Size AC unit in travel trailer
We just purchased a 2011 Rockwood 8315BSS and we want to buy a generator for our trip out west. I can't seem to find anything about the size of the AC unit in the paperwork in the trailer .It's probab...
Forum Discussion
Yes, the average and cheap RV's are like having left the door open when heating or air conditioning. Poorly insulated and very poorly sealed for air leaks. The roof insulation is most important as approx 50% of the thermals are lost thru it. 25% thru the floor and 25% thru the walls and more if single pane glass. Throwing a second A/C at it is dumb when one A/C should be more than enough if you pay attention to "Insulation and sealing the Airleaks". One btu is one btu and it's up to you to buy smart and/or seal to maximize the efficiency. Real comfort and at far less cost, less drafts, less noise, and less aggravation.
A reasonably decent quality RV say 30' coach box length constructed, insulated good and sealed good but not even perfect with dual pane glass with a white roof and white sides (no dark colors or dirty/blackened roof) will not even tax a 13,500 btu A/C at 90 degree ambient outside temps and 70 degrees inside. Such an RV would have a max of 1680 cubic ft inside the outside exterior skins to cool. A simple cheap 5,000 BTU window A/C will easily freeze you out in a 10 X 10 X 8 foot room interior or building (800 cubic ft) in 90 degrees outside and would run the compressor less than 80% of the time.
2 times the 800 cu ft = 1600 cu ft and that's approx 10,000 btu's needed and you have 13,500.
Solar glass or white shades/curtains are a help also. White surface reflects and a dark surface absorbs and the last thing you want in the hot sun etc is absorption as it counteracts cooling.
Our 1991 36' all white Carriage 5th wheel with storm windows on the inside would freeze you out in 90 degrees temps in full Sun with the one 13,500 btu A/C set on the low setting. Really tells the story as to the true insulation and sealing on the RV! The cure for comfort in heat or cold an RV or home is really your choice when you buy or what you do to improve it after the purchase.
A reasonably decent quality RV say 30' coach box length constructed, insulated good and sealed good but not even perfect with dual pane glass with a white roof and white sides (no dark colors or dirty/blackened roof) will not even tax a 13,500 btu A/C at 90 degree ambient outside temps and 70 degrees inside. Such an RV would have a max of 1680 cubic ft inside the outside exterior skins to cool. A simple cheap 5,000 BTU window A/C will easily freeze you out in a 10 X 10 X 8 foot room interior or building (800 cubic ft) in 90 degrees outside and would run the compressor less than 80% of the time.
2 times the 800 cu ft = 1600 cu ft and that's approx 10,000 btu's needed and you have 13,500.
Solar glass or white shades/curtains are a help also. White surface reflects and a dark surface absorbs and the last thing you want in the hot sun etc is absorption as it counteracts cooling.
Our 1991 36' all white Carriage 5th wheel with storm windows on the inside would freeze you out in 90 degrees temps in full Sun with the one 13,500 btu A/C set on the low setting. Really tells the story as to the true insulation and sealing on the RV! The cure for comfort in heat or cold an RV or home is really your choice when you buy or what you do to improve it after the purchase.
