Air Dryer vs Dehumidifier Which One Is Best For Your RV?

If you own an RV or any other vehicle, you might have realized that it doesn’t matter where you live or where you park, at some point you will have to deal with the issue of humidity. Humidity is higher in some regions than others but regardless of the place, it is a major problem for all RVers. If you don’t manage the moisture and humidity in your RV, you will end up ruining your rig.

So, now the question is how to control it. Well, there are various methods to control the moisture in your RV. Many people get confused about which method to use between a dehumidifier and an air dryer. But you will not be among those people after reading this article as it will discuss air dryer vs dehumidifier, and which one is best for you.

What’s an air dryer and its features?

To know which one wins in Air Dryer vs Dehumidifier, we first need to look at these devices one at a time. An air dryer is a small and portable device that helps you to prevent the growth of mold and mildew inside your RV. An air dryer is very much like a hot plate. It takes in moist air and heats it to the evaporation point. Then, it shoots out that dry air that prevents the collection of moisture in your RV.

let’s take a look at some features of a typical air dryer.

An air dryer is simple and safe to use.
An air dryer usually does not make any noise while it is working.
You can leave an air dryer on for 24 hours if you want because the electricity consumption is almost equal to a 100W bulb.
It has a design that promotes safe and continuous consumption.
Most air dryers are equipped with a thermal cut-off switch which helps in the prevention of overheating.
It not only removes the moisture from the air but also gently warms an enclosed space like an RV.
You can find various models of air dryers on the market for small and big spaces.

While using an air dryer, make sure that the airflow around the unit is unrestricted to be extra safe.

What’s a dehumidifier and its features?

A dehumidifier reduces the level of moisture or humidity in the air without heating up the air. It condenses the moisture in the air and collects it in the drainage tank that you can empty later. It helps in maintaining a fresh atmosphere in your RV. A dehumidifier in your RV also eliminates musty odor and the risks of health issues.

There are many types of dehumidifiers available in the market. The first and most effective dehumidifier is the traditional dehumidifier which has a huge size. It is very powerful and can remove a lot of moisture from the air in very less time. However, the huge size could create a problem in your RV as it will take up a lot of space.

The huge dehumidifiers are power hungry and you don’t want to drain your batteries. There is no need to worry because small dehumidifiers that are suitable for RVs are also available in the market. One dehumidifier is plenty for a typical RV but if you drive a luxury RV, you should consider buying two. Here are some features of dehumidifiers:

Some of the dehumidifiers feature an LED indicator light that lits up when it’s at capacity
Small dehumidifiers are not very noisy.
They are energy efficient and need 110v of electricity to work which means that any household wall socket will work.
Portable and lightweight
Decently priced
Easy to dispense water
Some models include an automatic shutoff feature that prevents spills

Battery-powered dehumidifiers are less powerful and less effective in comparison to traditional and mini dehumidifiers. An advantage of a battery-powered dehumidifier is that it is easy to carry because of its small size. The only drawback of using a battery-operated dehumidifier is that it is not very powerful.

Air dryer vs dehumidifier: Which dehumidifier is better for RV?

So far we have understood that both air dryer and dehumidifier have their advantages, but if you have to choose one, which one is better for your RV? Let’s compare both devices in a little detail. A challenge that both these devices face is that if you do not buy one with enough power, it can end up useless for you.

The biggest advantage of a dehumidifier over an air dryer is that you can use a dehumidifier anywhere anytime.

On the other hand, an air dryer heats up the atmosphere. An air dryer is good for cold regions because the generated heat will improve your ride and make it cozier.

However, an air dryer might become unbearable in hot regions on the Gulf Coast such as Florida. So, if you live in a region where the summers are long, an air dryer is not the best choice. You might end up buying a dehumidifier for summer and an air dryer for winter and that is not a very smart way to spend your money. There have been some instances where an air dryer left a brown spot at the place it was kept for a long time.

Since a huge traditional dehumidifier will take up a lot of space and a battery dehumidifier is not powerful enough, a mini dehumidifier is a good choice for your RV. It will keep your home on wheels dry, fresh, and odorless.

Conclusion

Now you are also aware of the advantages and disadvantages of dehumidifiers and air dryers. You cannot use an air dryer in a hot climate while a dehumidifier can be used in every condition. Mini dehumidifiers are portable and lightweight and they also come with an automatic shutoff feature which is very useful to prevent spillage of water. To get rid of humidity in your RV, a mini dehumidifier is your best choice. High humidity can cause problems like mold and mildew and extremely low humidity can cause issues like sinus, nosebleeds, and respiratory issues. So, it is important to always monitor the humidity levels of your RV. You can use a hygrometer which is a device that helps you to monitor humidity.