Woke to water dripping from my ceiling on my face - VB35

[@flash4eva123]

It's from you! Nothing to worry about. Your 90@% water. Campervan is not about installation it's about vents

[@Dirt-Diggler]

My view on condensation is simple " let it out" Permanent ventilation 👍 I have a skylight and 2 mushroom vents, its easyer to waste heat getting the moisture out than designing in 100% insulation and vapour barrier. Most builders oversize thier diesel heater, you don't need more than a 2KW heater in a small van yet everyone fits the 4KW so factor in that extra heat as a meens to leach out moisture via roof vents, it's how houses stay dry, they loose heat and moisture via the roof space and one way membranes and narrow boats tend to have 4 or more mushroom vents to do the same 👍

[@tondelo1800]

The track saw makes a world of difference when making cuts. You're going to love having it moving forward.

[@grahamgraham1624]

Ventilation is the key thing to stop condensation. The Maxxairfan fans are great as they are vent all the time. Although I think you fitted the Full Seal for Maxxfan roof fan as you found it to noisy ? So stopping so ventilation. Maybe have to compromise air flow or noise

[@vantabulouslife5704]

Food for thought John. Will put it that way as we all know how much you hate being told what to do or advice :) lol. I popped a 3 inch ventilation hole in the side of my build with just a vent cover on the out side. Just spent a week in freezing cold Scotland with no heating, bugger packed up just before we went! but no condensation. I swear it was the fresh air vent helping. Even last winter with the heater working it never seemed to effect the inside tempreture, so no real heat loss because of it. But I do have a vapour barrier, sorry :). Both vans looking awsome.

[@janekirchin658]

Hi John. I've just watched a video by Urban Van Life who have highlighted an issue with water getting under a shower tray being marketed as a Thetford product (although it is not actually a Thetford product). Problem is due to shower tray cracking. Just mentioning it in case you have, or intend, to fit a shower tray in your poo palace. Regards - Jane

[@tonysutton6559]

I reckon that the condensation is purely because the van is unfinished and the problem will go away when the work is complete. I bought a track saw about 18 months ago and it is now my favourite power tool as the finish is so good and consistent, I wish that I'd bought one years ago.

[@markwhiting3103]

Another honest vlog. What worked for us is fitting HEKO wind deflectors and leave the windows down a smidge. Maxxfan on low extract but pull the lid back down (ours isn't sealed though). Heater keeping above 15C. Then with internal blinds we only get a little condensation on the metal on the front doors down low in the well areas. Only way we eliminate is external full blinds, but can only use on sites or secure location. Good luck with the track saw. It's a game changer!

[@Ritarelay]

This works for us too!

[@lindajames7083]

Thanks John, good to see Mandy too x❤

[@geoffcampbell7846]

I think everyone accepts that condensation is a thing in vans, and it's a good discussion point. Water vapour will always condense on cooler surfaces, so limiting those contact points so the vapour remains vapour is important, but it is essential in my mind to reduce the amount of water being suspended in the air by extraction and replacement so reducing the humidity inside the van. We have a factory built van with relatively poor insulation, and condensation was often a problem with 2 adults and a dog breathing away all night, so we fitted a maxxfan (same as yours) and leave it on 10% extract at night. That made a very significant difference to the condensation on all the exposed metal surfaces like the door skins and the windows. We still get some condensation in cold conditions if the heating is off, but with some gently heating to warm the air, the maxxfan keeps things relatively dry and we sleep better too. The track saw is a great thing to have and once you've mastered it, you should get some great results. It's on my shopping list for when I next get into a build project. Thanks for sharing your ideas, it's always interesting to listen in. 👋

[@linz_in_NZ]

We've done 2 degrees with no heating and no issues and we have lots of glass/bonded windows as Sprintie was originally a minibus. The only slight issue was breathing in the cold air, which I'm not good with. There is a company here that does spray foam insulation for houses - they spray the underside of the roof and the wall cavities before the gib is put on the inside. I think its made from a soy product or something else plant based. Quite a few of the 'Super Homes' have that sort of insulation or the Celotex/Kingspan now - they are the houses that take minimal heating even in negative temps.

[@travellinginsound1865]

If it is insulated well and a vapour barrier has been added you shouldn't get any condensation in the van other than on glass windows etc. If there is no way for moisture to reach a cold surface then you won't get condensation.

[@mikestickersm3mxb279]

Hi John, great video. Looking forward to remaking your furniture! Condensation has and always be a problem but I think when your walls are all covered the condensation will then be on your plastic sides and will be easily wiped off. The only problem is that with condensation it can cause black mold that likes to find a damp place to form, Like you said ventilation is the key to stop it. Good luck with the build

[@traildoug415]

I covered those top angled parts with Dodo 12mm Thermo Liner that being closed cell foam also acts as a localised vapour barrier. I've also cut a section of Kingspan with some doorseal around the outside to insert into the Maxxfan blind. Both work a treat.

