10 Best RV Dehumidifiers For Comfortable Camping

If you often camp in hot and humid weather, you will need the best RV dehumidifier to keep mold and mildew at bay and maintain a more comfortable living space in your RV. You’re away from home, but there’s no need to put up with that musty odor, damp bedding, or feeling sticky all the time. 

To help you pick the best dehumidifier for RV for your budget without much headache, here’s an in-depth review of the most lightweight, compact, functional and durable dehumidifiers that will take your RV life to the next level.

For the novices, you will also learn everything you need to know to make a worthwhile investment, including crucial buying criteria, the different types of dehumidifiers, useful tips for maintaining a nice and dry living space, and answers to common questions by fellow campers. 

Quick Recommendations

• Best For Larger RVs: Keystone 35 Pint
• Best for Medium RVs: Yaufey 1750 Sq. Ft
• Best Mini RV Dehumidifier: Pro Breeze Mini
• Best Climate Friendly Dehumidifier: hOmeLabs 1,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star
• Best Peltier Dehumidifier For Cooler Weather: MAKAYLA Dehumidifier 304
• Best Desiccant Dehumidifier: Eva-dry E-333
• Best Affordable Dehumidifier with Drain Hose: InvisiPure Hydrowave
• Most Quiet: SEAVON Dehumidifier 280 sq ft
• Most Lightweight: Eva-dry EDV-1100 Electric Petite
• Quiet & Energy Efficient: hOmeLabs Small Space Dehumidifier

Why Do You Need The Best RV Dehumidifier?

No one likes hot and humid weather. You feel sticky all the time, and once you sweat, it won’t be going anywhere but instead makes your T-shirt weigh 10 pounds and smell awful.

Not to mention that within the confined space of an average RV, a lot of vapor is bound to accumulate from cooking and bathing.

You might be able to open the windows and run the vent to let air circulate, but that’s not an option when it’s raining or freezing outside, and the inside of your rig will become stuffy and uncomfortable. 

If this persists, mold and mildew might form on surfaces and objects, and your home on wheels will start to smell very unpleasant.

Furthermore, excessive humidity is detrimental to the look and structural integrity of various materials used in an RV. It’s simply unhealthy and uncomfortable.

While a humidity level of between 30 percent and 50 percent would be ideal, once it exceeds 70 percent, you should really get a portable dehumidifier to get rid of the excess moisture in your living space.

Small dehumidifiers for RVs these days come in all shapes and sizes to fit any tight corner, even on table top and kitchen counter, and are increasingly lightweight and portable so that you can move it around to wherever you need it most or store it away when not in use. 

How Do RV Dehumidifiers Work?

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Desiccant dehumidification works by passing air through a rotating desiccant wheel to extract moisture from the air. Desiccants such as silica gel naturally absorb moisture – that’s why you’ll find little packets of silica gel in new shoes or electronic goods.

As the wheel rotates, a small portion of the rotor is used to reactivate the wheel. In this portion the desiccant is heated so the moisture is released and is then ducted out from the dehumidified space.

The major advantage of desiccant dehumidifiers is that they work even in low temperatures, particularly when temperatures drop below 41°F, unlike the refrigerant type below.

Refrigerant/Compressor Dehumidifiers

The mechanism is very much like how your fridge works. Air gets sucked into the dehumidifier’s vent, which then passes through cold coils, where condensation occurs and the excess moisture in the air will drop into a collection bucket or reservoir in the form of water. Then the air is reheated by the condenser coil. The now dehumidified, warm air is released back into space. 

The use of cold coils to condense moisture means that this type of mechanical dehumidifiers will not work in cold weather, specifically when temperatures drop below 41°F.

You will then need to manually empty the buck when it’s full. The best RV dehumidifiers these days will often automatically shut off when it senses that the bucket is full, while cheaper and more dated models might require you to peak into a clear window to keep track of how full the bucket is. 

In addition to units with a collection bucket, there are also the dehumidifier for RV with drain hose type, which might or might not come with a drain hose. Instead of having to empty the bucket from time to time, you just let the hose drain into the kitchen sink, the shower or through a pump system. 

