Imagine this: You’ve just returned from an RV trip exploring various sceneries. You arrange your sleeping space, change the lighting to create a cozy atmosphere, and prepare for a sound night’s sleep. But as you turn to face the sky, you see something depressing. Your RV van’s walls and ceiling are coated in condensation, and there are indications of water sprinkling, which provides a favorable environment for the growth of mold and mildew. You feel angry and worried because your personal space has been violated. Dehumidifiers for RVs is the mighty solution for such situations!

Do I need an RV dehumidifier?

Getting in your RV and having millions of options to where to go with your home is the best feeling ever. But living in a small space is undoubtedly challenging. So YES, you do need dehumidifiers for RVs.

Avoid letting a stuffy, musty space ruin your mood! It is time to know the best small dehumidifiers for RVs if you have observed water stains on your roof, moisture streaks on your walls, or an abundance of mildew. Even black mold stains are powerless in the face of an effective dehumidifier. 

Features to look for in dehumidifiers for RVs

You must consider several key features when choosing a dehumidifier for your RV. 

  • Size and portability: Because RVs are small, you’ll need a small portable dehumidifier. Look for models made especially for RVs, which are frequently smaller and lighter.
  • Energy efficiency: This is yet another essential factor to take into account. You’ll want a less energy dehumidifier because RVs frequently have limited electricity or battery power. Look for models with ENERGY STAR or other energy-saving features or certifications.
  • Performance: Consider the dehumidifier’s capacity or how much moisture it can remove from the air in a specific time. The capacity you require will depend on the size of your RV and the humidity level you are experiencing.
  • Additionally, look for adjustable humidity settings, automatic shut-off, and a built-in humidistat for precise control.

Dehumidifier vs. Exhaust Fan

You might be debating between a dehumidifier and an exhaust fan to keep your RV dry and healthy. Even though both options have advantages, a dehumidifier is frequently the best option. Exhaust fans are excellent for removing steam and odors but may only partially solve the humidity problem. On the other hand, dehumidifiers expressly remove moisture from the air, resulting in a drier atmosphere that is less conducive to the growth of mold and mildew. And there are many excellent solutions for the top dehumidifiers for RVs that you can find to fit any price and space restrictions. Therefore, your lungs (and nose!) will thank you for investing in a dehumidifier if you are sick of dealing with moisture and musty scents.

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Top 5 dehumidifiers for RVs – product reviews and recommendations

1) Pro Breeze Dehumidifier

Best Features: The Pro Breeze Dehumidifier is a small, effective, and highly silent device that can remove up to 9 ounces of moisture daily and has a vast 17-ounce water tank capacity.

Best Dehumidifier for closet
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When you are looking for a dehumidifier for your bathroom, the first apparent features you are looking for are small size and portability. The Pro Breeze is an excellent dehumidifier in tiny, humid spaces like the bathroom. Despite its small size, it has a relatively big water tank (17 ounces) and can remove up to 9 ounces daily!

One of this dehumidifier’s best features is its energy-saving, ultra-quiet sophisticated Peltier technology, which lets you use it day and night without making loud noises. With a power output of only 23W per hour and ultra-quiet operation, this dehumidifier is a cost- and energy-efficient way to lower humidity in your house.

The dehumidifier also has an auto-off feature that ensures it switches off automatically to prevent spills and an LED indicator that illuminates when the water tank is full.

This dehumidifier is perfect for use in bathrooms since it can efficiently remove the excessive humidity that frequently accumulates in constrained areas and promotes the growth of germs, mold, and mildew. Withdrawing too much moisture from the air can also prevent water damage to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

Read more: The 5 best air purifiers for mold.

The Pro Breeze Dehumidifier is a fantastic option for anyone searching for an effective, portable small-space dehumidifier. This dehumidifier can assist in enhancing air quality and guard against harm brought on by too much moisture, whether you need to lower humidity in your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, or RV.

Pros

  1. Compact and Portable
  2. Energy Efficient
  3. Large Water Tank Capacity
  4. Ultra-Quiet Operation
  5. Automatic Shut-Off

Cons

  1. Limited Dehumidification Capacity 
  2. Manual Water Tank Emptying
  3. Limited Temperature Range 
  4. Limited Coverage 

2) Eva-dry Renewable dehumidifier

Best Features: The Eva-dry E-333 is a reliable and efficient dehumidifier for small spaces. It’s portable, cordless, and rechargeable for hassle-free operation. Keep your bathroom clean and dry with this excellent device.

