We're in the market for a class A. I've been shying away from dark-colored coaches in the belief that they would tend to run hotter. This is especially a concern because the coach I'm most interested in is light-colored but has only one A/C, and it seems to struggle when it's hot outside. So, for you owners of dark-colored coaches...what's the verdict? Would you buy dark again, or are you ready to come over to the "light side"?Thanks-dave

We've had both...the dark colors are noticeably hotter than lighter colors. If I had a choice, definitely light colors.

About the same time dark paint became popular, the white AC shrouds were changed to black. The AC has to function in a solar oven.

You don’t say how old a unit you are looking at. In the past, dark paint was subject to checkng and surface cracking due to off gassing in the heat. Not sure what year this problem was solved, but just something to be aware of.

bjbear wrote:You don’t say how old a unit you are looking at. In the past, dark paint was subject to checking and surface cracking due to off gassing in the heat. Not sure what year this problem was solved, but just something to be aware of.Couldn't agree more. IME, darker decals also have the same issues as dark paint.Chum lee

Mine is dark and light, the roof is white, the AC and vent covers (not the lid) are black. I really haven’t noticed it being much hotter than my previous mostly white Hurricane. Yes it struggles if parked in the open direct sun, but we tend NOT to do that. Awning deployed, reflective sun shades on all windows help. Big fat shade trees are the best.

Avoid dark? | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

Mile_High
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
Unfortunately I didn't get to pick the paint (mama's) but the black front on ours is definitely hot, plus it's not well insulated in the front cab which I indent to rectify. Fortunately the roof is white.
Dog_Trainer
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
I have a well insulated coach. There is a good deal of black paint and some black roof covers. I have not noticed it being hotter than our old not as well insulated class A. I would not buy another dark color coach not because of the heat but because they are a PIA to keep clean and looking good.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Aug 03, 2018
Mine is dark and light, the roof is white, the AC and vent covers (not the lid) are black. I really haven’t noticed it being much hotter than my previous mostly white Hurricane. Yes it struggles if parked in the open direct sun, but we tend NOT to do that. Awning deployed, reflective sun shades on all windows help. Big fat shade trees are the best.
Chum_lee
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
bjbear wrote:
You don’t say how old a unit you are looking at. In the past, dark paint was subject to checking and surface cracking due to off gassing in the heat. Not sure what year this problem was solved, but just something to be aware of.

Couldn't agree more. IME, darker decals also have the same issues as dark paint.

Chum lee
bjbear
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
You don’t say how old a unit you are looking at. In the past, dark paint was subject to checkng and surface cracking due to off gassing in the heat. Not sure what year this problem was solved, but just something to be aware of.
fred42
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
About the same time dark paint became popular, the white AC shrouds were changed to black. The AC has to function in a solar oven.
Blaster_Man
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
We've had both...the dark colors are noticeably hotter than lighter colors. If I had a choice, definitely light colors.

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Avoid dark?

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