Peltier Dehumidifiers 

This mechanism is known as the Peltier effect or the thermo electric, named after French physicist Jean Charles Athanase Peltier. Dehumidifiers that use the Peltier technology can work in lower temperatures than the refrigerant type, with the best models working at as low as 46°F.

The Peltier humidification uses a circuit of material consisting of two different conductors. When electric current passes through the circuit, one junction is cooled while the other heats up.

The humid air in a space is sucked into a Peltier dehumidifier and first passes through the hot side to warm up, then through the cool side for condensation of excess moisture.

10 Best RV Dehumidifiers: In-Depth Reviews

Without further ado, let’s dive right into this in-depth RV dehumidifier reviews. There is something for every budget and space, no matter how tight your RV is. All 10 models below are highly portable, well made, easy to use and will last a long time on the open road. 

1. Best For Larger RVs: Keystone 35 Pint Dehumidifier with Electronic Controls

At a glance:

• Type: refrigerant dehumidifier
• Operating range: 3,000 sq ft
• Capacity: 35 pints of water per day
• Collection capacity: 0.8 gallon (123 oz)
• Unit weight: 36.3 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year parts and labor; limited 5-years sealed system

Why we love it:

In case you own a large size Class A or Class C motorhome and want to buy only one dehumidifier for the whole rig, the Keystone 35 pint dehumidifier would be the best RV dehumidifiers at its price range. It has an operating range of  3,000 sq ft and can repel up to 35 pints of water per day, which thousands of happy buyers have testified that it can really deliver. Countless buyers have been using two lesser dehumidifiers for their large home on wheels, and were absolutely thrilled to discover this powerhouse.

This Keystone dehumidifier features easy electronic controls with LED display and a 24-hour timer. Settings include Normal, Turbo, and Auto-Defrost to keep your living environment comfortable around the clock. Another super handy feature is the auto-restart that saves your settings during a power outage and the rolling casters make it a breeze to move the unit to the bathroom after a hot shower. It also has a removable, easy-cleaning dust filter with a clean-filter alert. 

The 0.8 gallon collection tank includes an easy to carry handle for emptying the bucket. For extreme conditions, a continuous draining option is available using a low-level drain and a standard garden hose instead of emptying the collection tank, although the hose is not included. 

There’s perhaps only one flaw you can find with this awesome humidifier. This unit is powerful, so it is expected that it is a bit noisier than other quiet options on this list, with a noise level of 55 dBA.  

2. Best for Medium RVs: Yaufey 1750 Sq. Ft Dehumidifiers

At a glance:

• Type: refrigerant dehumidifier
• Operating range: 1,750 sq ft
• Capacity: 32.7 pints of water per day
• Collection capacity: 0.8 gallon (123 oz)
• Unit weight: 23.8 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year, plus 30-Days Money Back Guarantee

Why we love it:

This super modern and sleek looking dehumidifier is a long time best selling dehumidifier for RVs and homes, with a 4.5 stars overall rating from almost 7,000 happy buyers on Amazon alone and similar ratings on other online retailers. It’s super effective at removing moisture in a medium sized RV of up to 1,750 square feet and can get rid of 32.7 pints of water per day, leaving you a dry, mold-free and comfortable living environment. 

Plus, it is neat, quiet, easy to relocate and easy to maintain. Its price is also very reasonable, albeit not on an absolute term, but for everything that it delivers. It’s no wonder that it has earned a reputation as one of the best RV dehumidifiers for medium sized RVs and high humidity conditions.

It features a light-touch intelligent control panel, which lets you see the operating settings at a glance. You can customize to your ideal moisture setting, then let it run its continuous 24-hour cycle until the collection tank is full, at which point it will automatically shut-off. In addition, this unit comes with a handy 24-hour timer, so you can let it run when you’re away and come back to a humidity-free and comfortable home on wheels while saving energy. 

You can select between regular and turbo fan speeds for optimal comfort. This unit runs quietly at both speeds, with a noise level of between 43dB and 46dB, which is much lower than most RV dehumidifiers on the market. This is ideal for medium sized RVs in particular, since you need only one unit for the whole rig and would most likely put this dehumidifier in the common living area. You might have companions sleeping there without them having to put up with a noisy machine at night. 

