏👏👏👏 Great success with the bubble wrap!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

I only have one Bunny. Got to keep her warm 👍

[@rayfabian9488]

I cut to fit Reflectix bubble insulation to fit all the windows in my Promaster. They insulate in summer and winter, the provide privacy and reflect the hot sun in summer as well. Each panel has a smaller Velcro tab window in case I want to peek out.

[@DeeMoback]

Yup.....that works....I use those reflective things you put in your car windshield in summer.....I bought 10 of them at DollarTree for $1 each and cut them to fit my windows.... seems to work great so far 2 years..... I have them under my bedding also..... in the small area in back of my pickup truck condensation and ventilation are concerns.....YUP......tealite candles do a great job also

[@karibu1465]

Listening from Germany I love to hear native speakers. Wonderful and instructive. In times of complete crazyness about a small virus I relax and check vanlife Videos. Thanks for your wonderful storytelling. All the best for you.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Yes we are fed up of the virus stuff as well.

[@bradfordmagnetmansmicroadv2482]

i leave the windows open an inch and made by own screen and window defectors from 4 way stretch and heat wrap for my Micro Camper they also block the heat in the summer they look good too the wind helps me sleep on a night too it rocks me to sleep great video thanks for sharing

[@G8rquest]

It is wonderful to see real science in action unlike the science fiction we are getting from the...whatever they think they are. Onions and cheese please. I like the idea of camping near others yet as individuals. I suspect one reason you are valued by your subscribers is your expression of relevant factors of your circumstances with that touch of humor inferring well being. Good chemistry guys, keep it up if only to show children of the future what good nature among humanity is. Best wishes and Merry Christmas from Pennsylvania.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

There is a good feeling when parked up with others although sometimes that attracts the boy racers more I think. It costs nothing to be kind and share information and I have received more than my fair share in return. Thanks for the compliment on our style as we are just being us and how we are when the cameras are not rolling. Much easier than trying to perform all the time. Happy Christmas to you and your family 🙂

[@alanhat5252]

@@LifeistooshortCK my view is that wild campers & boy racers are looking for very similar features in parking places so, quite often, the more you see of one the more you see of the other. Boy racers have more of a preference for street lighting & wild campers are less put off by potholes.

[@NewHampshireJack]

Watching your channel for the first time from my "secret semi-retirement location" in the Philippines. Enjoyed everything you shared, the countryside, one pan cooking and a great tip on preventing excessive window condensation that will benefit both van-campers & boaters. Still, for me, the very best part was the wonderful partnership working together the two of you exhibit in all your activates.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. We are glad you enjoyed the video. Greetings to you in the Philippines 🙂

[@Sam-qh1sh]

I’m also watching them for the first time, I’m in the uk and 10 years away from retirement and I intend to spend a lot of time in the Philippines when I retire. What a small world it can be sometimes

[@debbiblakeslee2373]

Lucky you 💜

[@AndreaSladen]

What lovely people! Came to this channel thanks to a recommendation by Trist & Kez. very glad we did! Great recommendation on the bubble wrap technique - we intend to try this over this autumn/winter camping! Thank you Carol & Ken! :-) x

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Hi there. We love Trist & Kez. 👍

[@SouthFloridaThrifter]

Hopping on board for the history and general lovely sanity. Glad i found this refreshing break from somewhat typical vanlife vids👍

[@hunterluxton5976]

First time gor me to watch you guys. Very easy to watch, no silly inane banter, just straight to the point. Good work👍

[@jimisi7424]

This is a revelation. Especially for those on a budget. Excellent advice

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Great to see something relatively inexpensive can solve and aching problem. We live in our truck with a camper shell and document our travels across the U.S. We have had this reoccurring issue as well, would love to see if the bigger bubbles help out more so! We’ve just subbed to your channel. Thank you for this.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks for the sub ❤️

[@brianmi40]

Understand that they are treating a symptom, not the problem. The symptom is condensation. The problem is too high of humidity in a closed space which will lead to mold.

[@Zak_How]

That van looks so comfy cozie and there's the two of you. Wow I'm totally impressed

[@MiniLuv-1984]

What a great idea to use bubble wrap. In our old Toyota van from three decades ago, I cut a hole in the roof, attached and sealed a 80mm computer fan to the roof and then covered the whole lot with a hub cap that provided just a tad of space for air to get in between the roof and the hub cap. Never had problems with water, even in a car wash and the condensation was eliminated by running that little fan all night. Air was sucked in through the vents in the dash and other openings designed to let air circulate. I'm sure a modern quiet computer fan (larger the better) that could be made to turn slowly would be a better and quieter solution. However this did increase the heat loss on cold nights. In the summer it was fantastic, when shopping with the van closed and in full sun, normally it was an oven in the van when we got back. With the fan running it was warm but not much more than ambient. Ofcourse, living in Australia, the weather tends to be warmer and drier so the nights we experienced sub zero temperatures were very few and far between. The days we experienced 35+ oC are quite regular in summer. May that old van RIP...

