Condensation in closed Coleman

[scappoose]

Quick question for you all.  I have a 2000 Coleman Sedona and currently have it parked outdoors for the winter with no cover (as most people say to do).  I opened it yesterday to retrieve a couple of items and found quite a bit of condensation on the inside portion of the roof.

Is this normal?  I live in the Southwest Washington where it has been raining a lot and the last couple of days have been dry and cold with temps in high 20's to 30's.

Is there something I can put inside the trailer while it is closed to help with this issue?

Thank you in advance for your help!

[Preacher]

When we had our popups we would keep Damp Rid in them.  You can find it at most Grocery stores or Walmarts.  Make sure you empty it at least once a month.  Now that we have a TT I still use it.  You will be surprised how much water it will pull "out of the air" inside your popup!

[scappoose]

A lot of water even with it closed?

[Preacher]

Remember there is moisture in the air.  If the outside is cooler than the inside then moisture "condensates" on the inside.  And if the air is moist due to snow, rain, sleet, etc. then the problem is exasperated.  Also there is no airflow inside a closed popup to keep the moisure from settling.  The Damp Rid gets rid of that moisure.

[wavery]

These work well also:

http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=2594&src=SRQB

http://www.ebates.com/product/2404/HLzoS0lcEz%252Fb28aU0WMrqA%253D%253D/gZd%252BWoBYHxjSc%252FO2Jk8Ysw%253D%253D.htm

(I had to throw that in   )

[mike4947]

But they are not true dehumidifiers. They simply warm the existing air. There is no moisture removal. They tend to prevent mildew and reduce humidity level by the means that warmer air holds more moisture than colder air so the relative humidity is lower, but do not reduce the moisture level.

[scappoose]

Has anyone seen these types "air dryers" that can be run off of batteries?  We do not keep power to our PU during the offseason.

[mike4947]

Like any 12 volt heating element battery life would be very short. Even a 1 amp draw (and most of the heaters used as "dehumidifiers" are drawing apx 5-10 amps) would only last 3-4 days with an fully charged group 27 battery.
That's why the chemical desiccants are recommended.