Overall, this unit not only functions well and looks good but is extremely easy to maintain. The extra large 0.8 gallon (or 1.8 liter) water collection tank means you will need to empty it less often, but you’re tired of manual drainage every now and then? There’s also a drain hose outlet for continuous draining, and the 2-meter long drain hose is conveniently included. In addition, the removable and washable filter means easy maintenance; simply clean it regularly and then reuse. Despite being on the heavier side, the convenient and durable smooth rolling wheels and handles make this stellar dehumidifier so easy to move from one room to another to suit your needs. 

3. Best Mini RV Dehumidifier: Pro Breeze Mini Dehumidifiers for Home and RV

At a glance:

• Type: Peltier dehumidifier
• Operating range: 225 sq ft
• Capacity: 9 oz of water per day
• Collection capacity: 17 oz
• Operation mode: continuous
• Working temperature: above 59°F (15°C)
• Unit weight: 2.4 lbs

Why we love it:

If you like something in small size but is capable of removing moisture in a slightly large space, check out this Pro Breeze model. It is capable of removing up to 9 ounces of water per day in a space of up to 225 square meter. This portable dehumidifier is also ultra quiet at a power consumption of just 23W per hour.

When the 17-ounce water tank is full, the dehumidifier will automatically shut off and the LED light will turn-on indicating the water tank needs draining. A flaw with this product which is noticed by some buyers is that the lid over the water tank is very tight and can’t be removed to properly clean the water tank when mold starts to form inside. 

An important note is that some others complain about their unit dying out only after 3 years (not too bad if you ask me), but do check whether the issue is really with the dehumidifier, as a common culprit pinpointed by many seasoned campers is with the AC adapter blowing out. You can replace the AC plug for less than $10 and see if your dehumidifier would work again.

Another side note when you’re comparing this unit with similar models is that while some other Peltier dehumidifiers specify that they can work at temperatures as low as 46°F, this unit has an operating temperature range of above 59°F, so it might not be the best choice for camping in extreme cold.

4. Best Climate Friendly Dehumidifier: hOmeLabs 1,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star

At a glance:

• Type: refrigerant dehumidifier
• Operating range: 1,500 sq ft
• Capacity: 22 pints of water per day
• Collection capacity: 0.8 gallon (123 oz)
• Unit weight: 30.5 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year

Why we love it:

Here’s a sleek looking and functional option from hOmelabs, one of the best dehumidifiers for camper out there for owners of medium sized RVs who camp in very humid weather. This is a refrigerant or compressor model that reduces moisture through its built-in pump compressor. 

It is rated for a range of 1,500 square feet and an extraction rate of 22 pints of water per day. It also features a Turbo mode that increases fan speed from Normal Air CFM 118 (cubic feet per minute) to High Air CFM 135 for maximum moisture removal. This model sure is pricier than competitors, but if you’ve bought anything from hOmelabs, you can expect the manufacturer to deliver on what they promise. And this portable dehumidifier absolutely delivers in terms of humidity removal. 

There are many other things to love about this product: a sleek clean look, convenient built-in wheels and handles, and a quiet fan that won’t disturb your sleep.  You can adjust to your ideal moisture setting for optimal comfort, then let it run its continuous 24-hour cycle until the tank is full, at which point it will automatically shut-off. It comes with a large 0.8 gallon collection tank and there’s also a drain hose outlet for continuous draining, but the ⅝” diameter garden hose is not included. 

5. Best Peltier Dehumidifier For Cooler Weather: MAKAYLA Dehumidifier 304

At a glance:

• Type: Peltier dehumidifier
• Operating range: 240 sq ft
• Capacity: 10 oz of water per day
• Collection capacity: 30 oz 
• Working temperature: 46°F to 104°F (8°C to 40°C)
• Unit weight: 1.88 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year

Why we love it:

While the above units are of the refrigerant type, which means they work most effectively when temperatures are above 59°F, this MAKAYLA dehumidifier uses the Peltier dehumidification technology. This allows it to withstand a lower temperature range, specifically below 59°F (15°C) but still above 46°F (7°C), while still being capable of removing up to 10 ounces (300 ml) of water per day in a humid environment of 80% Relative Humidity. Let’s not go into the technicals, but just know that at 80% RH, you would find it pretty uncomfortable to even breathe.

