Wednesday, May 19, 2021

RV Mold, Mildew and Dehumidifiers!

Yes, that's my ugly mug in my home studio.
I was shooting a video and recording audio on this subject.

RVTA YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/kiXralv9FX8

This article deals with issues of RV mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can be quite dangerous to your health and your RV. I offer you information from the Environmental Protection Agency and the RV Industry Association. Finally, I have links to affordable options to get rid of dangerous moisture in your RV. Feel free to send me your comments, questions or suggestions.

Getting rid of moisture can be as simple as opening your window on a hot low humidity day. But if it has been raining and humid for several days, you may have to resort to more drastic action to protect your health and RV. I hope this information is useful. Please contact a professional if you have major concerns.

RV Mold And Mildew According To The EPA

What is the difference between Mold and Mildew?

Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit.

Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae. Molds can thrive on any organic matter, including clothing, leather, paper, and the ceilings, walls and floors of homes with moisture management problems. Mildew often lives on shower walls, windowsills, and other places where moisture levels are high. There are many species of molds. In unaired places, such as basements, they can produce a strong musty odor.

Learn more about mold at www.epa.gov/mold.

RV Industry Association Square Footage Standards

Maximum Square Foot Size Of A Travel Trailer

State law defining the maximum square foot size for a travel trailer is inconsistent. Some states limit a travel trailer to 320 square feet while others set the maximum at 400 square feet. The maximum size of a travel trailer in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1192 Standard on Recreational Vehicles is 400 square feet. The older 320 sq. ft. definition used in some states is outdated and inadequate.

The RV Industry Association supports amending state laws to consistently describe the maximum size of a travel trailer as 400 square feet in the set-up mode.

Maximum Length And Width For RVs

RVs are built to be road-worthy and comply with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) as well as NFPA 1192 or ANSI A119.5 for park model RVs. RVs have a special exception for “appurtenances” on the width of an RV, such as retracted side awnings or mirrors situated to provide a safe view for the driver along the sides of the RV. These federal exemptions have been adopted by almost every state. Universal laws of this type mean that manufacturers can build to the industry standard and they and consumers will comply with highway laws as they travel across the U.S.

For several years, RVs have been built up to 45 feet long and 8.5 feet (102 inches) wide in travel mode, not including appurtenances (side-view mirrors, retracted awnings, or truck camper tie downs for example), in response to consumer demand for roomier RVs. These longer RVs have not had any impact on RV accident statistics, which continue to bear out the fact that RV owners are among the safest drivers on the road.

The RV Industry Association supports a maximum length of 45 feet for a motorhome, a maximum allowable width of 102 inches plus up to six inches additional for appurtenances for all RVs and a maximum RV combination length of 65 feet.

Dehumidifiers

Active Systems

I have two options for powered dehumidifiers. I originally ordered the hOmeLabs, but ended up keeping the Waykar. Here is a photo and a link.

Waykar 4500 Sq. Ft Dehumidifier

https://amzn.to/33ZylGW

hOmeLabs dehumidifiers are very popular and highly rated on Amazon. They come in different sizes ranging from 1,500 to 4,500 square feet. These dehumidifiers will definitely get the job done. A typical 25 foot travel trailer is approximately 1,500 cubic feet or 200 square feet. Click on the links to see more detailed information on the Amazon website.

They come in different sizes ranging from 1,500 to 4,500 square feet. These dehumidifiers will definitely get the job done. A typical 25 foot travel trailer is approximately 1,500 cubic feet or 200 square feet. Click on the links to see more detailed information on the Amazon website.