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05-11-2011, 08:19 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
1968 30' Sovereign
Montgomery
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 22
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POLL: AC BTUs, Trailer Size, and Climate
So my 43 year old ac has died. I have to get a new one and quick. I was up half the night looking for information on BTUs and trailer size, and I found A LOT of conflicting opinions, a little on home BTU requirements, but nothing conclusive for use in an airstream. (insulation issues, cough, cough)
So here is the poll:
What is the size of your trailer? (expressed in linear feet, mine is 30)
What brand/model AC do you use?
How many BTUs is your AC?
What are the warmest temperatures you typically see?
Do you feel that your AC is adequate for the size of your trailer and the climate in which you use it?
If enough people answer this maybe we can get some useful data. I don't really trust the AC companies, and from everything I've read it seems an airstream is a unique application... Thanks in advance!
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05-11-2011, 08:49 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2011 34' Classic
Westchester Cty.NY
, / Miami FL
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,122
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get a 15k btu unit.
__________________
Ricky
2012 F150 Super Crew 5-1/2' bed Ecoboost 4x4 3.73 elec. lock diff. Propride hitch
give life. kidney & pancreas transplant 9/9/06
Ingrid-my unofficial '"World's Oldest Streamer" 1909-2008 R.I.P.
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05-11-2011, 09:06 AM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member
2010 28' Flying Cloud
Escondido
, California
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 196
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I agree with richinny
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05-11-2011, 09:12 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2016 30' Classic
Trenton
, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 846
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I have a 25 foot trailer with the 13,500 BTU DuoTherm Penguin. It is more than sufficient 95% of the time, but of course it can't keep up when it's 90+ degrees and parked in the sun. It still cools, but it will run continuously and not get down to the set point.
__________________
Steve
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05-11-2011, 09:23 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1983 34' Excella
1967 24' Tradewind
Little Rock
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,825
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I have a Carrier 15,000. It's not big enough.
Yes, I'm painfully aware that there are no larger units made.
It doesn't get miserable in 100+ full sun provided you wear shorts and sit in front of a fan, but you wouldn't call it comfortable either. Closing off the rear of the trailer helps some, but a second unit would be better—just not in the budget right now.
Since Carrier has exited the RV business, I would not buy a Carrier now.
__________________
Vaughan
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05-11-2011, 09:28 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Trabuco Canyon
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 866
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I have 25' trailer w/ 11K btu used in southwest. If I had to replace the air conditioner I'd put a 15K on it.
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05-11-2011, 11:40 AM
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#7
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Be Calm, Have a Cupcake
Vintage Kin Owner
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 223
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I have a 34' equipped with two A/C's. Up front 15K, in back 13K. South Texas gets pretty hot in August, but this combo keeps up with it.
__________________
Secguru
Would you rather have a mansion full of money or a trailer full of love?
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05-11-2011, 11:58 AM
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#8
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Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
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What is the size of your trailer? (expressed in linear feet, mine is 30)
30 feet
What brand/model AC do you use?
I have two Dometic Penguins, one in the rear bedroom, one in the main area
How many BTUs is your AC?
I believe they are both 13,500 but I'm not sure because I haven't had them apart to check and the factory sales order isn't clear.
What are the warmest temperatures you typically see?
Typically 95 degrees, sunny, and humid.
Do you feel that your AC is adequate for the size of your trailer and the climate in which you use it?
The bedroom unit is sufficient but the unit for the front of the trailer is not.
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05-11-2011, 12:27 PM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
2003 30' Classic
Las Cruces
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 94
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Ac btu
I have a Duo-Therm 13,500 which is totally inadiquate when temps are above 90 F. We travel a lot along the Gulf coast and west on I 10, up to northern New Mexico. A lot of time is spent around Las Cruces area as we have family there. If we camp in the shade the AC does a "just bearable" job.
If I were replacing mine I would go with a 15,500.
What about electrical wiring gage if you go to 15,500? Will the existing wire for 13,500 support a 15,500?
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05-11-2011, 12:35 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1983 34' Excella
1967 24' Tradewind
Little Rock
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,825
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Olie
I have a Duo-Therm 13,500 which is totally inadiquate when temps are above 90 F. We travel a lot along the Gulf coast and west on I 10, up to northern New Mexico. A lot of time is spent around Las Cruces area as we have family there. If we camp in the shade the AC does a "just bearable" job.
If I were replacing mine I would go with a 15,500.
What about electrical wiring gage if you go to 15,500? Will the existing wire for 13,500 support a 15,500?
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Yes.
__________________
Vaughan
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05-11-2011, 12:50 PM
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#11
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Master of Universe
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Grand Junction
, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,711
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Shiloh,
We have a 25' with 13,500 BTU DuoTherm. It works fine until the temp hits 90˚ and then it struggles. By 100˚, the temp inside is around 80˚. If we are traveling in high temps, it can take long, long time to cool the inside. It helps to have the awning out if the sun is on that side, close the blinds and curtains and put Reflectix on the windows.