In addition to the above advantage, this Makayla dehumidifier is also ultra quiet with a noise level of below 39dB, which is much quieter than most competitors at above 50dB, so you won’t need to worry about losing sleep with this unit in the bedroom. Furthermore, it’s also one of the most energy efficient dehumidifiers for small spaces out there. It only consumes 1kWh of electricity after running for 45 hours.

In addition to the handy auto shut off feature, this compact and lightweight mini dehumidifier is designed with 7 colors LED Light for a lively atmosphere. You can change the color or lock your favorite color.

For the price, the operating range of this 304 model is decent. But in case you own a large size Class A or Class C luxury motorhome, do check out the 305 model. It is made for larger spaces of up to 550 square feet, with a tank capacity of 56 ounces and is capable of removing up to 22 ounces or 650ml of water per day.

6. Best Desiccant Dehumidifier: Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Dehumidifier

At a glance:

• Type: desiccant (silica gel) dehumidifier
• Operating range: 333 cubic feet or around 115 sq ft
• Capacity: 6 oz of water before changing silica gel beads
• Unit weight: 1.2 lbs
• Warranty: 5 year

Why we love it:

If you are a budget camper or a first time owner of a tiny minivan or teardrop trailer, you might be looking for the best moisture absorbers for RV that cost less than $50 and will last you longer. While a mechanical dehumidifier like a refrigerant or Peltier unit is ideal for larger spaces and high humidity levels, a non-mechanical unit with no moving parts and utterly simple working mechanism might be the best option for tiny spaces like bathrooms or a tiny trailer.

Unlike other mechanical models in this list, this mini dehumidifier uses a desiccant, that is silica gel beads to absorb moisture. It works effectively to repel moisture in a space of up to 333 cubic feet or around 115 square feet and can absorb up to 6 ounces of water per day. As the device absorbs the humidity, the beads will turn from orange to green, indicating that it’s time to “recharge” the unit. It can last up to 20 days before each “recharge”, depending on the humidity level.

When the beads have lost its orange color, it absorbs moisture at a less efficient rate. To “recharge” the unit or “renew” the silica gel beads, just plug this mini dehumidifier directly into an outlet, no batteries and no cables involved.  Plugging the unit into power generates a small but harmless amount of heat. What you are doing is actually heating up the device with a small internal heating element, which dries out the silica gel beads, which allows the now dried beads to again absorb moisture at a higher rate. 

In short, it is cheap, spill-free and simple. And its simple mechanism partly contributes to its lifespan: this unit comes with a 5 year warranty instead of 1 year like most RV dehumidifiers on the market. 

That said, the major drawback is that you might need up to 8 hours for the silica gel beads to fully dry and turn to orange again. This means that despite costing half the price of other mechanical dehumidifiers in this list, you might need to buy an extra unit for rotating in order to keep you RV bathroom or minivan mold-free. Another downside is that the unit heats up when charging, and many campers need to use a towel to unplug it.

7. Best Affordable Dehumidifier with Drain Hose: InvisiPure Hydrowave Dehumidifier 

At a glance:

• Type: Peltier dehumidifier
• Operating range: 300 sq ft
• Capacity: 16 oz to 27 oz of water per day
• Collection capacity: 64 oz 
• Unit weight: 5.7 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year

Why we love it:

If you camp somewhere that can drop down to below 59°F or 15°C but still above 46°F or 7°C, this portable InvisiPure Hydrowave would be one of the best RV dehumidifiers. While most of the above units are of the refrigerant type, which means they only work when temperatures are above 59°F, this InvisiPure unit uses Peltier dehumidification technology to remove moisture, so it is still effective at a lower temperature. 

Also note that as it is not compressor driven, it will have a slower rate of moisture collection than its refrigerant competitors, but it will use less energy and will be much quieter, making it ideal for the bedrooms and smaller RVs.

For less than $100, you’re getting quite a lot for your money. Regarding performance, this unit works wonders in spaces of less than 300 square feet. It can collect from 16 ounces to 27 ounces of moisture per day depending on the actual humidity, making it one of the best dehumidifiers for RV at its price range for campers who travel in humid climates. 

