Full Time living in Mesa AZ in the summer-what rig to buy?

Nolan wrote:


We are in Arizona the end of September. Start out jobs October 1st. It's still well over 100 degrees. Both A/Cs run most of the time, plus a little portable fan we have blowing on us, keeps it comfortable enough. But then I'm not a fan of the heat. Can handle 40 degrees better then 100 degrees.

Again all depends on if you can handle the heat or not.

Actually, by the time you get here, at the end of September, it will be in the 90's with maybe 1-2 100's. Quite cool to us year rounders, almost sweater weather. I see no good reason to spend the summer here in an RV. There are plenty of other places to go when the heat sets in. We generally travel as much as possible to get away from here during June, July and August.
RichH

It can be done. Back in 2000, my other half and I started out in a new 34ft Monaco LaPalma motorhome. We were in an RV park in Scottsdale for several years, due to a local contracted employment situation. We became good friends with several other full time couples in the park. We all had motorhomes with dual pane windows, 50amp, 2 air conditioners. Having the awning down whenever possible is a must. There was a little bit of shade from a few trees, which helped also.
Large windows are a killer in the desert heat/sun. The fewer and smaller...the better. Dual panes....are a must.

A lot of it depends on if you can handle the heat.

Had two couples who lived in the park we go to, year round in travel trailers. Didn't run their A/C until it got over 100 degrees outside. Once it cooled off, which to them was under 100 degrees, said they were fine with a fan blowing on them.

Had another couple spent the summer in a MH with three A/C. Two that came with the MH and a portable one. Had insulation on the windows, under and the sides of the MH. Said it felt like they were living in a cave. Survived, but said never again.

One thing a lot of people say is they go out after sunset to do stuff. Just have to wear gloves when you go out to your vehicle. The handle, steering wheel and key starter can burn your hand(s).

We are in Arizona the end of September. Start out jobs October 1st. It's still well over 100 degrees. Both A/Cs run most of the time, plus a little portable fan we have blowing on us, keeps it comfortable enough. But then I'm not a fan of the heat. Can handle 40 degrees better then 100 degrees.

Again all depends on if you can handle the heat or not.

aguablanco wrote:
The best "rig" for AZ in the summer is a house. I doubt that any other type of rig would be livable here.
RichH

Have spend nearly 55 years in Phoenix area. Find a nice large tree that will cover your south and west side, This will do more than and thing other then if you buy a large 82 per cent shade cloth from Home Depot and put it up over that which your going to park under and get shade on all sides. It is made in tan or green.Not that expense.

We FT in our Nuwa Hitchhiker and love it, but don't recommend staying in Phoenix heat in the summer. We spent 3 days in Las Vegas at 115 with 2 AC units and were fine, but it's too hot to enjoy doing anything!

What rig to buy for Phx in the heat...how about one with wheels! :)

I have a Fleetwood Tioga and spent the summer in 29 Palms Ca which is just about the same as Phoenix. It was just as difficult keeping the rig cool and keeping them warm in winter. You need to get the best insulated one that you can find and then add more insulation like rugs on the floor and silver paper in the windows.

My aunt is from the Phoenix area and they leave in May and do not go back until October because of the heat. They have a house, but choose to go north in their rig for the summers.

Its just to hot in the South West desert for full timing, yes people do it but its not so great, my neighbor kept his 08 Southwind in Bullhead AZ during this summer in a RV park and so far he lost 1 air condition and his refrigerator due to the high heat of 118 degrees.

I am going to let this topic run.

My opinion.....having lived 22 years in that climate....and filltiming for the next nine years after escaping....I would NEVER consider living in an RV in the summer. We had the best fulltime rig available at the time, a topoftheline Teton. It would never have handled 120* plus and be comfortable. I doubt that current rigs could do it.