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03-30-2020, 06:07 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
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Portable air conditioner for TT
I am resigned to spending the hottest summer of my life in Mohave Valley AZ. I hesitated too long to move to a cooler area. That being said, could someone recommend a small, portable air conditioner (such as ones on Lowe’s or HD)?
I think I might be able to stand the promised temps of >115F, but my two little furry travelers will be endangered. Any kind advice would be appreciated. This is my first summer in the Bullet. Thank you and stay well and safe.
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03-30-2020, 07:40 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,345
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If not done already tint the windows. Tint with dark tint. and deploy awnings you have. window awnings will help. If you can get the nose of the TT facing east or west. It will keep the sun on the short axis of the TT. this reducing the heat absorbtion. being in arizona humidity wont be a prob. if possible get an rv tech to clean the evoprator coils as well as condenser coils in the A/C . Has your roof been cleaned and UV treated. Cleaning the roof and making it bright white will help it reflect heat as well. Just a few things ive learned in the years full timing
Leave your AC on high fan and high cool.
__________________
08 GMC C-4500 w/Custom bed. 8.1L
45ft 2007 Teton Reliance Experience XT-4
TSLB Trailer Saver w/ 3rd airbag
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03-30-2020, 11:01 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
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Thank you consolenut. I’ve used Refectix inside my cupboards and as window covers. Windows are tinted. I’ll get busy on the roof and check the positioning of the trailer nose. I think I’ll check out Lowe’s and their portables, keeping your recommendations in mind. Thx again.
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03-30-2020, 11:23 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 876
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An RV is an oven in the summer, you will need A/C, or I would. What size rv do you have? A small portable a/c will not cool a trailer at 115 degrees.
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03-31-2020, 07:18 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: North Ridgeville, OH
Posts: 2,455
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If possible, make some sort of frame so you can take a large tarp and cover your trailer with it so the roof and walls (to some extent) are not getting direct sun exposure. Put insulation on the interior side of windows as just tinting them is not sufficient.
If you don't already have built in air conditioning, any of the portable units may not be sufficient.
If forced to not use air conditioning at peak heat times, consider upgrading and exhaust fans you have to fans such as the Maxxair that have multiple speeds and are better at exhausting hot air or bringing in cooler air (option for night).
I wish you well and hope you can find some solutions to stay comfortable.
__________________
Retired but busier than ever!
2012 Newmar Bay Star 3302
5 Star Tune, SumoSprings, Roadmaster Steering Stabilizer, Blue Ox Avail
Brake Buddy, 2015 Chevy Malibu
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03-31-2020, 09:52 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,000
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I've read that you need a two-hose unit; one hose to suck outside air in and the other to discharge the heated air. Otherwise, with a single hose unit, you will be blowing your cooled trailer air outside and drawing in outside hot air through the cracks and openings of your trailer.
__________________
2004.5 Ram 3500 2WD DRW
2008 Carriage, tows at 10k#
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03-31-2020, 03:01 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Los Angeles area
Posts: 1,408
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CecilD
I've read that you need a two-hose unit; one hose to suck outside air in and the other to discharge the heated air. Otherwise, with a single hose unit, you will be blowing your cooled trailer air outside and drawing in outside hot air through the cracks and openings of your trailer.
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I did a lot of research on this. What you say is very true... a two-hose unit is preferred for actual cooling. And you want the two hoses separated... the last thing you want is to have the intake hose downwind from the exhaust hose. I placed my two-hose unit up by the engine doghouse, with one hose going to a wooden panel that I sized for and placed in the drivers window, and the other in a mirror-image panel in the passenger window. It worked very well.
Some other ideas that may help stay cooler:
Google the term "magneshade" here on irv2, there are a few comment threads on making your own inexpensive version. Put those on your windshield... it's one of the major heat sources in the summer. If your back window is large it may pay to put one there a well.
One of the homebrew ones is here:
https: // roadtreklife.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-reflectix-window-insulation.html
This also works:
My drivers and passenger windows and two of my side windows on the bedroom are the same shape, so I used a reflective outer layer on one side of the window covers, a black cloth on the other... the reflective side faced the outside in the summer to reflect heat, the black side faced the outside to absorb heat in the winter... but the exterior homebrew magneshades worked better in the summer as the heat never got inside.
