Condensation

[Canute]

Spent first night in van and woke up to a lot of condensation. Been researching this and have a couple of questions.

Looking at Isolite thermal screens for front windscreen (external) and front windows (inside).

This seems the best combination.... just wondered what other people have done.

(We've also go the microwavable condensation bags.)

Also looking at front window wind/rain deflectors. Has anyone installed these and if so, is it worth it, do they work?

Thank you.

 

[colintfcolintf]

front window wind/rain deflectors and then drop the front windows a bit to enable ventilation is key with condensation. to date, all year round, we've not bothered with wrap around covers, just the windows open a bit.

 

[B J G]

Door wind deflectors permit having the windows slightly open to allow ventilation, especially good with external wrap around covers,

 

[WelshGas]

Spent first night in van and woke up to a lot of condensation. Been researching this and have a couple of questions.

Looking at Isolite thermal screens for front windscreen (external) and front windows (inside).

This seems the best combination.... just wondered what other people have done.

(We've also go the microwavable condensation bags.)

Also looking at front window wind/rain deflectors. Has anyone installed these and if so, is it worth it, do they work?

Thank you.

Compare the volume of your California to the volume of your bedroom.
If you are getting condensation it is because of inadequate ventilation. Fitting a insulated windscreen cover will just move the condensation elsewhere in the vehicle to the next coldest areas, body panels behind plastic trim panels or kitchen cupboards etc.
Wind/rain deflectors and part open window on the downwind side and use Parking Heater in cold weather.

 

[Kev56]

Just started looking for a pair myself, there seems to be a lot out there and different thoughts on them from this site.

 

[trev0rk]

Wind deflectors ?

I'm looking to buy some wind deflectors for my 6.1 but unsure what ones to go for. I see dubflecta are no longer available. I'm considering Climair Wind Deflectors or Heko

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Best Windscreen Cover?

What is the general opinion re: windscreen cover? Inside or Outside? We need an insulated cover either way as will be california-ing all year round. Knowing how insulation on a roof works, warm roof i.e. outside is usually less problematic vis-a-vis condensation, so assume external cover best?

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Couple of links from search.

I use Heko wind deflectors, Just Campers external cover, leave the front windows open a couple of inches, and use a fan heater overnight when hooked-up, which minimises the condensation.

 

[The Tall Luthier]

Welsh gas has it.

Too much moist heat will always cause condensation unless it can escape.

There was a gismo that allowed you to leave the tailgate open by an inch quite securely. It fitted into the closing loop and secured as an extender. Others will know what it’s called.

 

[trev0rk]

VW T4/T5/T6 Tailgate and Barn Door Standoff, Fresh Air Vent Lock Extension Hook | eBay

It is very easy to apply or remove. With this standoff you can close the tailgate up to a ventilation gap and lock it if required. The tailgate should not be possible to be opened from the outside when locked.

www.ebay.co.uk

I have similar, but only use it in hot weather.

 

[Canute]

Thanks for the advice. It seems wind/rain deflectors are the solution, allowing you to keep front windows open a bit. And don't bother with external/internal screen covers. We'll give deflectors a try.

 

[kenseaton]

Does it give adequate ventilation if I have the roof open?

 

[pjm-84]

Yep.....We dont really suffer with condensation in the van, with the two of us and two dogs. We always have the vent(s) down just like we have the windows open in the bedrooms

 

[dspuk]

Thanks for the advice. It seems wind/rain deflectors are the solution, allowing you to keep front windows open a bit. And don't bother with external/internal screen covers. We'll give deflectors a try.

Just the deflectors needed. I don’t think anyone is saying don’t use a cover.

 

[B J G]

Just the deflectors needed. I don’t think anyone is saying don’t use a cover.

With the window and deflector combination of vent the magnetic 'blinds' aren't really suited which is why for assured privacy an outside cover, summer or winter grade is a good option.
The deflector keeps the cover away from the window permitting a venting action.

 

[dspuk]

With the window and deflector combination of vent the magnetic 'blinds' aren't really suited which is why for assured privacy an outside cover, summer or winter grade is a good option.
The deflector keeps the cover away from the window permitting a venting action.

