5 Most Effective RV Dehumidifiers — Travel with Comfort!
For RV lovers, nothing in the world is more exciting than escaping to the countryside in their recreational vehicles. The feeling that comes along with it is exhilarating and indescribable. However, while an RV offers you an excellent opportunity to travel around the country, it can become uncomfortably moist depending on the number of people living in it. Besides, activities like cooking, showering, and sleeping can inevitably lead to the accumulation of water vapor in the air, which can consequently damage your RV furniture and even your own health. The solution is simply buying the best RV dehumidifier, a tool explicitly engineered to prevent and resolve this kind of issue.
However, dehumidifying a recreational vehicle comes with a couple of challenges. One is that you require a compact unit due to the space limitation. Another is that the RV is always on the move, so having a bucket filled with collected water can result in spills. There’re many models of dehumidifiers that have taken these into account, but not many people know how to identify them. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the top five RV dehumidifiers while considering important factors such as dimensions, dehumidification performance, water tank capacity, noise level, and warranty.
In order to ensure the successful compilation of this guide, we have spent tens of hours on research, perusing the specifications and customers’ comments on dozens of products on the market. Ultimately, we came up with the best five models, which we have succinctly compared in the table below. After the comparison table, you’ll find the detailed reviews of our picks, before eventually landing in a buying guide in which we have discussed several tips you might want to keep in mind while looking for the best dehumidifier for RV.
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Editor's Choice: InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier"Featuring a compact and elegant design this model is highly effective and hassle-free thanks to the continuous drainage option it offers."
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Best Electric Dehumidifier for RV: Ivation IVADM35"A small appliance that operates at only 50 dB will turn your RV into a perfect place to live and travel."
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Best Portable Dehumidifier for RV: Eva-dry Edv-1100"This reliable device is perfect for RV owners since it’s compact and lightweight while also boasting an auto shut-off feature for safety."
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Budget Pick: Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier"A unit that doesn’t require any electricity for 30 days before needing to be renewed in order to serve you for a whopping ten years."
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Best Small Dehumidifier for RV: DampRid FG50FS Hi-Capacity Moisture Absorber"This little unit doesn’t take too much space and doesn’t require any maintenance at all, just make sure to replace it when all the beads turn into liquid."
Top 5 RV Dehumidifiers Review 2021
InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier – Editor's Choice
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.1 x 13.9 inches
- Dehumidification performance (oz. per day): 27
- Noise level: not specified
- Water tank capacity: 67.5 oz.
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: continuous drainage option; reusable and washable air filter
Using the super-effective Peltier technology, the InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier is capable of rapidly getting rid of excess moisture, while operating quietly. Speaking of its design, this best rated RV dehumidifier is a reasonably elegant addition to your RV as it features an exquisite white housing and clean lines. Also, it is compact in nature and weighs just 5.7 pounds, which means you can easily move it around your RV and finding a spot to place it won’t be an issue.
On the performance front, this machine is fairly impressive as it is capable of removing up to 27 ounces daily in 86 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 percent humidity level. It features a generous water tank that is capable of holding up to 67 ounces of water. As a result of the large capacity, you won’t have to be emptying it often. Besides, if you are using it at your residence, you can buy a 3/8-inch hose separately to enable continuous drainage.
In the event that you lose focus or sleep off and the reservoir gets filled, there is no cause for alarm as the unit will turn off automatically to avoid spillage. In addition, this unit is backed by a one-year warranty and lifetime support from the manufacturer, which is great news since you can rest assured that they will fix your device should anything go wrong. The only concern we have about this model is that a lot of users have complained about the indicator LED light being too bright and therefore disturbing at night.
What do we love it for?
- Shuts off automatically at full capacity
- Continuous drainage option available
- Peltier technology quiet operation
- Manufacturers offer a lifetime support
What were we disappointed with?
- Too bright LED light
Ivation IVADM35 – Best Electric Dehumidifier for RV
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 8.5 x 14 inches
- Dehumidification performance (oz. per day): 20
- Noise level: 50 dB
- Water tank capacity: 68 oz.