[@ilovemycampervan]

I use bubble wrap on my narrowboat’s portholes. Basically it works like double glazing and keeps the heat in. Bonus is it stops any condensation too. Use the big bubbles for max effect. Good channel safe journey

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

install a small ventilation fan, job done.

[@Idefix70]

For the windows there is a special aluminium foil isolating bubble wrap. It is slightly more stiff then your bubblewrap and doesn't let any light through. But it has served me well for many years. All the best camping :-)

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks for the tip Jeroen 🙂👍

[@bahedbanger]

lovely video. you are a sweet couple. my thought about the condensation. the bubble wrap did seem to provide a little insulation, which is good. but it seems to me that, since h2o is an inevitable product of respiration and cooking, the water vapor that does not condense on the window will stay in the air, increasing the humidity. what is needed is a dehumidifier. my unheated kitchen with a gas stove was 12° with 80% humidity yesterday, so i've been thinking of a dehumidifier.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Dehumidifiers are great if you have mains power but not that practical if your using battery power in the van. My parents used to use them in a very old house and they certainly worked well.

[@agentleebs]

My tip - when you drive off on that blue sky morning, make sure the vehicle heating system is set to let outside air in. Crank the heat up to maximum and briefly open the windows fully as you drive. The goal is to let the hot dry air absorb moisture from the inside, and then evacuate all that air to repeat the process. Hang your bedding outside when you can, and ventilate, ventilate, ventilate at every stop when it is a clear day like that.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Good advice 👍

[@jamatoke]

Mark rober will show you the science behind this advice

[@ivenow]

Condensation will be a forever topic in vanlife I suppose. When I still had my campervan, I furst tried to fight condensation by e.g. preventing it to fog up my windows. However, I read and came up with the idea that condensation on windows is actually not that bad (only if you are not stealthcamping and people may not know that you are inside the van) The reason i dont mind condensenation on my van windows is that, as other people also mentioned, condensation/water in the air will always be there if you live in such a confined space, no matter how hard you try to combat it. This moist in the air is only visable when it condensates in colder surfaces, such as windows. The point is that if you use any covers on your windows, may be it bubblewrap or other covers, it only prevents the moist air from condensating on -that- surface. However, if it then doesnt condensate on these covered windows, it will by itself find the next cold place to condensate on and release its moisture. And that next place might not be as visable like windows, but all the nacks and cracks where your van isolation ist just perfect, or inside your cupboards. On these places, it can be hard to discover that build up moisture, which over a long time can create mould or even rust! So what i would do is keep the windows free from covers (unless you want to isolate it against freezing temps outside), so the moist air can have a visable place to condensate on, which you can easily spot, remove and control. Furthermore, ventilation is key obviously but that everybody knows. Cheers! Ivo from Holland.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

All sound information. I answer these questions in the pinned post and explain what we will actually be doing once the testing is over. Last night I did further tests and this time used an aluminium container to try and force condensation to form on it. Temperatures got down to zero but there was no condensation on that canister. This was a test using all counter measures, bubble wrap, ventilation, heat and a fan to keep air circulating. This morning I had almost non at all anywhere I could see. 👍

[@ivenow]

@@LifeistooshortCK oh thats great! I love your experimenting attitude, and even we get to learn along the way as well. Hope you guys are doing fine, wish you all the best.

[@stephenlord599]

@@LifeistooshortCK it’s going somewhere though .. I use a dual approach with a home made window fitting vent. It’s a piece of aluminium cut so I can wind the window down and fits inside the window track then overlaps at the bottom so when you wind the window back up it’s as secure as a window. I could have used something else than aluminium but I like the metal as it provides a visual deterrent. In this I have 2 85mm holes into which I can mount 12v PC fans (these Are low power and quiet) and have a mosquito/ midge proof stainless mesh on the outside. These can expel the moisture laden air quite effectively and are at the top of the window where the humidity will be highest. When cooking I have a big 12v extractor fan (for a boat) this is in the middle of two sets of hose so one goes over to cooking and the other has a old 12v fan casing that attaches to one of the fans on the window attachment. That fan is then not powered but just gets rotated by the big fan This is noisy but very effective …I also use it drying clothes/shoes/boots that can be placed in a bag open at the other end to let warm air in. (I use a bag from an electric drier but you could really use anything if you can keep an open inlet )

[@LifeistooshortCK]

@@susanspink707 at the top of the comments.

