Autocruise 2012 Van Conversion Range Owner'S Handbook Manual Download

Page: 135 / 153

motorhome care

133

condensation

keeping your Acrylic Windows Sparkling

For small scratches, it is possible to use a
liquid metal polish or a proprietary acrylic
polish of a suitable grade dependant on the
severity of the scratches.

Cleaning Windows

Wash down as you would your car. Do not use
a sponge on dirty windows. When all the dirt
has been removed, dry with a leather or similar
type of cloth. The catches and stays do not
require lubricating.

Removing Tar

Use a proprietary tar remover on your double
glazed windows; (available from most leading
car accessory or do-it-yourself shops). Do not
use petrol or other chemicals.

Note: The use of a pressure washer on
the exterior of your motorhome is not
recommended as this may damage the
transfers.

ConDEnSATIon

What is condensation?

Condensation is the change of water from
its gaseous form (water vapour) into liquid
water. Condensation generally occurs in the
atmosphere when warm air rises, cools and
looses its capacity to hold water vapour.

As a result, excess water vapour condenses to
form droplets.

Why condensation occurs

Condensation occurs when warm moist air
meets a cold surface. The risk of condensation
therefore depends upon how moist the air is
and how cold the surfaces of the vehicle are.
Both of these depend to some extent on how
the vehicle is used. In a Motorhome with a
cold outside wall, if the temperature of the
wall falls below the dew point temperature,
it is quite normal for condensation to occur
predominantly on the external walls.

When condensation occurs

Condensation occurs usually in winter,
because the Caravan or Motorhome is cold

and because skylights, windows and doors are
opened less and therefore the moist air cannot
escape.

How condensation occurs

Condensation occurs often for short periods
in bathroom and kitchen areas because of
the steamy atmosphere, and quite frequently
for long periods in unheated areas; it also
occurs in cupboards or corners of rooms where
ventilation and movement of air is restricted.

What is important

Two things are particularly important:

To provide ventilation so that moist air
can escape.

To use the heating reasonably.

How can you prevent condensation

Provide ventilation so that moist air can escape.

a) Good ventilation of kitchens when

washing, cooking or drying damp clothes
is essential. Use the electric element of
the space heater will help, when washing,
cooking, or drying damp clothes, and
particularly when the windows show signs
of misting up.

b) If there is no mains electric supply and

therefore you cannot use the electrical
element of the space heater, open the
skylights or windows slightly, but keep the
door closed as much as possible.

c) After showering, keep the bathroom

window or skylights open, and shut the
bathroom door long enough to dry off the
room.

d) In all other areas provide some ventilation.

Fixed ventilation is provided in accordance
with BS EN 721: 1998 this is through
skylights and ‘heki roof lights’ in the roofs
and from ventilators through the floor
under cookers, motorhome step well, doors
and in bed boxes it is important not to
block these.

Too much ventilation in cold weather
is uncomfortable and wastes heat. All
that is needed is a very slightly opened
window or skylights. Opening a skylight
or ‘Heki; rooflights partially or windows