Moisture Is Van Life's BIGGEST Problem | VENTILATION and CONDENSATION

Condensation inside your van is a Huge concern and the answer is pretty simple. AIR FLOW. Today we chat with my friends at Ray Outfitted and talk about condensation and ventilation living in a van. When it comes to living off grid your new tiny home is going to face moisture problems if you don't think about ventilating your small living space.
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Purchased Aug 16th 2017 with 165,000 KMS (Paid $6500)
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[@davidzimmerman8169]

He looks like he’s being held hostage haha

[@rpoer]

Wondering if he wears the short pants, she the long.

[@albertanasoul]

@@rpoer nope, he is the introvert and she the extrovert. I can totally relate to him. He is just not as comfortable in front of the camera as she is. My guess anyways...

[@jeremeyfox6162]

He's blinking Morse code

[@CamperVanDreamBuild-ct5pl]

They're so cute together!! I like how she is so much more comfortable talking and expressing herself on camera, but still gives him the opportunity and encourages him to talk. Beautiful couple!

[@myfunart]

I'll be darned, I actually did something right in my DIY van build. I have plenty of gaps to allow air flow behind the walls, ceiling, bed, etc. in my build. lol.

[@izzimichaels2892]

dont ya love when a "plan" comes together?! lol

[@guachingman]

the first will be the last

[@pavel9652]

I don't believe it works unless you blow hot air into these gaps. Sure, airflow under the bed is great, but if humid air gets between insulation and metal surface and the temperature outside is below dew point, not even mentioning freezing temp, water vapor will inevitably condense on the metal just as it does on glass and won't evaporate for a long time. It might even freeze on the internal side of metal surface. For the context, I am concerned about high humidity weather in UK or Ireland.

[@CSgof___yourself]

Water vapor will 100% condenser behind even air gapped walls. I purposely left a piece of my tongue and groove off to prove this. I made sure everything is off the metal and then keep my roof vent open and windows cracked even during winter which seems to help

[@itsthejourney6470]

Thank you thank you thank you, I worked construction for 20 years. I have the vapour barrier in my pile of building materials for the van. A mistake you saved me from doing.

[@nemobuscaptain3245]

WOW!!!! A vanlifer actually camped in his van and learned the real problem is circulation not insulating (with wool :rolleyes:) and $5000 solar power systems.

[@CherylFlynn1]

This moisture problem has always been a concern of mine with van Living. Many thanks for posting.

[@larryhicks9093]

I was working a hour outside the city. On my way home I seen a abandoned yard . In it was a 1990s house trailer. It was all rotted out . So some guy had a dream to get away from the city bought a nice place got a trailer. His heat source was propane . It looks like they stayed 6 years . That is how long it took to get moldy and get them sick . They had to move back to the city . But if they had known about condensation most likely they would have still been there happy and healthy.

[@vickimathews1970]

so true, thank you for using common sense and actual experience, this is really appreciated, sometimes I think engineers and van builders are going too far trying to plastic wrap/bubble wrap their vehicle and seal up all the external door plugs so it becomes impossible for the inevitable moisture to get out like you have said, it makes sense to let it breathe. A house has vents built in the brickwork, just like a vehicle has the D pillar vents, it's so simple to understand really, especially when there's lovely people like yourselves teaching via these videos.

[@ramonsabordo5994]

One of the most informative videos I have ever seen anywhere on the net. Great info 👍👍👍

[@steveffuksake]

Great video,tho if it's raining or even damp outside, sucking in and blowing damp air out isn't going to help the moisture problem, best thing I have found for moisture problem is a desiccant dehumidifier.

[@georgefenrich4119]

7:54 MAXX AIR Roof Vents are THR BEST! They're quieter, more speeds (10) and have a Built-in rain Cover!

[@guachingman]

what s amazing to me is that all those companies that make ceiling vents and skylights still havent figured out what people really need, its not like mobile living has just started

[@helenellsworth9556]

I live in Australia and look for videos just like this, i have a wagon, and starting to deck it out, these videos are a godsend

[@rayne7340]

I used an espar dry heat diesel heater and opened my roof vent in the winter. Tried all kinds of things but would have condensation on the windshields even with insulated covers. Then had water draining like a faucet from the ceiling when I finally moved the vehicle after a month. Had everything checked, no leaks in the roof of my brand new sprinter. It was all condensation ! Now I run a small dehumidifier when I’m hooked up to shore power. No more rain the the van!

