6 Best Dehumidifiers To Keep Your RV Free of Moisture, Mold, and Mildew

Packing up the RV and hitting the open road offers endless travel options and an unrivaled sense of freedom. However, anyone who owns an RV will tell you that life in a small space can be challenging. When you’re cooking, bathing and sleeping all in one room of your house, you’ll soon see the need for a clean and comfortable living space.

With lots going on in an enclosed space, humidity can become a real issue for RV roamers. Showering, cooking dinner and breathing will increase the humidity inside your RV, making it far less cozy and more clammy. Once water vapor comes into contact with more excellent surfaces inside the van, it will turn into condensation, leaving the RV susceptible to dampness and mold.

You also have to keep your RV when keeping it in long-term storage as you don’t want to come back to your place covered in mold or worse.

It’s well worth investing in a dehumidifier to keep conditions in your RV comfortable. By removing excess water vapor from the air, the dehumidifier will help keep your RV in prime condition and keep you a happy camper no matter the conditions.

💡 Pro Tip: If you also want to keep your air clean in your RV, then look at what we think is the best RV air purifier.

Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations We’ve tested our fair share of dehumidifiers and know what to look for when recommending units for your needs. Here’s what we looked for when making our selections: ✅ RV floor space — American RVs can range from 400 square feet for a large class A motorhome to 60 square feet for a teardrop camper. We identified the right size dehumidifier for the space for different types of RVs. Larger dehumidifiers take up more space which is always at a premium when using an RV, so getting the right size for your space is key.  ✅ Bucket vs. hose — Tiny RVs don’t have any drainage system, so you are better with a bucket system. Larger systems are likely to have a grey water drain system that allows for a hose which is super helpful for those leaving the RV in long-term storage as they wouldn’t be able to empty the bucket. ✅ Power — While many large RVs come equipped with electricity, we wanted to avoid very power-hungry dehumidifiers that might drain the generator too much. We chose only units that pulled a minimal amount of electricity for small RVs.

If you don’t have time to read our full article, here are our top three for quick reference: 

You will instantly know when this works, as the silica gel beads will be orange when they soak up humidity. When they turn green, they are at capacity and it is time to dry them out and start over. To recharge, plug it in until the light turns blue, which takes about a day.

The unit is completely silent, too, meaning disturbance-free operation. Despite its difference, it still does well at eliminating moisture and odors.

What We Really Like:

👍 Highly noticeable when it’s time to dry the beads out
👍 Doesn’t take long to suck up humidity
👍 Simple to recharge the unit
👍 Made from non-toxic and safe material

What We Think Could Be Better:

👎 Takes over an entire outlet when recharging
👎 This unit doesn’t perform well in high-humidity environments as a compressor unit, performing instead more efficiently in low-medium humidity and small spaces

SPECS & FEATURES

HouseFresh Rating:	★★★☆☆
Dehumidification Capacity	6oz per day (177ml per day)
Coverage Area	Up to 66.6 sq. ft. (assuming ceiling height of 5ft)
Features	Renewable solution to excess moisture
Construction Material	Plastic
Airflow	6 Ounces
Sound Level	47 dB when ducted
Power Consumption	22.5 watts (when recharging)
Dimensions	4.75H x 6.25W x 1.25D inches (12H x 15.8W x 3.2D cm)
Weight	1.2 lbs (0.5 kg)
Warranty	5 Years
Price	$19.95

2. Best for Class B RVs: Pure Enrichment® PureDry

We were impressed with Pure Enrichment when we reviewed their portable PureZone mini, now one of the air purifiers we recommend for RVs. 

The PureDry is a mini dehumidifier that removes up to 300ml/day and is good enough for spaces up to 110 Sq Ft, so aimed at smaller RVs and campers. Price-wise, it’s higher than the Eva-Dry option, but it can remove much more water but will need to be plugged in. 

It’s one of our top picks for smaller RVs due to its size-to-water removal ratio and a generous five-year warranty, which is rare with similarly priced competitors. This is our top option for keeping a small RV dry.

What We Really Like:

👍 Great price for a electric dehumidifier for small spaces
👍 White noise sound that is easy to have running while sleeping
👍 Easy setup can start drying out your RV quickly
👍 Great warranty and feedback from customers who had issues

What We Think Could Be Better:

👎 Might be underpowered for larger RV’s — check out the larger deluxe model from this range
👎 Would be great to have a timer

HouseFresh Rating:	★★★★☆
Dehumidification Capacity	10oz per day (300ml per day)
Coverage Area	Up to 110 sq. ft.
Features	Water tank holds up to 0.8 liters (27 fluid ounces)
Construction Material	Plastic
Airflow	188 cc/min
Sound Level	47 dB when ducted
Power Consumption	25 watts
Dimensions	7D x 8W x 11H inches (17.7D x 20.3 x 28H cm)
Weight	2.2lbs (1kg)
Warranty	5 Years
Price	$69.99

3. Best for Class C RVs: Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier

One of the top-selling dehumidifiers thanks to its low price. While we still prefer the Pure Enrichment PureDry as it can remove more water, this option is solid for those with smaller RVs.

The Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier works well for an RV in large parts, thanks to how little space it takes up. Its small footprint allows you to set this up anywhere in an RV that may be on the smaller side. This fits snugly on a counter or tucked out of the way into a corner so it can run without disturbing anyone or anything.

Despite its size, the unit can cover enough space to create a noticeable difference inside your RV. It works best in warmer conditions, too, with temperatures above 59°F. Additionally, the dehumidifier is designed energy-efficient so that you can run it for hours without worry.

This unit has no smart features besides the fact that it auto-detects when the tank is full. An indicator light will shine on the front of the dehumidifier near the power switch. This way, you will know at a glance whether it is time to check on the reservoir tank.

What We Really Like:

👍 Portable size, so it’s easy to bring with you
👍 Runs quietly
👍 Good ratio of water removal for small spaces
👍 Automatic shut-off when the tank is full

What We Think Could Be Better:

👎 The green on LED is super dim and hard to see in daylight
👎 Will not be suitable for larger RVs

SPECS & FEATURES

HouseFresh Rating:	★★★☆☆
Dehumidification Capacity	9oz per day (266ml per day)
Coverage Area	Up to 215 sq. ft.
Features	The water tank holds up to 0.46 liters (16 fluid ounces)
Construction Material	Plastic
Airflow	12 CMPH
Sound Level	42 dB
Power Consumption	23 watts
Dimensions	6D x 6W x 8.5H inches (15.2D x 15.2W x 22H cm)
Weight	2.4 lbs (1kg)
Warranty	1 Year
Price	$44.99

4. Best for Class A RVs: Midea Cube Dehumidifier

Most residential dehumidifiers have relatively small water tanks, so they need to be emptied once or multiple times daily. The Midea cube brings a new design to the dehumidifier market its stackable cube shape allows for a three times large water tank, perfect for those looking to use it in a large RV. 

The design also means it can reduce its size for easy compact storage when not being used. Those looking to keep their large RV free of moisture during long-term storage will be glad to see that this dehumidifier also comes with a drain hose and pump so water can be removed and go directly into your grey water tank, so no need to change the bucket. 

Another great feature for those using it for long-term storage is that it has WIFI capabilities and so you can check on performance via the Android/Apple app to check it’s working well even if you are not in that location. 

For those looking at even the largest RVs, the Midea cube will be more than capable of keeping the humidifier levels perfect.

What We Really Like:

👍 Cube design means it has a water tank that is three times bigger than other models
👍 Wifi means you can use an app to control the device from anywhere
👍 Large water removal that has a recommended space size of 3500 Sq Ft which is much bigger than even the largest RV
👍 Design is easy to store when not in use – bucket fits into the device to form a cube

What We Think Could Be Better:

👎 Higher initial cost than mini/small dehumidifiers
👎 Still pulls 300+ watts when in its highest fan mode

SPECS & FEATURES

HouseFresh Rating:	★★★★☆
Dehumidification Capacity	35oz per day (1035ml per day)
Coverage Area	Up to 3500 sq ft (can deal with any size RV)
Features	4.2 gallon water bucket with drain hose and built-in pump and App support
Construction Material	Plastic
Airflow	188 cc/min
Sound Level	47 dB when ducted
Power Consumption	314 watts
Dimensions	14.76D x 14.45W x 14.57H inches (37.5D x 36.7W x 37H cm)
Weight	45.2 lbs (20.5 kg)
Warranty	5 Years
Price	$302.39

5. Best for 300 sq ft Spaces: InvisiPure Hydrowave

The InvisiPure Hydrowave is the perfect design dehumidifier for standard-sized RVs due to its ratio of water removal capacity and weighing only 5.7 lbs. Its dual air-out vents offer greater, well-rounded circulation that will cover the camper with no difficulties, clearing out more space in less time. It is still compact enough that it won’t take up room.

Thanks to its lightweight design, it is a simple process if you still need to move it around. The unit has a built-in handle on the back for even easier carrying. The unit is rather stylish and modern in its layout, so it won’t be an eyesore, no matter where you decide to set it up in the RV.

When the tank is full, the unit will automatically shut off so you can empty it. However, this is only when you don’t have it running in continuous mode. In continuous mode ( a rarity in smaller dehumidifiers), the dehumidifier will instead drain out water through a connection hose into a space such as a sink. This will make it more convenient since you can have it running in the background without checking up on it occasionally.