[@spwim]

Exactly my idea Ivo. I was actually thinking about inventing / putting a "condensation"-catcher. (not sure if that exists already) But the idea is that you purpose-fully create a cold surface where the moist air can condensate, i thought about a thermal bridge. The surface should be so the weather can easily flow down from and drip into some plant pots. The plants pick up the moisture and re-humidify the place in dryer times. Just an idea haha

[@antheawitts1121]

Just came across your video and I would just like to say that I think you to are great - very considerate of each other. Also your explanation of what your doing, why and the instruments/dials you and using is spot on. Hope you keep enjoying your lovely camper van. Stay safe 🚐🎥🇬🇧

[@juliewilliams3549]

I am going to try this, thank you! I just want to say that it warmed my heart to watch you two. The love you share is evident and I only hope to find the same. Blessings!

[@barba5537]

Lovely video. Your team work is exceptional. I have a small sprinter van, I love how we can talk about vans forever.. Meeting new people on the road often gives me new ideas. Happy travels

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks Barb 🙂

[@robertschulke1596]

Lovely presentation. Do consider that what doesn’t condense on the glass will condense somewhere else. Some sort of dehumidification would be a great help.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

See the pinned comment for full details 👍

[@simonseddon5270]

Yes bubble wrap is excellent, so far I have lined half my metal shed.Also on the ceiling which is white plastic.I just did several layers and liquid nails to hold in place. Excellent for condensation and use it on windows in a porch.Also a good insulator.Many more condensation free trips Simon Seddon 🇬🇧😀

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Good to know!

[@maryg.249]

The bubble wrap will be used next spring when we go out on our first adventure in our camper. Such a great tip. You both looked very cozy in your winter gear. We are still experiencing very warm temps here in Iowa. Tomorrow will be 67* F. Unheard of for our neck of the woods!! You’re getting our winter. The best to you adventurous peoples! Mary

[@LifeistooshortCK]

May you have a mild one 😁👍

[@AndyJHiscock]

ahh so its tuck tuck tuck as you roll - thats wher eIve been going wrong... Great series and great little camper - a real tardis!

[@sherried79]

Thank You kindly for this video and the text explanations above. I can't tell you how many videos I have watched searching for answers about condensation and how to deal with it. None of them really explained the process and what truly works. I will be moving into my van at the end of June and I want to be as prepared as possible. I did make reflective window covers with a foam core of insulation but they are more about the heat and cold than the condensation and I wasn't sure how well they would work before making them a permanent addition.i have a Toyota minivan and I haven't decided if I will be getting the walls to insulate or not but i was thinking of making a wall with insulation and a vapor barrier to use as curtains. I'm not sure if it will work but I will try it out once I get it sewn together. 😊 You have a beautiful country! Happy trails!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

External thermal blinds work the best but not a good solution for wild camping as you have to get out to remove them. Any insulation in the walls will pay you back over and over hot or cold 👍

[@Cruzinsusan5101]

How interesting about that bubble wrap. Great idea. And how interesting to see how many cars/vans are parked along side of a fence in the cold of nearly winter. Love that van. Wish we had those here in the States. Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed.

[@lifewithnana6958]

We do I just found them at a Nissan dealer you by them stripped and have it built to spec of diy

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Recon Campers make them over there 👍

[@ftkinsella]

First time viewer from Canada looking for tips on keeping warm in a van. We are contemplating a purchase of a new van for traveling around Canada and the US. Thanks for the valuable information. Cheers!!!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Excellent Insulation, double glazed windows where you can, midge netting and a decent 12v system you will have no worries.

[@stephbirdiejames17]

Hello from Florida. I'm a NEW subscriber!! You both are so lovely and I find it so sweet how you interact with your beautiful wife. Your content was great and loved the scenery. Scotland is on my travel bucket list and winter camping is on my bucket list for 2024.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Welcome. We fancy some snow camping at some point. We see a bit of Southern Scotland in our shake down trip. Hope you get to visit 👍

[@johnmelling9950]

I've got an nv200 Valeting van and have a condensation problem with all the liquids and dampness in the van. Tesco sell some reusable dehumidifier bags that really do help. You put them in the microwave when they fill with moisture and then you can reuse them again. You would perhaps need 4-6 in a camper van, placed around the front and rear. They really do help.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks for the tip John.