[@blessedbeyond2118]

Madison is so well spoken and her knowledge of their business blows me away I love how Rayner (sorry if i spelled wrong) Just lets her Talk and then he pipes in occasionally ..He is super intelligent and when I am fortunate enough to listen to them talk about van life ...I almost can understand ...i say almost because electric is so confusing..But they take the time to break it down...I can understand why Chrome has such a special place in him for them....They are a beautiful couple inside and out and rayners eyes ...OMG!!! Thanks for always taking the time to help us understand!! Blessings to you both and Chrome and Cruzy Love You weirdos!!!!!

[@CherylFlynn1]

Traci Losee. I hear you. However, women don’t ever need permission to talk. I think they are respectful of giving each other opportunities to contribute to the conversation.

[@VANCITYVANLIFE]

Raynor is the mechanical knowledge behind it all. Madison has the gift of presentation to bring it all together. They are a great team.

[@DiogenesNephew]

​@@CherylFlynn1 🙄

[@helenellsworth9556]

Ones an introvert, the other is the extravert, I'll let you guess which one is which

[@jimr3026]

Great info. Moisture when living in a small space is a constant problem which can lead to mold and mildew. Mold spores can make your home toxic and ruin your health.

[@suerobbins4529]

Love those two! Thanks for having them on.

[@samisunshine4509]

I love when you have Madison and Rainor in your videos, they are awesome fun people by themselves even if they didn't have a Vanlife business. That they DO have a Vanlife business and are willing to share so much experience and knowledge is so awesome!!!! So no worries Chrome, I love all four of you!!! Thank you, and Madison and Rainor for the awesome videos!!!

[@Breezemike]

Been living in my van 4 10yrs in Europe and Australia & found this video so informative...well done 👍

[@sgsuper1150]

Ventilation in the UK during 4 months of winter may cause condensation as it holds almost 100% moisture some days. Alternative method like dry heat and dehumidifier are essential.

[@pavel9652]

I was hoping for someone from UK to comment on this issue. I have been living in Ireland for many years and condensing dehumidifier was the best purchase I made early on. I will be moving into a large van in the summer and I am planning to take dehumidifier with me for winter season. It drains about 260 watts and requires inverter. Condensing water vapor takes the same amount of energy as boiling water, but I should be able to run it for 2-3 hours a day and still have a decent autonomy in poor weather. Decent dehumidifier dries small rooms quickly. Probably there are more modern and efficient devices, so I might have to consider upgrade.

[@sgsuper1150]

@@pavel9652 A peltier dehumidifier work ok, small 10 Watt units USB DC is more efficient than AC units for Vans

[@RiDankulous]

Just so happens I'm staying the SW US now and think that van travel in this area is even more beneficial due to constant low humidity most of the time in some areas, like Arizona desert. I may try van life some day and keep tabs on the issues. I was thinking about doing insulation a bit different: have it offset just a bit from the wall so more air flow can occur behind it but still keep all the gaps filled. Have floor or other vents in that gap, too, but also in the inner area, have floor vents and active ventilation plus the dry diesel heater of course.

[@BushcraftNFun]

The best of the best in van info in collaboration! Love it!

[@jeramiepalomino4210]

Thank you I just got a van and watched loads of videos and finally you said it all. Thank you very much you helped me out a lot.

[@DapsDiary]

Both of them are very intelligent and educated. If I lived in Canada, my first stop would be to there office. Very nice video and thank you for the info, it’s definitely good to know!

[@waitwhat381]

Love the information guys ♥️ Thank you so much! Stay weird and be safe!

[@RIDGEWATERHOMES]

Its funny - framed homes are the same. We build them to be air tight, but than we need air movement. If you don't have air movement you will have mold

[@RIDGEWATERHOMES]

prettymochame just T yes we won on 100 year home that breath a lot and very little problems. Now we have to built air tight and bring air in.

[@adamheeley285]

Have you ever built a home? They are not built to be airtight, we would die.

[@russellwolfe789]

Very important to know and helpful. Rocking it

[@joeyheil5982]

Chrome I never see you talk about how to stay cool in your van in the summer there plenty of vid on how to stay warm. Just a thought love your channel bro. ✌

[@seanhunt6773]

Leaving the back doors open while backed into a shrubbery to camo the ventilation and having the fan running for circulation. He has videos for this in past vids while working at golf clubhouse where he use to DJ.

