115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

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115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

July 28, 2020, 08:47:47 am

We're new owners of a 2002 Lazy Daze 26.5 Mid-Bath and will be staying two nights at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona, the end of this week when the weather will be 115 degrees during the day (no shade) and 88 overnight. Does anyone have any idea (from past experience) if we can keep the inside "cool enough" (it's relative, I know). We'll have electricity while we're at WestWorld but will have to use the generator if we visit friends. (Hoping the refrigerator can stay cold too.)

We're stopping here on the way to cooler California near the beaches but worried about keeping canned and dry goods (and medicines) cool enough or having to buy most of our food once we get to California.

Thanks for any tips/advice in advance.

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #1 – July 28, 2020, 10:29:04 am

Quote from: dscherubim - July 28, 2020, 08:47:47 am

Thanks for any tips/advice in advance.

I am a newbie, but we have been camping in Florida this summer. Not quite that hot but humid. What we have done is to put that Refectix in the roof vents and we got the windshield cover. There is more you can do, others will tell you.
I suspect you will not see low 80's during the day.
Keep the fan on high but allow the unit to cycle off from time to time so it doesn't freeze up.

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #2 – July 28, 2020, 10:45:43 am

I live in the Phoenix area and travel with our 1990 mb. When we are on the road I prefreeze water bottles to cycle from freezer to fridge. I also keep meds in the fridge when coach interior temps are high. Not any problems with can goods for me so far. I just try to bring them in the house after a trip because our garage is also over 100 degrees.

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #3 – July 28, 2020, 10:52:30 am

"We're new owners of a 2002 Lazy Daze 26.5 Mid-Bath and will be staying two nights at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona, the end of this week when the weather will be 115 degrees during the day (no shade) and 88 overnight. Does anyone have any idea (from past experience) if we can keep the inside "cool enough" (it's relative, I know). "

If WestWorld is where they have the horse-type shows, then we've been there, and NO SHADE is hardly adequate for what it will be like there with those temperatures.

Based on 35 years of RV'ing experience, my suggestion would be to stay in a motel, if you think it is COVID safe to do so. Or stay with the relatives inside of their house. In my opinion, what you contemplate will be a brutal and unpleasant experience.

But then, I am an old lady, and a total WUSS! ;-> You may find it a totally doable event.

Virtual hugs,

Judie

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #4 – July 28, 2020, 10:55:35 am

Best AC practice

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #5 – July 28, 2020, 11:07:51 am

We RV during Texas summers and it’s not always easy. We also insulate all the windows and close the blinds. Next, we use a heavy quilt to separate the cab from the house. We try to park so the refrigerator receives the least direct sun. We extend the awning. We use two (2) fans to direct air from the floor towards the ceiling. We try to get the inside temperature as low as we can at night. The best results we’ve ever achieved was about a 25 degrees difference from the outside. Most of the time it’s closer to the low 20’s. Our A/C is a new unit too.

If the outside temperature was 115 degrees, the inside temperature would probably be 95 degrees. For what’s it worth, I’d follow Judie’s guidance.

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #6 – July 28, 2020, 11:44:25 am

We’ve been in Zion during July. 110 outside. Inside the rig was made comfortable by starting to cool the coach early in the day.

We have insulated roof vents to keep the heat out and what cool air we can make inside. Pull the blinds and if possible hook up to shore power for the AC.

Turn on the AC prior to the days heat. Keep it on until at least 9:30 pm or until the inside becomes too cool for bed time. Keep the cab area blocked off with packing blankets or whatever blankets are available.

I was recently in Merced, CA. Close to 100 during the day. 88 by bed time. Shore power made it possible to keep the coach cool. A bit loud inside, but I’ll take that anytime over the heat.

Pack a cooler with plenty of ice and some refreshing drinks of your choice. When the evening cools down step outside and enjoy a cool, quiet breeze if there is one.

Of course the best way to beat the heat is to head for the hills or the coast. While it was 100 in Merced, it was 62 in Lincoln City, Oregon.

Enjoy your journey.

