Community Forums

Red Jeep · 08-06-2018, 02:15 PM

My 37' 2008 Sea Breeze seems to hold an abnormal amount of heat in the summer months. I am curious if other class A owners have this issue... or a solution.
I have owned two class C motorhomes previously and they didn't seem to draw heat as does my class A. (In the same climatic area's)

I have four - 100 watt solar panels on the roof of the coach which my wife firmly believes leads to this cause of heat building up inside the coach. She suggested contacting other members and getting their opinion.

I disagree with my wife as there is a 3" gap between the bottom of the panels and the roof of the coach, and that should allow the heat to dissipate without typically being absorbed. That is my extend of my argument!

The Sea Breeze seems to be insulated good enough and the AC does well at keeping the inside cool....when it is on. It is when we don't have it on and are away for a few hours, that is when we have this "heated" discussion.

Appreciate any comments.

Monacoach · 08-06-2018, 02:22 PM

Can you get your hand under the solar panels and feel how warm the roof is. Happy wife happy life no that's not it um..... The wife is always right!

Red Jeep · 08-06-2018, 02:24 PM

Yes, and it seems to be about the same temp as the rest of the roof.
10-4 on Happy Wife, Happy Life!

Podivin · 08-06-2018, 02:33 PM

I would think that the solar panels would create some shade. Shoot the roof with one of the non-contact ('laser') thermometers to see what the heat difference is between roof and under panels.
I would expect the difference to come from taller sidewalls (more area to get hot) and potentially more glass.

sedaliaterry · 08-06-2018, 03:10 PM

One possibility?

That big windshield on the class A lets in a lot of heat even with the shade down. We were at Newmar Rally in Gillette WY in Jun. Not all that hot outside, yet when I measured the temp at the dash using the thermal gun with the shade down, it was 145 f. Ordered a MagnaShade to hopefully help with this, but have not received it yet.

macnut · 08-06-2018, 03:20 PM

Many newer RV’s have huge windshields that extend well beyond the the viewable area from inside. On another thread, someone insulated this area with R30 insulation from Home Depot and said it made a big difference when on the road or parked. I am thinking of doing that as well. Good luck!

jharrell · 08-06-2018, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Podivin

I would think that the solar panels would create some shade. Shoot the roof with one of the non-contact ('laser') thermometers to see what the heat difference is between roof and under panels.
I would expect the difference to come from taller sidewalls (more area to get hot) and potentially more glass.

I have used a thermometer on the roof under my panel vs not, the panels definitely lower the temp on the roof, I believe it was 115 vs 130 degrees in full sun.

If the panels where the flexible kind stuck right to the roof that would be different, but if they have airspace they provide form of insulation.

The biggest heat load on my class A definitely seems to come from the windows, and especially the front windshield. Vents and shower skylight too. In fact I considering mounting another solar panel over the shower skylight.

Closing the curtains on the windshields helps. Parking in a shaded site is the biggest help. If I designed RV better insulation would be the number one priority. Would makes things so much better in so many ways.

Outbound · 08-06-2018, 03:53 PM

I have a exterior windshield shade screen that I use when parked and facing the sun, does a great job cutting down on windshield glare and helps eliminate interior heat load, also helps protect dash pad and instruments from excessive sun rays.

fcbbob15 · 08-06-2018, 04:17 PM

After reading this thread I measured my roof temp. It's 107 degrees today and my RV is in full sun. Roof temp is 127 under the solar panels and 139 on the roof. We have found the same issue as others with the windshield. My DW has made a insulated curtain to block off the seating area. Looks like heavy drapes and is put up with snaps. Made a huge difference and since we don't turn the seats around nothing lost. Helps with noise also. Had done the same on our previous RV.

Fiesta48 · 08-07-2018, 03:07 AM

Our current DP has more insulation than our last two gassers. Walls, floors and ceilings. It does have smaller windows except the windshield. It also has 3 A/C and 2 furnaces due to the larger size. It cools and heats easier than the prior gassers.

JFNM · 08-07-2018, 04:53 AM

Adding to the windshield shade item - the exterior shades work best. Certainly in my opinion but I think this is actually fact. :-) Stopping the heat before it gets in is very helpful. I also think the black shades work the best - seems that Magne Shade had some facts to support both those.

redcolorado · 08-07-2018, 03:42 PM

I do not have any problems keeping my 2008 Bounder cool. I have 2 15K heat pumps, front and side window shades for the front end, Magna shade, Reflectex panels for all windows that face the sun, a dehumidifier. I NEVER let the inside of the coach get hot. It takes a lot more to cool down a coach than it does to keep it cool. I am in Texas at home the coach is in the back yard slides open with only the front AC running, outside air 100 inside coach 78.

Mr_D · 08-07-2018, 03:48 PM

3" air space and open to outside air is a very good insulator.

Quincy · 08-07-2018, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Jeep

My 37' 2008 Sea Breeze seems to hold an abnormal amount of heat in the summer months. I am curious if other class A owners have this issue... or a solution.
I have owned two class C motorhomes previously and they didn't seem to draw heat as does my class A. (In the same climatic area's)

I have four - 100 watt solar panels on the roof of the coach which my wife firmly believes leads to this cause of heat building up inside the coach. She suggested contacting other members and getting their opinion.

I disagree with my wife as there is a 3" gap between the bottom of the panels and the roof of the coach, and that should allow the heat to dissipate without typically being absorbed. That is my extend of my argument!

The Sea Breeze seems to be insulated good enough and the AC does well at keeping the inside cool....when it is on. It is when we don't have it on and are away for a few hours, that is when we have this "heated" discussion.

Appreciate any comments.

OK here is your problem,,, you disagree with your wife!!! What are you thinking man??? If the DW says it is hot under the panels then it is hot under the panels. If the last 43 years have taught me nothing else it is that.

What is the difference where the heat is coming from it is coming from where she says it is coming from. Say yes dear and order a magna shade. problem solved!