What We Really Like:

👍 Visible water tank so it’s easy to check on the water levels
👍 Has a continuous hose – perfect for those with a grey water drain or using it for long-term storage
👍 Features a quality, washable air filter
👍 After any power interruption, the unit can restart on its own

What We Think Could Be Better:

👎 Could benefit from having a longer power cord
👎 Blows out hot air from the side, which can quickly warm up the area

SPECS & FEATURES

HouseFresh Rating:	★★★★☆
Dehumidification Capacity	27oz per day (800 ml per day)
Coverage Area	Up to 300 sq. ft.
Features	Water tank holds up to 2 liters and has an optional continuous hose
Construction Material	Plastic
Airflow	188 cc/min
Sound Level	47 dB when ducted
Power Consumption	75 watts
Dimensions	9.8 x 6.1 x 13.9 inches (15 x 15.5 x 35.3 cm)
Weight	5.7lbs (2.58kg0
Warranty	1 Year
Price	$69.95

6. Best for Spaces up to 250 sq ft: hysure X800B

Another small dehumidifier that is perfect for RVs with up to 250 sq ft but only has a height of 12 inches and weighs less than 5lbs. 

The water tank capacity is much higher than other “mini” dehumidifiers at this price range, with a tank of 1500ml. The 2-year warranty is another unique feature for this small unit when most other mini dehumidifiers usually have only one year.

What We Really Like:

👍 Great size-to-water removal ratio
👍 Quiet operation of 42 dB
👍 Quick and easy to set up out of the box
👍 Larger water tank capacity

What We Think Could Be Better:

👎 No option for an outlet hose
👎 Higher price than other “mini” dehumidifiers

SPECS & FEATURES

HouseFresh Rating:	★★★☆☆
Dehumidification Capacity	18oz per day (0.35 liters per day)
Coverage Area	Up to 250 sq. ft.
Features	Water tank holds up to 52oz(1500ml
Construction Material	ABS Plastic
Airflow	n/a
Sound Level	42 dB
Power Consumption	40 watts
Dimensions	9.8 x 7 x 11.8 inches (25 x 17.7 x 30 cm)
Weight	4.8 lbs (2.2 kg)
Warranty	2 Years
Price	Price not available

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What To Look For When Buying a Dehumidifier for an RV

A dehumidifier will help keep your RV in good condition and keep you a happy camper no matter the conditions. Here are some tips to help you find a good unit for your RV:

1. Measure the cabin space and find a unit that will cover it

The most important thing when buying any dehumidifier is getting the right size unit for the space you want to keep dry. 

For smaller RVs and campers, you can get away with non-electric dehumidification, but as you get bigger spaces of more than 110 sq ft, you will want to look at mini dehumidifiers that range from 100 sq ft up to 300 sq ft. 

To control a larger space, you can use multiple dehumidifiers or look at residential designs like the Midea Cube, with more power needs but with features like a pump, hose and even wifi support via an app. 

2. Decide if you should get a dehumidifier with a hose

You should consider sticking to smaller dehumidifiers for general usage as they use low power and are generally quiet. 

But if you are keeping your RV in a humid location for long-term storage, you should look into buying a bigger unit that has a hose, so you can leave it running without requiring attention. 

3. Find a dehumidifier with auto-shut-off mode

Most modern dehumidifiers come with an auto-shut-off that will switch the unit off when the water bucket is full, so ensure this is included in the dehumidifier you choose for your RV. 

Hopefully, you will be able to find the right dehumidifier for your RV from our list, but if you have any questions, feel free to email me.

🤔 Why should you deal with humidity in your RV? 1. Too much moisture in the air can interfere with your body’s cooling mechanisms and leave you dehydrated.  2. When humidity levels are low, you can lose water vapor through the pores in your skin. This can cause dry skin, chapped lips, scratchy throat and itchy nose. 3. Eczema and other forms of dermatitis are exacerbated by humidity. When sweat remains on your skin in humid conditions, it can lead to heat rash. 4. Humidity can increase the amount of mucus in your nose and throat, causing congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and post-nasal drip.

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Wrapping Up

An RV doesn’t always have ideal ventilation. So, moisture can quickly build up; when it does, there can be significant damage. This is typically found in areas like under bed frames or inside storage compartments because these areas don’t see a lot of air circulation.

When this happens, it can lead to mold and mildew. This can harm the carpets and wooden material inside the RV. Not to mention the health concerns that come with breathing in mold spores.

That is why a dehumidifier is beneficial for the well-being of your RV. It can ensure that moisture will build up to a manageable amount and lead to future problems.

Perhaps you have not realized it, but an RV can be the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew due to excessive moisture. This can wreak havoc throughout the camper, from the bedding to the wood. If left unchecked, it can also lead to health concerns caused by inhaling these spores.

That is where a dehumidifier will help you out the most. It can quickly dry out the area, leaving your RV feeling fresh whenever you step inside it. The best option will depend on the size of your RV, so feel free to pick on the recommendations from our list above.

Last update on 2023-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API