Travel Trailer AC Units vs Motor Home AC Units ???

[Moxxi]

Are MHs more insulated than a travel trailer?

I ask because I am wondering how efficient the MH AC unit or units are? I realize that this might depend on several factors (age of AC unit, condition, etc.).

My brother’s travel trailer’s AC is a DOMETIC. Doesn’t seem to shut itself off when the temperature reaches a certain level (like a S&B AC unit does). Maybe the trailer’s insulation is so poor that the AC never shuts off because it can’t reach the desired temperature.

Do MH AC units turn off and on like a S&B AC unit?

I’d hate to think that I’m going to have to run the AC both day & night to keep the temperature at a comfortable level.

[saddlesore]

In simple terms..
In the winter any RV is an ice box that you are trying to heat..
conversely
In the summer it is a "Dutch Oven" that you are trying to cool.
How well this happens depends on the construction and designs of the RV and the size/designs/capacities of the heating/cooling systems.
An entry level TT/5'er/MH will have minimum insulation and concern with air flow &/or heating/cooling abilities.
Middle range RV's will have improved capabilities
The upper range RV's will be even better..
Then there are the million dollar plus RV's that the buyers will not tolerate any compromise's for poor designs/layouts/components or usability.

In answering your question about whether Heating and/or Cooling units cycle on and off, Yes they do ...If (and that is a really BIG If) there is adequate quality build construction & insulation to allow the RV to retain heat or cooling with large enough units installed. ( this includes well designed and implemented air way duct work)
Our coach (and others) the A/C's & Furnace/AquaHot/Oasis units Heat/Cool & cycle just like in our Sticks & Bricks homes.

[deaton]

Saddlesore has said it very well.

Short answer, heating and cooling efficiency in an RV is closely coordinated to price point, with some variation between brands and models.

[Rkesselus]

Additional information would be to check how your AC is preforming stick a thermometer in the AC vent and see what temp the unit is producing. (you should be getting 50 to 60 degree air). From that point outside air temp, direct Sun on the unit specially on Windows and how much insulation the unit has will tell you how much cool air it will take to keep you cool. Corrugated aluminum foil sheets in windows will make a big difference.

[jharrell]

Originally Posted by Moxxi

Are MHs more insulated than a travel trailer?

Depends on MH and TT, Some TT are more insulated than some MH's (ORV), Some MH's are more insulated than some TT (Newmar).

Looks for the best insulation you can get, its make everything better (heating, cooling, noise).

Originally Posted by Moxxi

I ask because I am wondering how efficient the MH AC unit or units are? I realize that this might depend on several factors (age of AC unit, condition, etc.).

TT and MH pretty much use the same units, Coleman Mach and Dometic are the two big players, the same units are used on both. The higher end low profile units are typically on higher end MH's while the full height units are used on TT and lower need MH's, efficiency about the same either way.

Cooling capacity is usually either 13.5k BTU or 15k BTU, there are smaller ones like 11k BTU for small trailers and vans. 15k BTU is the largest single rooftop unit made.

Originally Posted by Moxxi

My brother’s travel trailer’s AC is a DOMETIC. Doesn’t seem to shut itself off when the temperature reaches a certain level (like a S&B AC unit does). Maybe the trailer’s insulation is so poor that the AC never shuts off because it can’t reach the desired temperature.

Do MH AC units turn off and on like a S&B AC unit?

I’d hate to think that I’m going to have to run the AC both day & night to keep the temperature at a comfortable level.

Depends on whether it has a thermostat or not, most do, especially in MH's, but they do sell them without thermostats where the controls are just right on the unit's inside vent. Without a thermostat they are just like a old cars A/C controls, fan high/low, col high low. Keeps running until you turn it off. Usually done this way to save a few bucks and not have a separate thermostat on less expensive TT's. Not sure if they even do this much anymore.

[Ivylog]

Lets see, 2" thick roof and dual pane windows plus heat pumps. Unless it's really hot one AC will usually get the job done although it may not cycle very much so you run the one not in front during the day and the tricky part...the one in the front at night. This is for a 45' rig.