If you have any way to place a sunshade over your entire MH then do it. Even a framework of EMT holding some silver tarps... A friend of mine lived in Mohave Valley for two years and when i visited I saw a lot of the fulltimer MHs you see are under a carport-style structure - 6 inches to a foot of clearance above the MH itself. One of the a locals stated that those "super carports" are good for 20 degrees or more in the summer.
Mike
__________________
Semi-retired technogeek...electronics / computer / 2-way / ham radio... WA6ILQ (45+years)
1985 Fleetwood 32' Southwind (Chev P30/454/TH400), dubbed "Lazarus" by friends... I resurrected it from the dead...
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03-31-2020, 04:25 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Palm Coast Florida
Posts: 12,995
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I don't understand 'too late' to get to a cooler area. It is easier to stay warm than to stay cool IMHO. I spent a miserable summer in my 50amp two A/C equipped 5th wheel on a 30amp service where I could only run 1 A/C unit. I looked at those portable units but did not understand them. This was in 2015 so in 5 years maybe they got better.
Good luck
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03-31-2020, 05:25 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Full Time USA
Posts: 2,216
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I'd seriously look into an evaporative cooler. Amazing how much you can drop the temp.
Also, as stated above, shade!
__________________
Robert & Deb
07 Discovery 39v FWS Full Timers, Henniker NH
1K solar - 05 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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03-31-2020, 06:23 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,299
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scbwr
If possible, make some sort of frame so you can take a large tarp and cover your trailer with it so the roof and walls (to some extent) are not getting direct sun exposure.
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By far the best thing you can do ! You need at least 12" between the tarp and the trailer. 24" would be better.
__________________
Retired. 31 year of automotive engineering for one of the Detroit 3, specializing in Powertrain Control Systems.
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04-01-2020, 07:27 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,442
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I lived in Southern AZ and used a portable A/C. It worked well, as stated you need to get a two hose portable otherwise you will get vey little benefit. The suggestion of evaporative cooler is a good one. It will move a lot of air. My biggest fear was my ac would stop and a TT or MH inside temperature will go to 140f and above very very quickly, and I had my pets in the MH also. I also used a temperature alert device to alert me if the Temps got high.
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04-01-2020, 08:56 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Full Time USA
Posts: 2,216
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You need to draft an evac plan.
__________________
Robert & Deb
07 Discovery 39v FWS Full Timers, Henniker NH
1K solar - 05 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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04-02-2020, 12:58 AM
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#13
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
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Thank you to all of you who have responded to my question.
This is really the first time I have used the resources of a forum, so if I neglect to respond or seem unappreciative, forgive me.
1. I am full timing in a 2018 Keystone Bullet. It has a good air conditioner; as I mentioned, I have lined my cupboards with Reflectix and have made window covers with it.
2. I said that I was resigned to remaining in Mohave Valley; most other rv parks have put a hold on new travelers, making it less feasible to go higher and cooler. I agree with the choice to discourage movements of rvers unless, as is happening here, snowbirds are traveling to return to their home ports. I have no intention of returning to Washington state. This park is fine; I’m just new at this lifestyle and anxious about dealing with the heat, promised to be in the 120’s.
3. I’m trying to figure a way to shade the trailer, but it’s probably not going to happen.
I’m going to get a portable a/c with TWO HOSES! I heard that, thanks.
I’ll keep running MaxxAir fans, heard that, too!
I think the roof is in good shape, but I’ll check this weekend.
Again, thank you all for helping me learn to use a forum.
(By the way, how do I add my equipment profile to my posts?)
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04-02-2020, 04:37 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: North Ridgeville, OH
Posts: 2,455
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Look at the second box down from the top of the page and click on "User CP". That will open up a menu on the left side of the screen. Click on "Edit Signature" and you will be able to add info to your signature.
__________________
Retired but busier than ever!
2012 Newmar Bay Star 3302
5 Star Tune, SumoSprings, Roadmaster Steering Stabilizer, Blue Ox Avail
Brake Buddy, 2015 Chevy Malibu
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