Another condensation thread

[42208]

I am looking for an easy way to clear condensation from van front screen in winter. I have a Karcher vac, however, too big a clumsy for getting down behind the bottom rail for the front window blinds and the water drips out despite starting at the bottom. I have external blinds which help a lot, however, the way I use the van I want to be up and away usually before first light and getting out in the cold rain, removing them and storing them sopping wet in the bathroom is a pain every morning and makes using the bathroom a juggling act (I move on every day). Micro fibre towels are ok, however, usually leave window very streaky. Is there anything else out there I may have missed or am I stuck with my current list of bad options?

 

[Figaro]

I think the karcher is your best option.
I put it in a plastic bag containing some kitchen towels to catch the water that gets blown out, plus a towel on the dash first to finish off the bits at the bottom that are difficult with the karcher.
Not found a better solution yet

 

[POH]

Hi how about some bubble wrap on the outside ,not as big and cumbersome as taylormade or polar covers , you can just screw up and put in plastic carry bag(life long one of course) not tried it myself though as i don't tend to be up with the larks .

 

[Richard n Ann]

I use a piece of kitchen roll and keep squeezing out the water. Then a new piece to finish off and dry the screen.

 

[HandyAndy]

Prevent it rather than trying to tackle it
Crack a roof vent (or front windows) open and put the heating on an hour earlier?

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[42208]

Prevent it rather than trying to tackle it
Crack a roof vent (or front windows) open and put the heating on an hour earlier?

I am trying a few combinations and agree that prevention is the best answer, although doesn't always work. Difficult to predict what you will face early on a winters morning, sometimes the screen is totally clear, sometimes the van demisters enough and other times it needs sorting before driving off

 

[HandyAndy]

looking up the days dew point should help to set the van temperature appropriately.

I bet there's a geeky way you could set up an arduino to monitor the relative humidity and then power up the demisters and a van heater automatically.

 

[Emmit]

Visit Pound shop.
Buy packet of 2 X Survival blankets (In essence, foil sheets)
Buy can of spray glue
Buy sufficient bubble wrap to fit 'survival blankets' Cut to size.
Spray bubble wrap, Apply one blanket.
Turn over, Repeat.
Cut to windscreen size.
Bind edges with gaffer tape.

Apply to inside of windscreen at night.
I'll leave it to you as to how you keep the sheet on windscreen.
We have internal blinds and the sheet fits in between the blinds
and the screen.

 

[42208]

looking up the days dew point should help to set the van temperature appropriately.

I bet there's a geeky way you could set up an arduino to monitor the relative humidity and then power up the demisters and a van heater automatically.

Like it! On to it right now

 

[Landy Andy]

Stop heating the van so much. Stop breathing too much. Open vents. Curtain between living and driving areas.

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[maison]

Visit Pound shop.
Buy packet of 2 X Survival blankets (In essence, foil sheets)
Buy can of spray glue
Buy sufficient bubble wrap to fit 'survival blankets' Cut to size.
Spray bubble wrap, Apply one blanket.
Turn over, Repeat.
Cut to windscreen size.
Bind edges with gaffer tape.

Apply to inside of windscreen at night.
I'll leave it to you as to how you keep the sheet on windscreen.
We have internal blinds and the sheet fits in between the blinds
and the screen.

Our past experience was that internal windscreen covers didn’t stop condensation as the windscreen is still cold. External ones keep the screen at the same temperature as the m/h interior, (more or less) so preventing condensation build up.

I would certainly be interested in people’s experience of internal screens as we don’t carry any at present, internal or external and we get condensation in winter, even with roof vents and/or windows open.

 

[TerryL]

Are you using the standard head for the Karcher? They do another about half the width which gets into smaller spaces more easily.

 

[martin2603]

Always use a Silver Screen , reduces heat loss and condensation. Sometimes have a very little at the screen base, and base of the lounge windows , easily cleared with a paper towel.

 

[maison]

Always use a Silver Screen , reduces heat loss and condensation. Sometimes have a very little at the screen base, and base of the lounge windows , easily cleared with a paper towel.

Is that internal or external?

 

[42208]

Are you using the standard head for the Karcher? They do another about half the width which gets into smaller spaces more easily.

Standard head, although its being used at home now, given up with it in the van.

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[42208]

Always use a Silver Screen , reduces heat loss and condensation. Sometimes have a very little at the screen base, and base of the lounge windows , easily cleared with a paper towel.

Yes they are good, however, doesn't suit my use of the van so just seeing if there are any other tips out there.

 

[Rusty Pumper]

I use external screens but also put two Aero 360 damp absorbers on the floor of the cab and 2-3 Pound shop damp absorbers on the top of the dash at the bottom of the windscreen. It all helps reduce condensation in my experience. Apparently shaving foam or toothpaste might be beneficial short term solutions: