When travelling and sleeping in a campervan, some moisture and condensation can naturally build up inside the vehicle.
This is particularly common in tropical and high-humidity climates, such as North Queensland, during wet weather, or when there is a significant difference between the temperature inside and outside the vehicle.
Because a campervan is a relatively small enclosed space, everyday activities such as sleeping, spending extended periods inside the vehicle, and drying wet clothes, towels or other items can also add moisture to the air.
Good airflow and regular ventilation are important to help reduce condensation, excess moisture, musty smells and conditions that can encourage mould growth.
Keep the Campervan Ventilated
When sleeping inside the vehicle, breathing naturally releases moisture into the air. With two people sleeping inside a campervan overnight, moisture can build up quickly, particularly in humid conditions.
Where safe and practical, keep a window slightly open overnight to allow fresh air to circulate.
Open the doors and windows during the day to air out the vehicle whenever possible.
Avoid keeping the campervan completely closed for long periods, particularly in warm, wet or humid conditions.
For additional ventilation while helping to keep insects out, mosquito nets are available to hire for the rear windows.
Keep Wet Items Ventilated
Wet towels, swimwear, clothing and shoes can significantly increase the amount of moisture inside your campervan.
Avoid leaving wet towels or clothing inside the vehicle for extended periods.
Where possible, allow wet items to dry outside or in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid placing wet or damp items directly on mattresses, seats or bedding.
After visiting the beach or swimming, allow damp items to dry before storing them away.
Keep Bedding and Mattresses Dry
Bedding and mattresses can absorb moisture overnight, so it is important to give them an opportunity to air and dry.
Air out your bedding regularly.
During the day, allow fresh air to circulate around the mattress and sleeping area.
Avoid packing away bedding while it is damp.
If you notice moisture underneath the mattress, allow both the mattress and the area underneath it to air and dry thoroughly before setting up the bed again.
When Cooking
Cooking can produce steam and increase humidity.
Where possible, cook outside and away from the vehicle to help prevent additional moisture from building up inside the campervan.
Use the Air Conditioning
When driving, the vehicle's air conditioning can help remove moisture from the air.
If the windows are fogging up:
Turn on the A/C.
Direct the airflow towards the windscreen or select the windscreen/demister setting.
Turn off recirculation so the ventilation system brings in fresh air from outside rather than continuously recirculating humid air inside the vehicle.
If conditions allow, open the windows slightly for additional airflow.
Regularly Air Out Your Campervan
Even if you haven't noticed condensation, it's important to regularly open the doors and windows and allow fresh air to circulate through the campervan.
This is particularly important after:
Sleeping overnight
Periods of rain or wet weather
Swimming or visiting the beach
Having wet clothing or towels inside the vehicle
Travelling through tropical or high-humidity areas
Regularly airing out the vehicle helps excess moisture escape rather than remaining trapped inside.
During Extended Rain or High Humidity
During extended periods of rain, wet weather or high humidity, it can be more difficult to keep moisture levels down, particularly when travelling in tropical areas.
In addition to regularly ventilating the campervan, you may wish to purchase a moisture absorber/dehumidifier tub to keep inside the vehicle. These can help absorb excess moisture from the air when the campervan is parked.
Always keep the tub upright, place it somewhere secure where it cannot tip or spill, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If You Notice Mould, Dampness or a Musty Smell
If you notice mould, persistent dampness or a strong musty smell, please contact Spaceships Australia as soon as possible and, where possible, send us photos of the affected area.
For small areas of surface mould, you may purchase OzKleen Mould Power Cleaner & Killer or a similar mould-cleaning product that is specifically labelled as suitable for the affected surface or fabric.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and check that the product is suitable for use on fabrics or the particular surface before applying it. We recommend testing the product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals on fabrics, upholstery or interior surfaces unless the product specifically states that it is safe for that material.
Regular ventilation, keeping wet items outside where possible, and using a moisture absorber during extended periods of rain or high humidity can help reduce excess moisture inside the campervan.