[@dannyw6854]

football sock filled with kitty litter absorbs excess moisture. will need replacing monthly though

[@redroutemaster]

Drying in an oven may remove the moisture and reuse...minus the sock of course. 🧦

[@soomay9855]

Uncooked rice also works.....

[@nothingnobody6688]

@@soomay9855 and rice is good for tool boxes my daughter even put her phone in it after it got wet yes raw rice dies draw moisture and her phone did work she pulled it apart left it in over nite xxx Australia here

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

That remind me that I save the silica beats from packages and boxes and all kinds of stuff and put them unpacked in cheap ankle nylons.and close the with a knot and put the pouches on clothes racks, shelves, with foods and basically where moist is. The cat litter is great for bigger ares I think. I use that too when I’m out of silica packs.

[@MsMadrid18]

I bought my van from Sussex camper car too. It should be ready early next year. Thank you so much for all the ideas and information I am getting from you both. Very useful!!!❤

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks for watching Marina. We wish you fun and safe travels in your new campervan when it arrives 🙂❤️

[@mygypsyadventure3610]

I live in Seattle Wa USA and just discovered your KZbin channel. I am now a fan!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks for your lovely comment. Glad you enjoy our channel. Greetings to Seattle 👋😀

[@Sushi2735]

Great new blue jacket! Hope you two are well! This is so interesting! You hear about condensation from campers to tents! Everyone complains unless you have AC. Allot of work to put it up every night, but the insulating properties are wonderful for cold nights. Carol making breakfast wraps! Yum! I make those with everything but slice Avocado on top!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

We line only the rear windows these days and it stays in all winter 👍

[@Sushi2735]

@@LifeistooshortCK how clever of you! Amazing how well it worked!

[@the-other-windsors]

Another informative video again, thanks for sharing. It's great that the campervan/motorhome fraternity are always open to share ideas. We have problems mainly with the windscreen, as we have internal thermal blinds. It's unfortunate that the windscreen one is so heavy that the suckers struggle to keep it in contact with the screen, allowing the moisture behind it. As others have suggested, we leave the cab windows cracked open (with wind deflectors) but do agree, not always possible and I'm like Carol, always have a blanket too.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

It’s the slope of the front screen that is the challenge. We made one last year but gave up on it in the end as it didn’t actually stop the condensation as there was no seal around the gap caused by the suckers and it was just to big to handle in our little van when not in use. I think there is a killing to be made if someone would produce inflatable screens that can cling to glass. 😁👍

[@the-other-windsors]

@@LifeistooshortCK yes, the slope is definitely the issue on the front screen. I thought I'd had a good idea when we got our berlingo. Used the supplied screens that came with our boot jump as a template. Then cut down our autosleeper blinds, sticked them together (took an age) meaning we could have them on the window either way, silver or black side, in or out..talk about rid for my own back..so cumbersome, Bernie absolutely hates fighting with them each night, but we have no cab curtains and don't talk to me about storing them!!!

[@endeavour2968]

That was an interesting video, I’m tempted to try this onboard boat, only negative point, I’d suggest you wipe off excess water, condensation, off the plastic before rolling up otherwise you risk mould growth, and this could lead to respiratory issues but well done 👏👏👍

[@alanhat5252]

that mould growth definitely happens :-(

[@sylviapage8572]

It’s always interesting watching your videos. This is such a difficult problem to solve. We had the same problem in our narrowboat and it’s a regular topic of conversation on their forums. Obviously the coal or log stoves help to dry out the air on the narrowboats. Thanks for sharing your findings.

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

install a ventilation fan, problem solved.

[@sylviapage8572]

@@s1dew1nd3r4 yes, I think max fan is the way to go for me.

[@vanscran1672]

Hi, unfortunately I have double glazing in my van so I can't try it out. You will need good ventilation in a van of that size especially with two of you in the uhre regardless of temperature, this is so that you don't partially suffocate and breath too much co2. An air change every 20 min max is about the limit in that space to stay healthy. Thanks for doing the video, very good. 🤔🤔🤔😀😀😀👍👍👍

[@debbiedebbie9473]

Do you get window condensation with double glazed windows ?

[@countrysidewalker17]

Brilliant. I shall be buying some bubble wrap for our caravan. Thank you.

