Community Forums

Natebert · 08-12-2015, 10:12 AM

Hey Gang,
It seems that 2016 WR 280RLS trailer doesn't get as cool as my 2010 Timber Ridge 260RLS. With a 95 degree outside temp, the 2016 unit could barely maintain 80 inside. While my old 2010 TR could keep the trailer a cool 74 without issue in 100 degree weather.

I noticed that the roof-top AC cover/shroud is black. Does this affect the efficiency of the rooftop unit? (Should I paint it white?)

I suspect it could be because the low-profile units are less efficient (though rated for the same BTUs) due to the lack of surface area in the condenser. But could the color of the AC shroud have some affect it?

I suppose that it could be that the new trailer is grey and not white like the 2010 model, making the whole unit more of a heat sink.

Or maybe it's just that this new trailer is bigger and the ratio of AC btu to interior square feet is less.

Or could it be the black awning is reflecting heat towards the trailer, and I should retract the awning? (this wasn't the best design decision by the way, a black awning? You can feel the heat radiating through it on a sunny day.)

Anyway,
What are you guys doing to ensure maximum AC efficiency?

And yes, I checked the inside to ensure that the baffle/divider was securely sealed.

I though I saw a thread where someone had upgraded the rooftop fan with a better/quieter one, but I can't seem to find it again.

Nate

Lac · 08-12-2015, 10:22 AM

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f282/outd...ne-210755.html

Check this out... This is what you may be looking for.

Hope it helps
Coops

Natebert · 08-12-2015, 10:24 AM

As a followup,
Google is my friend. I just found a quick discussion on another forum.

Color of Roof AC Units

Seems these guys feel that the color and insulating value of the shroud makes no measurable difference in the efficiency.

Natebert · 08-12-2015, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lac

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f282/outd...ne-210755.html

Check this out... This is what you may be looking for.

Hope it helps
Coops

Ah ha, that's the one I saw earlier. Thanks!

I also re-discovered:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPgaO2Kt2uE

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VqoYCK7HtE

My duct work seems intact as I'm getting good airflow at all of the vents in the ceiling. It just doesn't seem that there is enough cool air to go around. Maybe that's why there is an option for a 2nd AC unit in the bedroom on these.

fisher99 · 08-12-2015, 07:45 PM

The A/C cover on my 2013 WR 280RLS is white but my cooling experience seems to be close to yours. We are camping this week and yesterday the temp hit 100. We were away for most of the afternoon but it eras 75 when we returned. However, today temps were mid 90's but we were in the trailer all day and it got up to 80. I think the body temps plus the door opening and closing as people exited and entered caused the higher temp.

Would really be nice to have about 5 or 10 degrees more headroom but I doubt I'll add a second unit.

I also noticed that we could make the A/C's job easier by lowering the darkening shades on the windows where the sun was hitting. You could feel the difference. Makes me wonder about trying the reflective foil panels that you see in the windows of some campers. At least on the windows that get the direct sun.