Every owner knows that campers and RVs trap a tremendous amount of moisture over time. Whether in storage or camping out, the damp creeps in and eventually causes mold and mildew to form. Moreover, many pests thrive in high humidity environments. An efficient dehumidifier is critical to maintaining your RV and keeping the interior cool and dry in wet weather. RVs and camper humidifiers also need to meet different criteria compared to standard household dehumidifiers. Here are our top five picks offering the best performance for your money.
COMPARISON CHART
Vremi 70 Pint Portable
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Keystone 35 Pint Dehumidifier with Electronic Controls
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Eva-Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier, White (E-333)
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Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite
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Hysure Quiet and Portable
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Specification
Dimensions: | 16.6” x 11” x 24.3” |
Weight: | 41.6 lbs. |
Capacity: | 70 pints/day |
Coverage: | 4500 sq. ft. |
Power: | 120VAC/60 Hz |
Features
- Massive tank collection capacity.
- Huge area coverage at 450 cubic feet.
- Rock-solid design and durability.
- Programmable functions and modes.
- Works fast to dry out any interior space.
The Vremi 70 Pint Portable is truly the Cadillac of portable dehumidifiers. Not only is it built for fast moisture clearing, but it also has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a high end model. Most important of all though, it delivers on its promises.
WHAT WE LIKE
It’s really hard to know where to start with this unit. You can place it in a corner, plug it in, turn it on and dry any space out in a matter of hours. If you don’t want to empty it when it’s full, just run a drain hose to your sink or bathroom shower. In a hurry? Set it to Turbo mode and the Vremi’s powerful fans will collect moisture from the air even faster. Best of all, this unit is Energy Star compliant, so the power draw is surprisingly light considering how powerful it is.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
I find it difficult to pick out any specific problems you might run into when running a Vremi in your RV. The unit is pretty hefty at 42 pounds, so moving it around may not make it an ideal choice for senior citizens. It is also fairly noisy (as all compressor dehumidifiers tend to be). That being said, if you aren’t in the RV or camper while it’s drying out, noise really isn’t an issue.
PROS
- Powerful compressor dehumidifier.
- 1.8 gallon tank with drain hose connector.
- Fully programmable auto-functions.
- Can dry up to 4500 square feet in a matter of hours.
CONS
- Running the unit in Turbo Mode generates a lot of noise.
- The Vremi is fairly heavy and may not be easy to move for older users.
Specification
Dimensions: | 10.8” x 15.4” x 23.2” |
Weight: | 38.5 lbs. |
Capacity: | 35 (6L) pints/day |
Coverage: | 300 sq. ft. |
Power: | 120VAC/60 hz. |
Features
- Programmable automatic operation.
- Normal, Turbo and Auto-Defrost modes.
- Auto-restart.
- Bucket full alert.
- Clean filter alert.
- Auto-shutoff function.
- Compatible with continuous drainage systems.
Keystone makes a variety of different capacity dehumidifiers that are ideal for both home and RV use. The 35-pint model is perfect for small and midsize RVs, and can dry out up to 3,000 square feet.
WHAT WE LIKE
The best characteristic of this dehumidifier is its dimensions. At just under two feet high slightly over a foot wide, it fits perfectly and securely in most RV storage areas. Additionally, the Keystone 35-Pint dehumidifier is powerful despite its small footprint. It rapidly pulls a significant amount of moisture out of the air very quickly, even areas as large as 3,000 square feet.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
There are a couple drawbacks to this unit I would change if I could. First is the capacity of the collection tank. Thirty-five pints is a pretty small amount for mid-size and large RVs. You’ll need to empty the bucket frequently unless you rig up a drain hose. A drain hose needs to either connect it to existing drainage in the RV or run out a window.
Running a hose via a window or door means more moisture inside the RV, and the dehumidifier has to work harder. The only other complaint I can make is that the unit is a bit noisier than some larger models. It’s a typical problem with space-saving designs. If you don’t intend to run it while you are in the RV it may not even affect you.
PROS
- Compact size.
- Easy to store.
- Runs on standard AC power.
- Covers up to 300 square feet.
CONS
- Capacity is fairly small for high humidity environments and larger RVs.
- Unit is noisier than similar models
Specification
Dimensions: | 9” x 8.25” x 2.88” |
Weight: | 14.4 oz. |
Capacity: | 4-6 fluid oz./week |
Coverage: | 33 sq. ft. |
Power: | Chemical dehumidifier (no electricity required). |
Features
- Ultra compact.
- Easy to install.
- Excellent cost-to-value ratio.
- Set-and-forget convenience.
In terms of versatility, it’s hard to beat Eva-Dry. Placing several of these units throughout your RV costs far less than an electric dehumidifier and delivers similar performance. They are also incredibly easy to use: close your camper/RV up so it is airtight, place a few E-333s, and keep your RV dry year round. Just swap the unit out when the silica gel indicator changes from amber to green, and you’re good to go.