- Warranty: not specified
More features: suited for spaces up to 2,200 sq. ft.; 12v DC power adapter is included
It’s safe to say that nothing less that remarkability is expected from a product made by a company as reputable as Ivation. Coming at a reasonably affordable price and being backed by a one-year warranty against defects, the Ivation IVADM35 is unsurprisingly one of the most popular dehumidifiers on the market. With a coverage area of up to 2200 cubic feet, this dehumidifying device from Ivation is not only suitable for RV use, but for your office or bedroom as well.
The machine has a dehumidification rate of 20 ounces daily, guaranteeing a quick decrease in the levels of humidity so as to prevent the growth of mildew and mold. Moreover, since the device boasts a large 68-ounce water tank capacity, you will only need to empty it once in two or three days on average if you run it non-stop. When the water tank reaches its peak capacity, there is an indicator light that will notify you to empty it. Also, the unit consumes about 72 watts for its operation, which makes it an energy-efficient dehumidifier, when we take its high-performance into account.
When it comes to the size and dimensions, this unit is very compact and lightweight as it weighs just 4.45 pounds and measures 6.8 x 8.5 x 14 inches. Thus, you can effortlessly find a spot for it and even store it away when required. In addition, it has a rather quiet operation so it won’t pose any disturbance for you in your RV. The only area where we find this machine inadequate is its lack of continuous drainage option.
Why is it special?
- Consumes 72 watts only
- Compact and lightweight construction
- Comes at an affordable price
- Quiet operation
- High moisture extraction rate
What are the flaws?
- No continuous drainage option
Eva-dry Edv-1100 – Best Portable Dehumidifier for RV
- Dimensions: 6 x 8.5 x 5 inches
- Dehumidification performance (oz. per day): 8
- Noise level: whisper-quiet
- Water tank capacity: 16 oz.
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: no compressor technology; auto shut-off with LED light indicator
As implied by the name, the Eva-dry Edv-1100 is recommended to be used in areas measuring up to 1100 cubic feet, which makes it suitable for a reasonably small space such as an RV. Additionally, this unit is capable of extracting about eight ounces of humidity daily, which is decent when you consider the fact that this model is a small dehumidifier. Although it is only suitable for small spaces with such a dehumidification rate.
Furthermore, the unit features a fairly large 16-ounce capacity water tank, which in the event of extremely high humidity levels, will need to be emptied only once in two days. Besides, this model comes at a fairly reasonable cost, which makes it appealing for people who are on a budget. Also, this unit is rated to use about 23 watts for its operation, making it one of the most cost-effective solutions on this list.
For optimum safety and convenience, it shuts off automatically when the reservoir reaches its peak capacity, and you forget to evacuate it, thereby preventing the occurrence of spillage. Moreover, since this unit is a compressor-less model, it delivers a very silent operation, which means you can comfortably sleep in the same place with it without any disturbance. However, its tendency to perform poorly at low temperatures is a big concern for some people, and its small daily dehumidification rate might be too low for high humidity levels.
Why is it special?
- Operates very quietly
- Compact design
- Features an automatic shut-off mechanism
- Energy-efficient
- Affordable cost
What are the flaws?
- Poor performance at low temperatures
- Small daily dehumidification rate
Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier – Budget Pick
- Dimensions: 2.8 x 9 x 8.3 inches
- Coverage area: up to 333 ft3.
- Runtime: 20-30 days before renewing; up to 10 years
- Warranty: 5-year limited
More features: requires no batteries; contains crystals that indicate when the unit reaches its capacity
Sometimes you might be looking for a modern-looking, yet small and effective unit, so you might find the Eva-Dry E-333 quite appealing. This desiccant dehumidifier is capable of going up to 30 days before needing renewal. You will easily see when it’s time to renew it as the silica gel beads will slowly turn to green from orange. And you can observe this process through a viewing window found on the unit. You can renew the beads for up to ten years as required before you will have to replace them.
As implied by the name, the Eva-Dry E-333 is capable of covering an area of up to 333 cubic feet, making it the best dehumidifier for small RVs. It is mess and spill-free, harmless for homes with kids and pets. As soon as the beads have trapped the moisture, it will never drip or leak. And renewing the beads is very simple – just plug your unit into a power outlet for eight to ten hours. Once the silica gel beads turn back to orange, remove the device from the power outlet and return to its designated spot.