[@joeyheil5982]

That still does not answer my question because in that vid he also placed a air conditioner in the back and plugged it up at the venue he was at but I won't to know what do you do on a daily bases when your not at a venue that you can plug up a air conditioner.

[@joeyheil5982]

Well I'm sure there are other ways to stay cool other then a air conditioner and I was wonting some ways that chrome did to stay cool in the summer by the way this question was for chrome not everyone else

[@CherylFlynn1]

To stay cool, you’d need to follow the weather; get yourself to higher elevations where temperature decreases by about 3.3°F for every 1,000 feet up you go in elevation.

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

Buy a 5,000 BTU wall unit AC and a cheap gas generator. Roll down the window and throw that sucker in.

[@sfrancowiklund]

Awsome tips!!! Thanks a lot!! Realy helpfull information, this was one of my bigest worrys and i think i know exacly what and how i will do my build now!! 😃 Thanks to madison and ray for there knowlage and to chrome for sharing it! 👍👍

[@ShelbyVanGone]

Thanks for this info!

[@georgefenrich4119]

LOL, and I remember Chrome saying he DIDN'T EVER WANT A ROOF VENT! ! ! 7:00

[@pedex252]

He didn't want or "need" lots of things he has now despite being told otherwise.

[@mariad4183]

A LOT of GREAT info! This was amazing - how necessary! Thank you for sharing hunnies! xoxo

[@laurajphillips5981]

Great Info Thank You!

[@lorrainenicoletti6232]

WOW! super information, every angle Covered . Well done!

[@4yellowwolf]

Very cool. Thanks for the information 👍🏻

[@richardgregory5084]

Great content . Very helpful and enlightening . ENJOY the beer

[@brandonb5818]

Yes condensation is a huge prob in van life. I used to get sick and stay sick because of it. Then I decided to finally insulate it completely. Never had any problems since. But I also made sure to coat the roof in a coating of rubber roof that way no water really makes it through that barrier

[@perrymason8471]

You ought to see the anti rust liquids tests on here. They peel that stuff off to reveal rusted metal underneath.

[@benjaminfpv]

@@perrymason8471 Man that sucks

[@ovmn]

Very informative.. another great content from you Chromo :)

[@isbadit]

这个不开窗的理念是效率最高的，隐私/保温/降噪是享受自然的基础

[@TalkingWithBob]

I had planned on getting a roof vent at the RV bone yard but now I will for sure

[@susansusan4289]

Love when you include Madison and Ray - always great information

[@peterandrews4172]

put a household hot air floor register in your floor to get air in when the weather outside is " frightfull "......wrap the backside of the register with window screne to keep bugs out when vent is open

[@josephboley]

Good morning from West Virginia. Love ya Chrome and Cruz ✌️🤘 👍

[@williamdavis7753]

I love your videos!! Especially the beer part!!! 🍺🍺

[@ginabrytowski3564]

I live in a short bus and condensation is hell lol I'm 💯 grateful that Badge installed a vent cover for me. 💖

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Wow i got to tell you those kids know there stuff very good video well done 👍👍 🇨🇦🛠️🛠️

[@katcankan7129]

Rayoutfitted are great. They explain things really well. 😊

[@jeffzwally]

Excellent info.

[@davefletch3063]

Great info.

[@jasonbridges45]

For ppl who don't have vent fans. Ppl can use moisture absorbing pellets. I get mine at dollar tree store. I use about 3 a month.

[@rrhopewell]

Great advice

[@vanlifethetravelinfranksho5611]

Like watching these two.

[@VANquishedAdventures]

I have 2 fantastic fans. Can't leave them open in the rain but I have left mine cracked for ventilation without any issues.

[@jackhanna1692]

Great vid Chrome an Cruz. I'll check Ray's Outfitted Godspeed You all. And Chrome, one more thing Hi Danika

[@Sweetcheeks168]

love your videos,

[@robynvontiedemann2666]

Great info. Thanks. Luv Cruziebear @ the start. Still makes me laugh, as soon as I see that face, LOL. Robyn, Australia

[@gaklotz]

You are so cool. Love your channel

[@marksr8784]

Great video 🍺

[@martinsachs3837]

aircon is the key. Mine in on every single mile I drive. together with the heating of the engine it creates very dry air. so aircon on and ventlation to max whenever you drive.

