RVing is a great way to see the country and spend time with family, but it can also be a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
High humidity levels are often to blame, leading to condensation and dampness. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also damage your RV and your belongings.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to combat high humidity levels. One of the best ways is to invest in a quality RV dehumidifier.
These devices help to remove excess moisture from the air, creating a drier and more comfortable environment.
If you’re an RV owner, you know the struggle of dealing with humidity. It can be a real pain, especially if you’re trying to enjoy your trip.
Lucky for you, there are some great RV dehumidifiers on the market that can help make things a lot more comfortable. In this blog post, we’ll review the best RV dehumidifiers and provide a detailed buying guide so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, please check our disclosure page.
  |
1. HomeLabs 1,500-Sq Ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
 |
2. Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
 |
3. COSVII Upgrade Dehumidifier
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
 |
4. Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
 |
5. Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Dehumidifier
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
1. HomeLabs 1,500-Sq Ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier – Overall Best RV Dehumidifier
Specifications
- Capacity: 352 oz.
- Dimensions: 15.2 x 10.2 x 19.7 inches
- Operation mode: Continuous
- Floor area: 1,500 square feet
Taking the title of overall best RV dehumidifier is the HomeLabs 1,500-Sq Ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier. Easy to use and perfect for homes, this is one dehumidifier that’s more than enough for one RV.
Equipped with a 24-hour timer, the HomeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier can be set to suck the moisture out of your entire living room or camper. Even if you leave it on for that long, don’t worry. The HomeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier also makes it to the top of our list due to its energy efficiency and fire safety.
The HomeLabs Energy Start Dehumidifier packs a dehumidifying punch owing to its 15.2 x 10.2 x 19.7-inch frame and 352-fluid ounce tank.
Unlike similarly hefty dehumidifiers, this dehumidifier emits little to no noise as it runs. While on, the Energy Star Dehumidifier by HomeLabs emits only 55 decibels of noise — perfect when you’re sound asleep.
The humidistat can also crank up to a maximum of 90°F, giving you a moisture-free RV overnight.
Digital controls make this monster of a dehumidifier easy to use. Adding to the convenience of this dehumidifier is the fact that cleaning it is a breeze.
What We Like
The moisture-removing capabilities are effective for just about every RV. We also love the touch control panel, making it one of the easiest dehumidifiers to use.
The moisture removal capabilities are no joke. Indeed, most advertise this dehumidifier to remove 22 pints of moisture. However, it can be more, depending on how sealed the RV is. Removing the water from the dehumidifier is also a breeze with continuous drainage.
What We Don’t Like
We had two issues with the HomeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier. We’ll start with the most obvious one — how heavy it is.
Weighing 30.5 Ibs, the Energy Star Dehumidifier isn’t portable for everyone. Add the dehumidifier’s 15.2 x 10.2 x 19.7-inch frame, and you get a dehumidifier that’s heavy as it is cumbersome.
The other thing we took issue with was the fact that no hose was included. This shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, per se. Unfortunately, the Energy Star Dehumidifier has internal threading. This means that you’d have to look for a compatible hose to plug into the internal tube when you drain.
Pros
- Excellent moisture removal
- Touch controls
- Huge capacity
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
- It doesn’t come with a hose for drainage
2. Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier – Best Budget
Specifications
- Capacity: 16 oz.
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 8.5 x 5.3 in
- Operation mode: Continuous
- Floor area: 1,100 cubic feet
Are you looking for an RV dehumidifier that’s got the right blend of quality and economy? Look no further than the Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier.
Measuring only 6.5 x 8.5 x 5.3 in, the Eva-dry Edv 110 Electric Petite Dehumidifier is the most compact on our list. It weighs just one pound, ensuring easy portability and storage. However, don’t let the size fool you. Small in size and price, this dehumidifier boasts a humidistat capable of maxing out at 105°F.
With a power draw of only 22 watts, the Edv-1100 is one of the most energy-efficient dehumidifiers on the market today. A lot of it has to do with its low noise output of 52 decibels and 16-ounce capacity.
