We all know that the average Air conditioner (cooling) systems in your usual RV , are very high powered , have high starting amperages and generally don't run without a plug-in or a generator running.What I do not know is how long these beastly AC units are run for during hot temperatures like 100*F California and even (up to) Arizona heat.We also know there are huge variations in insulation and sun blocking, that would vary the amount the AC would be on at huge amps. I (myself) would be doing all the things to try and be as efficient as possible.My interest is in how much power total, not how much power when running. I have an opinion now that I can survive with a lesser system, running way longer cycles , and also just dealing with more heat then most people, being originally from California.What percentage of time is your (normal) AC run for in your RV of any kind?

in my experinces, at 100* a single a/c unit will not cyclethe compressor will run continious

When it is hot then duty cycle is 100%. For a few hours before sunrise it may cycle 30% to 50%.

I've got three AC's but usually only run two of them (third is in the garage) and they run continuously during triple digit temps. I wouldn't even try a single in triple digits.

Further when the air runs for hours at a time the energy consumption goes up. It may be important to watch the voltage.The 13500 btu unit in my class C starts out at about 1200 watts--but I have seen over 1900, too.If I've been driving for a couple of hours the roof air takes a long long time to cycle. The heat from the engine and transmission radiate up through the floor. The engine weighs about 640 pounds and if it is at 200 F then it has a heat content of about 9000 btu's (assuming I get it to 80 f). The transmission weighs a further 275 pounds.I finally have an autoformer and I'd recommend one in a flash. The unit I purchased goes into boost mode immediately when the roof air starts. Then after the compressor is up to speed it drops out.

These are the things I wanted to know, thank you all for your inputs, and any further input.

Air Conditioner Cycling , it is 100*f how long do they run?

MrWizard
Moderator
Aug 08, 2016
in my experinces, at 100* a single a/c unit will not cycle
the compressor will run continious
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 08, 2016
When it is hot then duty cycle is 100%. For a few hours before sunrise it may cycle 30% to 50%.
azdryheat
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
I've got three AC's but usually only run two of them (third is in the garage) and they run continuously during triple digit temps. I wouldn't even try a single in triple digits.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Aug 08, 2016
Further when the air runs for hours at a time the energy consumption goes up. It may be important to watch the voltage.

The 13500 btu unit in my class C starts out at about 1200 watts--but I have seen over 1900, too.

If I've been driving for a couple of hours the roof air takes a long long time to cycle. The heat from the engine and transmission radiate up through the floor. The engine weighs about 640 pounds and if it is at 200 F then it has a heat content of about 9000 btu's (assuming I get it to 80 f). The transmission weighs a further 275 pounds.

I finally have an autoformer and I'd recommend one in a flash. The unit I purchased goes into boost mode immediately when the roof air starts. Then after the compressor is up to speed it drops out.
PsycoGeek
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
These are the things I wanted to know, thank you all for your inputs, and any further input.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Aug 08, 2016
My 15K Unit runs until it reaches set point or until it breaks.

Same as the A/C Unit in my S&B.......reaches set point or breaks.
Strabo
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
MrWizard wrote:
in my experinces, at 100* a single a/c unit will not cycle
the compressor will run continious

Correct Sir...:)
RamTX
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
Was camping just outside Zion National Park in August. The 5er was in the sun all day-with outside temp reaching 107 F. 15000 BTU AC ran continuously all day light and temp inside the 5er never got lower than about 88 F. Needless to say, it was pretty uncomfortable.
aguablanco
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
In Arizona it will cycle twice. On in may and off in October or November.
RichH
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
Without some serious shade all day it will run continuously and you will still be hot.