Kent

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #7 – July 28, 2020, 01:08:27 pm

Quote from: dscherubim - July 28, 2020, 08:47:47 am

We're new owners of a 2002 Lazy Daze 26.5 Mid-Bath and will be staying two nights at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona, the end of this week when the weather will be 115 degrees during the day (no shade) and 88 overnight. Does anyone have any idea (from past experience) if we can keep the inside "cool enough" (it's relative, I know). We'll have electricity while we're at WestWorld but will have to use the generator if we visit friends. (Hoping the refrigerator can stay cold too.)

We're stopping here on the way to cooler California near the beaches but worried about keeping canned and dry goods (and medicines) cool enough or having to buy most of our food once we get to California.

Thanks for any tips/advice in advance.

Here's a thread from way back when: Camping in High Heat

Chris

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #8 – July 28, 2020, 01:51:07 pm

Thank you so much, all of you. Such great responses and I appreciate the links too. I will peruse all of this info and do our best to stay cool (and maybe only stay one night -- maybe heading through the desert starting at 3am to get to Cali). Such great ideas about keeping cab separated with a heavy blanket, and all the other ideas. I think I'll bring a cooler too for Plan B (if the refrig doesn't keep up).

(I had tried searching for this info in other threads before posting but didn't come up with these other links. Thx, all of you, for your advice and time.)

The problem with staying at someone's house is we have two dogs (they are not welcome at most places if they are not dog lovers). And we have an immunocompromised situation, so a hotel is a scary thought with the Covid stuff. This is a crazy time of year to go through AZ. It's gonna be interesting.

P.S. We really love our "new" old Lazy Daisy. Love the "windows to the world" at the back.

Thanks again!!

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #9 – July 28, 2020, 09:37:56 pm

I live in El mirage, about 40 miles from Scottsdale. It is flipping hot and miserable here right now. Unfortunately, your AC will drop the Temps inside maybe 20°. Using reflextec will help, but your pups will need extra care to make sure they don't overheat. Use a cab blanket, find as much shade as possible and pray for wind and the monsoon.

If at all possible, stay in Flagstaff or Payson or other northern areas. Cooling mats for the dogs, or board them at a doggy daycare. Lots of hydration for you too.

I love my state, but this is a deadly heat. Be safe.

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #10 – July 28, 2020, 10:19:31 pm

Thanks, Lisa T. We appreciate your input and actually have decided to stay in Flag instead (got the last spot at an RV campground) but will utilize all we've learned on this thread from you and so many other wonderful people. Thanks so much!!

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #11 – July 29, 2020, 10:55:27 am

"Thanks, Lisa T. We appreciate your input and actually have decided to stay in Flag instead (got the last spot at an RV campground) but will utilize all we've learned on this thread from you and so many other wonderful people. Thanks so much!!"

WHEW! So glad to hear of your change of venue. We've lived with immunosuppression (chemotherapy-induced) issues for twelve years. Mask wearing, excessive hand washing, and surface cleanings have been de rigueur for these twelve years with us, but I would not want to add the battle of excessive heat to that mix.

Looks like the high temps at Flagstaff won't exceed 90° over the next week. You will be sooooo much happier in your new rig if you aren't spending all of your time spraying down your body and fanning yourself, plus wetting down your dogs!

Let us know how you make out, and what you are able to see in and around Flagstaff. It's a gorgeous area!!

Virtual hugs,

Judie

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #12 – July 31, 2020, 01:03:24 am

I wanted to say it is very possible to stay cool in hot temps.
We do it all the time (in Phoenix in that 115 degree heat that goes up to 120 at times).
We stay at 80 degrees when it is 110 outside, probably closer to 85 when it is 120 outside.
We might have been a little bit warmer with our old original air conditioner but still comfortable. Our new air conditioner (put in 2 years ago) can get things way too cold for me - down to the low 70s (yup, we became Phoenix wimps, we have been here too long).

I sent the OP some tips the other day. This is a quick and dirty post of ideas (not the details).
Note: We are a little sloppy with the installation of these idea, if we really followed them I bet it would be even cooler inside the rig. So you don't have to be perfect.
Consider how much time/effort/money you want to put into things, you can make a difference without doing all these things. And for only a couple of days I don't think I would do everything I list below.
Some of this is repeats of what others have said, I just pulled together what we do.
As Joan says, YMMV.