New and Improved Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier
Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier's price

This small dehumidifier is ideal if you’re searching for a practical way to keep your bathroom dry and odor-free. Unlike traditional dehumidifiers that need electricity, it is hassle-free and silent.

One of the best features of this dehumidifier is its ease of use. Hang it in your bathroom, and you can forget about it. It can be placed anywhere without worrying about finding a nearby electrical source, as it doesn’t require wires, batteries, or power outlets.

It’s also an excellent choice if you are concerned about safety. Many, like me, would rather not have an electric appliance in the bathroom. The Eva-dry E-333 is also non-toxic, safe for children and pets, and spill-free. You won’t have to worry about nasty spills or leaks; your family and pets will be safe around it.

Another excellent characteristic of this dehumidifier is its lengthy lifespan. It can last 20-30 days before recharging the silica gel beads. It’s powerful enough to keep your little spaces dry and comfy, with an absorbent capacity of up to 6 oz.

Of course, as with any product, some drawbacks exist. One disadvantage is that it may not be as effective as a regular dehumidifier. It is most suited for small places such as bathrooms, closets, and automobiles. Furthermore, while it is convenient and straightforward, it may require more maintenance than a traditional dehumidifier because you must regularly recharge the silica gel beads.

Overall, the Eva-dry E-333 Reusable Dehumidifier is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to keep bathrooms dry and odor-free.

Pros

  1. Easy to use
  2. Cordless
  3. Renewable: You don’t need to buy new ones every time it fills up. 
  4. Safe and non-toxic
  5. Long-lasting: The device can last up to 10 years (the recharge beads need replacement every 30 days)

Cons

  1. Limited capacity
  2. Slow process
  3. Needs frequent recharging
  4. Not suitable for severe mold or moisture problems

3) Acekool 2 in 1: Dehumidifier & Air Purifier 

Best Features: The Acekool 35oz Dehumidifier & Air Purifier 2 in 1 has efficient dehumidification, is energy-saving, has auto shut-off protection, multicolored LED lights, and operates quietly.

small Dehumidifier
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The Acekool 35oz dehumidifier is a small and efficient dehumidifier that also functions as an air purifier and features seven colorful LED lights. It employs semiconductor dehumidification technology and features a 1000ml water tank capable of daily removing up to 350ml of moisture. It uses only 23W of power, which can help you save money on your electric bill.

One of the best features of this dehumidifier is its auto shut-off protection. This ensures it will turn off automatically when the water tank is full. 

It also includes an integrated colorful LED light and a button indicator light that turns red when the water tank is full. 

Its simple, modern cylinder shape lets you install it anywhere in your home. You can effortlessly turn it on/off or choose its setting to suit different scenarios with its one-button control. It runs softly (25dB) and will not interfere with your sleep, work, or study, making it ideal for your bedroom, office, bathroom, caravan, or garage.

The Acekool 35oz dehumidifier is an excellent mini dehumidifier for your bathroom because it effectively reduces humidity in the air and prevents the growth of mold and mildew, both of which may be a concern in bathrooms. It can also aid in the removal of unpleasant scents caused by wetness and humidity.

Place this dehumidifier in the desired location, ensuring the top air inlet and back outlet are not blocked. Press the power button to turn it on, then select the preferred mode. It will begin eliminating extra air moisture and turn off automatically when the water tank is full. You can then remove the tank, empty and replace it.

Pros

  1. Efficient dehumidification: It can remove up to 350ml of moisture per day.
  2. Energy-saving: It has a working power of only 23W
  3. Auto shut-off protection
  4. Portable and compact
  5. Ultra-quiet operation

Cons

  1. Limited coverage area
  2. Slow dehumidification
  3. Small water tank

4) Iviation IVVADM35 Powerful Mid-Size Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier

Best Features: compact and portable, Peltier technology, detachable water tank

The IVVADM35 is a top-type dehumidifier with a high level of effectiveness in dealing with moisture in a very moist environment. It is specially built for small enclosed areas like basements and boats, being barely small and portable, with a relatively lightweight of just 4.85 pounds.

Mid-Size Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier
Mid-Size Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier's price

It spans very little off the ground in height and wouldn’t prove difficult to move in cases where there is a need to, while its relatively small footprint ensures it wouldn’t take up much space around in your boat.

The unit has Peltier technology, an innovative and technical design that allows the dehumidifier to perform optimally without being made with moving parts.

The absence of a moving part enables the device to work singlehandedly in a noiseless manner, affording the user maximum comfort in the night and days that would go by without taking note of its presence in the home.

