About to buy first AS, just a little nervous

[TheHardys]

Well, looks like we may take the plunge. Narrowed it down to a 27 Onyx or Serenity. Last issue is if one AC unit is enough. I am reading conflicting opinions, no surprise there. We are in Louisiana and will likely do most of our camping in the fall/spring. Any advice?

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by TheHardys

Well, looks like we may take the plunge. Narrowed it down to a 27 Onyx or Serenity. Last issue is if one AC unit is enough. I am reading conflicting opinions, no surprise there. We are in Louisiana and will likely do most of our camping in the fall/spring. Any advice?

In Louisiana in a 27' a single AC is marginal IMHO. However, if limited to fall/spring it would probably be OK. Just my opinion, and I'm sure you will get lots more.

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question, we camped extensively (1,400 nights) in our 2005 25FB. It had a single 13,500 btu a/c unit. We always did fine with it, even in the summer in the Florida Panhandle. In the hot weather, we always kept our skylight and most windows covered with reflective insulation material.

I think that you could make a single a/c unit in a 27FB work with a little effort. This would be especially true if you are not camping during the super hot periods.

The downside to multiple a/c units is that you are moving into 50 amp territory. Many campsites, especially at state parks, don't have 50 amp service. You would also have some trouble running two a/c units on most inverter generators.

Brian

[TheHardys]

I just spoke with the AS Technical Support folks, he thought one AC would likely be enough unless I did some camping in the dead of summer. He did recommend the 50 amp service because it would allow more stuff to run electricity wise at the same time, AC unit and microwave for example. He also felt that if two ACs not necessary, just run one. We did not discuss the inverter issues.

Now getting more confused

[SteveH]

We used to have a 28' Classic with one AC and 30 amp service. In the heat of the summer, it was inadequate, especially when arriving at a campground in the evening during the summer. It would take till time to go to bed before it was cool in the trailer, and we used a small fan in the bedroom.

Since then we've had two AC's, but frequently do not have 50 amp service (required to run both AC's at the same time), and we get by on one AC, and are comfortable most of the time.

You will just have to decide if the added cost and complexity is worth it to you.

[TheHardys]

Thanks Steve. It looks like there is no clear winner due to ancillary issues, but if 50 amp service is available that looks like way to go. If I really am going to limit camping to fall/spring 30 amp looks ok. That still doesn't address not being able to use all the electrical items I may want, so that tilts it back in favor of 50 amp.

[moosetags]

If you decide to go with the single a/c unit, going with 50 amp service is not a bad idea. You can always use a 30/50 amp pigtail adapter to use 30 amp outlets at campsites. It would also give you the option of adding a second a/c unit, if you ever wanted to, with a a complete rewire job.

Brian

[John&Vicki]

Welcome to the forum. My approach to comfort issues such as this is to stay simple and accept a little discomfort - it's camping!

Happy travels.

Poppy

[xrvr]

If you are like us and 80 degrees inside with the AC on and a fan going is okay, tgen two acs are not worth the money. I keep my house at this temp in the summer and I live in Fl. Jim

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by TheHardys

I just spoke with the AS Technical Support folks, he thought one AC would likely be enough unless I did some camping in the dead of summer. He did recommend the 50 amp service because it would allow more stuff to run electricity wise at the same time, AC unit and microwave for example. He also felt that if two ACs not necessary, just run one. We did not discuss the inverter issues.

Now getting more confused

It's all about spending money... and of course NO dealer would EVER try to get you to spend money you don't need too, right? I have the 25 with a 13,500 BTU unit - my prior 25 FB had a 15,000 unit. Both worked well. Eastern Va isn't quite as hot and humid as Louisiana, but it's close.

on the FB's there can be an issue with not enough of the cool air making it to the bedroom. A little clip on fan or floor fan directed to the bedroom will solve that one easily. One very simple problem is that in extreme humidity your A/C unit can get iced up. Turn it OFF for 20 minutes and you'll be amazed how much better it will work when it is restarted.

I would elect for a "full awning package" as opposed to a second A/C. (Full awnings work when you have no hookups, during power outages, etc.) The weight of either full awnings or another A/C have to be considered too. There are safety limits - and overloading is not a good idea, ever. The small awnings over the windows do cut down an amazing amount of heat gain. It's odd, and maybe it's just me, but I always seem to get a spot that orients my big awning to the North or shady side of the Airstream. Wish the P.O. had gotten the awnings for the living room and bedroom windows! Awnings KEEP heat out rather than trying to counteract it once it's in.

In a worst case scenario you could temporarily mount a very small window unit in the bedroom - and power it directly off of the 15 amp circuit on the post. It means removing the screen and propping the window open. (Do a google search on Window Air Conditioner) You might even be able to fit one in the Garage Door and vent it out from under the bed with a few strategic holes drilled in the bedframe (presuming queen bed). 100 bucks - not an extra thousand or two - that's why. You'd need it 3-4 weeks a year if you were fulltiming.

Here's a trick I saw another Airstreamer use, he opened the windows, folded a sheet of prodex over the window top and then closed the window.... did this on the one window that was getting full sun.

50 amp service. Do you NEED to be an energy hog? I CAN run the microwave and the A/C... if I turn the water heater to propane or off. The water heater stays warm for HOURS after it's turned off... and it builds up less scale. Flat screen TV's use less juice than the old tube models... but why are you watching TV when you're camping? I don't run resistance elements - iron, hair dryer, electric side of the water heater and induction burner and A/C all at once.

Paula

[dkrug]

We got our trailer off the lot. It has two A/C units and 50 amp. Our other two trailers, a 30' and a 28' only had one A/C. In the last 12 or so years we have only used air twice. Once in Texas and once in Michigan. One unit kept it cool nicely. I dislike A/C. My husband dislikes the 50 amp cord. We almost never use it. We don't use the microwave.

[TheHardys]

I spoke with dealer and he mentioned to awning package as well. I am going to friend's place this weekend to do some tests. He has 27 Signature and 1 AC. I will open all doors and get all the heat and humidity in it I can and see how the AC handles it.

[cwf]

Here is a suggestion.. turn off the AC in your home.. open all the windows... run a 9 inch fan blowing over your bed. Hit the sheets...all night.

Comfy? 1 AC

NOT Comfy? AC Deaux