Recreational vehicles provide convenient transport and accommodation to traveling musicians and adventurers who enjoy camping outdoors. The small, restricted nature of RVs make them prone to condensation in cold weather and increased moisture levels from activities, such as cooking and bathing. This provides a thriving atmosphere for mold, rust and airborne particles which cause asthma and other respiratory infections. Including the best RV dehumidifier will regulate the moisture levels and keep your RV dry.
Our review includes the most essential features to look for when shopping for an RV dehumidifier. This includes dimensions, dehumidification performance, water tank capacity, noise level, and warranty, among others. Dimensions determine the model size that can fit in your RV while dehumidification performance indicates the capability of the dehumidifier to handle increased moisture. Water tank capacity will influence the runtime and the frequency of emptying the tank, and the noise level will help you to choose a dehumidifier that will not turn the enclosed environment of your RV from divine to deafening. Lastly, the warranty gives you confidence in your purchase.
After compiling reviews from buyers and other experts, we have come up with a list of the best RV dehumidifier models on the market with the Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier as our Editor’s Choice. We broke down the individual features of each model and rated their overall performance in the comparison table below. We have also included detailed reviews of the best models followed by a comprehensive buying guide with tips on managing your RV humidity levels, and an FAQ segment. Our review ends with a summary of our top three choices.
More features: LED indicator when full; optimal operating temperature is 59-86°F
One of the most reliable ways to evaluate the performance of a product is by reading the feedback from verified buyers and authoritative review websites. This is the best-rated RV dehumidifier by customers and major retailers such as Amazon: an admirable feat considering its compact size and low weight of 2.4 pounds.
The mini dehumidifier is equipped with a water tank which can hold up to 16 ounces of water. An LED indicator light notifies you when the tank is full and the unit automatically switches off for safety reasons. The lid on the water tank cannot be removed. Instead, you remove the black rubber stopper and turn the dehumidifier upside down to drain it. The fixed lid is inconvenient when cleaning the water tank because you cannot scrub inside to get rid of stubborn dust and dirt.
It uses the ultra-quiet pelter technology with a thermo-electric cooling system which operates quietly due to the absence of a pump or a compressor.
As one of the best affordable dehumidifiers for a small RV, it can cover spaces of up to 1100 cubic feet at a dehumidification rate of nine ounces per day, consuming only 20 watts.
The package comes with an adapter and an instructional manual to guide you through installation and usage.
More features: comes in a pack of two; spill resistant safety cover
Not only is it competitively priced, but it is also the best dehumidifier for winter storage of RV because it is well-equipped to handle the high rate of condensation that comes with this season. It uses highly-absorbent calcium chloride crystals to remove excess moisture in areas with coverage of up to 1000 square feet. Its suitability as an effective dehumidifier for RVs with high humidity levels is further reflected in its impressive runtime of up to 60 days. The runtime is extended in smaller spaces.
The crystals are activated by removing the lid from the unit. This exposes them to the air, and they harden as they absorb the moisture, before dissolving into brine which is collected in the tub. Since RVs are constantly in the movement which can cause spillage, a sealed protective cover and moisture lock technology ensure the moisture drawn from the air stays in the dehumidifier.
The four-pound purchase comes in a pack of two with a mild scent which eliminates musty odor. Customers who have used it in boats, RVs and cabins hail it as the best dehumidifier for RV in a wireless environment, especially during rainy seasons where flooding is likely to occur.
A significant advantage of this dehumidifier is that it does not require electricity to operate. The downside is that, unlike the silica gel found in desiccant dehumidifiers, the crystals cannot be recharged. They can only be replaced. Fortunately, the crystals can last for months, and the new DampRid Absorber won’t break the bank at all.
More features: water level indicator; suited for 110V power supply with 2 flat pin plug (13V / 2.76A)
It may be compact and portable, but this model has a large water tank that can hold up to 51 ounces of water and a high dehumidification rate of 17 ounces per day. This makes it fit in restricted spaces measuring up to 215 square feet. The unit will effectively lower the humidity levels to prevent allergens like mold, mildew and dust mites.