[@Kat-nl5gh]

Wow those breakfast burritos looked amazing! I’m going to give them a try and will add some cheese to them as well 😋 Thanks for sharing this delicious idea 🙌

[@harrythehymersholidays]

You are braver people than we are! I used to teach at the lovely little school in Firle, and there’s no way you’d have got me up the beacon with a storm brewing! Love the cooking tips. I’ve just added wraps to my shopping delivery to give them a try while away, this weekend. 😊 Best wishes and happy travels, from Suzie and Alan.

[@stevezodiac491]

Watch bushman and blue in the storm !

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Yes now that’s what you call a storm and I really enjoyed that episode. I notice that anyone who makes videos like that have to put disclaimers at the front to counter all the hate mail they get. I wish we could get back to a time when we can just accept personal risk. There is no legal obligation for anyone to have to come to your rescue if it’s too dangerous and I remember when I was in the police that police cars were often taken off the road when it got too dangerous to be driving around.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

We enjoy a good storm but I know my limits 😁👍

[@dawnyWestScotland]

We live on top of a hill in Scotland and the wind was scary, power cut too but candles and matches at the ready! Have a great evening!

[@xvsupremacy7190]

We bought woolly hats from Aldi with a torch 🔦 built in they are great.

[@dawnyWestScotland]

@@xvsupremacy7190 I’ve seen those, quite handy when camping ⛺️

[@therookeryvanlife5612]

Hello from Orlando, Florida, USA. This is the first video I have seen from you. Thank you for sharing this experiment. I am looking forward to checking out your other videos!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thank you. Hope you enjoy our channel. Greetings to Orlando 🙂🇺🇸

[@michellechapman6961]

Very good informative video. I had a bit of a giggle when you left the box outside, a couple of years back we left the remote control for the caravan mover on the cover of the towing hitch and drove all the way from Knutsford Cheshire to the other side of Birmingham and it still was exactly as we had left it 😂 so flipping glad it wasn’t me that had forgotten to put it back inside😊. Stay safe, keep warm

[@LifeistooshortCK]

That would have been expensive if it had dropped off 😁👍

[@alanhat5252]

a friend of mine once left a mug of coffee on the wing of his Land Rover (invisible past the spare wheel). It was apparently very cold when he found it again.

[@goldenglowladore3842]

Excellent condensation solution and presentation. The kind conversation you to share is heartwarming 💖. Love from BC, Canada 🇨🇦.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks for watching 🙂👍

[@cammoguy2]

Came to check out the bubble wrap experiment and learned a recipe for breakfast burritos, as we call them here in the colonies. Heading for the kitchen now. Thanks for the idea!!!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks for watching. Enjoy those burritos 😋😀👍

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Thank you, and Cha Lee, so much for braving the cold and wind to bring us this information. It did an amazing job. Did the vehicle start cooling down quickly as you started removing the bubble wrap?

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Not really as by then we are ready to move and the engine is warming up.

[@TrippinTraci]

I’m preparing for a long road trip in my Nissan NV200 camper van. Thank you for sharing this information!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

You’re welcome Traci. Have a great trip 😀👍

[@TrippinTraci]

@@LifeistooshortCK thank you!

[@Gmaillorraine]

Thanks for the video. We just ordered a Ridge Monkey from Amazon UK and had to pay nearly as much to ship to the USA. They are not available over here. More video of your usage is appreciated as its helping us get excited when we start travelling.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

So many people from the USA want them its a surprise they have still not got a distributor. There are facebook groups dedicated to using them 👍

[@myrnakozlowski9224]

I saw your video for the first time and I enjoyed how you conducted the bubble wrap experiment - very real. I do not have a van, but enjoy watching van shows on KZbin. I saw a fulltime van dweller who lives in Canada (Chrome on Vancity Vanlife) and he had a Karcher window vacuum, which easily sucked up the condensation from the windows. We get condensation on our single pane windows and I was sick of wiping the windows down in order to prevent mold. I bought the Karcher window vacuum and have used it a couple times. Not cheap (about $85 US on Amazon) but compared with my time and effort of wiping the windows, it was well worth it. It has other attachments to wash and then vacuum windows, but I'm not interested in that use. An Amazon reviewer had my same single-pane window problem and said it worked for him. The rechargeable lithium battery only lasts about 20 minutes, but that's enough time to get my 11 windows done. One con: The large blade on the suction head doesn't get all the way into the corners, but that's only a small section for me to wipe manually. Not sure if you want to invest in the cost for the Karcher device, but seems like the bubble wrap, while working, is rather time consuming. However, I'm sure if you continue to use this, you'll find an efficient way to apply it.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Hi Myrna we bought a window vac and its certainly good at sucking the water off the windows. A little more challenging on the front screen which is angled but the real problem we had with it is our side and rear windows are too small for the blade. We ditched it in the end as it also took up precious space inside the van and as you say it needs frequent recharging.

