Air conditioner too small

[jeff brittain]

I have the Swift SLX with the 5000 btu ac. This is way way to small. I am considering upgrading to either 8000 or 10000 btu. A little worried about weight of the 10000 but can prob. figure out something. Has any one installed or have the 8000 btu unit? Due to size and weight would rather install it but if it will not keep up in 90 plus with 80 percent humidity, (you know typical Alabama summer) then the 10000 will be the decision. Other than that we like our Jayco and will just adjust it to fit us, not the other way round!

 

[jeff brittain]

a lot of views

A lot of views, does anyone have any advice?

 

[norty1]

I am not familiar with the rig. Is it a window type unit? I would put the largest unit that will go in the same hole and uses 110vac. Sure would like to see a picture. I have seen small window units mounted in the side walls to supplement a roof unit.
The newer ones I have seen are around 8k and are rather compact and light.

 

[smacdonald]

I've been looking at upgrading too. I don't like that you can't set a temperature and it shut off when that temp is reached. Seems like we have all this technology available, it's now gotta be cheap enough to make even the cheapest units have climate control. I want to upgrade to an 8,000 BTU, I saw a unit i liked at Home depot, dimensions are the same, asked advise from Jayco, they wouldn't give me a straight answer. I thought that was a little queer.

 

[norty1]

Here is one that got my attention last month.

 

[LBL 1206]

there is a thread related to this...fellow was going to update/resize. per jayco, they told him that was not advisable due to wall construction etc...????
there is another thread of same where a member did update to a larger unit...it has pixs in the post...I think he did some wall cutting both interior and exterior. also had to fabricate an extension support inside by the cabinets because of overhang of larger unit...should be able too research the threads...good luck.

 

[LBL 1206]

go to posting date 6/29/13 by Pugpen...he describes what he did and has pixs..
hope this helps...or better yet maybe PM him/her...

 

[us71na]

I have the Swift SLX with the 5000 btu ac. This is way way to small. I am considering upgrading to either 8000 or 10000 btu. A little worried about weight of the 10000 but can prob. figure out something. Has any one installed or have the 8000 btu unit? Due to size and weight would rather install it but if it will not keep up in 90 plus with 80 percent humidity, (you know typical Alabama summer) then the 10000 will be the decision. Other than that we like our Jayco and will just adjust it to fit us, not the other way round!

Normally, for areas of 150 square feet, which I think is the space (19 x 8) of your trailer you need 5,000 btu's to cool it. You could upgrade to 6,000 which would normally cover up to 250 square feet, but going higher than that will only result in more dissatisfaction. An oversized air conditioner is actually less effective — and wastes energy at the same time. Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air. If the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This leaves the room with a damp, clammy feeling. A properly sized unit will remove humidity effectively as it cools.

WE noticed in our skylark that the sleeping area was warm even though the thermostat was satisfied. I solved the problem by purchasing a small (8") 120v fan that sits on the kitchen counter at night blowing air to the back of the trailer. For less than $20 we solved the heat differential problem and now sleep comfortably.

I hope this helps.

 

[WASABI]

I would invest in a lightweight dehumidifier and see how that works out. Dry air is cooler vs. humid air.

Cheaper option

 

[jeff brittain]

Well, I bit the bullet so to speak, got a 8000 BTU. Sticks out more. Only had to cut the inside and make a new tray, Will post pics when finished, if anyone is intrested.

 

[Hitch Pin-JAY]

Normally, for areas of 150 square feet, which I think is the space (19 x 8) of your trailer you need 5,000 btu's to cool it. You could upgrade to 6,000 which would normally cover up to 250 square feet, but going higher than that will only result in more dissatisfaction. An oversized air conditioner is actually less effective — and wastes energy at the same time. Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air. If the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This leaves the room with a damp, clammy feeling. A properly sized unit will remove humidity effectively as it cools.

WE noticed in our skylark that the sleeping area was warm even though the thermostat was satisfied. I solved the problem by purchasing a small (8") 120v fan that sits on the kitchen counter at night blowing air to the back of the trailer. For less than $20 we solved the heat differential problem and now sleep comfortably.

I hope this helps.

You are 100% right, like you say, an over sized air conditioner is actually less effective.

 

[jeff brittain]

There is no possible way a slightly larger a/c could be less effective. Maybe for you folks that live in the north or west where it doesn't get so hot or humid. The a/c currently installed will only blow about 70 degrees if its 90 outside. The coldest it has blown was 57 and "thats about right" according to dealer. This a/c blows around 30 degrees and that sounds better to me!!

 

[jeff brittain]

If it cools to quickly I know how to turn down the thermostat, but too quickly sounds much better than not at all.

 

[us71na]

The a/c currently installed will only blow about 70 degrees if its 90 outside. The coldest it has blown was 57 and "thats about right" according to dealer. This a/c blows around 30 degrees and that sounds better to me!!

Your dealer is wrong. A/cs in proper working order should all put out air at 35-40 degrees. If yours is putting out 70 degrees, it means your refrigerant is low and needs to be recharged. Check with any a/c tech other than your dealer. I was in Texas at 95 degrees and our a/c was putting out 38 degree air and cycled on and off. Our first Dometic unit lost its charge in one year. Fortunately it was still under warranty.

 

[Hitch Pin-JAY]

The a/c currently installed will only blow about 70 degrees if its 90 outside. The coldest it has blown was 57 and "thats about right" according to dealer. This a/c blows around 30 degrees and that sounds better to me!!

That's the same bull they tried to sell me on are last trailer, the dealer told me that the ac would only put out air 20 degrees less than the outside temp. When I wouldn't fall for it, they replaced it with a new one of the same size and it would freeze you out.

 

[LuscombeFlyer-JAY]

How's your 8000 BTU unit working for you?

We live in Florida so our climate is similar. I've got a new 195RB with an 8000BTU a/c, it gets plenty cold, but the problem is very high humidity. It's like a cave, cool, but damp. Some of my reading is making me think that maybe the unit is too big.

Has anyone used a small dehumidifier in their camper? Would I be better off with a 800BTU and a dehumidifier or should I swap the 8000BTU for a 5000BTU?

 

[Crabman]

How's your 8000 BTU unit working for you?

We live in Florida so our climate is similar. I've got a new 195RB with an 8000BTU a/c, it gets plenty cold, but the problem is very high humidity. It's like a cave, cool, but damp. Some of my reading is making me think that maybe the unit is too big.

Has anyone used a small dehumidifier in their camper? Would I be better off with a 800BTU and a dehumidifier or should I swap the 8000BTU for a 5000BTU?

Some members with the 5000 BTU equipped units have reported they were too small and could not keep the trailer cool enough, so I would not consider downsizing.

 

[mcfarmall]

Generally speaking from a residential A/C standpoint a 20 degree drop across the coil is typical. More delta T usually means a plugged filter (reduced airflow) and less delta T low refrigerant.

Also, residentially speaking, an oversized unit will pull temperature quickly but not dehumidify the air adequately resulting in a cold, clammy feeling house. I can PM you a personal story on this fact.