So we are in violent agreement?

We use an external cover and cracked the inch.

Never had an issue.

We have used the internal blinds and the internal magnetic covers and cracked the inch.

Never had an issue.

Moral of the thread. Crack the inch.

 

[B J G]

So we are in violent agreement?

We use an external cover and cracked the inch.

Never had an issue.

We have used the internal blinds and the internal magnetic covers and cracked the inch.

Never had an issue.

Moral of the thread. Crack the inch.

Violent?

 

[dspuk]

Violent?

It’s a euphemism. It means strongly agree. You quoted my response by agreeing with it.

 

[Simbo]

I use insulated external covers. Love em. When camping I leave them on all day in the summer to keep it cool and they keep me warm in the winter. They're also good if you like it to be really dark when you are sleeping. Isotherm in the pop top was also a game changer when it comes to makeing the van a more comfortable place to be.

 

[dennfo]

Spent first night in van and woke up to a lot of condensation. Been researching this and have a couple of questions.

Looking at Isolite thermal screens for front windscreen (external) and front windows (inside).

This seems the best combination.... just wondered what other people have done.

(We've also go the microwavable condensation bags.)

Also looking at front window wind/rain deflectors. Has anyone installed these and if so, is it worth it, do they work?

Thank you.

On the subject of deflectors, I'm definitely Team HEKO - you can find them on eBay. Might be that supplier is Poland based on eBay - I had no delivery problems or customs issue with that.This is their main website.. https://e-heko.com/en_GB/index

 

[sbmcd]

If you are using your van when is cold outside you will get a lot of condensation on the inside of the cab Windows unless you use an external thermal window screen.

We use our van a lot in the winter and the internal screen we would normally use in the summer allows too much warm van air into the gap between the cold window and the screen.

 

[acer]

There was a gismo that allowed you to leave the tailgate open by an inch quite securely. It fitted into the closing loop and secured as an extender. Others will know what it’s called.

“Airsafe”
More useful in the summer for ventilation imo.

 

[Homesteader]

Spent first night in van and woke up to a lot of condensation. Been researching this and have a couple of questions.

Looking at Isolite thermal screens for front windscreen (external) and front windows (inside).

This seems the best combination.... just wondered what other people have done.

(We've also go the microwavable condensation bags.)

Also looking at front window wind/rain deflectors. Has anyone installed these and if so, is it worth it, do they work?

Thank you.

Yes I got the wind / rain deflector just drop windows half an inch also use condensation bags in front window.

 

[CamperFam]

Here you go - the three options: https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/door-wind-deflector.56101/post-726906

 

[Christine Kirk]

Compare the volume of your California to the volume of your bedroom.
If you are getting condensation it is because of inadequate ventilation. Fitting a insulated windscreen cover will just move the condensation elsewhere in the vehicle to the next coldest areas, body panels behind plastic trim panels or kitchen cupboards etc.
Wind/rain deflectors and part open window on the downwind side and use Parking Heater in cold weather.

Totally right, ventilate, we have a wrap round front screen cover but always have some of the vents open

 

[CC44853]

I ended up scrapping my wind deflectors after a few months:

- they add wind noise at higher speeds
- they blocked my view out the windows! I'm tall
- they don't look good (in my opinion)
- they stopped the windows from closing properly (no matter how many times I tried to fix them in)

 

[acer]

I ended up scrapping my wind deflectors after a few months:

- they add wind noise at higher speeds
- they blocked my view out the windows! I'm tall
- they don't look good (in my opinion)
- they stopped the windows from closing properly (no matter how many times I tried to fix them in)

This place is all about opinions, so please don’t take offence if I reply to the contrary. I wouldn’t be without wind deflectors, primarily for the ability to ventilate in the rain.
I’ve driven with and without wind deflectors and to my ears there’s no difference in wind noise.
I’m tall and they don’t block my view.
They add to the campervan look, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but is mine.
I had trouble with in-channel deflectors too. The stick-on type gives a wider and therefore more airy solution.
I’m just so in love with with my wind deflectors. In fact, I’m going to step out onto my driveway right now for another little peak.
Edit: “Peek”
Wait! Nobody noticed?