AC Problems?

[MDC's First]

Being a new RV'er don't really know what to expect from AC units. I only know mine is not keeping up with South GA heat! Inside temps during day around 85 and don't cool down until late at night. Is this normal? I realize it probably won't cool like a house but this seems high to me. Jayco Pinnacle/Coleman Mach AC

[Bookemdanno]

I'm assuming you have 2 units (I do)...most of the cooling power will depend on if you have shade. I was down in Palo Duro Canyon (Amarillo, TX area) last month and it was 105 outside and no shade for the RV. It would get down to 67 degrees in the RV during night time, but would rebound to about 85/86 inside during late afternoon. I'm been in similar summer temps, but with shade from tree cover and the ac has no problem maintaining temps around 70. We keep 4 small oscillating fans in the RV and use those when it gets hot and we need to move some air around.

[oldmanAZ]

It's normal. If you use the search function, you'll find others trying to beat the heat.

Like Dan said, shade may be the one thing to really help and some fans would help too.

A couple of other ideas we've used:
- Don't let the trailer heat up and then try to bring the temp down so start the AC early.
- Cover the OUTSIDE of your windows to shade them. When sunlight gets to your glass and shades, it turns to heat inside you trailer.
- Do you have slide topper(s)? The slide has a thinner roof and without toppers, you can feel that ceiling is warmer than the main part of the trailer.

Hope some of that helps.

[MDC's First]

Thanks, guys. Apparently its just something I'll have to deal with. We do have toppers on slides and will start drawing the blinds down to better shade the inside but, unfortunately, where it is currently and where it will be permanently it will be in full sun until late. Thanks for the tips!

[KST-184BH]

Originally Posted by MDC's First

Being a new RV'er don't really know what to expect from AC units. I only know mine is not keeping up with South GA heat! Inside temps during day around 85 and don't cool down until late at night. Is this normal? I realize it probably won't cool like a house but this seems high to me. Jayco Pinnacle/Coleman Mach AC

Yep, sadly this appears to be the norm for us Southern state Summer campers. My dark paint also doesn't help the cause. You may want to consider a dehumidifier to help the AC units. I went with a 35 pint a day and it really pulls the water from the air. It puts off a little heat when in use but the trade off has been worth it. Then of course just the common sense stuff, close off any rooms, spaces, etc. not needing constant cold air during the heat of the day. Use your toppers and awning, vent insulators, etc. Good luck - I feel your pain and can't wait for the 3 weeks of Fall we get

[glamisbound]

Depending on humidity levels, on average, you should expect approximately a 15 degree difference from outside temps....if your lucky.

[Seann45]

Silver bubble wrap in the windows on the sun side help a lot.. RV A/C units normally only drop the inside temp 20 degrees below ambient.

[Grumpy]

There is also a thread someplace showing how to add insulation to the a/c unit itself.

[TWP723]

I've said this before. But, I swear, I've never had a problem cooling my trailer down. Ever. I don't know if I have a mega AC unit or military issue..LOL..but my camper gets to 70 degrees and holds. With a single AC unit, ducted. The wife and I hear people, even friends, complaining of how hot their RV is and ask what our secret is. Our last trip, the state of DE hit a new record with a heat index. My wife had to use a throw from the couch because she was freezing. I don't get it. Could it be the Glacier Package?

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by TWP723

I've said this before. But, I swear, I've never had a problem cooling my trailer down. Ever. I don't know if I have a mega AC unit or military issue..LOL..but my camper gets to 70 degrees and holds. With a single AC unit, ducted. The wife and I hear people, even friends, complaining of how hot their RV is and ask what our secret is. Our last trip, the state of DE hit a new record with a heat index. My wife had to use a throw from the couch because she was freezing. I don't get it. Could it be the Glacier Package?

I doubt it's the Glacier Package: We have that in our TT and I'm sure it helps somewhat, but I don't know to what 'degree' it helps.

I think our large rear window - a huge expanse of single pane glass - is part of the reason we have problems keeping out TT cool. It can also be a huge heat gain if the sun hits it for very long.

[bdreinv]

Our Eagle RSTS one ac unit barely keeps up at 88 degrees, not much shade!We mostly dry camp so not much opportunity to use both units! Oh well fall is on the horizon for the desert! Thanks

[MDC's First]

We're in full sun now and will be at our permanent location. So, yes, awaiting Fall! Ahhh Fall, all 3 weeks of it! Rather be a little uncomfortable in my RV than paying taxes and utilities on the house!