Running A/C on the hottest days

  • 04/01/2019 9:43 PM
    Message # 7256016
    Deleted user

    We live and do a lot of RVing in Florida.  It gets hot and humid.

    We have a Fleetwood 35k 2019.  We have 2 A/C Rooftop Units with digital Thermostat.  We set both the front and rear on "cool auto". The rear unit has no trouble running a normal A/C cycle.  The front unit never stops running.  We turned the rear down a few degrees to try and help.

    We were considering running the front unit on "Cool High".  Our logic is if it is going to run non stop might as well use it.

    Any thoughts or comment would be appreciated



  • 04/02/2019 9:23 AM
    Reply # 7256817 on 7256016
    Deleted user

    I also live in Florida and have had lots of dealings with the hot weather. We get the double whammy: 95 degree temperature and 95% humidity. Florida is a swamp.

    An RV has insulation but it also has windows. Shades help a bit and shade from trees do also. But to keep the blazing sun from heating the shades and putting a strain on the A/C I purchase the biggest auto windshield shades I can and stick them between the RV windows and RV shades (Not just the windshield. All the windows). You may need to cut to fit. Don't forget the vents on the roof. A piece of foam works best there.

    When they build the RV they run the pipes and cables through holes in the floor. Remove the bottom drawers or open the cabinets to see these holes. If they didn't use expanding foam to seal the holes use it now. I'm referring to the foam in a can. A popular brand is "Great Stuff" and it comes in white and gray. RV manufacturers use gray for some reason. That's a good enough reason for me to use it. Follow the directions on the can.

    This will also help keep the rats out. Incidentally if you want to keep the rats out keep the lights on in the storage compartments below. Rats don't like light. They are nocturnal and the basement compartments are the first place they come in at. Rats also like tissue to make a nest and food to eat. Keep these items up high.

    The front door is used a lot. You need to go out and come in once in a while. The more it's used the more the A/C comes on. Try to use it sparingly during hot weather. If possible use the awning to cool that side of the RV. Good luck.

  • 04/02/2019 5:56 PM
    Reply # 7257735 on 7256016
    Deleted user

    I have a 2015 Bounder 35k with similar ac units. Auto cool works best for us and both front and back units work with the temperature settings as programmed (shutting off when the temp is reached and restarting as necessary to maintain the temps). BTW we’ve been in Florida since November and out west last year through a really hot summer.

    Since you have a 2019 I’d recommend having it checked out while it’s still under the factory warranty. 

  • 04/03/2019 9:09 PM
    Reply # 7259495 on 7256016
    Anonymous

    It might just be that you have heat build up from solar radiation from such a large additional glass area up front with all of the windows. Even with shades and blinds, the rays are going to go through the glass and heat the interior shades, and by convection, heat the interior.

  • 04/15/2019 8:07 PM
    Reply # 7284245 on 7256016
    Deleted user

    I appreciate everyones  input.  Were going out soon so I'll see how it goes.  At the least there are a few more things I can do.

  • 04/16/2019 8:15 AM
    Reply # 7284865 on 7256016

    With our 2014 Bounder 36e, pulling down the day shades AND the blackout shades makes a huge difference.  The 2 AC work hard, but keep it cool, wish there was a way for them to be quieter.   If we r in living area of coach, once we get coach cool, we run the back one so we can watch tv, keep front one on higher setting during that time.   Also have a small quiet oscalating fan that helps so much...

  • 04/17/2019 3:24 AM
    Reply # 7286381 on 7256016
    Anonymous

    We just purchased and installed Magneshades on the windshield, passenger side window, driver side window and main coach door window.  So far they have made an enormous difference controlling temperature since they are placed on the outside of the windows.  Very noticeable difference, especially for our daughter who likes to sleep in the ‘loft’ area above the drivers/passengers seats.  Without the Magneshades the windows would retain a lot of heat even after the sun went down.  A bit pricey, but worth it for us.  Initial installation took some time, but overall was easy.  Now putting them up and taking them down takes just a few minutes.


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