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Topic: Passenger Comfort in Heat - No Generator (Read 267 times) previous topic - next topic
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Passenger Comfort in Heat - No Generator
Hi, I have a 1996 TK (Chevy) and on our last trip - we found the AC wasn't sufficient to cool the whole motorhome. No generator. How did you all do it in the "bad old days" when a generator was not the norm - making running the motorhome ac impossible? When I had my RB the passenger seats were sufficiently close to the cab to keep everyone happy.

On the return trip, I did turn on the swamp cooler and that kept everything reasonably comfortable in about 90 degree heat but I am concerned about what it would be like out in the desert in 100+.

The AC is cranking within tolerance as the dual gauges and vent temps confirm.

Any tips appreciated!

Thanks.
1996 Twin King
Re: Passenger Comfort in Heat - No Generator
Reply #1 –
1. Break out the 4-70 Air conditioner,  4 windows down(open) go 70 miles per hour.  Turn off the AC and wear shorts.
Opening  the upper coach windows, cab windows, and cab vent wing windows tends to draw cooler air to the cab.

2.  Alternatively,  I also accidently found that there is some vacuum formed at the front roof vent, so cracking it open may help circulate more air with the AC on.   Note: If cracked open, it will open more as air exits and things vibrate.

3.  Travel in the coolness of the night.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Passenger Comfort in Heat - No Generator
Reply #2 –
Thanks .  I was wondering about some kind of vacuum. For the front roof vent do you mean the escape hatch? I was thinking since there is a smaller roof vent in the middle with push or pull fan plus the swamp cooler has an exhaust mode - one of those might be a way to suck cooler air over to the back. I keep thinking of the laws of thermodynamics where heat moves into cool rather than the opposite so don't want to introduce more heat into the system.

I think we will call the open all the windows option a "non-starter" but thanks :-)
1996 Twin King
Re: Passenger Comfort in Heat - No Generator
Reply #3 –
While the E450's dash A/C is powerful, it does not have the cooling capacity to condition the rear of the LD  for more than a few feet. 
What did we do in the old days....sweat.
You can open a rear ceiling vent but it seems to let in more hot air than the amount of cool air coming from the cab. YMMV

In the past, generators were optional and LD didn't like installing them, for whatever reason.
Ed would try to talk you out of buying one..."You don't need that!"
Well, it you live and/or travel in hot conditions, being able to cool the rear can be a great asset.
Installing a generator in an elderly LD is a difficult project and can cost more than what some rigs are worth.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Passenger Comfort in Heat - No Generator
Reply #4 –
With our '83 we did not carry passengers during our rare 'hot-days' trips. We did occasionally use the swamp cooler while traveling, but would lose more water by slosh-out than in cooling, i.e. short-term relief when very dry out. Ours had a very small alternator, but if you can install a larger one (150A or better), with large-gauge charging cabling to the battery and a 3000W inverter, you might be able to run the roof AC on a low setting without draining the battery. Just a theory, and an expensive option...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Passenger Comfort in Heat - No Generator
Reply #5 –
"Any tips appreciated!"

I have found it helpful to open (even part way) the rearmost roof vent and set it to exhaust. In this way you create a draft throughout the coach. Even if it's warm air it tends to dry perspiration and therefore cool the body.    :'(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Passenger Comfort in Heat - No Generator
Reply #6 –
Thanks everybody. If I happen to have the opportunity in the next inevitable heat wave I will try to measure temp in the lounge area for just the cab AC and all vents closed, then with swamp cooler running plus AC then with rear vent in exhaust mode. I might as well add rear vent in fan mode.
1996 Twin King