[@yaminthegrey]

Hari OM Yeah, an eternal problem, condensation - even in sticks and bricks! Ventiliation and full insulation coupled with the right heat balance is the best that can be done. Mandy's van is looking the business now... and forgive me if I missed something, but I don't think you have mentioned whether you are renting these workshop premises of have made the investment of purchase to use it as a permanent base? I really like the setup of it and you are certainly putting a lot of 'value add' into it! YAM xx

[@Silvestmentpms]

Just use a trip tray easy fix haha plus you got a great early morning alarm system Looking good budd 👍🏻

[@hairadditions]

I don't think any van is without condensation if it is insulated correctly. I have read a million and one ways to to stop insulation, but if you have built a van with good insulation you will always get some condensation somewhere. The one thing that helps reduce mine significantly is to carack the window open onto vent where my head is when I sleep. Keep up the videos as they are honest and they layman can understand what you are on about.

[@CuzzyWuzzy]

Hi John and Mandy. I haven't experienced condensation in my van (that I know of) I have 50mm insulation board (walls and ceiling) , with a vapour barrier and 25mm Insulation board on the floor with recycled plastic in all the crevices. But and it's a big one I have never slept in the van with any metal exposed on the ceiling. I also have wood cladding walls and ceiling. Oh yeah a d I'm not brave enough or have the duvet to sleep without the heater on 😂. Great update, and it's great to see Mandys van coming along so nicely too. Good luck with the M.O.T 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@isobelchapman9548]

Good morning, can I just say John, that I absolutely love your honesty. I have every confidence that your finished van will be of such high quality you will be well pleased. I’ve got enough condensation in the house to float a wee boat at times!! Am sure you will have lots of ‘suggestions’ and mine is quite simply, give yourself a large pat on the back, well done.

[@markx8659]

We had the same happening on are van it was the foam insulation ,replaced b&q bottle insulation wool type take s any cavity away never had a problem again.

[@Peter-at-Heres-The-Thing]

I'll let others argue the toss over how to cope with condensation - it's a contentious subject for some reason. I don't know why it should be, I mean, a method either works or it doesn't, if it doesn't, fix it. Anyways... always love to see folk upgrading their workshop. I found a mitre saw and a safe way to cut straight edges in sheet materials an absolute MUST - and let's not forget the magic of the pocket hole jig. Have fun with the rest of your cabinetry. I'm sure you'll be fine.

[@lazylad8544]

When making your cupboards drill 1 half inch holes to improve air cicuand reduce weight. I always do this to kitchen fittings and never have a problem.

[@kennethskou5597]

Same experience I have seen with condensation. But for the last 1 1/2 year, in the cold periods, we have had the diesel heating running on pretty low all night. AND the maxxair is always on 10% extraction all night. Only place we have condensation is the windshield, probably because we only use an inside thermalcover. Another issue is your talk earlier of your maxxair and the noise. I have made a square of dense Styrofoam to put in the hole when driving. Loweres the noise extremely well.

[@RustyRoseAdventures]

Spray foam is defo the one but I use sheep’s wool in mine and used a vapour barrier in my first van but no vapour barrier in the second and then in my Luton I’ve used breathable membrane and added small vents on the wall to vent the insulation, so far so good but I think you’ll always get condensation anyway in a small space

[@GadgetJohn]

I think you’re right, there will always be circumstances where condensation, or in my case thawing ice, will show up in your van. Even if it’s down to trapping moist are in a vapour barrier, it’ll only take a few hot summers and freezing nights before that’ll turn into water.

[@mikebourke1185]

As you said John Single Skin MAX Fan .. and I read somewhere Never put a skylight/ Vent / directly overhead the BED .. Stay Free and Safe Travels 🙏

[@whocares961]

It's nearly impossible to stop that.. the insulation has to be much thicker and upon that there has to be a vapor barrier ... Otherwise there will be a a little condensation... As long as it can dry - NO problem... Until now very nice build! Only the steering wheel seem´s wrong ;-) Greetings from Germany!

[@margaretsmith2555]

Good luck John you no what you are doing well done love watching you Maggie Manchester keep safe xx

[@simonaeldred]

Keeping the temperature inside constant is the key to no condensation. That’s when a wet heating or Truma gas heating is better than a diesel air heater.