The Edv-1100 has a timer you can set. As soon as the time is up, the dehumidifier shuts off, ensuring that power isn’t wasted.
The Edv-1100 has a tank that’s easy to take out and drain. Needless to say, you’ll only need a few minutes to clean this compact RV dehumidifier.
Easy on your RV batteries and budget, the Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier makes it on our list for the bargain-hunting RV-er.
What We Like
True enough, we didn’t break the bank trying out this RV dehumidifier. It also does as advertised, and that’s to remove moisture for a fraction of the electric output.
What truly stood out was its compactness. At only 6.5 x 8.5 x 5.3 inches and a pound, moving the Edv-1100 Electric Dehumidifier was as easy as draining it. On that note, it’s one of the easier dehumidifiers to drain, having just a 16-ounce tank you can take out.
Did we mention how quiet the Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier is? While it was advertised to emit just 52 decibels, we found it to be quieter than that. In fact, the dehumidifier emits almost zero noise.
All in all, the Edv-1100 Electric Dehumidifier is petite in size and price but not function-wise.
What We Don’t Like
There’s not a lot to criticize because there’s not much dehumidifier to begin with. Ironically, therein lies the only drawback.
Having just a capacity of 16 fluid ounces, the Edv-1100 Electric Dehumidifier isn’t the best option for larger RVs. If you plan to use it, don’t be surprised if some areas will be left with a bit of moisture. And plan to empty it more frequently too.
While it did say 1,100 cubic feet on the label, we assume that it’s for open apartment spaces with not a lot of furniture. Will it get the job done for a smaller RV? You bet. However, don’t expect much if you plan on using it for an RV that’s 26 to 45 feet.
Pros
- Portable and compact
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to use
Cons
- Capacity could be better
- Not recommended for larger RVs
- Best for small to medium RVs with minimal furniture
3. COSVII Upgrade Dehumidifier – Best for Energy Saving
Specifications
- Capacity: 68 oz
- Dimensions: 8.19 x 5.9 x 13.27 inches
- Operation mode: Continuous
- Floor area: up to 480 square feet
If you thought the Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier was energy-efficient, check out the COSVII Upgrade Dehumidifier. The COSVII Upgrade Dehumidifier uses only 48 watts of energy.
By the way, you can leave it on for 24 hours. It shuts down automatically after that, meaning more savings on electricity.
The COSVII Upgrade Dehumidifier measures 8.19 x 5.9 x 13.27 inches and weighs just over three pounds. This means you won’t break your back moving this dehumidifier from one part of your RV to another.
Despite its relatively compact frame, the dehumidifier comes equipped with a sizeable tank. The tank can hold up to 4.3 pounds of moisture that’s easy to drain. It’s also easy to clean and easy to manipulate with its minimalist touch panel controls.
Besides being one of the most energy-efficient dehumidifiers around, it’s also one of the quietest. The COSVII Upgrade Dehumidifier emits nearly no noise, emitting less than 35 decibels.
You won’t go wrong with this dehumidifier if energy efficiency ranks high on your list of considerations.
What We Like
The boys and girls at COSVII weren’t kidding when they advertised the Upgrade Dehumidifier as being virtually noiseless. We didn’t hear much for the entire 24 hours it was on. We also love how compact the dehumidifier is and how easy it was to clean and transport.
The best thing, in our opinion, was the controls. Minimalist and easy, the touch panel was a breeze to manipulate. The auto shut-off function is also a neat feature, adding to the energy efficiency of the dehumidifier.
What We Don’t Like
Unfortunately, we wouldn’t recommend this dehumidifier for much larger campers or RVs. With only a max floor area of 480 square feet, you’d be better off with the HomeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier. This is especially true if you’re looking for maximum dryness for a large RV.
