How to keep your RV cool

[TxLoser]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

I did the same as big1 but I also wrapped my air handler on the roof with reflectix. I used spay adhesive and completely covered the box. Definately helped my AC work more efficiently and did make a difference with inside Temps.

Any photos of this?

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by TxLoser

Any photos of this?

There was a thread on it somewhere...I'm searching now. I did it on mine.

All it was was using reflectix and spray adhesive on the outside of the return air box on the rooftop a/c.

[TxLoser]

Ok. Makes sense. Seems pretty straight forward. Did you see a difference as well?

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

There was a thread on it somewhere...I'm searching now. I did it on mine.

All it was was using reflectix and spray adhesive on the outside of the return air box on the rooftop a/c.

I have thought about doing that. And adding a layer to the inside of the plastic cover to help dampen the AC noise.

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by TxLoser

Ok. Makes sense. Seems pretty straight forward. Did you see a difference as well?

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I have thought about doing that. And adding a layer to the inside of the plastic cover to help dampen the AC noise.

Here's the thread: https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ing-38400.html

I would say that it definitely made a difference.

[Crabman]

As said check all your ac duct work at the unit and where the vents meet the duct. some of mine had a gap and cold air was escaping into the attic. I also had a partially collapsed duct in the bedroom and a hole in the duct. Taped all that up and much better flow now. I also installed a closeable vent in the bathroom, did not need to cool that and that sent more flow into the bedroom. And yes shaded sites are your freind.

[Riverman]

Get a mini-split A/C. They cool really well and are very quiet.

[Cannon]

Sorry, must gloat a little. Spent last week on the beach with my new rig. Three 15,000 btu a/c's. Did a great job.

[Duke4857]

Originally Posted by Sun N Fun

Preparing to camp in this heat wave, I am regreating that I didn't order the second A/C unit and have concerns about the A/C keeping up. I am installing a aluminum backed bubble wrap to the windows for an additional R4.5 and pushing foam into my roof vent. Aside from the obvious door monitoring for children who want to go in and out 19 times per hour, what tricks or mods have you found to keep your camper cool?

I have read, (never tried) if you put the awning to the south most of the day the sun will hit the awning. This will shade the door side. This will help cool one side any way. Try to park the RV in the shade also. Cover the sky lights with insulation and cook outside.

[RetiredOne]

Originally Posted by Riverman

Get a mini-split A/C. They cool really well and are very quiet.

Where would you install that on these rigs?

[RogerR]

I have single layer glass windows that let in a lot of sun and heat. So I carry pieces of reflectix cut to fit each window and the bath skylight. When these are in place the heat load is much reduced. We also camped at higher elevations and it cut the cold coming in through the windows at night.
cuts down on sun fade while it is in storage.

[Riverman]

I'm going to install the indoor unit on the back inside wall and the outdoor unit on my bumper. A little frame building to hold the outdoor unit will be real easy. There's many examples on youtube.

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by Riverman

Get a mini-split A/C. They cool really well and are very quiet.

How can a mini split be installed in an RV??

[eagleback]

we placed plex glass and a spring closer on the screen door so the main door stays open and its easier and quicker to enter and exit the unit. And the door shuts by it self

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by Riverman

I'm going to install the indoor unit on the back inside wall and the outdoor unit on my bumper. A little frame building to hold the outdoor unit will be real easy. There's many examples on youtube.

I'm no HVAC expert but I believe the outdoor part of a mini split system needs to be level. I'm not sure how well it will stand up to the constant pounding it will take on the rear bumper either.

YouTube is filled with some great information but it is also filled with a great number of examples of folks doing things wrong.

Again, I am not saying this is a bad idea, just think in my opinion that there are too many factors that will make it unworkable

[Jagiven]

I've seen mini splits installed on bus conversions. I have no clue about how level they need to be. They run them off the genny while driving.

The one we have in our bedroom can freeze you out, and seem extremely energy efficient, and ultra quiet.

Power might be the bigger issue. I'd need to check my home breaker box, but I believe it is 220 volt 20 amp.

Were we stay, shore power would be an issue.

[Riverman]

I will make it work what ever it costs....

[Murff]

Originally Posted by Wyka2020RVlife

New to this, just spent a week in SC, 90-95 most days. The AC was my biggest challenge with it shutting it self off a lot. Wish I got the second AC too.

Make sure none of the AC ducts are pointed at the thermostat because it will make the thermostat think the desired temperature has been reached.

Yea, so simple it was SWMBO* figured it out.

Murff

*She Who Must Be Obeyed

[RetiredOne]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I've seen mini splits installed on bus conversions. I have no clue about how level they need to be. They run them off the genny while driving.

The one we have in our bedroom can freeze you out, and seem extremely energy efficient, and ultra quiet.

Power might be the bigger issue. I'd need to check my home breaker box, but I believe it is 220 volt 20 amp.

Were we stay, shore power would be an issue.

I built a Tiny House on a trailer and installed a mini split. I was really impressed on it's efficiency and how quiet it is. But the tiny house is built with upgraded insulation and double insulated windows/doors, so it doesn't take much to cool it down.

My concern with installing on a RV is like said above, the constant bouncing and vibration to the unit as the rig goes from place to place. My other concern is the size of a unit needed to cool an RV, with it's crappy insulation, air leaks and single glazed windows. It would probably need to be a bigger unit, which are 240 volt. Where will he get 240 on his rig?

[Cannon]

Stopped to get fuel and seen this.