WHAT WE LIKE
There really isn’t an easier solution to keeping the air inside your RV dry during storage or when you are camping. You never have to worry about spilling or drainage, and it’s easy to replace the unit when full. Best of all, you can purchase these at most big box stores or RV/boating supply shops.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
My primary concern with using these is that they have to be dried out between uses, or “recharged”. To recharge the E-333, you will need to plug it into an AC outlet for at least 10 hours to purge moisture. Additionally, it takes a very long time to clear the moisture in rooms despite being very effective in safes, closets and cabinets. Powered dehumidifiers are far more effective compared to passive models like the E-333.
PROS
- High cost-to-value ratio.
- Easy to use and install.
- 100 percent renewable.
- Non-toxic, pet and child safe.
CONS
- Less effective when used alone in large interiors.
- Passive function is much slower than powered dehumidifiers.
- Must be recharged every few weeks to purge the absorbed moisture.
Specification
Dimensions: | 6.5” x 8.5” x 5.3” |
Weight: | 1 lb. |
Capacity: | 16 oz.(8 oz. per day, 80% humidity at 86 degrees Fahrenheit) |
Coverage: | 110 sq. ft. |
Power: | 9V DC power (AC Adapter Included) |
Features
- Continuous operation
- Low power draw for superior power efficiency.
- Highly durable design
- Super compact size
When you need to dry out your RV, storage space or camper quickly, the EDV-1100 presents a modest solution. To be clear, it may not eliminate moisture as rapidly as larger, more powerful compressor units; however, it will get the job done provided the weather conditions are right.
WHAT WE LIKE
What I like best about this unit is that it’s roughly the size of a large ostrich egg. The compact design makes it easy to place in your RV and plug in on a counter top where it can do the most good. It’s also designed to be nearly indestructible, and users state that it stands up to drops and impacts exceptionally well. Finally, the dehumidifier tank is designed to be difficult to spill, and has easy grip sides so it can be dumped safely.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
By all user accounts and professional reviews, the EDV-1100 does not measurably change the humidity over time above naturally occurring dissipation. Essentially, it doesn’t perform well outside the temperature/humidity range listed on the box.
That’s a huge drawback if you are purchasing this unit to maintain low humidity levels in your camper or RV. Another significant issue is that the collection tank is only one pint. If you are using the EDV-1100 in a high humidity environment, it’s going to need to be emptied frequently. All in all, I can’t really recommend this unit unless you plan to use it infrequently.
PROS
- Compact size.
- Tough materials and design.
- Easy to empty.
- Quiet operation
CONS
- Not very effective at removing moisture from the air.
- Tank capacity is very small compared to similarly priced models.
Specification
Dimensions: | 10.8” x 15.4” x 23.2” |
Weight: | 38.5 lbs. |
Capacity: | 35 (6L) pints/day |
Coverage: | 300 sq. ft. |
Power: | 120VAC/60 hz. |
Features
- Programmable automatic operation.
- Normal, Turbo and Auto-Defrost modes.
- Auto-restart.
- Bucket full alert.
- Clean filter alert.
- Auto-shutoff function.
- Compatible with continuous drainage systems.
Not unlike the Eva-Dry 1100, this thermo-electric model from Hysure is meant for small spaces in relatively low humidity environments. Its chief advantage over Eva-Dry? Better efficiency and quieter operation.
WHAT WE LIKE
First of all, I like this model much better than the Eva-Dry 1100 because it actually makes a significant difference in the ambient humidity. It removes moisture from the air faster than the rate of natural dissipation, which is a critical difference between the two models.
Additionally, despite sharing the same design and cooling coil, the Hysure has a significantly lower noise output. Best of all, it uses even less energy than the Eva-Dry, solidifying its position as the ideal choice.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
This really isn’t designed for large interior spaces. It’s fine for closets or the inside of a classic car or a safe. It’s not built for large RVs, tow trailers or campers. All in all, it’s great for its intended purpose, but most RV owners will find it’s not sufficient for their needs.
PROS
- Compact and easy to use.
- Programmable functions.
- 9 oz. per day dehumidifier capacity.
CONS
- Limited effectiveness in large spaces.
Conclusion
My choice for the best RV dehumidifier is the Vremi 70 Pint Portable. Not only does it offer the best efficiency and functionality, but it can also be used in your home to dry out rooms or spaces that have been exposed to excessive moisture. Basements, bathrooms and kitchens are all ideal spaces that may need dehumidifier treatment after leaks, spills or natural disasters like flooding or severe storms. If you want the best humidifier for the money, get the Vremi 70 Pint Portable. It’s well worth the cost for superior dehumidifier performance.