[@myrnakozlowski9224]

@@LifeistooshortCK Yes, I thought about that because of the blade size, which is the same problem with some spots on my house windows. Premium van space compared with the other vandweller who had this device, but also had more space, makes your ditching it understandable. I had to find a storage place for it and we have a sticks and bricks home! Safe travels and I look forward to viewing more of your videos.

[@NinjaBooKitty]

Weirdos Unite! 😍

[@patrickpirelli7897]

Three damp traps from the pound shop work for us plus leave us windows open and inch to alow air flow, my fletna vent helps too

[@nanalcd5628]

This must be from the British. Yes, life is too short, choose a simple way to live. Thank you for the information. Notice: you two are such a matching couple, doing things together...lovely and respect each other...happy ending.. from Oregon, USA.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thank you for such a lovely comment. Greetings to Oregon, USA 😀

[@haroonnawaz4702]

I love the scenery and the history

[@vickilindberg6336]

In the U.S. we've heard of dampening the flat side of the bubble wrap & applying it to house windows for winter insulation. When I mive I'll also be cotting the bubble wrap I use for miving & applying it to apartment windows until I can find permanent coverings that work.

[@vanexploradora]

Nice experiment ! Sending to you some Florida Virtual Heat . Excellent Content . Cheers from Fort Lauderdale Florida USA !

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks, we could do with some of that Florida sun ☀️ 😀👍

[@janetfolkerts5827]

Thank you for sharing your experiment and your experience with 'bubble wrap'...I live in FL -USA, and I am a 'wanna-b RV'r' and hope that I never have to experience such cold temps. But I will most likely be in places and times that your valuable experiment will be utilized to prevent condensation, again, THANK YOU for sharing.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

You’re welcome Janet. Thanks for watching 🙂👍

[@EnhancedFocus]

Cool video, nice to see testing not just someone saying so - got to help with insulation too - looks like condensation reduced by 80% plus , and that’s first time trying it , with a bit of practice you could get it better - brilliant little hack :)

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Without a doubt it needs tweaking. Tonights video we tweak some more and find it needs one more step 👍

[@bearallb]

I'm in British Columbia 🇨🇦 so weather is very similar to yours. I have a cargo van that I've converted, its a work in progress. I hardly have any condensation on the windows or any where in my van. I have a maxxair fan for exhausts and a diesel heater to keep warm but I have my windows open just a little bit. I put reflectix insulation on my windows but I have a gap at the top of the reflectix so heat can escape out through the open window. Hopefully you understand what I was trying to say. I mostly get a tiny bit of condensation on my front windscreen.👍👍 it's great to see all the tips and tricks in the comments👍

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

I actually cackled out loud at the ‘personal windsock’. 🤣

[@LifeistooshortCK]

If we make someone laugh we are happy 😁👍

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

@@LifeistooshortCKOh, yes. It was a good laugh. I do love a good bit of dry humour. 😊

[@Hebrews_3]

That wrap looked really good thanks for the inspiration

[@LifeistooshortCK]

You are so welcome 🤗

[@dangerdavefreestyle]

i had to take screenshots of that kitchen. it is top notch.

[@cbear9263]

Oh goodness. . .to our cousins across the pond, it's. . . "HOUSTON, we have a problem." I really enjoy your video 🙂 ~A distant American cousin from across the pond 😊

[@lisadefries6718]

It’s the simple pleasures that make a great life . Like wild camping and a hot brew of tea and hot meal with a great view out of your camper window after a brisk walk 😊

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Totally agree Lisa 😀👍

[@assassinjane]

Ahoy Pirates! :D Bubble wrap, aye! I'd love to be covered with that, haha! Used to play with it as a kid a lot (cheap toy for a highly creative child). Happy for your improvement, folks! Keep going! bear hugs, Captain of the good old Blackthorne

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks Kata 🙂👍

[@sshaw4429]

There is a bubble wrap with silver on each side. I use it in my camper, Honda Element. Wish my husband liked to camp.

[@AlamoCityCello]

Great video guys! Lovely, thoughtful and useful. Your a cute couple!

