12v Dehumidifier

[Klimptaks]

This topic was probably raised somewhere on this forum, but I'm gonna risk it and ask anyway.
We're thinking of getting a 12V dehumidifier using the Peltier (Thermo-Electric) Technology. Does anybody have any experience with one of these? do they actually work?

We're Future Escape owners and want something for the humidity when we're camping on those wet days, and maybe for storage as well.

Thanks in advance
Frank & Natalie

[james kent]

Although we don't live on the "Wet Coast" we have never had to use a de-humidifier in our non-insulated and carpet walled fiberglass trailer. We have used it since '94 and good ventilation has kept it pretty well moisture free. Even in rainy, damp, or cold weather there's always a window open, if only a crack and with the awning set up we can open a the window wide and sometimes even the door. There's also a small computer fan in the kitchen window that helps to create a cross flow. If you close things up too tight then you'll find out how much moisture humans can add to the inviroment.

[bette hanson]

Originally Posted by james kent

Although we don't live on the "Wet Coast" we have never had to use a de-humidifier in our non-insulated and carpet walled fiberglass trailer. We have used it since '94 and good ventilation has kept it pretty well moisture free. Even in rainy, damp, or cold weather there's always a window open, if only a crack and with the awning set up we can open a the window wide and sometimes even the door. There's also a small computer fan in the kitchen window that helps to create a cross flow. If you close things up too tight then you'll find out how much moisture humans can add to the inviroment.

I use a product called Damp-Rid. You buy it in a plastic tub (you can buy refills for it) and the stuff in the tub pulls water out and you must dump it after a 2 weeks or so. It really keeps your camper dry no musty smell.Bette

[Donna D.]

I use Dri-Z-Air Dehumidifier (classic container) when I button up the Scamp for the winter. I've placed the container inside a plastic tube and put the whole thing in the sink. I check the contents a couple of times a month and usually go through one additional bag of crystals through the winter. Cheap and effective.
Dri-Z-Air Dehumidifiers: DriZAir removes excess moisture from the air

I've also used it on occasion after a camping trip! Like the last wet NOG. Stand the cushions on their side to get some ventilation around the cushions and put the container in the sink. Seems to work well drawing moisture out of the cushions/curtains and carpet. I've never used it while camping tho..

[Roy in TO]

This is from the Dri-Z web site:
The Dri-Z-Air crystals are calcium chloride, which is a non-toxic inorganic salt product.

If you are checking it a couple of times a month Donna, You could simply have extra Dri-Z, bring the "moist" crystals from the trailer in, spread them out on a silicone baking sheet and dry (dehydrate) in your warm oven after baking anything. Alternatively calcium chloride can bought in bulk since it is sold in large bags as an ice melter in many areas.

Reading the Dri-Z web site explains why my "ice melter bucket" has fluids in it every spring. I used to think that maybe I left the lid open when it snowed or something over the winter. I'd be cautious about leaving it in the sink because the web site warns that it can be corrosive to metal.

[Donna D.]

Roy, the crystals actually melt and drain into the lower container. It doesn't work like the DampRid bags.

And yes, it is corrosive.... it's a salt of sorts. That's why I put it inside a plastic tub that's placed inside the sink.