Cool coach while driving

I think it depends on what kind of heat you are battling,is it a dry or humid and what temp is comfortable/conditions to you.

Dash air with top windshield fans running will help the front 2 people keep comfortable in moderate heat. Some folks will add a curtain behind the seats to isolate the area.

With all shades and curtains closed but driving into the sun &/or having pets or guests onboard...all bets are off you may need the roof AC units as well at least part of the day.

Last summer/the hottest on record, we traveled in the midwest and SE, left in early June and returned in mid-July, temps at 100 the whole time...we had to run the roof AC units almost every mile or our 3000+ mile trip. What a bummer so I fully understand your concern! That was the most miserable trip we've ever taken, well except for the year we were in Las Vegas in late June!!! This year we are heading out in the fall!!!

FYI on dash AC...modern day swash plate or rotary compressors take 5-6hp to run. The alt though and hydro pump(if your cooling fan is hydro powered) will add to the HP draw. 5-6hp in a large gasser might be noticed..in a small diesel it may be noticed...I doubt the 500cu in + diesels will notice

a properly working dash AC(which most RV's do not) will have a vent temp FAR cooler than the roof AC units

If we are in the South its more or less a given that we'll be running the genset and the roof air. No issues keeping things cool doing that although we do keep the front ac very low to compensate for the sun and such on the windshield.

We don't bother with the dash AC.

"Any suggestions on keeping the coach cool for passengers during the summer other than keeping the engine A/C fan on high and running the generator to use the roof unit? " Nope.Works for us.

We turn on the generator and the roof A/C before we get going, cools off and stays that way. It also "exercises" the generator.

down home wrote:
Fill your water tank with ice and water before leaving. Get two or three or as many as needed misters and connect to the kitchen faucet.
Put saran wrap over everything including carpet. Drill a hole at low point of floor that will fit a rubber plug. Wear bathing suits.
I don't really think this is as good alternative to running the generator but might work. :)

Wish I hadn't written this silliness..... ignore

Fill your water tank with ice and water before leaving. Get two or three or as many as needed misters and connect to the kitchen faucet.
Put saran wrap over everything including carpet. Drill a hole at low point of floor that will fit a rubber plug. Wear bathing suits.
I don't really think this is as good alternative to running the generator but might work. :)

I made a curtain from a heavier fabric when I had a class a and it did help to keep cooler

Another thing you can do is after you have run for a while and are shure your engine is up to full temp, Carefully feel the heater hoses to see if they are hot from water running thru them.. If they are you may want to consider installing a water shut off valve. When you turn on your ac there is a door that closes to your heater core, However some heat gets by and cuts down on your cooling output.. When I worked for a bus company in the 80s we would send motor coaches to Fla. were they would run for 4-6 months before they came home for service.. We would check the water valves before they left to help them keep cool in the hot south. Your coach may already have one, But if not they are very easy to install..

Hi,

If you live where it is dry and hot, a swamp cooler is a viable alternative. Not as much cooling--but can be run effectively on 12 volts.

On a temporary basis a misting fan may help.