After testing 10 of the leading products on the market, I determined that the Energy Star from HOmeLabs was the best dehumidifier for RV and camper trailers.
The right dehumidifier does more than improve the air quality inside the RV, although that’s its most important task. It can also extend the life of your investment by preventing mold or mildew from building up throughout the rig.
My decision was based on the quality of the unit’s performance, but I also took other factors into account. After all, budget is an important concern as well, and the right machine should also be user-friendly. Since the Energy Star checked off all these boxes–and a few others–it vaulted to the top position.
1. hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier-Best Overall
2. Pro Breeze Electric Mini -Most Compact
3. Eva-Dry Renewable Mini Dehumidifier -Best Wireless
4. Ivation IVADM45 -Best Thermoelectric
5. Hysure Mini -Best For Bedrooms
6. Camco Fragrance-Free Mini -Best For Budget Shoppers
7. InvisiPure Hydrowave -Best Most Modern Technology
8. GE Portable -Best For Humid Climates
9. COSVII Upgrade -Highest Capacity
10. Nessbase Mini -Quietest Unit
The Energy Star RV dehumidifier from HOmeLabs works efficiently and requires very little maintenance. Its modern, sleek design allows it to blend in with its surroundings, so you shouldn’t even notice it most of the time. That’s one of the hallmarks of a superior product.
Keep reading to find out more about the Energy Star and why it’s our number one choice.
Product Reviews
1. HOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier—Best Overall
The Energy Star is suitable for larger RVs, as it’s capable of removing up to 50 pints of moisture from the air per day. Even with a capacity this impressive, the unit is compact enough in size to fit comfortably out of the way. It also operates quietly, so you can leave it on while napping or watching TV.
Although it has a tank with an automatic shutoff feature and a 1.8-gallon capacity, you also have the option of installing a drain hose for added convenience. Unfortunately, the hose is sold separately.
Want to take a look at this device in action? Check out this video demonstration.
2. Pro Breeze Electric Mini—Most Compact
At just under a foot tall, the Pro Breeze is so unobtrusive that guests won’t even notice it. An LED indicator light shines brightly to let you know when the tank is full, and the unit shuts off automatically when the tank is full. With a capacity of just 16 ounces, that should happen fairly often, especially as the unit can remove up to 9 ounces of liquid a day.
If your travel trailer is longer than 19 feet, you might need to either invest in 2 of these units or consider another model. Also, note that this one works best within a temperature range of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Eva-Dry Renewable Mini—Best Wireless
Although the Eva-Dry Renewable Mini is small, it works efficiently to keep the moisture out of the air. A single one can accommodate areas up to 333 cubic feet, although it would be best to buy more than one for larger RVs. They can fit easily in closets or pantries—even in the shower.
The unit is rechargeable and therefore eco-friendly, a huge plus for outdoor enthusiasts. The pellets will turn a yellowish color when it’s time to recharge. However, you might have to pay more attention to the unit than you’d like—there’s no alarm or bright light to alert you.
4. Ivation IVADM45—Best Thermoelectric
The IVADM45 has thermoelectric capabilities, meaning it creates a temperature shift in the air using a Peltier module. Unlike most of the dehumidifiers listed here, it doesn’t require a compressor.
Note that this model is better for RVs measuring under 20 feet in length, as it’s designed to dehumidify spaces of 100 square feet or fewer. However, it can remove 25 ounces of water from the air per day, so it’s an efficient model.
5. Hysure Mini—Best For Bedrooms
This nifty little unit can absorb up to 18 ounces of water per day, and works well in spaces up to 220 square feet. Its low-profile design allows it to fit snugly in the corner of the bedroom—or even the closet.
The automatic shut-off feature will keep the unit from running when the reservoir is full. It consumes very little energy, using the same thermoelectric properties as the Ivation model. Unfortunately, some consumers have cited poor performance levels, although the majority claim that the unit works as advertised.
6. Camco Fragrance-Free Mini—Best For Budget Shoppers
The lowest-priced option on our list weighs in at just 6 ounces, absorbing up to 18 ounces of fluid at a stretch. Unfortunately, once it’s done so, it has to be discarded. This isn’t a mechanical unit, but a small bucket full of chemicals that leaches moisture out of the air.
The Camco isn’t ideal for humid climates, and it’s not an eco-friendly choice. If you have young children or pets, you’ll have to keep them away from the unit, as the chemicals are toxic. However, if portability and budget are your top priorities, this is a decent choice.
7. InvisiPure Hydrowave—Most Modern Technology
The InvisiPure Hydrowave also uses the Peltier dehumidification module, making it one of the most innovative models on our list. With a daily moisture reduction capacity of 27 ounces, it’s also one of the most efficient.
You have the option of installing a drainage hose if you’d like, but note that it isn’t included with the purchase. There are also no instructions, which can be intimidating if this is your first experience with an RV dehumidifier.
8. GE Portable—Best For Humid Climates
Since it can remove up to 35 pints of water from the air daily, this unit has a definite edge when it comes to productivity. We would definitely recommend the GE if you live in a humid environment.