[@flapbean]

Local like minded folk! Hello + 1 sub. Came for a look at your van, and lo and behold you’re at one of my favourite spots round the corner! 😀

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Ha, it’s a small world 😁 Thanks for watching and subbing 👍🙂

[@historiccornwall]

Fab video thank you I have a transit converted and stay overnights out and about, and will most definitely try this as I have been using a window vac, have subscribed and look forward to following your videos.

[@gastrictipple27]

God Bless you both ✌️♥️😘🙌 . First time watching your Chanel and with in ferty seconds I subscribed and liked . Love you too so much can't wait to see more

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Cheers 👍

[@suekniveton2995]

Brilliant idea and what a massive difference an essential piece of kit from now on and cheap too thanks for sharing 👍 😀

[@martaparsons5633]

Your video is interesting. I like how Cozy your van is.

[@raymondray8672]

Loved the personal windsock🤣

[@adelarsen9776]

1) I must thank you for creating this video as it has helped me to think about my next big trip. 2) Is your van lined with insulation for noise or thermally for heat retention ? How winterised is your vehicle ? 3) With the use of the bubble wrap, What happens to the moisture ? It's still being produced and it just doesn't magically disappear. Since it's not bonding to the windows via static electricity, Where's it ending up ? 4) I wonder if there's a better way or a superior use of physics we can try to eliminate the use of plastic bubble wrap and solve the condensation conundrum ?? There appears to be 2 issues - Insulation and reduction of moisture inside the conveyance.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

I think our van is 2 season in respect of insulation but it can be kept warm with the heater. With external wraps it would be much better but no good for wild camping. I am no expert on condensation. Granted its still being produced but it needs a cold surface to condense. No cold surface then surely it remains in the air until it rains ? We used to get a lot of condensation on our water tank last year so I lined that with a foam cover which stopped it. What I would really like to try is inflatable screens that can cling to the glass. These would give a bigger air gap and be simple to store. I wonder if I could make my own ?

[@adelarsen9776]

@@LifeistooshortCK I've looked into it and the solution is double glazed windows. Even the windscreen can be double glazed. But I can hear you asking already "How bloody much is that?". Answer : Expensive. There is 2 questions to ask here : 1) How far does one go ? 2) Since it's camping, How bad is the problem and can we put up with a little inconvenience ? If you want no dirt, no grime, no condensation and no noise then stay home. Obviously this is not appealing. My suggestion is finding a balance between cost (outlay) and inconvenience. I'm not sure if I've added to the discourse or merely elongated the conversation.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

@@adelarsen9776 you hit the nail on the head when you said it’s camping. A campervan is just a luxurious tent on wheels which is why we don’t bother with all the additional stuff. Bubble wrap solves the water pooling issue and that is as far as we needed to go really. 😁👍

[@adelarsen9776]

@@LifeistooshortCK You know what they say. Go first class or stay at home. Next time add some smoked ocean trout to the ham and egg wraps.........

[@paulb7200]

In terms of questions 3 and 4 the condensation answer boils down (pardon the pun) to the fact that warm air or warmer air has the capacity to hold more moisture than cold or colder air. As the warmer air in the van reaches the cold window it is cooled and therefore at that point releases some of its moisture (held invisibly when in the warm air of the van) on the glass surface in the form of condensation. Effectively the bubble wrap or double glazing provides extra insulation which reduces the temperature difference to the point that the air at the new surface does not drop to a temperature or dew point where it releases its moisture in visible form as condensation. Hope that helps 👍

[@TheRollingRucks]

Hi both great video, our first time watching, lovely park up and bubble wrap idea 💡 fab thank you

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Hi Charlie and Stuart. Thanks for watching. Take care 🙂👍

[@Bella-wl6fn]

Good hack for the condensation, it made me wonder if your bubble wrap could be glued down to one side of that silver Reflectix window covering after cutting to size. Then, perhaps u could also add a fabric glued binding around each window cover sandwich. This would make it quick to put the covers up or take down.The quilt store sells pre-made binding in different widths. I'm sure diy covers like these would last you one year. Thank you also for recording while you drive, it is so beautiful where you are, just loved this video 🤗

[@LifeistooshortCK]

We did make some window blinds which worked quite well. Trouble was our van is so small we found storage to be a pain during the day, especially if we wanted to pull the bed down for a kip.

[@andrewrose6536]

O have build a lot of vans to live in, now I put wind deflation on the front doors and drop the windows about an inch, and hang floor to roof curtains and in the winter or for privacy I use double foiled buble rap, from a builders merchant with window sucker caps and a good microfiber cloth,

[@DerickAguinaldo]

Hello from San Diego, California. Thanks for the video. Nomad Nurse here.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Hi. Thanks for watching.

