The Top Causes of Campervan Condensation (and How to Fix Them)

Campervanning or motorhoming in the autumn and winter months offers incredible opportunities; breathtaking landscapes, peaceful campsites and far fewer crowds making these seasons ideal for adventure. However, as October ends and many campsites begin to close their gates until spring, finding campsites to stay becomes trickier, and new challenges arise, such as managing condensation in your van. There is nothing more frustrating than waking up, pulling back the curtains, and seeing your windows dripping with moisture.

Fortunately, there are effective strategies to manage and prevent condensation, keeping your campervan or motorhome dry and comfortable. Let’s dive into how to prevent and reduce condensation in your campervan or motorhome, with a special focus on the Bostik Breathe non-electric dehumidifier - a game-changer for moisture control. If you’re preparing for an off-season adventure, make sure to check out our related guides: 3 Essential Tips for Autumn Camping and Vanlife Preparation and 10 of the Best Campsites Open All Year for Winter Camping.

Why is there condensation on the inside of my campervan?

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces, forming water droplets. In a campervan, the combination of warm air inside - especially if you’re running a diesel or electric heater overnight - and cold air outside creates the perfect conditions for condensation. Moisture from everyday activities like cooking, showering, or even just breathing lingers in the small, enclosed space. As temperatures drop overnight, the warm air inside holds less moisture, causing it to condense on windows and metal surfaces. If left unchecked, this excess moisture can cause mould and mildew to develop. Not only can this damage your van’s interior, but it also poses potential health risks. Mould spores can trigger allergies and respiratory problems, exacerbating conditions like asthma. Proper ventilation and moisture management are essential to keep your campervan a healthy and safe space.

Five TOP TIPS for how to stop condensation in your campervan

1. Maximise Ventilation

Good airflow is crucial in reducing moisture buildup. Even during colder months, crack open a window or roof vent to let humid air escape. Many campervans, including the VW Transporter, have well-placed vents that can help with cross-ventilation. Consider opening vents even slightly when cooking, showering and sleeping to prevent moisture from settling.

2. Use Bostik Breathe Non-Electric Dehumidifier  

For a quiet and effective way to combat excess moisture, Bostik Breathe is a top choice. This compact, silent dehumidifier is designed to absorb moisture from the air without the need for electricity. Its compact size makes it perfect for small living spaces and can be easily placed in moisture-prone areas. It keeps your van drier, helping prevent condensation and the issues that come with it.

3. Cook smart 

When cooking inside, use lids on your saucepans and open a window, or roof vent to let any steam escape. If your campervan has a MaxxAir Fan, use it to draw out humid air. Cooking outdoors on a portable stove is another effective way to keep moisture out of your campervan.

4. Dry clothes and gear outside

Drying wet clothes or gear inside your van releases significant moisture into the air and during the autumn and winter months, this can be more problematic. When possible, hang clothes outside. If drying indoors is your only option, ensure there’s proper ventilation or place a Bostik Breathe nearby to help absorb the extra humidity.

5. Insulate your van 

Insulation can help maintain a more stable temperature inside your campervan, or motorhome, so making sure it is properly insulated is important to help reduce the chance of condensation. Use thermal internal, or external window covers to prevent warm air from meeting cold windows, and consider insulating your walls and doors. Insulation not only helps with condensation but also keeps your van warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Are non-electric dehumidifiers effective in a campervan, or motorhome? 

Yes! Non-electric dehumidifiers, like Bostik Breathe, are highly effective in small, enclosed living spaces. They work by passively absorbing moisture from the air, making them ideal for campervans and off-grid adventures. The Bostik Breathe system provides up to 33% more absorption than a single table system. Plus, it is silent and requires no maintenance beyond occasional refills, offering an easy way to manage humidity.

Why Choose Bostik Breathe?

In summary, preventing condensation is crucial to maintaining the condition of your campervan or motorhome. Excess moisture can cause paint to blister and unsightly stains to form, all of which can lead to costly repairs and an uncomfortable living space. Here’s why Bostik Breathe is an excellent solution:

• Silent and Compact. Ideal for small, enclosed spaces. It operates silently and doesn’t require power, making it perfect for off-grid adventures where peace and efficiency are essential.

• Easy to Use and Maintain. Simply place it in problem areas - like the kitchen or bathroom, to continuously absorb moisture and safeguard your interior. When it’s full, Bostik Breathe is straightforward to empty and clean, making maintenance a breeze and ensuring long-term effectiveness.

• Versatile. Highly effective not just in campervans, motorhomes and RVs but also in your home, such as in bathrooms, bedrooms, or wardrobes.

• Largely made from recycled materials. The product contains recycled plastic, food industry waste and recycled cardboard.

• Help keep your space dry, damage-free, and comfortable with Bostik Breathe and say goodbye to moisture-related headaches!

Whether you’re travelling in a campervan, motorhome, RV, or caravan, managing condensation is crucial for a comfortable and healthy environment. With a combination of proper ventilation, strategic insulation and effective moisture control using Bostik Breathe, you can keep your camper dry and mould-free all winter long. Embrace the beauty of autumn and winter adventures without the hassle of excess moisture and enjoy every moment on the road!

Full disclosure: This blog post is written in collaboration with Bostik. However, all opinions and insights are entirely our own. Years of experience travelling in both our VW T5 and, more recently, our MWB Crafter have shown us just how crucial it is to prevent condensation. We genuinely recommend Bostik Breathe as an effective solution for keeping your campervan or motorhome dry and comfortable.