Towing Camper with A/C Running.

[Scubydg]

Let’s say we just got to the campsite. Started setting up the site and realized how hot it was inside the camper. The question is, in a travel trailer with no generator, can I run the A/C while I’m driving? It sure would be a lot easier on my wife while setting up camp

[okhmbldr]

It really depends on how bad you really want to cool down the trailer. One option I did for my boat about 10 years ago; I took it down the Arkansas River from Sallisaw, OK, to the Mississippi River. It was July, and very hot. I had a portable 12,000 btu A/C but no real way to power it on the boat. So, I bought a really good battery, hooked it up to a 2000/4000 watt inverter and did a test with it hooked up to the battery/inverter for power. It ran about 6 hours before the battery couldn’t power the A/C, but it was perfect for my purpose because it was long enough to cool off the cabin and make sleeping comfortable.
During the day as I traveled the river I had a set of cables that recharged the battery so I could have some cooling each night.
So, if that would work for you, just stop a few hours before you reach your destination, turn on the battery power and cool it down a little.
Note: it worked for me, your mileage may vary.

[GordonThree]

If solving the problem is a high priority, invest in a 48v LiFe battery bank and inverter ... start the AC 30-60 minutes before you arrive to your site. Looking at maybe $4000 for a basic setup.

[kellem]

When we first arrive we're outside mostly, setting up chairs, unloading wood, tying the dog, setting up grill.

Otherwise we just sweat a little.

[rhagfo]

midnightsadie wrote:
going down the road all the air will be sucked out, bad idea any way.

Only if the vents are open, which now has been mentioned as a way keep the interior cooler.
We run furnace when traveling I cold weather so the 5er is warm when we arrive. Trailers are not air sieves.

[freetime58]

Install a MaxxAir Maxxfan, they run on 12v, they can be used while traveling and have a 10 speed fan that can be used as an intake or used to exhaust. You can exhaust hot air while travelling, exhaust hot air once you arrive, crack a window and turn the fan on for a few minutes to rid the unit of hot air and then crank the AC.

These fans move a lot of air! Wouldn't leave home without them


https://www.airxcel.com/rv/maxxair/products/fans/maxxfan-deluxe

[bazar01]

+1 for opening roof vents.
How about cracking the front and rear window open to promote air flow inside the camper if weather permits?

[valhalla360]

Get the covers for the roof vents and then leave the vents open while driving. That will suck most of the hot air out.

So on a 90F day, rather than starting at 120F inside, it's pretty close to 90F when you arrive and will cool down much quicker.

Another alternative is when you arrive, open all the window and hatches to flush out the hot air. The downside to this is the walls, furniture, cabinets will be at 120F, so they will radiate heat back into the interior resulting in longer for the air/con to catch up.

[1995brave]

Back when i had a camper we would get to the site and set up. I would then turn on the air conditioning and we would go out and do some food shopping and pick up some bait for fishing. When we got back to the camper it was nice and cool.

[opnspaces]

I don't know, I think I would prefer a hot wife. 😉

Seriously though the only thing I can think is to maybe plug in and start the AC the minute you get to camp. Then get back in the car and go get some lunch somewhere while the trailer is cooling down.

[CA_Traveler]

After arriving at the CG leave her in the TV with its A/C running until you get the trailer cool. Happy wife Happy life.

[midnightsadie]

going down the road all the air will be sucked out, bad idea any way.

[time2roll]

If you are towing in the heat and expect to arrive stuck in a hot box it is best to plan some other outside the trailer activity. Depending on the conditions the trailer may not fully cool until the sun goes down. Good time for pool or water, going out to dinner, take walk someplace in the shade.

[Sjm9911]

You can try and cover any skylights and such while driving. I do it because my used TT came with the stuff. Im sure it would help a little.

[Scubydg]

@A1A.... that’s what I was wondering, but it seems without space or budgeted money, it’s a nonissue at this point

[Scubydg]

Doesn’t sound efficient either way.. I don’t have the space or money for a generator with inverter... I guess I’m stuck with a “Hot Wife”... That can’t be too bad... or can it?