Hybrids in Florida

slabat · 10-13-2015, 10:54 AM

I am thinking of taking the family on an extended vacation to Florida next summer in July. I have a 23J and am concerned about the air conditioner. Does anyone have experience with Hybrids in FL...Will I have any issues?

Jagiven · 10-13-2015, 11:48 AM

No Florida experience, but from other travels, I have not experienced any issues. We have a 13.5K BTU AC. We have been out in 104 deg temps with high humidity, it took about an hour to full cool down to the desired temp, water was just pouring off the roof gutter. The front bunk was in the sun a lot, and it diffidently felt a bit warmer in the bunk area. We do not use Pugs or anything similar. Make sure your air filter is clean, and clean it every few days. If you have bunk fans having them one to blow air into those areas will help too.

It will be nice to see what others have to say.

VicS1950 · 10-13-2015, 12:43 PM

I can't answer your question.

Over the years I have seen hybrid trailers in the campground we use in the Keys January/February. I've noted that some, not all, use Popup Gizmos or other covers on the tent ends.

After a recent trip to Ohio my new concern as a hybrid owner is Stink Bugs. They managed to get into our trailer in numbers. When we returned home and set up things for cleaning I found Stink Bugs in the channels formed by the tilt down gaskets, between the mattresses and deck, and many other places. I killed as many as I could find, but I suspect that we were the Johnnie Appleseed of Stink Bugs.

I'm considering adding insect screen material to the undersides of our tent ends before any future trips.

Consult a stink bug map to see if they are a problem where you're heading.

Sorry for the hijack. Back to topic.

vic

RedHorse1 · 10-13-2015, 07:58 PM

I echo Jag's comments. Pop up gizmos will help keep things cooler. We experienced hot and full sun several times with our X23B. Closing off the bunks with the curtains during the day helps (reduce the volume of space to cool). Keep the shades down on the sunny side also. If you leave for a few hours don't turn the AC down since nobody is there, once the AC gets behind it takes quite a while to catch up. If it will be really warm and sunny consider cutting Reflectix sections for the tent windows, sandwich them between the solid and screen pieces. Oh yeah, cook outside.

bucko · 10-14-2015, 03:31 AM

Wife and I live in Florida, and we camp in Florida. We own a 2014 Jayco Featherlight SLX16XRB hybrid, with the roof mounted air conditioner. During the hot summer months, we use the A/C, and within about 20 minutes on hi, we have to adjust it, as it freezes us out!
I've read by some that have the older window unit that it was not good for cooling in hot temps, but the roof mount is plenty good enough to freeze you out.

NARV · 10-14-2015, 07:04 AM

I, like bucko, live in Florida. I have the 13.5k on my 19slx roof, and it it more than adequate. I've yet to invest in PUGs, but I'm sure it would help. I keep the bunk curtains and shades closed during the summer, if the TT is not in the shade.

Ours gets ice cold even during the day.

Honestly in Florida with AC, the biggest problem is condensation due to humidity and temperature differential. Just make sure you are venting your bunks at night, and you will be good.

dougmarrs · 10-15-2015, 02:10 PM

We also live in Florida and camp all over the State in the State campgrounds. I use the PUPS for the tents and cut 34" foam board, with silver siding, to fit the inside of the tents. This works really well and keeps it cool in the daytime. At night we typically have to turn the AC down as it gets really cold. If you do get the PUPS get the high wind ones. I did not and wish I had when we were in the Keys last time.

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