Air Conditioner Poll: Ac Or No Ac

We chose the A/C and, with some 40K miles on the trailer, have used it quite a few times on our cross-country jaunts. You should be aware, however, that these are room air-conditioners, and we've now replaced ours twice. The vibration of many miles, along with some wash-board excursions eventually fatigued the soldered parts, and most aren't repairable. Some A/C models seem to have compressors less free to move, and probably will last much longer. The newest one seems much tighter than the last.

The good news, especially for those of you with the new hinge on the hatch, is that it's not a bad do-it-yourself replacement. The expensive part was the original trailer mods to fit the A/C. You can find similar window units for a reasonable price. Even though our trailer has the old-style hinge, I removed the hatch and installed quick-connects on the wiring. With care, I managed the job without compromising the hatch seal. Just remember to measure carefully, as the A/C units vary in size quite a bit.

Later,

Skip Eastman

 

Another from the Northwest. No A/C. Where I go it is usually cool at night, sometimes cold. Depending on what time of year it is and how high up we even use a spot of the heater to dress/undress. But if I lived or spent much time in the South, the NE or the Midwest I may have been tempted to get the A/C. Besides, we do a fair amount of boondocking and there are no hook ups.

 

In Texas we often see 80's on summer nights. And humidity is often in the 80-90% range. And mosquitoes the size of hummingbirds (well, almost). AC - absolutely!

 

I want to know who the Android is...

 

Update on AC. We got back from our first hot weather camp. Low 90s The AC proved invaluable. Middle of the day after hot activities, it was a good cool down. We used it every night. I did turn it off early AM. I enjoy the cold and just covered up when the interior cooled down. It is loud.. you are only a couple of feet away. I am a very light sleeper. I use ear plugs nearly every night, no matter where I sleep so it was no real problem.

Steve

 

Hey all,

My two cents !

I live in Southern California area. It's currently in the " 90's " & I'm outside cooking.


I can't imagine myself living or traveling without " AC ", given the choice .. !

Get the " AC ", you won't regret it !!!

L.M.

 

L.M.

We love our BGE too!

Don

 

Well, I thought it would make a good visual " Effect " ..!

Hot & NO AIR !!

L.M. ( :

 

Living and traveling in So. Fla. it is really a no brainer. What would be even better would be a heat pump unit so all climate conditions would be covered.

 

With a heat pump would you have to drill rods down into the ground at each campsite?

 

No rods Evan. It's basically a normal air AC unit that will run backwards to blow out heat instead of cool air. Many houses in the South use them.

We bought the AC mainly for resale value basically expecting not to use it. Boy, am I glad we did! We have used it way more than we ever thought we would.

Hilditch

 

Just got back from 3 days in the 95 to 100 degree TX heat. I never would have made this trip without the A/C, so it is a definite must-have for me!

 

Very much needed... going to Yuma AZ the 31st of Aug for Dove opening day the 1st of Sept. Its 120 degrees during the day and about 98 at night. I keep it running for the entire time there.

 

Yup... got the heater too. Was in Montana for deer and antelope opening day. Temp was getting down to 10 degrees at night. Could feel the cold through the doors. Thank goodness for the heater and thats with down comforter on.

 

Hey Evan,

How about a poll for the furnace. I would be interested in knowing how many owners rely on their furnace or is the interior warm enough that the furnace isn't used as much (non winter campers of course) as one may think .

 

This is too easy. When the night time low temp. is over 70 or under 40 degrees we only camp where we can plug in. We have AC and a under the desk type heater as well as a small 12v electric blanket available. PJ's and socks are worn if appropriate.

We do not have or need a propane heater.

We also have no urge to go camping when the high temp. for the day is over 90 or under 50 degrees. Who needs it if your water is going to freeze at night?

We don't camp in Death Valley, and don't want to.

Hilditch

 

Bump as useful example of deep wisdom in these forum topics, going way back.

 

Arizona heat…………