Nonetheless, we’d recommend it for smaller and medium-sized RVs. The COSVII Upgrade Dehumidifier also shines in how it uses low energy to operate for an entire 24-hour period.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Excellent auto-shut-off feature
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Not the best option for large RVs or campers
- Not the cheapest for a dehumidifier of its specs
- It May take more than one session to completely dehumidify an RV.
4. Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier – Best Compact
Specifications
- Capacity: 9 ounces
- Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 11 inches
- Operation mode: Continuous
- Floor area: 150 to 215 square feet
The Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier is a compact RV dehumidifier that boasts excellent energy economy and low-noise emission. Measuring a meager 7 x 6 x 11 inches, the Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier is about as compact as it gets. Due to its size, don’t expect any spikes in your energy usage as the dehumidifier only clocks in about 23 watts per 24-hour period.
The Pre Breeze Electric Dehumidifier weighs just over two pounds, meaning that it’s very portable and easy to store. Its compactness makes it the perfect dehumidifier if you’re dealing with moisture in areas like closets.
Because of the energy efficiency and the dehumidifier’s components, low noise emission is a guarantee. The Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier emits less than three decibels — perfect when you leave it on at night as you sleep.
The humidistat enables the unit to soak up all of the moisture in your RV at temperatures of up to 86°F. The tank accommodates up to nine ounces of moisture and is easy to dislodge and drain. As soon as the tank fills up, the dehumidifier shuts off automatically. The controls are easy to find and use, located atop the unit.
If you’re looking for a barebones electric dehumidifier, you can’t go wrong with the Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier.
What We Like
One of the things we appreciated about this dehumidifier is how quiet it is. A lot of mini dehumidifiers on the market emit some form of white noise. This isn’t a problem for many people.
However, for those who need the extra bit of silence when sleeping, the Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier puts the “low” in “low noise.” Even when pressing your ear against the dehumidifier, you’ll hear almost nothing, making it one of the quietest dehumidifiers we’ve reviewed.
We also loved how light the dehumidifier was. Weighing just 2.4 Ibs, this is one of the lightest RV dehumidifiers we’ve tried. It’s easy to take around and store. It’s small and light enough to fit in a medium-sized backpack.
What We Don’t Like
Nine ounces of dehumidifying capacity is decent by mini dehumidifier standards. However, when you’re in a high-humidity area, you may be better off with a larger dehumidifier. This is also true if you own a large RV or camper.
The other area of improvement can be the material. The entire unit is made of plastic. For this reason, you’ll have to store it in a safe place to prevent it from being damaged.
There’s also the issue of the operating temperature. The minimum operating temperature is 46°F. The humidistat won’t fire up if the temperature is lower. Hence, if you deal with condensation and you camp in colder areas, this dehumidifier may not be the best option for you.
Pros
- Extremely quiet
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy-to-use controls
Cons
- The plastic frame isn’t the most durable
- Low minimum operating temperature
- Small storage capacity
5. Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Dehumidifier – Best Wireless
Specifications
- Capacity: 6 oz
- Dimensions: 9 x 8.25 x 2.88 inches
- Operation mode: Continuous
- Floor area: 333 cubic feet
Mini dehumidifiers do get smaller. If you’re looking for an example, look no further than the Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Dehumidifier.
This pocket-sized dehumidifier weighs only a pound and measures 9 x 8.25 x 2.88 inches. It’s small enough to fit in a purse but big enough to store up to six ounces of moisture.
It’s easy to use, having no buttons or switches. All you need to do is hang it up. Because the moisture collects inside silica beads inside the dehumidifier, you don’t need to worry about spills or draining. The dehumidifier has no auto-shut-off feature for this reason.
The Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Dehumidifier requires no power source. Even having many units of the E-333 inside your RV won’t move the needle of your energy use.
The Eva-dry E-333 operates up to a maximum temperature of 105°F. It’s the perfect RV dehumidifier if you’re targeting warm spots that your regular dehumidifier can reach.
Pocket-sized, wireless, and inexpensive, the Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Dehumidifier is the best RV dehumidifier for small RVs and spaces.
