RV A/C in Arizona summer heat?

Most depends on the quality of your insulation. Do you have dual pane windows? The 3 a/c on my trailer, with crappy insulation, barely keeps us comfortable in triple digits. Hopefully your coach is better.

One thing to NEVER do is turn the A/C off even if you're not there. If you let your rig swelter in the Az sun all day, even 3 A/C units won't cool it off. Ask me how I know. :E.....Dennis

Thunder Mountain wrote:
We may be moving to Wickenburg, AZ this summer. It is a bit cooler than Phoenix but still scorching for a Colorado boy. At some point us and the cats and dogs will have to try to survive for a few days or perhaps a couple of weeks in the summer heat.

Our 2016 Journey has three A/C units. We've been out in it upper 80s and low 90s and have been very comfortable. What temp can we expect to see the bus cool down to when the temps reach 110?

Not really looking forward to your answers, because I think I know the answer.

It is like when you grill and leave a little meat on the grill and forget it for a hour.
Remember it is a dry heat, that's why you will look like dryed beef in a few days.

Happytraveler wrote:
You should consider Temperature Alert for your pets or perhaps you all ready have one. If we have to turn on the air conditioner I definitely have our alert system on. Video, Marcell RV Monitoring System

I second this thought. I had a different monitor for the "kids" before but now I also highly recommend "Marcell"....generally better pricing from the manufacturer itself(FYI).

Be prepared to dig deep into your pocket book.

I have a lot I rent in Yuma and one summer had a renter with a trailer. She had power bills near $300 per month in July and August.

Wickenburg should be a little cooler than Yuma but you will still have the same problem most of South West Arizona has in the summer.

That is it does not cool off much during the night during the summer like it does in the fall and Spring.

Be prepared for night time temperatures in the high 70's and low 80's.

You should consider Temperature Alert for your pets or perhaps you all ready have one. If we have to turn on the air conditioner I definitely have our alert system on. Video, Marcell RV Monitoring System

I do a lot of Hot weather RV'ing and as stated above try to seek some shade for the RV, deploy the awnings(never forget about the wind though), use reflectix(?) material in the windshield, start the airs early but for that matter, they will probably still be running partially because night time temps won't be cold. A couple of other thoughts, I like to place a high velocity fan outside under the awning to keep the air circulating, possibly a fan or two inside.

Finally if its allowed, I have had great success with a misting system attached to the awning, it cools the dirt, concrete, asphalt or what have you which reflects a lot of heat. My only thought against a misting system, be aware of hard water spotting on anything the mist hits. The hard water can make a mess so just be aware.

I have stayed in locations where the temps have been in the 115-118 range many times using two airs on a 37'MH(no slides) utilizing the methods above and have kept the inside of the RV right around 70...the dogs seem to enjoy it anyways.

Just on a personal note...I kind of enjoy sitting out in the heat, the misters keeping you wet, the fan blowing on you with a cold one in hand. May not be everyones cup of tea but I try to make the best of it.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
18*F-20*F differential between RETURN air and DISCHARGE air temps is what the A/C Unit should be capable of achieving

Mine does much better than that.

Thunder Mountain wrote:
We may be moving to Wickenburg, AZ this summer. It is a bit cooler than Phoenix but still scorching for a Colorado boy. At some point us and the cats and dogs will have to try to survive for a few days or perhaps a couple of weeks in the summer heat.

Our 2016 Journey has three A/C units. We've been out in it upper 80s and low 90s and have been very comfortable. What temp can we expect to see the bus cool down to when the temps reach 110?

Not really looking forward to your answers, because I think I know the answer.

You are right! 110 temp. anywhere is hot but especially in Ariz. where the heat is dry. Based on my own experiences in Ariz. here are some tips: make sure you have 50 amp service, turn your air conditioner in the morning before it gets real hot to help keep your RV as cool as possible, plan on getting all your daily tasks and shopping done by 11:00 am, plan on spending time in Air conditioned Malls even if you are not shopping but rather just looking and keeping cool. Temporarily Insert some 2" strips around the edges of your slide outs, install new air filters. Drink 8 bottles of H20 daily.

3 A/C Units should have no problem maintaining comfortable temps inside the RV

Remember...RV A/C Units circulate/cool INSIDE air ONLY
18*F-20*F differential between RETURN air and DISCHARGE air temps is what the A/C Unit should be capable of achieving

Outside ambient air temps affect cooling by providing a 'heat load'....windows/roof vents/no shade etc .
Try to minimize the heat load.....Awnings/window coverings, parking where afternoon sun is shaded etc

So start the A/C Units early and let them run.


We maintained 78*F in 110*F outside temps with ONE 15K A/C Unit in a 34' 5th wheel
You have THREE!!