we currently are in a basement air Winnebago motorhome and a little discouraged by it ability to cool the interior while setting in the sun at 96 degrees outside. Maybe I am unrealistic to think it should be cooler than 85 inside. Thinking of moving to a 5th wheel. Is there a brand or model capable of staying 75 or lower in the above scenario? If so what is your recommendations? Tom

Just slightly off topic but I would have a technician look at the a/c to be sure it is working properly. Seems like it would be cheaper to replace the a/c than buy another RV unless you really want another RV and am using the a/c problem as a motive...

Well, I am in sunny 95 degree weather here in east Tennessee. Thermostat set at 78 and keeping cool. True that latter in the day when it really heats up, the compressors do not cycle and the temp may rise to 79. This means the compressors are constantly working and pumping out air that is about 65 degrees. Since we have overhead ducts they are constantly blowing all that cold air on my head. Have to wear a cap inside.A problem you may be having is a separation in the duct that runs up from the unit to where it splits into a Y to feed the two ducts running the length of the MH>. This has been a know issue. In fact, It happen to mine after about 2 years.Another possible is that #2 may not be coming on. #1 comes on first, then #2. To check, Trip the breaker on #2. Turn on the system and let run for a few minutes. Then turn on #2. You should be hear it turn on. Another way to test would be to plug into a 30 amp circuit. Turn #2 of and read the amps, Then turn on #2 and see if the load increases. This will tell if #2 is working.Other that getting a tech to come out, that all I know to suggest.

I agree fix your AC situation. Maybe even add a another is your wiring can handle it. Or buy that new RV you want. JMHO

From my research, it appears that a vent output temperature of 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C) measured after driving for 10 minutes at 45+ mph would be reasonable on a 85°F (29.4°C) day with 70% relative humidity. Measurement would be taken from a console vent using a precise stick & dial thermometer. You can check your AC buy doing this and then go from there

Do check to see if you have cool air coming out of your AC. All brands work well when new. There is some difference in noise.You should be able to get the temps lower than 85, but also consider adding Reflectix to the windows and use shade fabric to shade the sunny side of your RV.

hot weather cooling | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Nov 21, 2017
dogvetia wrote:
we currently are in a basement air Winnebago motorhome and a little discouraged by it ability to cool the interior while setting in the sun at 96 degrees outside. Maybe I am unrealistic to think it should be cooler than 85 inside. Thinking of moving to a 5th wheel. Is there a brand or model capable of staying 75 or lower in the above scenario? If so what is your recommendations? Tom

We stay comfortable in 122 degree weather with 3 Dometic AC units on our 40' DRV.
fulltime5er
Explorer
Nov 21, 2017
A dehumidifier will help a LOT. The first function of an AC is to remove humidity. If you help it do that with the dehumidifier, it will greatly improve the function of the AC.
jdubya
Explorer
Nov 21, 2017
If there is no a/c unit in the bedroom, there is a good chance that they have allowed for one to be installed. Check to see if it was an option on the unit you have. If it was there is a good chance that the wiring is installed and all you have to do is hook it up.

For example Atwood Air Commander is 15K with heat pump non-ducted for under $700 and it would only require ac power to the hole where it mounts. Of course the roof has to be able to stand the weight but it only weighs 86 lbs.
msmith1_wa
Explorer
Aug 08, 2017
I am not familiar with your particular brand, but I would expect it to be at the breaker panel. It might already have a breaker.
monamichaels
Explorer
Aug 08, 2017
Where does the wire located by the bedroom roof vent terminate? I'm installing a roof A/C and the wire is there but I don't know where it goes. I called Alfateers and the person I talked to could not help. Has anyone else had this problem and solved it?
monamichaels
Explorer
Aug 08, 2017
Help!!! I have a 2003 Alfa Gold 5th wheel and the A/C does not keep the bedroom cool. When I was on Alfa5vers (which seems to have disappeared) I read many complaints about hot bedrooms. We bought a roof mount as many had suggested and there is a wire at the vent but we can't find where it goes. We called Alfateers and they didn't know either. Has anyone out there installed a roof mount A/C on their Alfa 5th wheel and can give us direction's on how to connect? By the way, did I mention I need this information by tomorrow?
Happytraveler
Explorer
Jul 30, 2017
dogvetia wrote:
we currently are in a basement air Winnebago motorhome and a little discouraged by it ability to cool the interior while setting in the sun at 96 degrees outside. Maybe I am unrealistic to think it should be cooler than 85 inside. Thinking of moving to a 5th wheel. Is there a brand or model capable of staying 75 or lower in the above scenario? If so what is your recommendations? Tom

We solved it by getting an Atwood 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner for our 35 ft. Motorhome. We have basement air too and running two air conditioners makes a big difference.
My sister has a 35 ft. 5th wheel and having an Atwood air conditioner installed in her kitchen area where the fan is located. The ducted air conditioner is not keeping up when the temperature is over 100 degrees outside. She blames it on the high ceilings in the 5th wheel.
overhill7
Explorer
Jul 30, 2017
If yours is a single air it may be doing all possible. Very important to make sure any window shades are down.
overhill7
Explorer
Jul 30, 2017
On our 39 ft Montana the main air will hold it to 73 degrees until about 85 degrees. At that point the front air will start kicking in and out to help. At 100 degrees they are both running .
Impulse24
Explorer
Jul 28, 2017
dogvetia wrote:
we currently are in a basement air Winnebago motorhome and a little discouraged by it ability to cool the interior while setting in the sun at 96 degrees outside. Maybe I am unrealistic to think it should be cooler than 85 inside. Thinking of moving to a 5th wheel. Is there a brand or model capable of staying 75 or lower in the above scenario? If so what is your recommendations? Tom

The amount of glass especially the windshield causes big problems with regards to cooling. Perhaps as well as using the curtains you should invest in or make a cardboard windshield shade placed in front of the curtains would reduce heat absorption. You may also want to pad the over head vents to stop further heat problems.