Cockpit Dehumidifiers

[redraider]

Hello All,

Long time lurker... seldom poster... but I would like some opinions. I keep a "new to me" '78 J hangared in South Texas, very near the Gulf of Mexico (KRKP). While the hangar is in good shape, it's proximity to the gulf and our constant humidity and salt air have me concerned primarily for the avionics. Do any of you have experience with the Goldenrod dehumidifiers or can any of you offer advice as to how best to protect the panel? There is only so much that can be done to lower humidity in the drafty hangar, but I believe I need to do something a bit more proactive within the plane itself. I have wavered between leaving the door, baggage door, and vents open or cracked to promote ventilation to sealing the bird up to prevent intrusion of humid air, yet trapping humid air in the plane.

As far as the airframe is concerned, I have religiously treated the plane with Corrosion X annually.

Much abliged,

redraider

 

[Bennett]

I've used "goldenrod" dehumidifiers on my sailboat for many years, and while they worked well, I was always concerned with how hot they get. I made up some wood spacers and plastic mounts to keep them away from anything that could burn. I switched to a West Marine unit: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_11151_10001_100586_-1____ProductDisplayErrorView#.UCllp1ZmR4

Since then the boat interior is always dry and without any trace of mildew. I just keep one on the main cabin sole, and one forward in the head area. The units are under $75.00 and draw very little (AC) current. I would think that placing one on the co-pilot's floor area while the airplane is in the hangar would be helpful. Fortunately, San Carlos, CA where I hangar N335BB has low humidity and damp air is not a problem. but boats in the Bay Area are of course on the water, and San Francisco fogs are notorious.

WEST MARINE

Air Dryer with Fan, Dehumidifier

Customer Reviews

4.7

From $72.99

[fantom]

Other options include Desiccant Packs and/or Damp Rid Crystals in a high container, placed under the instrument panel, which should keep things dry.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ecatalog/N-1z0dmy1