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russingr · 04-30-2019, 12:49 PM

The good news is that there is a great birding festival in Southeast Arizona. The bad news is that it's August 7-11.

Luckily our 30' International has two air conditioners. But I'm just wondering if it will stay cool in direct sun (the RV park near the festival has no shade) in highs of 100 degrees each day. It will get down to a low of 74 at night, so sleeping shouldn't be a problem.

Does anyone have tips to share regarding how to keep the interior cool in this situation? I know Reflectix on the inside of the windows is one solution I've seen.

I would be grateful for any advice or tips.

**moosetags** · 04-30-2019, 01:59 PM

We use the Reflectix on the inside of Lucy's windows in the warm climes. Another biggie that you need to cover with substantial insulative material is the ceiling skylight in your Airstream. We also avoid cooking in the over in the really hot weather.

Brian

TouringDan · 04-30-2019, 02:36 PM

I am doing a makeover on our 95 34’. I plan to replace the AC unit with a 12,000 btu/hr split system heat pump. This is probably a lower capacity than what is needed for adequate cooling in hot weather, so I am thinking about installing some insulated covers for the windows. These would be supported by the top of the windows and would be made of awning material. Insulation would be between 3/4” and 1.5” of RMax and maybe a 0.5” air gap. The total R factor would be at least 10 and they would seal well next to the aluminum. I would carry them under the truck cap; they would be very light.

This is similar to what moosetags does but would be more effective IMHO, but also more trouble.

Just an idea. I don’t know if anyone else has done something similar.

Dan

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Hittenstiehl · 04-30-2019, 03:27 PM

Russ, your birding festival sounds nice.

So with regard to temperature it's going to be hot, your trailer is going to be hot, it's going to be annoying and uncomfortable. But two air conditioners and some of the tips people are giving you you might just be able to do it.

For the most part it is a dry heat (that is not a myth it is a reality) and that really makes a difference.

I would recommend having all windows covered to keep the scorching sun from penetrating inside. If there is any way to get any kind of shade wherever you're staying tuck yourself up under that shade every little bit helps. If you are going to be plugged in to Electric I would say some small oscillating fans running inside helps. Although fans do not change the actual temperature it changes the temperature for the people and that feels nice.

In August Tucson will start to have cooled off a "little" bit already and you may be able to sit outside in shade morning and evening quite nicely.

August will also be monsoon season and you might get some afternoon cloud cover. Might get some afternoon storms with deluges of rain. If you do get the rains that will certainly up the humidity a little bit but not too bad and cool it off. The desert smells particularly nice after a good rain.

If you have an awning make sure you put it in before you leave in the afternoons. Tuck your lawn chairs and your tables up under so they don't blow around. Make sure your site drains well in case you get an afternoon storm, they come on very fast, dump a lot of rain quickly that our soil does not absorb quickly. Do not leave your roof vents open if you're going to be gone for periods of time that could storm. As soon as the outside temperatures get anywhere near the inside temperatures open all those windows and let a little bit of natural air in.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and stick to high ground if you are hiking when an afternoon storm rolls in.