Fighting Condensation and Critters: Real Life in Our 2025 Rockwood

Fighting Condensation and Critters

When we first moved into our 2025 Rockwood full-time, we thought the hardest part would be adjusting to the space. Turns out, it was moisture and critters. Both can sneak up fast when you’re living small, and both can make life a lot less comfortable if you ignore them.

We’ve spent the past few months testing solutions, learning what actually works, and sharing it along the way. Here’s what’s helped us keep our camper dry, warm, and pest-free.

Installing window plastic to help with drafts.

Moisture Control

Condensation is a constant battle when temperatures swing and humidity climbs. Around the bed, under storage areas, and near windows, you’ll notice moisture gathering even when the rest of the rig feels dry.

The biggest help for us was using a window plastic insulation kit. It seals drafts and keeps the temperature steady inside. We run a small dehumidifier daily and probably need to buy a second one. Thankfully, we’ve been living in mostly dry areas for now. Even a small fan on low near the bed helps with airflow and keeps those corners from getting damp.

A few other full-timers mentioned using unscented kitty litter to absorb moisture. It actually makes sense. Most litters use bentonite clay, which naturally pulls humidity from the air. You can pour some into a sock or mesh bag and tuck it into small enclosed areas like under the bed or inside closets. It won’t replace a dehumidifier, but it’s a cheap, easy helper. Just replace or dry it out in the sun every couple of weeks.

Here you can see our small Dehumidifier and the window behind it covered in plastic.

Keeping the Critters Out

We spray Ortho Home Defense around stabilizers, steps, and anywhere that touches the ground. It’s simple, works well, and gives us peace of mind.

You’ve probably seen other campers with soft LED lighting glowing under their rigs at night. It’s not just for looks. Many RVers use LED light strips under their RVs to help keep bugs and small critters away while also making setup and late-night walks safer.

LEDs give off less ultraviolet and blue-spectrum light than traditional bulbs, which are the wavelengths most insects are drawn to. Warm white or amber LEDs are especially effective since they don’t mimic the kind of light bugs use to navigate. On top of that, LEDs produce very little heat, so you’re not creating a warm surface that attracts moths or flying pests.

Some people also find that steady low-level lighting under the trailer can discourage small animals like mice or raccoons from nesting. Whether that’s science or coincidence is still up for debate, but it’s an easy trick that adds visibility and safety when stepping outside after dark.

If you decide to add them, choose weatherproof LED strips rated for outdoor use and aim for warmer tones around 2700K–3000K. Install them to shine downward rather than outward. That gives you practical lighting without creating a glowing beacon for every insect in the county.

And finally, this week we’re skirting our trailer using recycled billboard vinyl from billboardvinyls.com. It’s thick, reusable, and saved us a lot compared to custom skirting kits. It also helps hold heat in during cold nights and gives the setup a finished look.

Camper living isn’t always perfect, but it’s full of problem-solving moments that make you appreciate this lifestyle even more.

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