Running AC On The Road

Depends on how hot it is... Or on other things.
When I left Georgia my "Dash Air" was toast (Fixed it here in Mi) so I ran roof air to keep cool for part of the trip. Vent for the rest.

I still use Roof air if it's so hot the dash can't handle it.

We have a 24 foot C and travel in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas in the summer heat, so during the morning we use the dash air and hang a curtain from the bunk, it is just a nice shower curtain after we stop for lunch at a rest area or off road we turn the generator on and the roof air and that stays on until we stop for the evening at a camp ground with hook ups, I do keep an eye out for the gas, since at 1/4 tank full the gen shuts down so I have a mark on the gauge when the generator quits and will fill up before, so far tis works OK for us, another thing we only travel at 55 MPH since travelling at higher speeds the engine runs a lot hotter and we tow a toad.

navegator

29 foot C used in the South and Great Plains, I need to run the generator and roof air only if someone is back there, or when parked for a while. Dash air is adequate for the cab.

Econoline passenger van with rear air, on a hot summer day in Kansas the people in the back will complain about being too cold, after 15-20 minutes at highway speeds. How this might apply to a B would depend on whether the MH manufacturer included the full factory air or just the dash air.

That is good to know. Still contemplating what size motor home is the right type. I was considering a small C or even a B, as we could use it as a 2nd car when not RVing. However, I am now re-thinking about comfort and have actually reviewed a couple of 40 footers. There is just my wife and myself. Are large Class A's much more difficult to maneuver? How about upkeep/maintenance? I have always thought that a Class B or C is for being able to a lot of "boondocking" whereas a Class A is for getting from one place to another and then staying awhile.

Just the wife and I in our MH. I don't find it difficult to maneuver, but you do need to be aware of your size and there are places you just cannot get in or out of. That is why we drag the Edge behind us. Can still go boondocking, but not in really remote areas unless you have verified the roads in and out ahead of time. We don't boondock very often, but have done it. An "A" is definitely not very good as a second car.

Long ago as a child, my folks bought something close to a Class B for our annual winter vacations in Florida. It was a long 1-ton van with a couch/bed in the way-back, four recliner chairs, tv, vcr, separate stereo from the dash, little fridge, etc. it also had front and rear heat and air. back by the bed was a control panel similar to what's on the dash, for various vents, temperature, fan speed, AC on/off.

Not sure any of this is relevant, just the post brought back memories.

STBRetired wrote:
Have 38' gasser and dash A/C will keep coach comfortable as far back as the bathroom. Bedroom gets a bit warm. That's in 99 temp and 90 humidity in central FLA. Usually fire up generator and rear A/C about 30 minutes before arrival so that all is comfy.

That is good to know. Still contemplating what size motor home is the right type. I was considering a small C or even a B, as we could use it as a 2nd car when not RVing. However, I am now re-thinking about comfort and have actually reviewed a couple of 40 footers. There is just my wife and myself. Are large Class A's much more difficult to maneuver? How about upkeep/maintenance? I have always thought that a Class B or C is for being able to a lot of "boondocking" whereas a Class A is for getting from one place to another and then staying awhile.

Have 38' gasser and dash A/C will keep coach comfortable as far back as the bathroom. Bedroom gets a bit warm. That's in 99 temp and 90 humidity in central FLA. Usually fire up generator and rear A/C about 30 minutes before arrival so that all is comfy.

Floridastorm wrote:
Also curious to know if most MH's, off the assembly line, are pre-wired for a generator wherein a 2nd buyer could purchase and install?

ALL of them that are equipped for shore power use are "pre-wired" for a generator. You plug the shore power cord into the generator, whether it is located inside or outside. Sometimes an adapter is needed.

Twomed wrote:
Think FLA summer..go sit in your car with the windows down and see how enjoyable it is. Get a generator and roof air.

Basically, what I was also trying to determine is why there are Class B's and some C's that are on the market with no generator. I don't know how many times I've had to reply to an advertisement where the owner does not indicate a generator as part of the equipment even when the MH has a generator. I myself would never purchase a MH that did not have one. As you can see I live in Florida. Just was curious why some folks buy a MH that does not have a generator. Even in Canada it gets hot for 5 months out of the year. I know that some of the van type MH's probably do not even have an option for a generator. Also curious to know if most MH's, off the assembly line, are pre-wired for a generator wherein a 2nd buyer could purchase and install?

Think FLA summer..go sit in your car with the windows down and see how enjoyable it is. Get a generator and roof air.