Buying A/C

[techfan]

There has been some discussion about buying the A/C option. Tomorrow we head out to Northern and Central California for 4 weeks. Oroville, CA is expected to hit 100 this coming week and Paso Robles will be around 103 all week the 4th of July. Last year in our previous trailer, we spent 3 days near Sequoia NP in 102 degrees. Glad we ordered the A/C and the extra insulation.

[Zardoz]

Air Conditioning pays for itself within 90 minutes of turning it on for the first time IMHO. (And in a more practical sense, helps the resale opportunities.)

[Glennrose]

From the "New Screen Door" thread gbaglo said:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Not to mention that somebody has to stay with the dog since you can't leave it in the camper or in the tow vehicle ( because of the heat )

We bought the AC because we knew that at times we'd have no option but to leave our little dog in the trailer alone. Most of the time we found the Maxx Fan adequate but, especially at Death Valley last fall, it sure was comforting to know we were safe leaving her in the Cottage with the AC on.

Of course no air conditioning unit will be adequate for this reason if your dog is a barker!

[Jim Bennett]

Not sure I would feel comfortable trusting A/C while leaving my dog behind. What if there was a power outage, or failure? I guess if you could leave a key with someone who would be near your trailer while you were gone it would be reassuring. Either that, or find a sitter for it.

[Glennrose]

I know - it's always a problem. Without power we found that she/we managed quite well in the shade with just the Maxx Fan. We never went far or for very long, and our pup is very small and well behaved, but we were really glad for the AC the few times we needed it. Your ideas of a sitter or key holder are great options.

Is there a thread here for sharing ideas specific to Escaping with dogs?

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Glennrose

Is there a thread here for sharing ideas specific to Escaping with dogs?

I don't think so on this site, but it would be a great idea for sharing ideas.

[Sandra L]

Originally Posted by techfan

There has been some discussion about buying the A/C option. Tomorrow we head out to Northern and Central California for 4 weeks. Oroville, CA is expected to hit 100 this coming week and Paso Robles will be around 103 all week the 4th of July. Last year in our previous trailer, we spent 3 days near Sequoia NP in 102 degrees (102 °C = 216 °F) (102 °C (102 °C = 216 °F) = 216 °F (216 °F = 102 °C)). Glad we ordered the A/C and the extra insulation.

Having trailored for many years over at the coastal areas of California, I too debated getting the air conditioner, thinking I would never go to hot areas. Our first trip was outside of Placerville, CA and it was 106! Needless to say, the extra expense was worthwhile. I rarely have had it on "high" because it chills the "Suite Escape" so efficiently, that I have to see that It doesn't get too cold. The only annoying thing is the condensate (H20) dripping down over my passenger side front window, and I'm going to figure out a way to get it to go around. Maybe one of those rain deflectors would be helpful.

[kstock11]

I look at certain options as "the cost of money." If you need and use the options, that's great and you feel like a hero for getting them. If you put them in your Escape and find you didn't use them, you'll probably get most of the cost back when it's time to sell.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Sandra L

Having trailored for many years over at the coastal areas of California, I too debated getting the air conditioner, thinking I would never go to hot areas. Our first trip was outside of Placerville, CA and it was 106! Needless to say, the extra expense was worthwhile. I rarely have had it on "high" because it chills the "Suite Escape" so efficiently, that I have to see that It doesn't get too cold. The only annoying thing is the condensate (H20) dripping down over my passenger side front window, and I'm going to figure out a way to get it to go around. Maybe one of those rain deflectors would be helpful.

all you need is to install some of this EZE RV Gutter System- Ultra-White - 50' Box - Essential Products U/W05004 - RV Gutter - Camping World
keeps my windows dry.

[Jrn56]

What are the pros and cons of each of the AC options, Dometic vs Coleman Polar Cub?

John

[cpaharley2008]

Coleman costs $ more, comes with a 5200 watt heat strip, is quieter and will operate off a 2000 watt generator. Dometic appears to be somewhat smaller, costs less, has more BTU, is noisier, and may not operate off a 2000 watt generator unless it has the soft start installed.

[Jrn56]

Thanks Jim! The noise factor is my main concern so I am leaning toward the Coleman.

John

[cpaharley2008]

FWIW,
With the insulation package and foam and all the other things like double pane windows, I have only used the a/c twice in a year, once to test and once it was needed. Otherwise, the railer keeps out the heat fairly well and the MaxxFan is awesome.

[Jim Bennett]

I find that too, Jim. Not that I have the option, as I am waiting on getting A/C until I do some hot weather travelling, but have been in temps well over 30°C (86°F) and by bedtime the fan had it cooled nicely. Plus, I hear others darn A/C units, and am not impressed with the noise. The Maxx Fan on a lower setting, combined with the window over our head cracked makes for a pleasant cool breeze over our heads.

[Jrn56]

We probably won't use it very often either but we do plan on traveling in the south next year. I am wondering if you would get most of the money back when you sell it down the road.

[Sandra L]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

all you need is to install some of this EZE RV Gutter System- Ultra-White - 50' Box - Essential Products U/W05004 - RV Gutter - Camping World
keeps my windows dry.

Thanks for the info. I think I only need about 2'. However, you've given me food for thought. I might be able to go to an auto parts place or even a store like Home depot and find something useful.

[cpaharley2008]

You should do all your windows, you may camp elsewhere and the slope is entirely different.

[Sandra L]

Good thought. I have only noticed it on the left front, but
you're quite right.

[techfan]

What is a reasonable differential between outside temp and inside temp with the Dometic? In this current heat wave in CA and finding the difference marginal. Was hoping for more.

[cpaharley2008]

no more than 10-15 degrees, the dehumidification is more important, at least here on the east coast