Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Does your 15000 BTU air conditioner cycle a lot?

May 25, 2018, 03:33:41 am

We are deciding on what to get for our replacement air conditioner.

We currently are full timing to learn about RVing and being tied to Phoenix AZ for work means summers in a  park with air conditioning running full time.
RV parks typically do not have shade or trees here in the desert.

We do have reflectix Search Results for reflectix at The Home Depot on the windows and vents which is a must.
However the cab windows are not yet done (I have to come up with a creative way to do them and still allow the cats to sit up on the dashboard/sunbathe.

With our 30 year old original air conditioner it was not good enough to handle 110 plus heat so last summer we added an LG portable air conditioner (on the passenger cab seat which rotates around, vented out the side cab window).  Both kept the coach nice and cool (75 at night when outside temps were 90 at least as the low) but we are hoping with a new air conditioner we would not need the portable air conditioner (might be too big a hope).

1989 22’ TK.

I know the mothership is putting 15000 into all LDs including 23’ ones these days.

In talking to Coleman (we are leaning that way so far) the tech support guy said he was mixed on recommending a 13,500 BTU vs a 15,000 BTU unit.

Downsides:
Not enough BTU and it would not cool off the RV as well. 
Too much BTU and it would cycle on and off continually and not handle the humidity as well (not on continually so it getting rid of humidity as well).  We do average 40 percent humidity +- 20 degrees and only get to 80 percent or so a couple days a year at most.

Do you have problems with your Air Conditioner cycling on and off continually?
If so, what are your conditions:
 — blinds up or down or Insulation on windows
— cab blocked off with blanket or ??
(I have heard hot spots can cause this also)
— temp and humidity outdoors

Thanks as always for any info,
Jane

Re: Does your 15000 BTU air conditioner cycle a lot?

Reply #2 – May 25, 2018, 11:35:21 am

These rigs were never intended for full timing in a hot desert climate, too many windows and wall square footage allow a great deal of solar heat gain into the body.
In hot conditions, the A/C will never cycle, no matter how well the rig insulated.
This 'cycling' argument is valid in home design where oversize A/C are often installed, having way too much capacity, that leads to cycling. None of our rooftop A/Cs are anywhere near oversize.

Our well insulated and prepped 23.5' has the 13.5 A/C and it isn't large enough for 110 degree weather, the A/C will not cool much more than 30 degrees under ambient .
In very hot weather, a 20K A/C wouldn't be enough.
Go for the biggest capacity  A/C that will fit...and hold onto the portable, just in case.
My best suggestion to get out of Arizona for the summer or at least stay in the higher altitudes.

Larry