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!

[braindead0]

we have a 13.5k in our 16' TT, it does the job quite well... I would think that 8k is a bit small.

[arkie_guide]

If I wanted the trailer, ? I would buy it - if the ac is to small are not efficient, replace it with a bigger unit. Rule of thumb is 5000 ac god for say 96 to 100 sq ft. But in an RV is much different than in a house. In the 12 foot I am building now, I plan to use a 5000 btu, in the back end, with a helper fan, however the walls and roof are better insulated than those you buy. Good luck with your new rig.

[afidel]

SoundGuy wrote:

DiskDoctr wrote:
2017 Starcraft Launch 17 specs page

Under Standard Interior Features it lists a 13,500 BTU A/C, which in turn raises the question as to why the OP says this particular unit would have a much smaller wall mount. :h Heck, this single axle trailer is also only a couple feet shorter than our friends' dual axle Starcraft Launch 21FBS.

It's very common in those trailers, the dealer can choose between 13.5 and a bigger fridge or 8k and a small fridge and save about $1k. We saw a LOT of 18' trailers with the 8k side mount, given the amount of traveling we do there was no way I was considering them after reading firsthand reports from folks with them in warmer climates. Of course there were people who upgraded from a 5k to an 8k and found it sufficient, but I don't think they were from hot, humid parts of the country.

[TomG2]

That size AC is common in that size trailer today. Jayco owners appreciate that Jayco upsized from 5,000 to 8,000 recently and are now satisfied with the performance. Should be easier to run with a smaller generator than a 13,500 unit.

[Bumpyroad]

Johno02 wrote:
I have a 8000 unit in a 10x20 insulated workshop off our garage in our S&B. In hot summer weather, it will keep it barely comfortable, especially if it runs overnight and cools everything down good. Wouldn't think that one that size would be enough for a poorly insulated trailer in Florida sun.

that workshop has over twice the volume as the OPs 17footer.
bumpy

[CavemanCharlie]

metcalf34 wrote:
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!

Seems small. But, if you love the camper and are getting a good deal do some measurements. If it is a standard window type AC you might be able to buy a bigger BTU one and fit it in the same hole in the camper. If not is there a way to make the side hole a little larger and get a bigger AC in it ?

I usually recommend that you purchase a used camper for your first one. That way you decide if you like camping and get a good idea of what options you want in you next one. It took me 4 different ones before I found the things that I like the most in a TT and found one that works for me.

[DiskDoctr]

Heads up, I posted the link from the OP's described model. He could be looking at something different, though the link is from the mfr.

Maybe he is confused and the A/C is better than he thinks? It would be a good "mistake" to make 😉

[miltvill]

That's way to small for Florida's summer heat and humidity. Every time you open the door you will let the heat in making the ac unit less effective. You will have to park in the shade to try and make it work.

[SoundGuy]

DiskDoctr wrote:
2017 Starcraft Launch 17 specs page

Under Standard Interior Features it lists a 13,500 BTU A/C, which in turn raises the question as to why the OP says this particular unit would have a much smaller wall mount. :h Heck, this single axle trailer is also only a couple feet shorter than our friends' dual axle Starcraft Launch 21FBS.

[Johno02]

I have a 8000 unit in a 10x20 insulated workshop off our garage in our S&B. In hot summer weather, it will keep it barely comfortable, especially if it runs overnight and cools everything down good. Wouldn't think that one that size would be enough for a poorly insulated trailer in Florida sun.

[falconbrother]

Who knows the answer to this question? Lots of variables involved. 8k seems like a bare bones minimum and you may spend your money and be unhappy later. I'd wait and get something else. The fact that you're asking the question implies that it seems to be a bad fit.

[Bumpyroad]

sch911 wrote:

DiskDoctr wrote:
2017 Starcraft Launch 17 specs page

This site shows a standard 13.5K BTU AC unit on the roof. So why would yours be an in wall unit?

it also shows that it has a rubber roof which would kill the deal for me.
bumpy

[sch911]

DiskDoctr wrote:
2017 Starcraft Launch 17 specs page

This site shows a standard 13.5K BTU AC unit on the roof. So why would yours be an in wall unit?

[DiskDoctr]

2017 Starcraft Launch 17 specs page