Hi SDA

You're absolutely correct that nature will eventually create a balance (or state of equilibrium) .... eventually:)

However, if you can extract moisture faster than its being replaced by artificial (manmade) means then you can "cheat" nature and override that balance: a refrigerator is another example of a temporary manmade equilibium override.

That said, if your van is stuck in a field with no access to electricity then youre reasoning is spot on (however if you have access to electric, like I do, then a dehumidifier works just fine:) )

A point to note is that cold temperatures dont necessarily mean high humidity (thats how freeze drying works): as mentioned, warmer air contains more water volume than colder air. The critical issue is, is the air with moisture in it allowed to escape when the humidity levels drop and temeperatures change?

In that respect open windows are better than an enclosed space so that moisture doesnt get trapped.

If unattended security was an issue then I'd rig up a solar panel to a battery (and a low voltage cut-off to prevent flattening the battery) and use that to feed an extractor fan via a humidity switch.

I have taken a couple of the hinges off today, and going to Issac lord's tomorrow to see if they have similar items.

Picked these up for our Troll toilet basin cupboard door. Zinc plated and cost just £1.10 for the pair
Also got 6ft of piano hinge, to go on the hinged flap/door under the front seat.
I will put photos up when I have fitted them all.

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Very slight difference in the outer holes, but they will fit, and are not nasty rusty things.

Fitted the hinges on the bathroom cupboard door. And a new piano hinge on the flap/door under the front seat.
Looks so much better now, comparing the rusty old ones.
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One thing to bear in mind when using stainless piano hinges is that the hinge pin is invariably mild steel and prone to rust (have these on our boat which is a bit more of a problem than the caravan). A periodic spray with wd40 keeps them in good order.

Issac lord's sell chrome piano hinge at £18 for 6ft, I bought zinc plated hinge at £5 for the same length.
I will give all the hinges a periodic spray of the good stuff.

I've been at it again, I found the perfect exchange hinges on eBay for the toilet, wardrobe and little rear cupboard doors in our Troll.
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Screenshot 2021-08-01 at 09.16.50.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)B&Q: Zinc-plated Metal Flush Door hinge (L)50mm NO98, Pack of 2. £3.90

Unfortunately as they are plated steel, in a few years the same problem will recur.
Dave

it says they are zinc plated...

Brass ones - these wont rust:) : Cranked Type 2 Flush Cabinet Hinge - 50 x 16 x 1mm - Polished Brass - Pack of 5 Pairs for £7.15 + VAT and £5.95 del

https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/prod...-5-pairs-890391

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