[@bjdc6577]

Hi to you both. I have a self built Merc Sprinter conversion and also a VW T6 camper conversion. In the Sprinter I don't get any condensation as have 2 roof fans fitted (1 pulls in whilst the other extracts). On my VW I too have had issues with condensation. The best fix I found was using an external windscreen cover as get almost none at all then. It's not very stealth but does that really matter as if your van is covered in condensation it's a huge giveaway to it being occupied. The external screen/door covers are simple to put on and remove. Keep up the good videos 👍🏼

[@LifeistooshortCK]

External screens can’t be beaten but not good if you need to make a hasty retreat when stealth camping. We just don’t have any room for them either. Fans would be good but our very low roof line let’s us get in some really low spaces. We went through last winter with homemade screens which were better than nothing but a pain to carry 👍

[@neilmckay8649]

@@LifeistooshortCK my thought is that fans don't have to be on the roof. Floor and side fans are available. Floor fans likely quieter too.

[@barumman]

Sorry I haven't watched all your comments so I expect others have already said it, Your windows are acting as dehumidifiers, If you stop it there it will condense somewhere else causing more trouble in places where it is not visible. I enjoy your videos, Best wishes.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

See the pinned comment for all the things we do 👍

[@jeffwagg]

Love this idea and mentioned it (and your channel) on my podcast this week., Thanks for sharing your travels with us! - Jeff Wagg

[@CamperVanya]

That’s really interesting and not something I’d heard of before so thanks for sharing it and such a thorough test. The double layered window did look to be noticeably better. 👍

[@LifeistooshortCK]

It did perform better but more faff to use. I am going to tinker some more to see if I can improve it. Double thickness is heavier so might be more difficult to make it cling.

[@CamperVanya]

@@LifeistooshortCK Maybe just a single layer of bigger bubbles might suffice. Be interested to see your comparison results 👍

[@janine7418]

What a sweet Vlog and a charming couple.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks Janine ☺️

[@someoneelse7629]

Fill an old sock with fresh cat litter and leav it on the dashboard over night, it will absorb all moisture. You could place more socks in the van too, one under each window...

[@alanmadden771]

Very good test. I want to try this on my RV. Liked your video. First time watching will be looking for your next video.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Welcome aboard Alan, thanks for watching 🙂

[@karenleedom3354]

I am so pleased to meet you both, a lovely couple! Thank you for an informative videio, I've just subscribed😊

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Thanks for subscribing Karen it really helps our channel. Great to have you onboard 🙂👍

[@cannymoose]

Gardeners have been using bubblewrap in greenhouses for years. Works very well.

[@joannastryker1151]

Enjoyed thus about the bubble weao idea but more importantly I finally learned how to role up a proper burrito.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

😂

[@jaynekittycat9252]

Have you got those stick on front window shields. With those, you can pull down the front windows, a tiny bit to let air in, if it rains water wont get in. I saw a van life video, who attached them to the side windows. Made a big difference. I have a Unibond aero 360, dehumidifier in my bedroom. It costs 8 pound from B@M Stores. Its a unit, with a tank and a top part with a door which holds a inch thick chalk like wheel. The wheel absorbs the condensation, and the water drops into the tank. It also absorbs odours. It starts to work after a few hours. Try that as well, but those side window shields are great.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Yes we have the shields. Thanks for the tips 👍

[@TheMarine1967]

Thank you, Sir. I will try to use bubble wrap in my van to help with condensation.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

You’re welcome. Glad to be of help ☺️

[@roadtriplover.]

So happy I saw this. In the States, we use a bubble wrap material called Reflectix, which is silver and reflects heat. As a result, it’s often used in both cold and hot temps. It does appear your doubled-up window faired better than those with a single layer. I’ve input only one layer in my windows, but I may try 2 layers, given your experiment. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Hi. We use that to keep the heat out in the summer and it works great. I put it on the outside of the van though held on by magnets and it is 100% effective then. It does not cling to the windows like bubble wrap does so it has to be a pressure fit.

[@amandamundy3764]

Great idea might use this in my greenhouse!

[@valerieseddon8470]

I have found the Karcher window vac brilliant for getting rid of condensation, also you can buy a usb cable to charge on the go,. Doesn't stop condensation but gets rid of it in a jiffy.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Agreed. Our windows are a bit too small for one and storage was the big issue for us. 👍

[@marielouiseweeksb33attitud33]

So cozy in there. Wonderful