In addition, its collection tank can hold up to 2 liters or 64 ounces, so less frequent emptying is required, but if you don’t want to do that at all, the tank can be conveniently attached with a 3/8″ hose (not included) for continuous drainage. Really, there’s nothing I can nitpick about this lightweight, compact and effective little dehumidifier.

8. Most Quiet: SEAVON Dehumidifier 280 sq ft

At a glance:

• Type: refrigerant dehumidifier
• Operating range: 280 sq ft
• Capacity: 16 oz of water per day
• Collection capacity: 35 oz 
• Working temperature: 59°F to 104°F (15°C to 40°C)
• Unit weight: 2.2 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year and 30-day free exchange

Why we love it:

If you prioritize getting an ultra quiet dehumidifier to place close to your RV bed, then look no further. This unit from SEAVON is down right the best RV dehumidifiers out there. It is made for smaller RVs of up to 280 square feet and has a more than decent extraction rate of up to 16 ounces or 450ml of water per day, which is twice as much as many competitors at the same price point. For such a compact and lightweight profile, this performance is indeed impressive.

On top of its high capacity at moisture removal, what really sets it apart among the best dehumidifiers for RV is that it is designed with high speed and low speed. The high speed mode reduces humidity faster while the low-speed mode is super quiet, with a noise level of only 30dB. While the average number for most models on the market is above 50dB, this portable dehumidifier is really whisper-quiet, making it ideal for placement right in the bedroom. 

Other handy features include auto shut off when the 35-ounce collection tank is full and 7 color LED light that you can customize to create a cozy or lively atmosphere. This small dehumidifier has a cylindrical design with a built-in handle so you can easily carry and relocate it to wherever you need it most. 

9. Most Lightweight: Eva-dry EDV-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier

At a glance:

• Type: Peltier dehumidifier
• Operating range: 1,100 cubic feet or about 110 sq ft
• Collection capacity: 16 oz 
• Unit weight: 1 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year

Why we love it:

In case you need the most compact and lightweight portable dehumidifier that you can take from one tiny enclosed space in your rig to another, look no more than the Eva-Dry EDV Petite Dehumidifier. 

True to its name, this unit is really petite, weighing a mere 1 pound. It is rated for a small space of up to 110 square feet and has a small water collection capacity of 16 ounces, so most campers put it in the bathroom or closet, or any other enclosed space that needs attention. It’s also one of the best travel trailer dehumidifiers for use in an RV’s small bedroom, as at a noise level of only 30dB to 40dB, this unit is so quiet that you might forget it’s on.

10. Quiet & Energy Efficient: hOmeLabs Small Space Dehumidifier with Auto Shut Off

At a glance:

• Type: Peltier dehumidifier
• Operating range: 150 sq ft
• Capacity: 9 oz of water per day
• Operation mode: continuous
• Unit weight: 2.5 lbs
• Warranty: limited 2 year warranty

Why we love it:

Another excellent option praised for not only its whisper quiet operation but also energy efficiency is this dehumidifier from hOmeLabs. It’s one of the best camper dehumidifiers out there for tiny spaces and for dry camping, where you would not have access to electrical hookups.  

This highly portable dehumidifier features low noise and energy efficient 25W ETL certified adapter, ideal for use at night with low energy consumption. In addition, its Peltier thermoelectric dehumidification also prevents overheating for safer use. This dehumidifier shuts off automatically and triggers LED indicator light when the tank is full and water is ready for removal.

How To Pick The Best RV Dehumidifier?

The market for RV dehumidifiers is increasingly vast and diverse, which might overwhelm the novice campers while they’re out hunting for the best moisture absorber for RV at a reasonable price. To make a worthwhile investment, pay attention to the following criteria and specifications:

Types

RV dehumidifiers are divided into two main categories: desiccant and refrigerant. There’s also the third type, Peltier dehumidifiers, but the working mechanism is very similar to that of a refrigerant unit.

Desiccant dehumidifiers

Desiccant units are cheaper and more compact, but they are designed primarily for tight and enclosed spaces such as bathroom and closets. This means that if you want to buy a desiccant dehumidifier for its many benefits, you would mostly likely need more than one unit to keep the entire RV dry and mold-free. 

As for other upsides apart from their tiny and lightweight profile, desiccant dehumidifiers are rechargeable, run more quietly than their refrigerant counterparts and also keep the RV warm by blowing out warm air.

