A/C unit size input....

Silvertwinkie · 09-03-2003, 08:08 AM

Ok, I am starting to seriously look at the 25' Six Sleeper Safari. I have called both Airstream and Ace Fogdall in Iowa. So heres the scoop, the trailer with the upgrade package, has the LED tail lights (like the CCD now has) and a bunch of other stuff I'm interested in. That package has the 13.5k BTU AC unit which is an upgrade from the standard 11k BTU AC unit. I am considering going to the 15k unit as Airstream would install that size unit at the time of construction (of course at additional cost).

So the question on the table is this. Is it a bad idea to go with the 15k AC unit with a 25' trailer. I have heard that the 15k unit does cool the unit quickly, however it may cycle too quickly because of this and thus not remove the humidity effectively. Airstream swears by the 13.5k unit as it will cool the unit more evenly and as a result, will control the humidity better.

What say all you gurus out there?

Eric

HowieE · 09-03-2003, 02:57 PM

You have answered your own question. The question now is were are you going to camp most of the time? If you intend to stay in the Chicago area and humidity is a question go with a smaller unit. If however you intend to camp in the southwest, were humidity is not a question, the larger unit will be needed.
Generaly speaking Air Conditioning is considered effective if it can hold a 20 degree differiential to the outside temperature. It is not necessary to hold 72 degrees when it is 100 outside to be confortable. Ones confort level will not accept 70 degrees inside, produced by a larger unit, if the humidity level remains much above 50% inside.

Silvertwinkie · 09-04-2003, 06:07 AM

Very true, but I was hoping for some real world comments from folks that have 25' or larger units with the 13.5k units. I'd like to hear how well the 13.5k units in real world applications are performing. One reason I was considering the larger unit was that I have heard one unit owner say that the 13.5k unit does a fair job and that the 15k unit might be a better option once you start to get into the larger units.

Anyone that has a 25' or larger, can you share your observations on the performance of your 13.5k unit. If there are any of you that have the 15k unit, I'd really like your input as well.

Thanks,

Eric

85MH325 · 09-04-2003, 06:36 AM

Eric,

The 13.5k unit does an OK job in the 34' under NORMAL circumstances. On a 100 degree day when the back end of the trailer is facing west and in the sun, it wasn't as effective as I'd liked. I believe I posted a thread about that. Otherwise it is fine. I would think that the 13.5 would be just fine in a 25'.

Roger

Tomy Dean Noah · 09-04-2003, 07:05 AM

Hello :
Your ? about the airconditoning unit of 15000btus is a 1.5 ton unit. In a normal residential unit ,rating with average insulation is :
Normal aircond. one ton (10000 btus) =500 sqft
heatpump one ton (10000 btus) = 400 sqft

For children or intertainment add one additional ton.
For 1500 sqft home ,memium would be 3 ton(30000 btus).

The Airstream is metel, and has about one inch of insulation inwalls and ceiling ,which is the equivelent of about r-4 rating.
The factory puts the memium in house and RVs and travel trailers. For RVs and travel trailers, overhead support and weight is very much considered.
the above information can be obtained from your local electric service company. Pamplets for residental may be obtained.

( An average size automable has a 4 ton unit , and it is metel)