[@simonaeldred]

For the UK insulation is not really necessary if you have a cavity wall covering that is ventilated. How do you know you haven’t got condensation behind the panels that you can’t see? I was up in North Scotland in the snow camping in my sons Transit 460 minibus camper. No insulation other than the Ford interior. No issues with condensation. I know the minibus dries out completely though.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on the van nice set you got in the work shop thanks lee

[@johnvickers5750]

Moisture, condensation etc always a compromise with adequate air circulation requirements unfortunately. Our AS roof vents have constant air grills we had no problems until we bought an overwinter all over cover then it was terrible so we ditched it and leave to the elements again.

[@m3fnc]

Hi John I think the same as what you said no heater on during night a little condensation. Like you say see what happens when van is finished inside.

[@drewhodge3820]

John I'm positive that you know any area that is less insulated will allow condensation to form. So I won't attempt to teach grandma to suck egg. It will be interesting to see your solution to insulate those odd shaped top edges. I will be starting the insulation on my peugeot boxer in a couple of weeks. The only thing I can think of using in that odd shaped area is the self adhesive black foam. Can't wait to see if you find a different solution.

[@markwhitehead64]

Hi John really great video really interesting video really looking forward to seeing more from your build keep safe 😷👍🏻 ps say hi to Mandy tell her van looking great

[@petermurphy994]

you'll sort it john you always do mate.

[@simonrichardson5203]

Normal mate until you cold bridge everything, I then 4 way stretch carpet anyrhing like bubble wrap then you won't get it again especially if you crack the roof ventilation, spray foam is ok but think it might be am issue of anyone wanted to weld in the future , since my self build was complete I get no dripping anywhere I think its important to take your time with insulation and I took 2 months months mainly cold bridging anything exposed metal even if I was a thin layer of foam or neoprene then 4 way stretch on that

[@kevinboothman4683]

Hi bought same solar panel but was told not to support underside as would get hot spots your thoughts please 😄

[@Great-to-be]

Hey John, I can’t access the description below. Could you please provide the manufacturer details for your space tech duvet? Cheers… and great watching your vlogs. 👍👍👍

[@Gillby47]

Glad it's not just me,press down below is something I don't understand,I have tried everything and would love info on the duvet.

[@alanjohn6355]

Hi, would the disposable dehumidifiers help? They are none electric, soak up air moisture into crystals and change them to water, cheap and cheerful but do work.

[@yogibear9540]

Personally, I wiuldnt get hung up on condensation, it's mostly surface water, not much of it and cause no issues....except drips on noses lol! I'm no expert on vanbuilds but many years of camping and caravanning...water ingress is the big issue!

[@djbeany1]

Hello John. How do I find your links? I'm interested in the quilt you talked about. Thanks.

[@mikereeder309]

Has anyone tried building a ventilation/heat recovery unit to solve the condensation issue? I’m thinking of using the exhaust/inlet ductwork from a Truma heater together with 2 small fans. Just an idea.

[@lucylovitt9583]

This was suggested to me as I was planning my build - HOWEVER - Lots of time scouring YT convinced me that heat exchangers only work effectively in ideal conditions - ie: Zero Wins speed. So I binned that idea. Maybe that helps you 🙏

[@glennclark762]

Morning. Can I ask how much you pay for your workshop as it could be worth me getting one even on a temp basis to do my build in the warm and dry.

[@nickhoward9343]

😉

[@IverKnackerov]

If I didn’t run the heating on low in those temperatures, I would fear losing all my cold water if the frost stat triggered …

[@trevorpat-lifeontherun]

👍

[@dj0men666]

I recall posting about bare metal and why i covered mine with bubble wrap to stop condensation forming and got shot down as you had never experienced it. hehe ;) Well you have now so imagine that in places you don't see (or feel) it dripping into internal panels and insulation etc (esp where folk aint used closed cell insulation) - the basic loft insulation some use is like a sponge. For what it costs the bubble wrap its a no brainer to cover all the metal. The blanket looks interesting - i wonder if they do it in a bag style as i find i get cooler from underneath if i dont use the duvalays on the back of seat (fold down bed). I'll have a look.

[@VanlifeHQ]

Condensation will cling to any metal nothing right or wrong mate, I had terrible condensation before completely vapour barriers went up! spray glue both surfaces left for 5 minutes to allow to dry sticks like sht No more water inside only on sliding door because that’s not covered yet, plenty of air vents in lockers like what Mandy has just a bit smaller 2”

[@sarahkeast2943]

Could you make a pillow or something to put into the maxx air cavity? Bit of insulation

[@tonysutton6559]

The shiny duvet looks like something out of a 1970's soft porn film (so I'm told because I never watched anything like that).

[@wendynewark2145]

😆🤣

[@Y24JAW]

👍🏼🛠🚐

[@Discoveryowner]

Hi John, I've been watching a channel called Jakes Journey Mate and he has had his van spray foamed on the inside. Maybe he can comment on his experience in this cold snap. @jakesjourneymate

[@michaeljohnson7009]

👍