RV Maintenance · Commonly Done Wrong

Not Watching for Moisture Inside

Answers: How do I know if my RV has a moisture problem? · Updated August 2026

RV walls are thin, poorly ventilated, and full of cold surfaces. Household humidity habits do not transfer.

Quick answer

Watch windows and exterior-wall corners for condensation, keep a hygrometer, ventilate while cooking and showering, run a dehumidifier during humid weeks, and investigate any musty smell right away.

What people commonly do

Wiping condensation off the windows without asking where the water is going the rest of the time.

Why it can be a problem

Vapor condenses in wall cavities and under mattresses where nobody looks. Mold in an RV cavity means removing paneling and insulation — a far bigger job than in a house.

What to do instead

Keep an inexpensive hygrometer in the living area.
Run the roof vent fan during and after showers and cooking.
Pull the mattress off the platform occasionally and check underneath.
Leave airflow gaps behind furniture on exterior walls.
Track down musty smells instead of masking them.

Fast checks once a month

Under sinks and behind the water heater.
Under the mattress and dinette cushions.
Closet floors on exterior walls.
Window frames after a cold night.
Ceiling around vents and skylights.

Frequently asked questions

Does a dehumidifier raise my electric bill much?

A small unit run during humid stretches costs far less than repairing a mold-damaged wall.

Follow your manufacturer first. This guide is general information from a long-term RV park, not a substitute for the instructions that came with your RV, appliances, roof material, tires, or propane system. Those documents take priority. Use a qualified RV technician or licensed trade for propane, 120-volt electrical, refrigerant, structural, and suspension work.

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