Forum Discussion

joeandtricia's avatar
joeandtricia
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013

Dash Air Conditioning

Looking for feedback/knowledge from folks...what should our expectations be about the Dash A/C in our motorhome? We have a Georgetown Class A that is on the Ford V10 chassis. It has a dash A/C, which blows cold air (if you put your hand right in front of the vents) but you don't really feel it being cold when it blows on you.

I had our dealer check it out, and they said it's blowing fine...but that in a motorhome like ours the dash A/C really isn't supposed to be useful. You're supposed to rely on the big A/C units on the roof. Well, that means that we always have to have the generator running when driving.

Is this true? Or should I be arguing with the dealer that the dash A/C just isn't right?
Class A
  • Mr_Mark1's avatar
    Mr_Mark1
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2013
    I might be mistaken but A/C is A/C whether it's in a class A diesel or gas unit, right? We can run the dash A/C up to about 95 degrees outside. After a prolong period of that temp, the rear starts to warm up from the engine heat.

    Anything over that temp I'll crank up the genny and run all three air conditioners. It's nice to arrive at our destination with the interior cooled off on a hot day.

    MM.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jun 08, 2013
    ANY Motorhome dash air should get to at least 60 degree output at hiway speed at the outlet closest to the evaporator/blower housing. If you do not get 60, then there is something wrong. Most Motorhomes will get below 60 almost to 50 at hiway speeds. The operational guidelines by the AC makers sometimes state a higher temp but real world is at least 60 degrees. You MUST get a digital Thermometer temp to verify the actual temp. Doug
  • weathershak's avatar
    weathershak
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2013
    My dash air works great (workhorse). I just close the back bedroom door and run the AC on recirc. Of course I am only 27 feet long too. Only had to use the rooftop once, when I was stuck in stop and go traffic to give the engine a break. Didn't want an overheat.
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2013
    check the outlet temp and the inlet temp, down on the floor at the passenger feet. You should have good air flow out and be able to feel it. If not check the hose connectors. Also check to see if it is blowing up on the defroster. If so you have a gate that is not close. Post back on what you fine.
  • daveshan's avatar
    daveshan
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2013
    Bottom line is if you can get a 25-30º drop below ambient at the vent you're doing very well. If I remember right 20º is considered "acceptable" by most techs. I use a thermometer like THIS to check the temp' of the air coming out of the vents.

    On hot days I pre-cool the coach with the ACs before travel, and if running into the sun will fire up the generator and front AC to help the dash unit.
  • Horsedoc's avatar
    Horsedoc
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2013
    I expect it is fine. We use ours and aim the vents at us on hot days. On really hot days we fire the genset and cool with it in conjunction with the chassis air. There is just a lot of cubic feet of air in the driver's area for even a robust dash unit to cool
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2013
    Our Ford V10 does not have great dash air either. Depending on the outside temps, we can usually drive comfortably, but it will not cool the entire coach. I usually leave a top vent open in the back, and/or run the fan to pull cooler air further back. If it is very hot, we do have to run the generator and overhead airs. Many folks hang an insulating curtain right behind the drivers seat the localize cooling to the front.

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