What We Like
Draining a dehumidifier can be draining, if you know what we mean. The E-333 removes this problem since the moisture collects into the silicon gels. There’s also no noise since there are no running components.
We also love the compactness of this dehumidifier. With its dimensions and weight, it’s easy to store inside a small pouch or bag.
The best thing about this dehumidifier is how it uses no power and how you don’t need to manipulate it.
What We Don’t Like
Six ounces isn’t a lot of moisture to store. For this reason, you may need multiple E-333 units to dehumidify a small RV.
Another thing to consider is that there’s no tank. Hence, you’ve got no way of telling if the E-333 is dehumidifying. It’s a guessing game until you replace the silicon gels.
The costs can also add up if you plan on purchasing multiple units for your RV.
Pros
- Inexpensive and doesn’t use electricity or make noise
- Compact
- Straightforward and hassle-free
Cons
- Small capacity
- You might need many E-333
- It may not suffice for total dehumidification
What is a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is a device that removes moisture from the air. They’re commonly used to remove excess moisture from the air in homes and offices, which can help to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Dehumidifiers work by drawing air from the room and passing it over cold coils. As the air passes over the coils, the water in the air condenses and is collected in a tank.
The dry air is then released back into the room, helping to create a comfortable indoor environment.
Why Do I Need A Dehumidifier In An RV?
Like your home, an RV camper is susceptible to the damaging effects of excess moisture. When left unchecked, moisture can cause rust and corrosion and promote the growth of mold and mildew.
This leads to structural damage in your RV, but it can also create musty smells that are hard to get rid of.
Have you ever wondered where all the moisture comes from in your RV?
Showers are one of the primary sources of moisture in an RV. When you shower, steam and water can build up quickly in a small space.
Cooking in your RV kitchen also creates lots of steam – aka moisture.
Even breathing can generate moisture in an RV. When you exhale, you release water vapor into the air. This can build up over time and cause condensation on surfaces like windows and walls.
Living in a camper in winter exacerbates the problem. We trap all that moisture inside by closing the doors and vents to keep in the heat. As a result, it quickly condenses on any cold surface, including your windows and walls.
While you can see the condensation on your steamed-up windows, the worst problem is that it can also form inside the walls. Those cavities are difficult to ventilate, so the moisture build-up inevitably leads to rust and damage.
What Is the Ideal Humidity Level In an RV?
The ideal humidity level in an RV (or any home, for that matter) is between 30 and 50 percent.
Anything above or below this range can cause problems.
In an RV, we’re usually most interested in avoiding high humidity levels that can lead to condensation and damage to our campers.
But low humidity isn’t ideal either. In an RV, low humidity is most often caused by extended use of the air-conditioning unit in warm, dry conditions. Dry air can cause skin and eye irritation.
Maintaining the ideal humidity level in your RV will help to keep it comfortable and free of moisture-related problems.
How To Measure the Humidity In an RV
Keeping an eye on the humidity levels inside your RV is essential to take steps to increase ventilation and turn on the dehumidifier when necessary.
The most convenient way of keeping an eye on the humidity levels inside your RV is to use a portable weather station. Even the most basic RV weather stations include a humidity monitor, so you don’t need to invest a fortune.
Read more: Best RV Weather Stations + Buying Guide to Help You Choose
How To Prevent Moisture Build Up In An RV Camper
Ventilating an RV is the best way to prevent moisture build-up. However, that’s not always an option.
Winter living makes opening windows and doors an uncomfortable solution. Instead, we want to retain the heat to stay cozy.
At night, we want the security of closed doors and windows. We can keep roof vents open, but that may not be enough to make the air fresh in humid conditions.
Running a 12v fan will help by improving the airflow inside the RV.
Another option is to use a dehumidifier. This will help to remove moisture from the air and can also be used in conjunction with a fan. Whatever option you choose, it’s vital to be proactive about preventing moisture build-up in your RV.
