looking for guidance for a first timer :)

naturist wrote:


Assuming the generator is powerful enough to enable the compressor to start, the AC should just be a matter of turning it on and setting the temperature. Typical RV AC units draw around 2,000 watts briefly to start the compressor. There is also a converter/charger that will add continuous draw to the tune of 600 or so watts to recharge the batteries, but everything is integrated, so that merely plugging in the RV power cord should power up everything.

thanks! exactly the kind of answers i need !

nykolas$$$Rain3345 wrote:

2012Coleman wrote:

nykolas$$$Rain3345 wrote:
thanks for all the replies :) it is truly appreciated !

my first question would be with the air conditioner:)

I have not yet turned it on. Are there any measures that should be taken? or is it simply powered it on and turn it on?

How long do these air-conditioners typically work?

You OP stated that you don't have utilities. How are you using anything that runs on water or electricity?

a quiet generator :) I basically do go up on weekends and my goal is to simply cool off the 5th wheel a few hours before going to sleep :)

Assuming the generator is powerful enough to enable the compressor to start, the AC should just be a matter of turning it on and setting the temperature. Typical RV AC units draw around 2,000 watts briefly to start the compressor. There is also a converter/charger that will add continuous draw to the tune of 600 or so watts to recharge the batteries, but everything is integrated, so that merely plugging in the RV power cord should power up everything.

Given that RVs are pretty standardized, absent any major modifications having been made to your unit, you should be able to just swing by any RV dealer and act like a newby considering buying to get any salesman to answer questions about any rig on the lot. If you prowl around a wee bit first and pick one that seems to have the controls like yours, you should be able to get most of your questions answered.

For what it is worth, the standard water-level indicators for fresh water, gray, and black tanks never work as designed, and lie all the time. Also, it's not obvious, but you want to leave the gray and black tanks discharge valves closed until the tanks get full, then dump, using the gray water to flush out the chunks from the slinky hose. If you simply leave both valves open, you will create a large concrete-like pile of poop in the black tank that will prove impossible to dislodge when it becomes too annoying to ignore.

2012Coleman wrote:

nykolas$$$Rain3345 wrote:
thanks for all the replies :) it is truly appreciated !

my first question would be with the air conditioner:)

I have not yet turned it on. Are there any measures that should be taken? or is it simply powered it on and turn it on?

How long do these air-conditioners typically work?

You OP stated that you don't have utilities. How are you using anything that runs on water or electricity?

a quiet generator :) I basically do go up on weekends and my goal is to simply cool off the 5th wheel a few hours before going to sleep :)

nykolas$$$Rain3345 wrote:
thanks for all the replies :) it is truly appreciated !

my first question would be with the air conditioner:)

I have not yet turned it on. Are there any measures that should be taken? or is it simply powered it on and turn it on?

How long do these air-conditioners typically work?

You OP stated that you don't have utilities. How are you using anything that runs on water or electricity?

thanks for all the replies :) it is truly appreciated !

my first question would be with the air conditioner:)

I have not yet turned it on. Are there any measures that should be taken? or is it simply powered it on and turn it on?

How long do these air-conditioners typically work?

nykolas, don't sell yourself short. With any kind of "handyman" experience you should be able to easily get your 5th up and running. Check out YouTube videos. Especially, ask questions in these forums.

I am sure he means he bought, in the spring of this year, a 5th wheel that is a 2008 model.

In 11 years, you still don't know what you're doing????????

Like what kind of questions do u have? I think most have a basic routine or order when it comes to setting up and packing up after each trip. Sounds like you have your rig parked on your property and don't move it?

Go to an RV park. Ask campers you see to come out to your site. Wish I was closer. An alternative is to post a picture here and ask a question or two. Look for those with solar. Many are self installed.