Fortunately, the product doesn’t need electric power to function whatsoever. The only time you need power is when renewing it, which only happens once in 30 days. Also, it is produced using high-quality materials, which explains why the manufacturers were confident enough to back it by a five-year warranty. However, this product is not a whole house dehumidifier, of course, and therefore isn’t suitable for large spaces and it may get very hot while being renewed.
Why did it make our list?
- It doesn’t require electric power for its operation
- Kid and pet safe
- Convenient viewing window
- Renewable technology
- About ten years of lifespan
What is not ideal about it?
- Low dehumidification performance
- May get too hot during the renewal
DampRid FG50FS Hi-Capacity Moisture Absorber – Best Small Dehumidifier for RV
- Dimensions: 18 x 7 x 9.3 inches
- Capacity: 4 pounds
- Runtime: up to 60 days in areas up to 1000 sq. ft.
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: comes in a pack of two; a spill-resistant safety cover
If you just can’t bring yourself to live with the noise typically produced by humidifiers and you’re looking for a different kind of moisture removal that works without making any noise, you can choose the DampRid Moisture Absorber. It is a smart and affordable option that helps soak up humidity in places such as your RV, basement, crawl space, and more without needing electricity.
Moreover, the unit is incredibly easy to use – simply activate it by taking the lid off, and the product will start absorbing moisture. Don’t worry about spills though as there is a plastic top on the bucket for spillage prevention. When the crystals have been immersed, and the bucket has been filled with liquid, then it’s time to refill. While it’s very easy to underrate this product, you would be wrong to do so. It is capable of covering an area of up to 1000 square feet, which is immense for this sort of moisture absorber.
In addition to its moisture-removing ability, it also gets rid of musty smells from the atmosphere as well. And like we’ve mentioned, it’s not only suitable for RVs. It can be used in bathrooms, pantries, bathrooms, closets, and any space where stagnant air and excess moisture are causing problems.
Why did it make our list?
- Spill-proof design
- Easy to use
- Works without electricity
- Absorbs water efficiently
What is not ideal about it?
- Doesn’t last long and can’t be renewed
Things to Consider
There are many decisive factors which you must consider when you are looking for the right model. Of course, it might still serve the same basic function like every other dehumidifier, but it slightly differs when it comes to the design and the incorporated technologies. However, instead of taking a risk and probably ending up with a device that will not handle your RV’s humidity, follow the guidelines below to ensure you choose the right one.
Features to consider while choosing an RV dehumidifier
When you’re in the market for an RV dehumidifier, you’ll find hundreds of options, which might ultimately get you confused. How do you know how to separate the wheat from the chaff? Simply consider the factors below.
Dimensions and weight
Since an RV usually doesn’t have a lot of space, you will be needing a portable and small dehumidifier, rather than a weighty and big one, so that you will be able to move it around as you want.
Dehumidification performance
Dehumidification performance refers to the extraction rate, which means how much humidity a dehumidifier is capable of extracting from the atmosphere within a period of time. If your recreational vehicle (or just your region overall) is very humid, you might want to go for an electric dehumidifier, like the Eva-dry Edv-1100 as electric models usually have a superior dehumidification performance than desiccant ones. If you only want to humidify your RV closet and places where you hang clothes, you can choose a desiccant model for every space inside the vehicle that requires it.
Noise level
A dehumidifier’s noise level is usually directly related to its size. For instance, the noise levels of medium to large units are usually between fifty-five and sixty-seven decibels at peak power. While smaller units will generate much less noise, it doesn’t mean they will be totally stifled. Desiccant units, or those that utilize Peltier technology like the InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier, typically operate quietly but don’t extract as much humidity from the atmosphere.
Water tank capacity
Your dehumidifier’s capacity is vital information that you must know before you make a purchase. This refers to the precise amount of water that can be held by a particular model. If you are buying one for long journeys that may prolong over a week, you are recommended to purchase a model with a quite large water capacity like the InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier. Otherwise, if your journey won’t be more than a week, it is more economical to choose a unit with a smaller tank, such as the Eva-dry Edv-1100.
Auto shut-off
Most dehumidifiers either have an auto shut-off feature that turns the unit off as soon as the tank has reached its maximum capacity. This doesn’t refer to the portable desiccant models, however, for them you only need to watch the color of the beads inside in order to know when it’s time to renew or completely replace the unit. Other models come with inbuilt timers that allow you to have control over their operation.