Read more: How To Prevent Condensation In A Camper
The Benefits of an RV Dehumidifier
Some of the benefits of having an RV dehumidifier include:
- Help reduce condensation and moisture in the air, which prevents mold and mildew from forming.
- Help keep your RV smelling fresh and clean by reducing odors caused by dampness.
- Can extend the life of your RV by preventing corrosion and rust caused by moisture.
- Can make your RV more comfortable to live in by reducing humidity levels.
- Save you money by helping you to avoid costly repairs that may be needed if moisture damage occurs.
What’s the Difference Between a Desiccant and Refrigerant RV Dehumidifier?
There are two main types of dehumidifiers: desiccant and refrigerant. Both work to remove moisture from the air, but they do so in different ways.
A desiccant dehumidifier uses an absorbent material, such as silica gel to attract and collect moisture from the air. This type of dehumidifier is often used where there is a need to remove large amounts of moisture from the air. Because these kinds of dehumidifiers don’t need any electricity, they’re ideal for boondocking and dry camping.
On the other hand, a refrigerant dehumidifier uses a cooling process and active humidistats to remove moisture from the air. This type of dehumidifier is more often used in areas with high humidity. Refrigerant dehumidifiers use electricity, unlike desiccant dehumidifiers but have higher capacities.
What To Look For When Buying An RV Dehumidifier
With so many different dehumidifiers on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few things to look for when choosing an RV dehumidifier:
What’s The Best Size RV Dehumidifier?
One of the most important factors is the unit’s physical dimensions. After all, space is often at a premium in RVs. You’ll need to make sure that the dehumidifier you choose will fit comfortably in your chosen location.
So, if floor or counter space is limited, you may want to consider a smaller model.
The larger the unit, the greater its water tank capacity. That means the dehumidifier will run for longer before emptying the tank.
When choosing the best humidifier for your RV, also consider the size of your indoor living space. Dehumidifiers are spec’d to suit specific square footage. However, as most are designed for homes, most of them are big enough for even the largest RVs.
Ultimately, the best RV dehumidifiers are those that strike the perfect balance between size, performance, and efficiency.
Weight
All of the dehumidifiers on our list are portable. That’s not to say you’d want to be moving some of them around too often. Not only should you consider having to move them around – especially when you need to store them for travel days – but they need to stay when you put them too.
Heavier models are more likely to move around in the storage cabinet. So if you choose a heavier model, ensure you secure it when you hit the road.
Energy Consumption
When boondocking in an RV, saving energy is crucial. One way to save energy is to low-wattage electrical appliances.
Even the most energy-efficient RV dehumidifier on our list is 48 watts. That may seem low, but if you have it running for 12 hours each day, that adds up to almost 60 amp hours of battery when you take the inverter into account.
You may have a massive solar system and a large lithium battery bank, but even so, it’s 60 amps you need to generate. A 400w solar system will take almost 2 peak hours of sun to generate that amount of power.
Aiming for low energy consumption models will be a big help.
Noise
Sleep trouble? Can’t hear the show anymore. An electric dehumidifier will generate white noise. If you have no other appliances running, that might be the gentle hum you need to help you fall into a slumber.
But take care it doesn’t become another section of the white noise orchestra you’ve built out of refrigerators, AC units, roof vents, and 12v fans.
Look out for quiet models and those you can program to switch on when you most need them and off when you need some peace.
Cleaning & Draining
As moisture is removed from the air by refrigerant RV dehumidifiers, the water is collected in their removable water tanks. The larger the water tank, the less often you need to empty it.
Some models have a small drainage pipe. They’re convenient if you can position the appliance near your RV’s kitchen sink so it can empty continuously.
Desiccant dehumidifiers don’t need to be emptied, but once the silica gel is full, they need to be recharged.
Conclusion
We’ve narrowed down the best RV dehumidifiers in the market. All of them are worth your investment and a place in your RV. For us, though, the best overall is the HomeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier, thanks to its capacity and superior moisture removal.
If you like this post, consider checking out some of our other favorites: