Caravan dehumidifiers play a vital role in your caravan or motorhome. It’s one of those appliances that you don’t think you need… until you know you need it. Or it’s too late.
And once you get one, there’s no turning back! Your caravan interior will be a much more pleasant environment with cleaner air and less dreaded mould build-up.
There’s a broad range of dehumidifiers on the market, so it can be challenging to know which one is the ideal model for your particular caravan or motorhome.
We’ve rounded up the best caravan dehumidifiers on the market today – as well as the important factors to consider when choosing the one that is right for you.
The Best Caravan Dehumidifiers
Pro Breeze 500ml Compact and Portable Mini Air Dehumidifier
The Pro Breeze dehumidifier is a quick way to efficiently remove any damp, moisture or mould that may be present in your caravan. It uses Peltier technology which is ultra-quiet so you won’t be able to hear it in operation, which is even more ideal if you plan to use it around your sleeping space.
The unit has a large 500ml capacity water tank, and it can extract up to 250ml of moisture each day. There is an inbuilt indicator which signals when it’s full, and it will automatically turn off until it’s been emptied.
It’s portable and lightweight so you can quickly move it into position while also being energy efficient. This is a great product which allows you to remove exiting excess moisture or act as a prevention method.
UniBond AERO 360 Moisture Absorber
If you need a smaller and less expensive solution, then the UniBond AERO 360º Moisture Absorber could be the right moisture absorber for your needs. It allows you to effectively absorb and reduce excess moisture levels in your caravan while also neutralizing bad smells.
It is capable of removing moisture from rooms that measure up to 20m². The absorber has an aerodynamic design that delivers 360° air circulation with moisture-absorbing crystals.
This requires no electricity to run and has a spill prevention system with each refill lasting up to 3 months which will vary depending on the amount of moisture that is present in your caravan.
Although you have to refill the cartridges, this is straight forward using its one-touch loading tray and also has an indicator level to signal when it needs to be replaced. This won’t be as effective as larger dehumidifiers that use an electric power source, but it can be used effectively in low moisture areas.
PureMate 500ml Portable Mini Air Dehumidifier
The PureMate mini dehumidifier helps to relieve your allergies and breathing issues by reducing mould and moisture from the air inside your caravan.
It has a low energy consumption while also being capable of removing 250ml of moisture from the air each day which is stored inside its 500ml capacity water tank – which has an auto shut off when it’s full, so it doesn’t overflow.
The unit is lightweight so you can easily move it around your caravan while also having whisper-quiet technology so it can stay on even through the night when you’re sleeping without the risk of it waking you up. Due to its size, it’s suitable for room sizes up to 15m².
A good dehumidifier option for caravan and motorhome users.
PureMate 12L Portable & Compact Dehumidifier
Now if you have greater dehumidifying needs with a high electricity power source, then you may need a heavier duty solution. The Puremate compact dehumidifier can extract up to 12 litres of moisture from your caravan each day and gives you custom control of the humidity.
This allows you to effectively reduce mould and condensation build-up while also having a noise level of just 43dB, giving it a relatively quiet operation considering its output power. It has an auto shut off feature not only to prevent overflowing within the whopping 1.5-litre water tank but also stops the compressor from overheating.
The unit has a Digital LCD and washable pre-filter which is included. The unit measures (LxWxH): 27.6 x 18.5 x 47 CM and is mounted on to caster wheels to make it easy to move around. There is also the option of using a direct drain option and isn’t limited only for use in caravans and includes to necessary 60cm drain pipe.
This is the complete caravan dehumidifier solution – but only if you’ve got the power source to back it up.
UGHEY Small Dehumidifier For Caravans
The UGHEY dehumidifier is perfect for removing damp or mould in your caravan using its Thermo-Electric Peltier technology to eliminate up to 700 ml of water each day to leave you with a more comfortable and healthier environment.
The dehumidifier uses low noise components which include not having a compressor which emits a noise of below 39dB so you can even sleep while it’s in operation. It also has an intelligent auto-off feature which automatically turns off once its water tank has reached its capacity.
When that happens, you’re unlikely to miss it anyway – as the tank turns bright red when its full.
This dehumidifier is compact and portable, making it a great lightweight option for any caravan or motorhome in need of some basic air quality management.
What Is A Caravan Dehumidifier?
The key purpose of a dehumidifier is to treat the air to remove any excess moisture, and it does this by using refrigeration techniques.
You place the dehumidifier into a room, and it sucks in the air into one end and removes moisture and then blows the treated air back into the room. The collected moisture is collected into a tray compartment inside the dehumidifier which needs to be then emptied when it becomes full.
What Does A Dehumidifier Do?
Prevents and reduces mould growth
Dehumidifiers remove excess humidity and moisture from your caravan, which results in you having drier air in your living space. This aids in the reduction of damp and the issues this causes such as mould growth.
Moisture is key to the growth of mould, and it thrives in humid conditions which are especially common in caravans when the central heating is turned up, because if the windows are closed, then moulds develop even faster. You can measure your moisture using a damp meter.
Occupants of caravans with mould and damp are more likely to develop respiratory problems and allergies. This can lead to immune system diseases which have a more significant effect on young children and the elderly who are more vulnerable.
Mould is even more harmful to people who already suffer from allergies causing constant flare-ups affecting your overall quality of life.
Help to dry clothing
Not all caravans have a tumble dryer, and it’s not always going to be suitable weather to be able to put clothes out on the line to dry. A Dehumidifier can be used to reduce the time to dry clothes. Some of the best Dehumidifiers have specific clothes drying settings, which is usually lacking with a caravan fan.
It must be noted that having wet clothes around the caravan will initially add moisture into the air, but the dehumidifier will remove this moisture.
Prevents Dust Mites
Dust mites are commonplace in the caravan, but few people know that they can also be a trigger for allergies, and you may think that your caravan is completely clean, but dust mites can still be present in upholstery and carpets. A dust mite is microscopic, so you can’t see them, and they thrive in humid environments which make caravans ideal.
By removing excess moisture to reduce the humidity, you’ll go a long way to reduce the number of dust mites in your caravan. A combination of regular cleaning and using a dehumidifier will have an unbelievable effect.
Lowers Condensation
Condensation is a common problem amongst caravans and can be caused by a combination of day to day tasks such as cooking or taking a shower. This constant condensation can then develop into mould and damp over time, but a dehumidifier can reduce the effects of this by removing the excess moisture.
Protects Caravan Interior
Excess moisture can bind to upholstery and furniture, causing mildew and mould to develop, and this is often accompanied by a foul smell while also have a slightly wet damp touch. A dehumidifier will prevent this from happening to protect your interior furnishings, meaning that they will last longer before they need to be replaced
Provides More Efficient Air Conditioning
If you regularly use an caravan air conditioner, then a dehumidifier will lower your energy costs because it assists your air conditioner enabling it to work more efficiently. If your caravan has high humidity, then you AC unit has to not only cool the air but also remove moisture which not only uses more energy but also can cause it to wear out quickly so it will require more frequent repairs or replacing.
Types of Dehumidifier
Desiccant Dehumidifier
Desiccant Dehumidifiers operate by passing air through a rotor which then collects moisture. This moisture is then removed from the air allowing for dry air to be redistributed back into the room. Water that is collected in the desiccant wheel is removed by adding heat, causing the excess moisture to exit.
The desiccant material is key to the functioning of the unit and is porous, which makes it highly absorbing. Once the heat is added this then forces the moisture to be released, allowing for the process of dehumidifying to repeat.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers are quiet in operation which makes them especially suitable to be used in living rooms and bedrooms without disturbing you from the activity you’re trying to enjoy.
Refrigerant Dehumidifier
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers function by condensing moisture out of the open air, by drawing in damp air from the room into the unit where it is then passed over a cold evaporator coil. This then reduces the temperature of the air, which allows the condensation to be collected within the cold coils. The collected water then forms in the tray, which can then be manually removed when it becomes full.
Inside the unit, dry air is passed over warm condensing coils to heat it before leaving the dehumidifier. The dry air can be left to flow into the room, or you can manually direct it at a damp area to speed up the drying process.
Non-Electrical Dehumidifier
These are dehumidifiers, as you’d expect, that doesn’t require a power source to operate. They will typically be a small plastic container that will slowly absorb moisture from its surroundings. The contents of the container are usually either a gel or small crystals which attract excess moisture and retain it until ready to empty.
They’re often quick and easy to buy while also being very cheap. However, they are best off being used in areas of low excess moisture or small spaces such as a cupboard.
Things To Consider In A Caravan Dehumidifier
How Noisy Is It?
You will never find a completely silent dehumidifier, but different models will produce different levels of sound. When you first use the dehumidifier, you will notice that it’s loud because it will have to work harder than usual because there is a big build-up of excess humidity.
But once it has been running for a few days and the moisture levels have been brought down, then the noise will be reduced. If the unit is placed in a room where you need there to be a low amount of noise, such as a bedroom or tv room, then the better brands often are the quietest models.
Humidistat
A humidistat allows the dehumidifier to keep track of the moisture level in the air, and once it reaches your desired level of humidity, it will then maintain this level. This means that you don’t have to keep turning it on and off constantly and you can leave the dehumidifier to do this automatically. This will also save you energy and keep your caravan at the humidity that you desire.
Water Tank Capacity
Of course, you’d rather a unit that requires as little maintenance as possible, so the capacity of the water tank is important because you don’t want to have to be constantly refilling it all the time. Check that it has a decent-sized water tank built into the unit.
Because units with a bigger capacity need to be emptied less often, it’s common that the larger capacity units will cost more.
Temperature
You need to consider the temperature of the location you plan to place the dehumidifier. If it’s going to be placed in a location that can be cold, then this will affect the type of dehumidifier you get, and a desiccant model will be more suitable.
Refrigerant dehumidifiers can have problems functioning in lower temperatures because the coil can freeze. This lowers the level of performance and can cause it to stop functioning completely.
Timer
A timer is a simple feature but can save you a considerable amount of money over a year. This will allow you to turn the dehumidifier after a specific amount of time. This can be useful if you’re going to be leaving your caravan and don’t want it to be turned on for the whole time.
How Portable Is The Dehumidifier?
The size will play a factor in the unit you decide to buy depending on how you plan to use the unit, i.e. are you going to be regularly moving it or is it going to stay in the same position for its whole life.
If you’re going to be moving the unit around, then you need to consider the weight, and most units have handles on the top of the dehumidifier for easy carrying.
Additionally, they can also be mounted onto wheels or casters so you can wheel it around instead of having to lift it. So, if you have limited strength, this is something to look out for.
Current Humidity Levels
You need to consider the current humidity of the area that you’re planning to use the dehumidifier. For example, there’s no point getting a non-electrical dehumidifier and putting it in an extremely humid area, because it can’t absorb anywhere near the necessary amount of water. This type of dehumidifier is better suited to a small cupboard or a vehicle.
On the other hand, if you have an area with extreme levels of moisture, then an electric desiccant or refrigerant dehumidifier will be better suited to the job. Also, a unit with a large capacity tank will be more ideal, so you don’t have to frequently empty it.
Frost Prevention
Refrigerant dehumidifiers have inbuilt technology that works to stop water from freezing on its cold coils when it’s in operation. Meanwhile, Desiccant dehumidifiers don’t have this ability because of the way that they function.
Ideally, you should look for a unit that has an automatic defrost feature that will save you money in the long run as you won’t need to replace it due to damage from ice.
Warranty
Any electrical item has the potential to develop the fault regardless of the brand or cost, but what manufacturers can do is include warranties for added protection for the buyer. These warranties mean that if a fault does develop, then you can return it for either a repair or a replacement unit. Warranties can range anywhere from a few months to a lifetime.
Size of The Space
This refers to the size of the area that you’re aiming to dehumidify. If you’re trying to use it in a large room, then this will be better suited to a desiccant or refrigerant model which are designed to work in larger spaces.
Non-electrical dehumidifiers are effective in larger areas and are better suited to small cupboards or rooms. You need to ensure that the dehumidifier that you buy is fit for your needs.
Laundry Setting
Laundry function puts the dehumidifier into full speed which helps to dry clothes by removing the excess moisture from the clothes as a result of them being wet or damp. This is useful if you don’t have a tumble dryer and it isn’t warm enough for you to hang them outside on the washing line.
Price
Of course, the price will be a consideration when it comes to buying a dehumidifier. They do vary in price depending on the in-built features. Also, it is often better to spend a little bit more on a more advanced, reliable unit as you will save money in the long run as it will have a longer life, require fewer repairs and will likely have a longer warranty period.
Performance
Dehumidifiers come in all types of features and sizes so your required performance will depend on your individual needs. Because of this, it’s critical to get a dehumidifier that suits your unique needs. I.e. don’t buy the top of the range 25-litre unit if you only need it for a small cupboard.
Energy Efficiency
This refers to how efficiently and effectively the dehumidifier will consume energy. Ideally, you’ll want an energy-efficient unit because it will cause less power usage saving you money.