-- Do your maintenance. Clean both your air conditioner condenser and evaporative coils - it makes a big difference. We use the foam sold for this at home depot/lowes. Clean your air conditioner filters often, this will keep your evap coils working better. Deserts are dusty and we have cats, we used to clean them once a week (manufacturer said every 2 weeks), we now do them every 2-3 days – it takes just a minute and keeps the evap cooler cleaner.

-- Windows are the biggest problem with heat in Phoenix area. I was surprised to learn in stick and brick homes windows matters more than attic insulation.
Put reflectix on the south side of your rig over the windows - just cut to size so it fits in flat to the wall - bigger than window is better as the frame will reflect a lot of heat (so cover it also). You want it flat against the wall so it doesn't bend and let the heat doesn't sneak over the top. Then you can just place it there without any tape and it will stay good enough (use tape if you will be staying for a longer visit). 2 layers can make a difference - our kitchen window gets very hot and we never fully covered it (had a couple inches showing on most edges) but was ok. I recently put a second layer of reflectix that was the correct size on top and zero heat comes thru now even at the hottest time of the day.
We typically have the north side window (lounge area) uncovered to let light in. On very hot days we will leave the back lounge (facing east) window covered until the sun goes overhead to keep out more heat.
If you covered them all it would be cooler but you are in a long tube (depends if you are gone all day or inside and want to see out).

-- Close off your cab - reflectix on the windows – we use a piece trimmed to size for the front windshield and hold it in place but shutting it into the cab doors. We leave the side windows open for cats, it would be a lot cooler if we covered them also. We use a sleeping bag between the cab and coach. Doing these things make a big difference. If we did a ceiling to floor blanket that really covered that whole “wall”, it would work even better, we don’t cover the above cab area and don’t fully cover the area below (stop 1-2 feet from the floor and sometimes it is not fully to each side) and we do fine.

If you are traveling, consider taking extra reflectix for any hot spots you find when there. Some people say the bathroom skylight gets hot in some rigs. We do cover our vents but often we don’t – the south windows make the biggest difference for us.

We keep things that could melt, like fish oil pills, in an upper cabinet of the back lounge – often there for a couple months before they get used. They get a touch softer but not enough to concern us. We keep chocolate in the pantry. The upper cabinets do get warmer and cracking them so cool air gets into them helps. I wouldn’t put chocolate or oil pills on the south side upper cabinet next to a window. Nothing else gets affected (canned goods, pantry items, etc.).

-- Fridge:
Again, service this before you head somewhere hot.
Park with your fridge on the north side, it helps keep it cooler.
Keep the LD inside cooler, when the LD inside is warmer (like 90 degrees) it really affects the fridge (at least our older 2008 one).
Swapping in ice is a good idea, or adding ice, but it only helps so much and ice melts quickly (so you are always getting fresh ice). We use the better blue ice these days (Ozark trail just because that was at the store I was at), it stores easily in the top tray of the freezer and we swap that pair with a pair in the fridge – typically daily. It can lower the freezer temp a bit when you put in unthawed ones to get frozen so watch the temps.

We don't worry unless it gets up to 50 in the fridge and up to 30 in the freezer. That happens only if it is 90 or more inside our LD (e.g. we are having air conditioner problems).
If you get things really frozen beforehand, it will last thru 2 days at 30 fine (we have had no problem with quality). Our freezer likes to be mostly full - the frozen things help hold the cold temps inside.

Don't put perishable things in the refrigerator door, they get much warmer than putting them about 3” or more inside the door.
We put dairy and meats in the lower part of the fridge and put the frozen ice blocks above/beside them to keep them cooler.

Putting the air conditioner fan up higher will distribute the cold air further away. Don't put the temps up higher than you need (even with our very old air conditioner I don't think we ever had it more than half way to coldest, with the newer one we are closer to 15% from the warmest position even on very hot days). Point the vents to where you hang out if needed..
You can add additional fans - we have some dc12 portable fans we use, small but powerful.
Moving the air around or just putting it on you can make a difference.
Note, without the air conditioner on, just doing the other items above, our RV internal temp lowers at least 10 degrees even on very hot days.