[@martinstreasurehunting]

air exchange is the key point

[@kaymarpee]

spent a day and night trying to figure out how to insulate/create a subfloor. tight fit/tape with foam board vs havelock wool and lots of air flow. I'm leaning towards the havelock and lots of air flow now....one month to figure it out!!

[@situationsshow1537]

Blink twice if your in danger bro….

[@mistersunshinebaby]

wow it's like ppl who use woodstoves in their van knew a thing or two..

[@BohoBlueVan]

I live on Vancouver island and found that my wave 3 doesn't actually put out a lot of moisture. Realized this When it stopped raining so much but was still cold so I needed heat. My roof vent is 100% of the time open a little as is my high top window. I also have several little 360 fans that I always use one of when im cooking.

[@barbaraburke2937]

Thanks for the info, I have a great deal of windows in my van, and may get one of those max/fantastic fans anyway whenever I get a chance to, for now I'll use the little fans in the little pop out windows that are in the 3 of my big windows to help circulate the ventilation. I just gotten a newer van than my last one, this one is a 2000 GMC Savana 1500 full size conversion van Southern Comfort Edition, with a topper (the topper isn't flat, it one of those that are kinda arrow dinamic kind that already been installed the time the van was made and sold, there have been many previous owners before me, and at least I can stand up inside this one. I live in Odessa TX USA, and much of it here is desert climate, rarely any humidity at times, except during the short winters here. However, whenever it's ok to travel again due this COVID-19, I like to come visit Canada too, in my van that is😊 thanks Chrome too, for sharing this video, give Cruzzie hugs for me 🤗💖 be blessed and safe y'all 💖

[@Lacombe323]

First? VERY useful video!

[@stanleytolle416]

What I have done with my van's front windows is install rain / wind guards so the windows can be left slightly open. The guards prevent rain from getting in and also make it hard to break in with the window slightly open. One thing they don't work on is blowing snow to my irritation a few times. I have also built a window cover that has a fold down flap that lets air in and is high enough so that the interior in not visible from the outside. I have back and side windows which I can open with heavy curtains so both air and privacy can be maintained. So far no screens so I burn mosquito coils placed so the smoke goes out the down wind side. Simple but it works.

[@PaznThru56]

They provide a wealth of van life knowledge. Thank you!

[@stevegabbert9626]

I don't know if this can be swapped over to vans, but the tent I use is excellent at removing condensation. The top of the tent has a real breathable material, and windows that can be zipped down enough for flow. The only condensation may be on the under side of the rain fly, but not in the tent. I can even dry my towel and wash cloth in it with no problem.

[@waynejennings3104]

We're trying to locate and get the name of your fan. On video from last year. You called it CONFRAMO ???? PLEASE respond. Thanks Wayne

[@vn8272]

Awesome dude ✋😀 high 5

[@vanlifeforgoldenrhodes]

I love it when you have them on as well. They make me feel 100% trust in them and their knowledge. Kudos.

[@Ayram9]

Thanks for the great video! I have a 1970 VW Riviera poptop camper so that prevents pitting a vent in the ceiling. I have sliding windows (not the jalousie - ? - kind). Can you recommend a way to vent without getting rain in the bus if raining? Also re insulation, if not using a vapor barrier would you just recommend using a waterproof but breathable form of insulation? Thanks!

[@theavevang9266]

Keeping a camping van ventilated and heated during months in cold, wet climate sounds like a challange

[@adamheeley285]

If you are desperate use rock salt in your drawers or near your clothes to keep humidity down.

[@jasonwolfe2698]

I have been learning a lot from your videos. I'm starting a build soon. Not a van but a cargo trailer from weeroll. If I have any questions during my build is there a way to get in touch with you for further advice?

[@lynnyou3085]

This is a great sharing about dry heat and wet heat resources. Now I truly regret that I got this Mr. Buddy as I live in Vancouver and it rains a lot in winter here. But any suggestion on which dry heat sources is most welcome so I dont make more mistakes. It is trye that my van windiows fogged up when it rains and I usually just turn on my car heater and the fog usually goes away in less than 2 minutes.

[@Salsadepr40]

Where did they bought the white fan? I need something like that! Please let me know. If possible, send me a link. Thank you. Great Video as always. :-)

[@shuttlebuswives7822]

✌️❤️🐶.. ty for sharing

[@DormantIdeasNIQ]

That is one of the most important videos when it comes to not getting the surprise later. One thing I wanna know is how does the Nespar Diesel Heater performs and how it affects the humidity. O! you are now talking about the heat source...[ @10:00 ] but no mention of the Nespar !? !?