The most important advantage of this type over the refrigerant type is perhaps its ability to work just as efficiently in extreme cold, specifically when temperatures drop below 33°F or 0°C. This makes desiccant dehumidifiers the best dehumidifiers for RV camping in cold weather.

Refrigerant dehumidifiers

Meanwhile, refrigerant or compressor dehumidifiers cost more than desiccant units, but they boast a higher extraction rate while consuming less power, thus they are more ideal for larger RVs. You only need one refrigerant model to keep your entire home on wheels humidity-free, so they are the best dehumidifiers for RV for medium to larger RVs like a luxury motorhome.

Since they are more powerful, it is to be expected that they are bulkier and heavier than their portable desiccant counterparts. Another downside is that this type suffers a drop in efficiency in cold weather, particularly when temperatures drop below 40°F or 4.5°C.

Peltier dehumidifiers

A cousin of the mechanical refrigerant dehumidifier is one that uses the Peltier effect, which is similar to that of the refrigerant type in the way that moisture in the air is also condensed at lower temperatures.

The difference is that units that use the Peltier dehumidification technology take a bit longer to extract the same amount of moisture from the air, but they run quieter than the compressor-driven refrigerant type. This makes Peltier units ideal for the bedroom. 

Capacity or Extraction Rate

So how do you know if a certain dehumidifier is powerful enough to keep your entire home on wheels mold-free? Look for the capacity or extraction rate in the product description. 

The capacity or extraction rate of a dehumidifier for camping refers to its ability to remove excess moisture in a given area. It is measured in “pints of moisture”, or the manufacturer will clearly state that their product is rated for an area of up to a certain square footage.

For instance, a dehumidifier with a 30-pint extraction rate can effectively keep an enclosed space of 300 square feet humidity-free.

Meanwhile, a 50-pint unit has an operating range of about 700 square feet, while the range for a 70-pint model is up to 1,500 square feet. 

Tank Capacity

The larger the water collection tank of a dehumidifier, the less frequent you will need to empty it. A side note on tank capacity is that the best dehumidifier for RV use these days often has an automatic shut off feature, so that once the tank is full, the unit will stop running. 

Humidistat and Timer

Humidistat and timer are two handy functions that also help to reduce a dehumidifier’s power consumption while maintaining a dry and comfortable living environment inside your RV.

The Humidistart feature lets you pre-set a desired humidity level, say 50 percent, and constantly measures humidity level in the air and automatically shuts the unit off once the desired humidity is reached. Therefore, RV dehumidifiers with Humidistat save energy, as they do not work all the time but cycles on and off. 

Meanwhile, a timer allows you to set the unit to turn on at a predetermined time. It is handy when you are away on an excursion but want to come back to a comfortable home on wheels on a humid day without keeping your dehumidifier on for the whole time you’re away. 

Portability

While the best dehumidifiers for RV these days are increasingly lightweight and compact to fit in any tight space in a typical RV, some are more portable than others thanks to wheels and handles that allow you to quickly roll it or take it from one place to another.

These features are especially handy when you only want to buy one dehumidifier for one main living area like the bedroom, but want to be able to move it with ease to the bathroom after a shower or to the kitchen when you’re cooking. 

Noise Level

Refrigerant or compressor dehumidifiers are in general noisier than their desiccant counterparts. Noise level is something many buyers overlook when shopping for the best camper dehumidifier, and this might not be a deal breaker for most campers.

That said, if you travel in a very tight RV, using a dehumidifier in a camper can become pretty annoying at times, especially for the light sleepers. The only way to minimize the risk of buying a noisy dehumidifier is to browse the reviews to see what other buyers have experienced with a particular product. 

Price

For below $50, you will typically get a small humidifier with low capacity that’s only sufficient for a very confined space like the bathroom or closet, or a minivan and the tiniest travel trailer, like a teardrop trailer.

Models in this price range are minimal in functionality, thus typically do not come with handy features like wheels and handle for portability, or humidistat and timer.

If you want something powerful enough that can cover a large RV, be prepared to spend from $50 up to $150, but you will get a better extraction rate, a larger water collection tank, automatic shut off, humidistat and other handy features. 

RV Dehumidifiers: FAQs