How big before 2 A/Cs are a must?

[Txsurfer]

Hello All,

Shopping class A gassers and one thing that stick out is that many in the 30-34' range that we are looking at only have 1 ducted AC. We live in Texas and it gets very hot - will one A/C do the job? I assume motor homes have a better insulation value than a similar sized TT?

[Txsurfer]

valhalla360 wrote:


I don't live in California so I don't have to accept their definition.

LOL - I personally think "camper" sounds more fun than "coach" but to each his own.

I am in agreement with the comments on getting on with 2 A/C's

Are most 50 amp Class A's pre-wired for a second unit? I realize a 30A rig will present challenges.

[pennysmom09]

We are a 35' 5th wheel, with 2 a/c,s. Rarely have we needed both, however, running the one in the bedroom when sitting in the LR sure cuts down on the noise, and v.s.
To cool the camper quickly after traveling in the heat, 2 are definitely a bonus. Better to have 2 when needed than not have that option.

[dougrainer]

As someone with 39 years experience working on RV's IN TEXAS. The rule is simple. If the RV (Towable or motorhome) is over 26 feet you need 2 AC units. Ducted makes no difference on the need for how many units are needed. Will 1 cool? Yes. But will it make it comfortable? NO. Doug

PS, In those 39 years, I have NEVER had a customer complain that they wasted their money on that 2nd AC. AND, yes, you have to compete with dealers that offer just 1 AC to beat a price point. Most Novices, do not realize they need that 2nd AC if they are looking at price of the RV between competing dealers.

[valhalla360]

PopBeavers wrote:
According to California DMV

Vehicle Code - VEH
DIVISION 1. WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED (100 - 681) ( Division 1 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

243.

A “camper” is a structure designed to be mounted upon a motor vehicle and to provide facilities for human habitation or camping purposes. A camper having one axle shall not be considered a vehicle.

I don't live in California so I don't have to accept their definition.

[Mile_High]

If I lived in it, I guess I would call it a motor "home", but to us it's just a camper 🙂

One thing is for sure - some motorhomes are 1-1/2" laminate walls with batt insulated roofs, just like their travel trailer counterparts, some motorhomes are 3-1/2" hung walls, just like their 5th wheel counterpart, so in the end, the type of "camper" doesn't matter, it has to do with the total volume inside, the type of construction and insulation, and the color and type of windows. At some point, that is engineered in the design, but loosely as many have found that struggle with not enough HVAC for the size "camper".

Best bet, expect better performance from one that has more ACs than you think it needs.

[Mr_Mark1]

Also, respect is earned, not given. (not mentioning any gutwrenching names) :R

MM.

[OLYLEN]

gutfelt
Time to realize you are on the internet and terms very with region. Soda, Coke, Pop, same thing. Camper can mean 5ver, A, B, C, Super C, TT, slide in. Just like Dinner, Supper are served at different times of day depending on location.

LEN

[SDcampowneroper]

Insulation varies greatly from maker to maker, not because of type. Do not assume that a MH is easier to cool than a TT. MFGRs claims of insulation are smoke and mirrors, with wild claims of r7 reflective barriers and the like. Wall and ceiling thickness type of insulation are the key. Many a 40' MH or towable can be kept cool or warm with 1 unit, others need their own nuclear plant.
Buy the best unit you can that has the best reputation for comfort.
Towables like arctic fox, lance, mobile suite, king of the road, excel, teton, newmar
Mhs like winnebago tour, american eagle, tiffin, newmar.
There are more than I can list or have experience with, however I can say with experience that your money is better spent on insulation than on # s of btus. You will save many times more on lower electric and propane costs, have the zone comfort and resale value.

[Dennis12]

Dealers trying to keep cost down. Go with two or your leg will get sore from kicking yourself in the as?.

[RLS7201]

We have owned a 33' 95 Bounder for almost 15 years. We have 2 A/Cs. Front is 13.5K and rear is 11K. So far we have only needed the front A/C. But we do have window awnings along with our patio awning. I guess I should try and start the rear A/C just to see if it works.

Richard

[ScottG]

All this time I thought I was a camper.

[down_home]

None of the RVs had enough insulation.
New ones I hope have that remedied that.
Ours has the front and end caps unisulated. An they really heat up.
The double pane windows make little sense with that scenerio.
I haven't found anyone to insulate the caps thus far.
We had, in extreme heat, hot enough that the fresh water tank was so hot didn't need a water heater. The 2 acs struggled.
When Coleman repaired our one ac or rather heat pump last year they helped that tremendously by sealing duct work that was not properly installed or sealed.
The Acs cycle now in extreme heat where they ran continiuosly before.
Our coach is only 39 ft inside.
I would get 2 Heat Pumps. I like it 72 degrees inside not 80 when it is 117, like three years ago, in La, and enough moisture in the air, that your clothes would not dry. A paper box became soft as tissue within three minutes.

[PopBeavers]

According to California DMV

Vehicle Code - VEH
DIVISION 1. WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED (100 - 681) ( Division 1 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

243.

A “camper” is a structure designed to be mounted upon a motor vehicle and to provide facilities for human habitation or camping purposes. A camper having one axle shall not be considered a vehicle.

[Txsurfer]

I'm good with camper lol..

BTW - I have a 24' Toy Hauler BP with two A/C's. I just figured the A's were better insulated and may be. I figured 1 would prob be marginal and like others have mentions - redundancy is always nice.

[Mile_High]

gutfelt wrote:

DutchmenSport wrote:
I don't think it's all abut the size, I think it's the outside temperature, if you are under shade, if the camper has forced air from the AC only, or ducted, and how well built and sealed the camper is. Lots of factors. But definitely, more space means more BTU's.

hes asking about Class A MH not a camper big difference
34 ft in real hot climates need two AC for sure

Actually by definition, a MH is a camper. No need to jump down his throat.

Definition of camper

1 : one who camps
2 : a portable dwelling (such as a specially equipped trailer or automotive vehicle) for use during casual travel and camping