A catchy feature of this unit is its ability to cover up to 2,200 cubic square feet; this might be a little small for yacht-level size, but it is perfect for boasts and would do a great job regardless of where you place it.

It has a high moisture extraction rate of up to 20 ounces per day, squeezing water effectively from the moist air, and unlike some humidifiers, it doesn’t have to be piped out to a drainage system as this could be uneasy with boats. Below the unit is a water reservoir tank, which can hold up to 2 liters of water, covering you for at least three days of dehumidifying.

The device is easy and convenient to use, having an auto feature that is useful in avoiding overflow of water from the tank. You wouldn’t want to battle a drenched floor, would you? NO

As soon as the water tank gets filled up, besides shutting down automatically, the unit also powers an indicator light to alert the user since its ultra-quiet operating mode would not make it easy to tell when running and when not. The downside to using this device is it requires a power supply to run, though it consumes very little. For this reason, you can not use it on boats without provision for power.

Pros

  • high moisture extraction rate,
  • ultra-quiet operation,
  • auto shut off,
  • whole tank indicator light,
  • a large area of coverage.

Cons

  • Runs on the power supply.

5) hOmeLabs small space Dehumidifier

Best Features: compact and portable, energy-efficient.

Best Closet Dehumidifier
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The next on our list is the hOmeLabs small space dehumidifier. As the name implies, this humidifier is very suited to reducing humidity levels in a limited small space, limited to a maximum size of about 150sqft.

The unit is small, spanning about 8.5 inches off the ground and 5.3 inches in width, giving it a tiny footprint and portability that allows smooth movements around the needed area, which in this case, is a boat, depending on the user’s choice.

The marching takes in air and dries it up before releasing it back into the room, reducing the general moisture content of the atmosphere over time. The unit has a water tank capacity of 16 ounces which is good enough for most small spaces. In comparison, it can extract up to 9 ounces of moisture daily, giving you a runtime of at least two days, depending on the usage frequency and atmospheric conditions.

The unit ensures you clean the device once a week due to the possible accumulation of allergens and dirt drawn in alongside the air. The eradication of high humidity levels also, in turn, prevents the spread of mold and mildew, which in itself gives a longer-lasting duration to clothes and furniture around the boat.

This device also employs the Peltier technology for total and absolute silence while in operation, alongside a specially certified ETL adapter which is put in place to prevent overheating of the unit.

Other safety features also have been set in place to further help the user, like the auto-shutoff feature, which turns off the unit in case of the filled water tank while turning on the whole tank water indicator light.

Pros

  • auto shut-off,
  • quiet operation,
  • limited two-year manufacturer warranty,
  • full water tank indicator.

Cons

  • only suitable for small to medium-sized rooms only,

Maintenance tips for your RV dehumidifier

Following some maintenance tips is essential to ensure your RV dehumidifier’s optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Clean or replace the filter regularly because a dirty filter can obstruct airflow and decrease performance. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for how frequently to clean or change the filter.
  2. To avoid overflow, periodically empty the water tank or drain the dehumidifier. When the tank is full, most dehumidifiers contain an indicator or alarm that lets you know—empty the tank as the manufacturer directs. 
  3. Last, keep the area around the dehumidifier clear of clutter and tidy. The performance of the device may be hampered by dust or debris accumulation. Ensure enough ventilation around the dehumidifier, and frequently wash the exterior with a moist cloth.

Before you buy: What to consider when choosing a dehumidifier for RVs

It is essential to know the operational temperature of each model. This is due to the unit’s ability to defrost and collect moisture. If a unit becomes too cold, it can freeze over and stop working. Also, water can’t condense on the coils if the room temperature is lower.

That makes it essential to know the room temperature in which the unit works best to ensure it will work for your RV. Before you choose a mini dehumidifier, use a hygrometer to determine the room’s minimum and maximum temperatures and humidity levels.

Each model has its requirements for operation. Once you find the models that meet your RV’s requirements, it’s up to your personal preference. The unit’s size or weight, the reservoir’s size, and its maximum capabilities can significantly influence your decision.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect machine, place it at least six inches from the wall so air can circulate the entire unit. Soon, you’ll experience the fresh scent and cleaner air that your dehumidifier will bring. You’ll be grateful for the healthier and more pleasing environment. To increase your dehumidifier’s efficiency, keep windows and doors closed while the machine runs to remove maximum moisture. If you have gone years without a dehumidifier, you should have a specialist check the drywall and carpets for mold and remove any infected sections.