Forum Discussion

dlos's avatar
dlos
Explorer
May 27, 2015

RV AC units - Questions

I have a KZ Spree 240bhs, about 24' long box that has 1 13500btu AC unit on top. Any time it gets over 85 degrees, this unit essentially fails to cool the camper to an acceptable, comfortable temperature. This problem makes us extremely weary about summer camping in the South or anytime temps are expected to climb. A couple years ago we were returning from Yellowstone and stopped 2 nights in a row where it was 100+ - we were miserable.

What are my options?

-Can/Should I add a unit?
-Should I upgrade to 15k BTU and will that make a big enough difference?

-What are the costs of upgrading to 15k or adding a second unit?
-If a second unit is added, can the RV run both with shore power connected?

Thanks!
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    May 27, 2015
    What is an "acceptable comfortable level"? What temp does your AC provide? I don't live where it gets hot often - 20 degree reduction in temp is what I expect.
  • GaryWT's avatar
    GaryWT
    Explorer
    May 27, 2015
    Our trailer is over 30 feet and we do ok, we are not south but it can get warm. I can see an issue is you turn it on and do not have time to let it work for awhile. When it is hot, we let ours bring the temp way down at night and just let it maintain the temp during the day. The second day/night is always better than the first.
  • dlos's avatar
    dlos
    Explorer
    May 27, 2015
    Good advice, thanks all! Guess I'll have to start some troubleshooting this weekend! Could just be a crappy unit, doesn't have many hours on it and I am not the original owner.
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    May 27, 2015
    there would have to be a reason why that cannot keep a 24' trailer cool... We had several RV's over the 30' with 1 13.5 AC for years and it worked.. Not the best at all times , but manageable.. Each of those spent 2 weeks in July/August on the beach at Myrtle Beach with no shade..
    As far as a second ac goes , Your trailer would have to be wired for 50 amp in order to do this. UNLESS-- you create a separate plug for that second AC to plug directly into the pedestal ..
    I would have that AC looked at before spending a ton of money adding AC's and wire.....
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    May 27, 2015
    My advice would be to determine what's wrong with the unit you have. My 13.5k cools my 32' trailer quite well and I camp during the summer in Florida. Some shady camping spots will aid in cooling but 85 degrees should not be an issue with a 13.5k unit. A 15k unit will be better no doubt on initial cooling, but somethings not right with your current unit.

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