This small dehumidifier features a thermoelectric Peltier module with low energy consumption and an energy-efficient 36-watt adapter which has been certified by Edison Testing Laboratories which ensures safety compliance of electrical and gas products. This dehumidifier is designed for 110V power supply with two flat pin plug (13V / 2.76A). The adapter prevents overheating of the unit. The power cord which is six feet long gives you greater flexibility in setting up the dehumidifier.
Other safety features include a water level indicator which activates an LED light when the tank is full and ready for emptying, and an auto shut-off feature which turns off the dehumidifier to prevent water from overflowing.
You can set your preferred humidity level and change the mode to Turbo at the touch of a button located on the control panel. The programmable humidity controls make this model the best dehumidifier for a hybrid RV which tends to be prone to fluctuating weather because of poor insulation. You are also assured of a quiet environment because, as a Peltier dehumidifier, it operates quietly since it does not have a pump or compressor.
Some buyers wished the instructions were clearer in describing the different humidity levels.
More features: two modes; energy-efficient
Featuring thermoelectric Peltier technology which uses electrical energy to transfer heat from one end of the unit to the other instead of pumps and compressors reduces the overall weight of this dehumidifier to 1.2 pounds, making it the best portable dehumidifier for RV. This technology also makes it one of the quietest dehumidifiers on the market, generating only 35 decibels in sleep mode. Pressing the button at the top of the unit allows you to alternate between normal and sleep mode.
The unit has a water tank with a capacity of 23.7 ounces which collects the excess moisture extracted at a rate of ten ounces per day. Once the tank is full, a red indicator light goes off to alert you, and the dehumidifier is automatically switched off to avoid spillage. You can monitor the water supply through the window located on the lower side of the unit and slide out the tank from the back to empty it.
The energy-efficient model draws only 23 watts of power, and the patented ERS (Energy Recycle System) technology eliminates musty odors and dampness when the unit is running in small spaces.
We love the minimalistic design that makes it easy to use as well as the noiseless operation. Some customers have found the blue light which stays on during operation a minor inconvenience at night while others liked it as a nightlight. Obviously, it is a matter of personal preference. This dehumidifier can also be quite loud in normal mode.
More features: continuous drainage option; auto humidity levels control
This is a smart Peltier dehumidifier which features programmable humidity controls with a range of 35 to 80 percent that can be accessed on a touchscreen panel with digital LED display. It automatically adjusts the humidity to your preferred level without you having to switch on the unit manually.
Another convenient feature is the continuous drainage option which allows you to attach the 5.5-foot long hose included in the package. You can then focus on your outdoor adventures because it saves you time and effort that would have otherwise been spent on emptying the tank.
The massive tank can hold up to 106 ounces of water which is removed from the air at a high rate of 68 ounces per day, making it also one of the best dehumidifiers for winter storage of an RV. If you are not using the drain hose, a light indicator illuminates to alert you when the tank is full, and the unit which uses thermo-electric Peltier module technology is automatically switched off to prevent any water spillage which may cause electric shock.
With extensive coverage of 5500 cubic feet, your RV will be sufficiently protected from airborne allergens, mold, mildew, rust, and deterioration that results from excess moisture. A long power cord measuring 10.7 feet is included to give you more flexibility in the placement of the energy-efficient dehumidifier with the wattage of 90.
It is a powerful dehumidifier for mold and mildew elimination, which, at 14.85 pounds, is also one of the heaviest on our list.
This detailed guide provides a wealth of useful information consisting of insightful tips to keep your RV humidity levels under control and an in-depth exploration of the most important features of an RV dehumidifier. You will also find answers to your questions in the FAQ section at the end of this buying guide.
As promised earlier in the review, we have analyzed the key features below in detail to help you choose the best RV dehumidifier and optimize its performance.
