dougrainer wrote:
MFL wrote:
whjco wrote:
dougrainer wrote:
1. 32 RV. A 15k will NOT cool the RV adequately in temps over 85 degrees. PERIOD. You need 2 AC units in RV's over 27 foot. Especially since Slide Outs are almost standard in Trailers. Do you have a slide out?
We have a Cherokee 274vfk that's just short of 34'with a super slide that has a single 15k BTU AC unit. We have hot humid summers here in Kentucky and I've had it in high humidity 98 degree weather parked in full sun in Alabama and I've never had any issues keeping the trailer very cool and comfortable.
Yup, once again, Doug has made too broad of a statement! All RVs are not created equal! My FW also cools great, with a single Dometic 15K AC, even in direct sun.
Jerry
Not making a Broad statement! I am giving you 41 years as an RV tech in HOT north Texas summers. Plus the scores of unhappy RV'ers that cannot keep their Longer than 27 foot RVs comfortable in the heat with 1 AC (even a 15k and ducted). Doug
I'd say that most larger single AC trailers with factory setup, AC is very marginal. However, my experience with my trailer and some other campers I've helped about $50 and a few hours work will take the AC from "almost adequate" to "adequate".
The ceiling plenum runs I've seen have big air gaps between the plenum and vents, meaning much of the cold air goes to cooling the ceiling. A bit of time with aluminum duct tape, problem solved.
Next they seldom install enough ceiling vents, and AC blowers aren't designed to push against much head pressure. So, next step is a 5 inch hole saw and roughly doubling the number of vents, again do a good job of sealing them up. In many cases the ceiling plenum runs in a straight line all the way to the end of the trailer. so it's easy to see where you can add a vent. just make sure the hole doesn't interfere with a ceiling joist.
Then open up the AC inside cover. You'll likely see lots of open spaces around the holes to the plenum again letting cold air go into the ceiling. tape those up so it is well sealed.
Then, I've found that the aireport vents are a direct replacement for many ceiling vents and provide less restriction and better air distribution than the factory vents.
All that makes a big difference. Still in hot weather don't expect the AC to cool the trailer down, but you likely will see it will hold a set temp that is comfortable. We can hold 74F even into near 100 if I set the AC to come on at 74. Wait till it's 78 inside, and it will just stay at 78, really can't cool it down.
Will a second AC be better? depends. most places we go camping either have only a 30A hookup or more often no hookups. So then without a BIG generator, practicality limits us to one AC unit.
If you have 50A access, another story.