Despite the high production rate, however, the reservoir only holds 1.1 gallons. Fortunately, an alarm will alert you when the container is full. There’s also an alert system in place to remind you to clean the filter.
This model is portable and easy to use, with a number of handy features. However, it’s also on the pricey side, so keep that in mind when shopping.
9. COSVII Upgrade—Highest Capacity
The generous 68-ounce water tank is the main reason to invest in the COSVII Upgrade, but it has plenty of other qualities to recommend it as well. It consumes just 1.15 kilowatts of electricity per 24 hours of continuous use, so it’s highly energy-efficient. With its one-button control, the unit is also user-friendly.
This model runs quietly and effectively, and is suitable for spaces up to 480 square feet. Our one complaint is with the customer service department, which is slow to respond to any concerns.
10. Nessbase Mini—Quietest Unit
If it’s a nearly silent unit you’re looking for, give the Nessbase Mini a try. It’s capable of operating below 35 decibels, so it can be used around the clock. Though it only removes about 16 ounces of moisture per day, its tank has a generous capacity of 35 ounces.
The unique design of this model offers a color and light display in addition to productivity. It’s also environmentally sound, using only .96 kilowatts of energy per 24-hour period.
Note that the optimal temperature range for the Nessbase Mini is 41 to 120 degrees. If you regularly camp in colder climates, you might want to expand your search.
Buyer’s Guide
What features do you need to consider when searching for an RV dehumidifier? Because there are so many to choose from, it’s a good idea to have a list of criteria to help you narrow down your options. Let’s take a look at the most common ones.
Size
When it comes to RV living, you want to do everything in your power to maximize the space. That means choosing an RV dehumidifier that won’t take up a ton of room.
The smaller your camper is, the more critical this issue becomes. Select a model that can be kept out of the way, so you’re not constantly reminded of its presence.
On the other hand, those of you with larger rigs might be able to get away with investing in an oversized unit. As long as you don’t find yourself tripping over it every time you move from one end of the camper to the other, you should be in good shape.
Cost
On the lower end of the spectrum, an RV dehumidifier might cost just $100. However, you can easily drop a few thousand dollars on a high-end unit. Decide how much you’re willing and able to spend, and search for models that fit within that budget.
Energy Consumption
Remember: Your RV’s battery is already working to support your other appliances. Adding a dehumidifier to the mix will drain even more energy, meaning you’ll have to recharge more often.
For optimum results, look for a unit that uses a 24-hour cycle. That way, you can program it to work harder (or slack off) if the humidity levels undergo drastic changes within that 24-hour period. This will keep your energy consumption at a reasonable level.
Location
Do you live in an especially rainy or otherwise humid area? If this is the case, you’ll need a higher-performing unit than someone who primarily camps in arid climates. Take that into consideration when you’re poring through customer reviews.
Automatic Settings
When you choose a model with an automatic setting, you can forget that the machine is even there most of the time. This is an excellent option if you’re the forgetful type, or if you just don’t want to spend all that extra time adjusting the settings.
Ease of Use
The best dehumidifiers are the ones that you can simply plug in, set, and forget. If you select a unit with a drain hose outlet, you won’t have to worry about emptying the water tank.
Having a drain hose also keeps the dehumidifier from shutting off automatically when the tank fills to capacity. This is a huge plus if the tank fills up when you’re not around to empty it.
The only downside? You’ll likely have to spend more time—not to mention money—to install the drain hose.
Tank Capacity
If the RV dehumidifier does have a tank, pay attention to its capacity. Since the unit will shut off when the tank is full, you’ll have to spend a lot of time emptying it if you buy one that’s too small for the area it’s trying to maintain.
In general, a tank capacity of 64 ounces is sufficient for a living space that measures 300 square feet. However, you might want to look for a smaller one if your travel trailer is especially cramped as it is.
Noise
Dehumidifiers don’t work silently. However, some are louder than others. Light sleepers or people who already have a ton of other appliances contributing to the white noise in their travel trailer should opt for the quietest unit they can find.
Note that some models can be programmed to shut off for several hours. This can be a nice perk if you have trouble falling asleep or just want some peace and quiet while you watch a movie in the evening.
How To Tell If You Need A Dehumidifier
Ideally, the humidity level in your RV should be between 30 to 50 percent. If it’s any higher than this, it could cause damage to the interior–not to mention potential respiratory issues.
One obvious sign of humidity-related damage is mold spots on the floor and ceiling. If this isn’t corrected, the mold will burrow deep into the material, resulting in costly repairs.
I would recommend investing in an RV dehumidifier as soon as you buy the travel trailer itself. There’s no reason to wait until the mold and mildew causes damage to your home on wheels before taking steps to correct the issue.
What’s more, the unit will allow the temperature to remain more consistent within the camper. That means less stress on your heating and AC units.
In Conclusion
With the Energy Star unit, HOmeLabs offers a device that’s suitable for larger RVs. Since most portable units may not be able to handle all that space, this is a great perk if your rig measures more than 20 feet long.
We also love the fact that you can install a drain hose to cut back on maintenance. If you’re willing to spend the extra time and money to take advantage of this option, you can save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run.
Best of luck, and happy camping!
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