If you have to seal yourself in, the A/C and insulation is certainly inadequate.
I suggest the biggest unit you can get, or two units. And try to go to the mountains or up north.
Gene
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05-11-2011, 12:52 PM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member
2009 28' Flying Cloud
Canora
, Saskatchewan
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 19
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A/C unit size
We have a 28' 2009 Flying Cloud . We live in SE Saskatchewan , our temps can reach 80 degrees plus F. Our A/C is a 15,000 BTU , we find it adequate for our needs. Using the Fantastic fan in the bedroom and the A/C in the front area together are a good combination.
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05-11-2011, 02:12 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Remember that any RV roof air conditioner is only rated for a 20*F temp. drop from the ambient air in the trailer. This means that the air coming from the unit thru the evaporator (cold air) will only get 20*F colder than the air going into the unit thru the air return/filters.
Knowing that the aluminum skin of an Airstream has almost as much heat absorption as a black skinned trailer (the white roof does help a bit), I would use 2 units if you have the capacity to do so, or at least a single 15K unit. I see many motor homes that have 3 roof units now (mostly all 13.5K units).
If I had a 30' Airstream and was going to be using it in very warm areas, I would use a 15K for the main living area and a 13.5K for the bedroom. Using 2 units at the same time will require 50 amp service though, and you may have to re-wire your trailer for this capacity.
If you have a 13.5K unit now, it is an easy replacement for a 15K upgrade. The 20 amp circuit breaker and wiring will be the same either way.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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05-11-2011, 04:09 PM
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#14
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3 Rivet Member
2007 27' Safari FB SE
1969 31' Sovereign
Ft. Worth
, Texas
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 174
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I'll take a shot. We full-time in the DFW area in a 2007, 27' Safari with one 15K unit. We're restoring a 30' '69 Sovereign and plan to install two 15K units -- but here's the option we chose. Rather than re-wiring for 50 AMP, we are choosing to have a 110 plug for the second unit which connects directly to the shore power. Currently, in the '07, when the temps reach 90-100, we're lucky if we can maintain 76 degrees inside -- and that's in the shade with fans circulating the air. I say nothing under a 15k if you're in Texas! Good luck.
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05-11-2011, 04:23 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2020 30' Classic
Derwood
, Maryland
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,515
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30 Foot 2011 Classic, two A/C units, 13,500 in bedroom & 15,000 in front above galley.
__________________
John "JFScheck" Scheck
2020 30’ Airstream Classic
**I Love U.S.A.**
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05-13-2011, 03:16 PM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
1968 30' Sovereign
Montgomery
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 22
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Well, I am glad I decided to do a little research and not take the (very nice, well-meaning) repair man's word for it. He wanted to put in a 13500 but I didn't think that would work. It will probably be at least 90 the majority of the summer... Thanks everybody for contributing!
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05-13-2011, 05:30 PM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 213
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Lew,
If Airstream would entertain (big if) an upgrade to a 15k unit on a new Interstate, would the on-board Onan generator start a 15k? Is there much difference in starting a 13.5 versus a 15k? I was told by a dealer that the 13.5 unit is ac only (not a heat pump). I am not sure if that makes any difference. It gets hot in Texas.
Barry
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05-14-2011, 07:10 AM
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#18
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Master of Universe
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Grand Junction
, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,711
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The 13,500 BTU unit in ours has a heat pump. It's possible that in the newer ones they didn't include that option.
Gene
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05-14-2011, 09:56 AM
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#19
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 213
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Gene,
I am talking about a 2011 Airstream Interstate class B which comes with a 13.5 a/c unit without a heat pump. Sorry I didn't make that very clear. The Interstate is so expensive but most everything is included and of a higher quality than the usual Airstream choices.
Is there a downside to having a 13,500 BTU heat pump? Possibly a larger startup draw which the on-board Onan generator couldn't handle or is this the usual Airstream decision which defies logic?
The same questions come up regarding the 15,000 BTU heat pump. Lew said the wiring is ok to go to a 15K from a 13.5K. So why doesn't Airstream always offer an upgrade to a 15,000 BTU unit? I doubt that the Interstate is any better insulated than the Airstream trailer line.
I may be wrong but I would like to hear from anyone that has an Interstate that is comfy with a 13.5K unit sitting in full sun on a typical 102 degree day in Texas.
Barry
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05-14-2011, 10:51 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Trabuco Canyon
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 866
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You can check page 3 for some specs on Dometic Penguin.
http://www.dometic.com/b3056cd0-1a5b...2d4ac84d.fodoc
I don't know how much spare capacity the built in generator on the Interstate has. The capacity varies due to temp and elevation.
The 13.6 vs. 15K btu are within about 10% of each other. They are not night and day different.
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