Buying our first camper and have a AC question

[metcalf34]

Hello all!

We at buying our first camper and the biggest question I have right now is about the AC.

We are looking at buying a 2017 Starcraft Launch 17QB. It has a 8000 BTU side mount AC.

Is this until large enough for summer trips to the Florida Beaches?

Thanks in advance!

[GrandpaKip]

Depends. If you stay in a campground that is a glorified parking lot, it might keep temps a couple degrees lower than outside. Even in the shade, our 13.5 AC only gets the camper about 10 degrees lower when temps are in the 90’s.
Personally, I don’t like the design as it seems to be a water intrusion problem just waiting to happen.

[fitznj]

A friend of mine has a similar size camper with similar AC unit.
Mid-summer in NJ can get brutal with high humidity and >95F;

He had the AC cranked to max - not sure it was doing much as it still felt
hot inside (guessing 85F);

Hope this helps

[LadyRVer]

Seems like you really want the camper and altho asking about the a/c size, you still want the camper. I live year round in FL, much larger fifth wheel and my 13.5 Duo-Therm does not keep up. 87 to 89 inside with a/c and ceiling fan going, most afternoons. OTOH, I had a Pleasure Way, class B and the very small a/c kept up just fine. If you can get a shady spot, it does make a difference. Good luck in your decision. Just for the record, if I really liked the camper and depending on how much summer use, I would try it. Might be a mistake, might be ok.

[westend]

The wall mount will probably be more efficient, especially if located on the shaded side when parked. A 12.5K BTU model may be available in a size that fits your wall opening, also.

I'd suggest to try what you have and see how it works/doesn't work.

[Dick_B]

Caution: a great deal on a camper that doesn't work for you is NOT such a deal. Try searching this Forum for the make/model you are interested in to see what others might have reported.

[metcalf34]

That seems to be the only one available and they are making me a great deal on the camper.

[downtheroad]

That's a small trailer with no slide and few windows....so an 8K AC might be ok...
Do they offer a bigger one as an option? If so get it. AC's in trailers are notoriously weak. The bigger the better.

[beemerphile1]

Sounds small for that use. My trailer has a 13.5 BTU roof unit and sometimes struggles in hot climates.