Coverage area
One of the main things you must consider when buying a dehumidifier for your RV is its coverage area. There is no one-size-fits-all solution here – simply measure the size of the space in which you intend to humidify in your RV and compare against the coverage area of the model. All dehumidifiers on our list suit typical RV’s footage greatly. Manufacturers usually specify the coverage areas of their products, so that shouldn’t be hard to find.
Drainage
Most dehumidifiers feature a bucket for evacuating the collected water. These water buckets are usually made in various sizes based on the brand, and so filling them up takes various lengths of time, after which the unit automatically turns off itself.
Warranty
It’s actually needless to be overemphasizing on the importance of buying a unit with a good warranty. You don’t want to buy a product in which even its manufacturers haven’t shown much confidence. You can never say what might happen, so check the warranty terms of the product before choosing it so you’ll have security should anything go wrong. The product with the longest warranty on this list is the Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier.
Extra features
Apart from the basic features you will find on most models, there are some other extra ones which are typically found on high-end dehumidifiers. For example, some models come with a humidistat that helps measure the level of humidity and switches off automatically when it reaches the required level. Also, some units come with a timer that allows them to function for particular days or hours, which is also a great feature. Another handy option usually found on high-end models is the continuous drainage option allowing you not to watch after the water tank all the time. Among the products described here, the InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier boasts this useful feature.
Tips on how to manage your RV humidity level
Remove the RV humidity source
There are numerous sources of moisture inside your recreational vehicle that should be controlled. For instance, cooking discharges water vapors into the atmosphere and raises humidity levels. So, when cooking, ensure you cover all pans and pots to prevent water vapors from escaping. Furthermore, hang your wet clothes to dry outside. By hanging your wet clothes outside, the water vapors released by the fabric don’t get trapped in your RV.
Install window insulation
You can go to RV supply and home improvement stores to buy DIY window insulator kits. As soon as you have installed it, a barrier will be formed between the moist air and the window, and will also reduce the buildup of condensation.
Use a dehumidifier
Utilizing a dehumidifier regularly in your RV will help reduce the humidity levels rapidly without raising the temperature. There’re small, compact models that are specifically designed for RVs.
Wipe surfaces
When you see condensation beginning to accumulate on counter-tops and windows, quickly try to wipe it off immediately.
Prevent mold growth
In order to prevent the growth of mold inside your recreational vehicle, you must keep the level of humidity between thirty and fifty percent. Hygrometers, also known as humidity meters can also be bought and installed in your RV to keep tabs on the level of humidity in the atmosphere. Some units are outfitted with hygrometers to help keep track of humidity levels.
FAQ
For most products manufacturers state pints of water from the air per day based on approximately 86°F and 80% relative humidity. The amount of water collected will depend on the humidity level and temperature in the room you intend to use the dehumidifier in.
Apart from an RV, these models are also suitable for other areas like closets, basements, and bedrooms. However, make sure you measure the size of the space in which you intend to use the machine against its stated coverage area.
Also, if you are looking for a dehumidifier for bedroom specifically, ensure that it doesn’t produce much noise as you might not be able to sleep well with a loud machine working by your side. Fortunately, all of the models listed here are whisper-quiet.
You can place a dehumidifier anywhere in your RV. Just make sure you take the safety factor into account. Since most of these machines contain water tanks, the storage place should be away from electrical appliances to avoid short circuit in case of spillage.
Our Verdict
Having carried out a very deep research, we have chosen the InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier, the Ivation IVADM35, and the Eva-dry Edv-1100 as our top three picks. Those aforementioned products have impressed us immensely.
The InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier, with its Peltier technology, effortlessly manages to combine high-performance with quiet operation. And with its high daily dehumidification rate and large water capacity, it would be brave of anyone to bet against this model.
Being a brainchild of one of the most reputable companies in the business, the Ivation IVADM35 is unsurprisingly our second pick. Boasting a large coverage area, energy-saving operation, and a high daily moisture extraction rate, we can’t possibly praise this model enough.
Our third pick is the Eva-dry Edv-1100, which is a product designed for small spaces. While affordability and high-performance are two words you rarely see in the same sentence, the Eva-Dry Edv-1100 combines both seamlessly, making it a worthy addition to any small space.
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