This refers to the maximum amount of extracted moisture that can be held by the water tank. A large capacity takes time to fill up, thus does not require frequent emptying. To entirely take this repetitive task off your hands, some models like Powilling Smart Dehumidifier come with a hose attachment where you can insert the hose for continuous drainage into a special outlet. This is convenient for an RV because you can spend more time indulging in your outdoor pursuits instead of constantly tackling a full tank.
The length, width, and height impact the overall size of the dehumidifier and determine how well it can fit in the space available in your RV. A compact-sized model, such as Vremi 1 Pint Dehumidifier which measures 11 x 7 x 4.9 inches, is portable and would be easy to set up in any RV, regardless of space limitations.
It is measured by the volume of excess moisture that the dehumidifier can draw from the atmosphere in 24 hours. Knowing the dehumidification rate will help you to identify the right model that will sufficiently optimize the humidity levels in your RV.
Since the outdoor weather is unpredictable, it is best to choose a dehumidifier with a high moisture extraction rate for the rainy season or for winter storage of your RV.
The level of noise generated by dehumidifiers depends on the size and speed of the fan, with compressor models being the loudest owing to the buzz and vibration made by the additional compressors, pumps and other movable parts.
Considering the small enclosed space within the RV, moderate noise may sound twice as loud. You can reduce the noise, which is measured in decibels, by switching the speed of the fan to a lower setting.
Every dehumidifier has a specific size of space, indicated by the manufacturer, where it can effectively remove the excess moisture from the air without underperforming. Knowing the designated size of coverage will help you to choose the right model that will deliver the best output for your RV size. All the dehumidifiers on our list have small to medium coverage which makes them suitable for RVs. For instance, Powilling Smart Dehumidifier with Drain Hose can will effectively optimize the humidity levels in a space measuring up to 5500 square feet while Vremi 1 Pint Dehumidifier has a maximum coverage of 215 square feet.
A small water tank can make the frequent need for emptying feel like the most tedious chore. You can avoid this by acquiring a dehumidifier with a drain hose attachment for continuous drainage into a sink or bathtub. If your chosen model does not have a pump which can drain water upwards through a window, you should direct the attached hose to a drainage outlet that is placed lower than the unit itself so the water can be diverted downwards using gravity. Powilling Smart Dehumidifier with Drain Hose includes the hose in the package, although most models with this option do not.
Traveling light is not just a cliché saying; it is a practical way of life for people who enjoy camping and RV trips. When packing for your outdoor adventures, it is best to keep it minimalistic so you can take along more essentials with you. This is why the portability of the items is a big deal, and for the same reason you should consider the weight of your intended RV dehumidifier. The best portable dehumidifier is OXA Smart Mini Dehumidifier which weighs only 1.2 pounds.
An extended warranty will protect you against future damage and malfunctions, with the length of coverage varying according to the different components. Internal components like compressors are covered for a longer period. Portable dehumidifiers, which are the ones mostly used on RV trips due to their convenient size and weight, will generally have a limited warranty of one year. The terms and period of the warranty depend on the model. For instance, OXA Smart Mini Dehumidifier has a limited warranty of two years whereas Powilling Smart Dehumidifier with Drain Hose offers a 60-day money back guarantee in addition to the one-year warranty.
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier is a 2.4-pound powerhouse whose compact size belies the superior performance that has earned it rave reviews from experts, giant retailers and buyers who vouch for it as the best rated RV dehumidifier on the market. It can effectively optimize humidity levels in an RV with coverage of 1100 cubic feet, extracting nine ounces of moisture per day while operating at only 20 watts.
DampRid FG50FS Hi-Capacity Moisture Absorber is the kind of bargain we come across and start wondering whether there is a catch. It is a budget-friendly dehumidifier which also saves our energy bill because it does not use electricity, opting for highly absorbent crystals with a runtime of up to 60 days!
Wouldn’t we all rather enjoy the scenery on our RV trip than keep a constant eye on the water tank? Powilling Smart Dehumidifier with Drain Hose allows us just to set it and forget it. The continuous drainage option takes care of the emptying task while the programmable humidity control removes excess moisture to keep the RV dry, even in your absence.