[@urbanwithoutgrace6683]

What were the names of the heat sources they recommended? I didn't catch the names? Thank you!!

[@valentinklauss1732]

I heard that wood furnaces a perfect to keep a van dry. My plan was to have a big roof window over the bed in the back and a Airmax Fan in the front over the kitchen. That way I have circulation and I can climb on the roof from my bed. Anyone has experience with this setup?

[@stringfellowbalk2654]

This is a fundamental that most van life people don't seem to take into account. It is a living space. Build out from that fact.

[@josephboley]

HEY. I didn't get to see Cruziebear...what's up with that?? I miss my little buddy. LoL 🤭 sorry it's just that he's my favorite part of the videos.

[@VANCITYVANLIFE]

You should watch it again. He was at the beginning

[@XVeganDaveGodFreeX]

Unless you seal the floor an have a brand new van, there will be air gaps. Also, all vehicles have gaps in the dash, where wires come through and esp the vents (leave 'em open). I have an '05 Sprinter and when its windy I feel air come through, and I have no roof vents.

[@josephboley]

Is it wierd that I have so much love to give that I just wanna tell everyone that love them?

[@josephboley]

@@classicscustomsandhotrodso600 I guess that's what you do. Troll KZbin videos to find misspelled words. and I thought my life sucked.

[@cleekmaker00]

So would pegboard over foam for wallcovering be a viable option, + leaving the ends open as she described?

[@elizabethtrotter8403]

I now have a van. I cant wait to go on my adventures

[@razor3003]

Whatya-get?

[@elizabethtrotter8403]

@@razor3003 a dodge grand caravan

[@razor3003]

@@elizabethtrotter8403 cool! thx

[@sjeanxxi9716]

Hello chrome and cruzybearrr🙋

[@super-sim1665]

UK has 4 months per year when humidity is too high for ventilation to cure condensation. You would have to run dehumidifiers.

[@moonshayde]

Best dehumidifiers are several old socks filled with silica crystal cat litter! fill a non holey sock to the heel, twist at the ankle several times and put the rest of the sock back over. place all over your van including by the front window. Works a treat and way cheaper than those little plastic container 'dehumidifiers' you can get

[@mariad4183]

@@moonshayde ...this is amazing! Thank you for sharing honey! xoxo

[@MrJFuen]

What are your thoughts on moisture absorbers such as DampRid in conjunction with vent fans? More as an added protection.

[@valentinklauss1732]

I heart that wood furnaces a perfect to keep a van dry. My plan was to have a big roof window over the bed in the back and a Airmax Fan in the front over the kitchen. That way I have circulation and I can climb on the roof from my bed. Anyone has experience with this setup?

[@athanbrotsis6173]

Hey there I’m from Montreal Canada

[@georgefenrich4119]

9:34 I was told that the WAVE-3 (6-8) is NOT a wet heat, unlike the Mr.Buddy....

[@VANCITYVANLIFE]

JOSE is correct. I have the Olympian wave three and it is definitely 75% dryer then the Mr. buddy heater that I used to have. I enjoy having my wave three. It’s a good little heater

[@rhondam5079]

So what does RayOutfitters suggest if someone is travelling with 3 dogs.. (2 Lge blk, 1sml) .. I guess I'll need lots of windows? Thanks for the info.

[@gtm559]

Nice video, well explained. Here in Europe we are in tight position with coronovarius. I pray there to be better. I was in Austria and was control everywhere

[@davepalmetto]

Have fun

[@davidmccarthy5568]

I have a 28 foot van. It was acquired with foam insulation. I put up panels directly to the ceiling and walls. I'm in Alabama. The humidity trashed all my panels. I have an escape hatch open most of the time. What might you suggest?

[@ChillyDunk]

What about closed cell insulation? Still, use gaps for the air flow?

[@whereswendy8544]

My curtains got moldy from dampness by being near the windows.

[@beckyelliott2871]

With some searching, there maybe a company that makes a DE-HUMIDIFIER that would work for vans. What about using your MAXX fans to pull air through your van in a low setting that will ventilate at night and still keep any side windows closed?

[@dyscea]

Dehumidifiers are my holy grail in the summers 🤣