Public Opinion needed on AC Unit

[firemedic08]

I have a new to me (Never installed) Polar Cub AC Unit. I bought a pull behind camper a few years ago, and it came with it. The previous owner had it still shrink wrapped on a pallet in his shop. It needs the Control unit (Inside Panel) that can be pick up for around $100. The Unit is rated at 9200 BTU, and weighs roughly 90 lbs. It has the option for added 5600 BTU Heat assembly if you buy that part also. Do you guys think this unit would be over kill and not worth the Hassle to install it, Or in your opinion would it be worth it? I dont camp as much as id like, or as i used to because of work, and family. Id like to eventuallygo more, or get a permenant site again. Lets hear it? :h

[firemedic08]

Wow it seems unanimous. Thanks all, for your input.

[thundercloud]

Oh you don't want that junky ol air conditioner. You should just give it to me and I'll dispose of it properly :B

[sno-pro79]

We have a polar Cub 9200 In our Northstar Adventurer it works great and will run on a Honda 2000 generator.
Two years ago we were invited to a wedding in Charlston SC .
The wife did not think we needed ac .
I said no way i am going to SC in July without AC.
She later said she was glad i took the time to install the Polar Cub.
I also purchased the heat strip it is worthless. I use a small ceramic "Cube Heater" if camping where there is shore power.
I ought the part that you are missing at ppl out of texas and the ac unit at camping world.

[SpknTC]

Absolutely install the A/C. We've already used ours twice in the last month. The other option would be to install a Fantastic Fan. It's cheaper & quieter but when it's hot it's still HOT! I just wouldn't be without an A/C. For us it's a requirement.

And I agree about the $17 heater from Walmart.

[Reddog1]

I have the same A/C as you have. I also have the heat strip, OEM furnace, and a Wave3 heater. I use the Wave3 for my primary heat, with the furnace for backup, or additional heat if needed. I installed the A/C and Wave3 myself, in 2005.

I have tried using the Polar Cub for heat several times, and must say I was disappointed. It takes a long time to heat the TC, so long in fact I even tried the furnace for preheat. The heat strip requires the fan to run, with the result being a wind chill and fan noise. The 2000 watt Honda will not run the heat strip. About the only advantage I can see is that if plugged into shore power, you might save some propane. I only turn mine on when I forget how ineffective it is. I would save the additional $50, and apply it toward a Wave3.

The A/C is worth while to me, and I would replace it if it died. It is not every trip that I use it, but it can be great. I can be using the TC, and during the day out of the TC. When I get back to the TC it is like a furnace, unbelievably hot. The A/C cools it down in 30 to 60 minutes. It can be especially nice at night, when you can't sleep for fear of drowning in your own sweat. Sometimes, during a 2 or 3 day heat spell, I will sleep in my TC when it is in the driveway, much cheaper than cooling the whole house.

Simply stated, for me the A/C is not overkill. The heat strip is pretty much a waste of time. Using about 8 amps, the Polar Cub is a great match with the Honda 2000. I would install it.

Wayne

[pezvela]

Yeah, no on the heat strip.

I am not a fan of the propane heaters installed in virtually all RVs. The fans are too loud in them for light sleepers.

Unless it's going to be below 35 at night, we dont use it.

Depending on the trip (boondock or RV park) we bring either a propane ceramic heater or a very small electric one that is thermostatically controlled.

Polar cubs are supposed to be good units; relatively low draw and much quieter than many AC units in TCs.

[Bumpyroad]

if you don't have air conditioning now, why wouldn't you want it? but save your money on the heat strip, a $17 ceramic heater from walmart will be better.
bumpy

[jimh406]

I'm not famiiiar with the Heat unit. I assume you have a propane furnace. If so, I think you are probably ok with just the propane furnace and there isn't any need to mount the heat unit. On the other hand, having an optional heat source that uses electricity can be a good idea if you are camping where there are hookups. I have a small heater for those cases to save the propane. If you are going to have an optional heater, the heating element sounds like a good choice.

[spacedoutbob]

I have a Brisk Air unit on my camper, when I need it, it works great. Keeps my camper nice and cool. I don't have any heat strip for it, but I have a Wave 3 Catalytic Heater along with a forced-air furnace. I say go for it!

Bob in Calif.