Is it normal for the single air conditioner to struggle to cool the 5th wheel when the temp is only in the mid to upper 80s?
The air conditioner finally won, but it took hours to do so. The next day was much better because we left the air on all day so the RV was never allowed to heat up.
Doesn't bode well for later this summer with temps in the mid 90s.
If this is normal, what are my option to help keep the RV cool? I would rather not have to run out and buy a second AC unit if I can avoid it.
So far, so good on our new 36' FW with three slides. However, we did order dual pane windows, so I think that helps quite a bit. Also, when you first start cooling, open the roof vents. The warmer air goes up as the colder air dumps in. After about 30 minutes, shut the vents.
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I have a single AC with 4 slide 5er. Have you tried the Quick Cool feature on your AC? On mine, it's a vent that opens directly below the AC unit and dumps lots of cool air into the RV very quickly, more than you can get through the ductwork.
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Sounds pretty normal to me. Have you checked all your ducting and air intakes?
My air intake was a mess. It was so poorly ducted that the cold air coming out was directed right back into the intake. I did some sealing with duct tape and it helped some. Also you might want to check to make sure your ducting goes to the outlets and isn't blocked somewhere along the way.
About the only thing that will work when it gets hot is another AC unit. We had the second installed when we bought our Fuzion. We don't usually travel when it is hot, but sometimes we get surprised and then that second AC unit is really nice.
Here's what we do: 1.Deploy the patio and window awnings. Window awnings really help. 2. Turn the shades on all windows to prevent the sun from coming in. 3. Turn the A/C on and leave it on all day and all night. This helps cool down the entire inside including cabinets and furniture. 4.Turn the thermostat to just above the lowest setting. Ours works better at just above the lowest setting for some reason. 5. Use the ceiling fan and a couple of portable fans to blow the cool air into warm areas. 6. Instruct kids and guests they either stay inside or stay outside no going in and out. Especially during the hottest parts of the day.
We have a 38 foot 5th wheel with two slides using a single 15K BTU Dometic A/C unit.
The above steps help keep the inside comfortable up to 100 degree outside temps. Above 100 we used portable fans along with the A/C to blow the cold air directly at us.
Two Hands wrote: Part of the problem, maybe a big part, is the fact that you can't cool the fifth wheel while you are driving. Then when you arrive at your site the air conditioner has to cool down the inside of a hot trailer.
I am really a "fan" (pun intended) of the Maxxair we installed. It runs on 12V and can be open and exhausting while driving. Then the fiver is not so hot when we arrive. I like to park in the shade, but then the problem is TV reception! Can't win for loosin'!
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Pretty normal in those temps to cool it down when it has been warming up during the day. That is the reason I added a second AC. After a warm/hot day of towing we turn on both ACs until the trailer cools then turn one off. Most of the time we never run both at the same time again until the end of the next travel day.
Our 34' fiver with three slides had only one air conditioner and it was the same as yours as far as cooling. I wished I had added a second when I bought it. Part of the problem, maybe a big part, is the fact that you can't cool the fifth wheel while you are driving. Then when you arrive at your site the air conditioner has to cool down the inside of a hot trailer. Get a second ac.
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when we ordered our 5er , the first option we added was the 2nd bedroom air (13.5K) . When we camp with no shade and at higher temps , it is fantastic!!!