Watch your pets. If your air conditioning fails while you are out and about, that can spell big trouble for your pets. You might put a vent fan on just in case so if the air conditioner fails at least the hottest air is being pulled out of the LD. We use Sensorpush, with the wifi gateway and we have wifi hotspot at the rig, so that we know the temps and get alarms even if we are not there and know the pets and the fridge/freezer are doing ok. They also give us history and helped us figure things out like doors are much warmer than even 3" inside the fridge.

Watch things that heat up the RV – e.g. cooking (open flame) is better done in the evenings or early morning. Be aware if you run a computer/tv that puts out heat (my Imac does). We have a convection oven and that also puts out heat so we use it less in the summer (or in the evenings only). Microwave use is short enough it doesn't make a big difference.

Jane (and Scott added some to this).

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #13 – July 31, 2020, 11:23:29 am

Jane (and Scott),
We will be hitting 115f in Tucson today and Phoenix is even hotter. Here is what I found helps dramatically for heat:

1. Install a covercraft windshield cover. This is a great addition as it blocks the sun and also is insulated. I have one on almost everyone of my vehicles.
2. Install a cover on all ceiling vents. I have four and made up covers from vinyl with reflectix sewn on the upside. They snap into place.
3. Install reflectix on side windows of cab and south/west windows. I didnt think about doubling the reflectix, that sounds like a good idea. I made mine to sit on the ledge and big enough to cover the aluminum frame. That frame is a radiant heater as it is aluminum which is a good transmitter of heat.
4. I installed some 12v fans under my overhead cabinets that I wired into the light circuit. Only use those when I am in the coach, dont leave them running otherwise.
5. Make a block for the skylight in the bathroom out of foam and reflectix on top, vinyl everywhere else. It is held in place by friction because the foam was cut 1" larger.
6. I also replaced the a/c unit because the old original one was not working well. Put in a 15k coleman unit and it works much better. However, on a 30ft rig like mine, LD should have wired for a second unit in the bedroom. I could do that now, but would have to use softstart electronics to be able to run both on 30a circuit.

I am thinking about installing two more 12v fans in the bedroom as air circulation makes the space feel cooler. But have to figure out how to pull power to them. Possibly from the ceiling lights and surface mount or ??.

That's all for now.

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #14 – July 31, 2020, 01:53:45 pm

Quote from: parussky - July 31, 2020, 11:23:29 am

Jane (and Scott),
We will be hitting 115f in Tucson today and Phoenix is even hotter. Here is what I found helps dramatically for heat:

1. Install a covercraft windshield cover. This is a great addition as it blocks the sun and also is insulated. I have one on almost everyone of my vehicles.
2. Install a cover on all ceiling vents. I have four and made up covers from vinyl with reflectix sewn on the upside. They snap into place.
3. Install reflectix on side windows of cab and south/west windows. I didnt think about doubling the reflectix, that sounds like a good idea. I made mine to sit on the ledge and big enough to cover the aluminum frame. That frame is a radiant heater as it is aluminum which is a good transmitter of heat.
4. I installed some 12v fans under my overhead cabinets that I wired into the light circuit. Only use those when I am in the coach, dont leave them running otherwise.
5. Make a block for the skylight in the bathroom out of foam and reflectix on top, vinyl everywhere else. It is held in place by friction because the foam was cut 1" larger.
6. I also replaced the a/c unit b

ecause the old original one was not working well. Put in a 15k coleman unit and it works much better. However, on a 30ft rig like mine, LD should have wired for a second unit in the bedroom. I could do that now, but would have to use softstart electronics to be able to run both on 30a circuit.

I am thinking about installing two more 12v fans in the bedroom as air circulation makes the space feel cooler. But have to figure out how to pull power to them. Possibly from the ceiling lights and surface mount or ??.

That's all for now.

