Run AC - Yes or No

[newbold1]

I have my 30 amp service working good at my house. Under load my voltage remains above 110 volts and without load I am around 120.5 volts. Typically somewhere in between whenever I check.

So now, I am wondering whether it would be better to keep my AC turned on to the high 80 degree range when the trailer is just parked for storage or leave it off? Off... the inside of the trailer can get up to 110 degrees during the day. I am trying to decide if the trailer will fare better by keeping the internal temperatures lower or if that is pointless and instead just puts unnecessary wear on the AC unit.

Which would you think is the better way to go and why?

[mcfarmall]

Run it if you want to. The only damage you'll do is to your wallet. Can you crack a couple of windows and perhaps the roof vent to allow some of the hot air to escape naturally?

[spoon059]

I'm with mcfarmall. I have a couple of roof vent covers and leave both my roof vents open about 2" and leave a small bathroom window open about 2". Natural convection of air keeps my camper the same temp and humidity level as the outside.

I have a digital thermometer inside the camper that also tracks the high and low temp. Its never been hotter than 93 in my camper this summer.

[eldermike]

We run ours at home only on days that reach high 90's. We have only had a few of those this year.

[troutslayer]

If it were me, I would not run the AC. Reason is that I don't think the difference between 110 degrees and the upper 80s is all that great. A temp difference of 20 to 25 degrees is not that much for wood, plastic and fabric. I have my outside vent open (has a cover) and place a couple DampRid canisters around in order to keep the humidity down. Hope this helps...good luck and happy camping .

[newbold1]

Guess I won't run it. I could open vents but just didn't want to run the risk of any water getting in if we had a storm come through at our home while we were away at work.

[wwsmith111]

Campers sit on dealers lots, in storage, etc. all the time out in the hot sun with no ill effects. 110 degrees is not all that hot. I would open the vents if they have covers and forget about it. It is a good idea to run the a/c for a few minutes from time to time to keep it in good working order.

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by newbold1

Guess I won't run it. I could open vents but just didn't want to run the risk of any water getting in if we had a storm come through at our home while we were away at work.

Install some Maxairre or equivalent vent covers and you will never have to worry about water coming in the vents.

[newbold1]

Originally Posted by Crabman

Install some Maxairre or equivalent vent covers and you will never have to worry about water coming in the vents.

Thanks I'll need to look at doing that. Hopefully it's an easy add or swap.

[jimp]

I read one blog by a RV service tech, and he had a posting about running the fridge all the time. He stated that running the fridge all the time while parked in the yard is just using up the service life of the fridge while it's parked. Guess the same could be said for AC as well. I would get some roof vents installed, and you could always install a small fan to move the air around inside.

This same tech also posted that a RV a/c unit can only reduce the outside air temp by ~20* +/-, so I doubt you would be accomplishing much based on my readings.

[SMS1115]

Originally Posted by newbold1

Thanks I'll need to look at doing that. Hopefully it's an easy add or swap.

VERY Easy. Took me about 30 minutes to install 2 on my trailer.

[newbold1]

Originally Posted by SMS1115

VERY Easy. Took me about 30 minutes to install 2 on my trailer.

Awesome! Thanks!