A Covercraft windshield over like these? https://www.covercraft.com/us/en/sunscreens

Chris

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #15 – July 31, 2020, 02:22:14 pm

Paul, you do a couple things we don't, which is why I am saying we could do even more and make it even cooler in the rig, but we really don't need to.
We do have a 13,500 air conditioner for our 22' LD.

Yes, you can pull 12v for fans off any light (or other 12v device).
OR put in a DC12 outlet . We put in an outlet with 3 "cigarette type outlets" (picture below). Our amazon order doesn't show that that items is available now, but there are others available. I attached a picture. There are ones available that have an on/off switch for each outlet plus more outlets/usb outlets.

We like the horizontal direction that Andy recommended back when, things do fall out less but if a person (or a cat) pulls on a cord it can be pulled out. We also like that there are 3, and that the entire unit can be turned off. The switch has an led, but it works in some and not others (we don't miss it or mind it no matter if the led works or not). I like that the caps cover outlets if they are not being used. And of course I like that it is hardwired and I didn't have to much with any wiring (plus it has it's own fuse which is nice). I have 6 usb devices plugged into one of them and no problems at all.
We use RAVpower usb adapter with it, RAVPower is well respected and we put high wattage devices in these (e.g. iphone and ipad) and they charge quickly.

And as Andy says, you can never have too many 12v outlets. One I have 6 devices plugged in and am wishing for more outlets in that spot. The other two (near beds) we are using only 2 of the outlets (cpap & iphone + ipad), so they are fine. But I am also eyeing 2 more spots to add 12v outlets to (one in the cabover which we likely would never use but a future owner likely would) and one by the kitchen.
Plan for how cords hang (e.g. a small shelf to set things on or know that cords will trail down).

Ok, back to fans:
We are using ones that plus into a usb outlet, so we can move them around and pack them away when not used.
They are nice and small.

This one we love. It is strong for something so small, we can feel the breeze quite well right on us from about 2.5 feet away (comparable to the cheaper box and tower and stand fans at the home improvement stores). The internal battery lasts for several hours (I forget exactly). It will run faster/stronger on a fully charged battery or when plugged into USB.
It clips onto things or can be just set on a desktop.
clip on model with battery

These ones are ok. They stand up by themselves and theoretically you could hang them (run string or bungee between fan and holder) and still be able to rotate the fan up/down and it would stay where you put them. They have to be plugged into 12v to work. I wish the cord was a little longer (and we have lots of 12v outlets) and they are not as strong and don't have a battery. They take up less footprint but the clip on of the other fan can be handy - we are using them and will keep them but I probably would go for more clip ons in the future even if it is more bulky.
small 12v fan

Jane

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Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #16 – July 31, 2020, 09:49:27 pm

Chris,
I use the uvs100 covercraft sunscreen. It fits the windshield very well and folds up nicely. We store all of our reflectix screens and windshield screen in one of the overhead cabinets.

Jane and Scott,
I also have several of the 12v adapters, which also allow usb charging etc. I have one in the front cupholders in the cab, and one velcroed onto the shelf by my dinette, and another velcroed onto the shelf in the bedroom by the desk.

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #17 – August 01, 2020, 10:48:13 pm

I don't know the comparative cost of the stand-alone battery banks as opposed to installing outlets in strategic places, but I've had good luck with using my several battery banks to charge USB items while in use, or when they need a boost, and then put the banks to charge in a central USB charging area during the night. This opens up the portability of the item(s) in use.

If duplicate banks are in the budget, then you can leave some of the banks charging all the time so they will be available for use at a moment's notice. It's like having a box of Duracells at the ready at all times.

For extra portability, my long-term goal is to add a Jackery or Goal Zero Power Bank to the mix.

Virtual hugs,

Judie

Re: 115-Degree Arizona Heat--Can 2002 LD Stay Cool Enough?

Reply #18 – August 01, 2020, 11:22:06 pm

Quote from: Judie Ashford - August 01, 2020, 10:48:13 pm

I don't know the comparative cost of the stand-alone battery banks as opposed to installing outlets in strategic places, but I've had good luck with using my several battery banks to charge USB items while in use

We do that too.

I bought a NoCo Genius Boost to replace a broken set of jumper cables. Instead I use it to charge my phone....

Rich

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