We've got a 9.5 Host Rainier truck camper and we're going to need to put a roof air conditioner on it. We don't need it in the NW but we're beginning a four month trip thru CA,AZ,NM,TX,MS,AR,MO, IA, IL, MI, WI,MN, ND, MT ...(As much as I don't want one...as warm as it's been in the Midwest already... I better do some research now.)
I would think QUIET would be important. Which one has the least problems? How large of one should I get?? We'll be running this from the generator when we're boon docking.
(btw we managed to fit an Onan Generator, Model 2.5 KVFA 26120 - spec C into this camper. (uses Propane) Amps 20.8 Hertz 60 )Generator Runs Fine
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SkipJ wrote: Get one with a thermostat so the fan doesn't run all the time.
I have the 13500 Coleman and I'm not sure I would want to go any smaller. I love having it in the Northwest. We've been at Lake Billy Chinook when it was 98 outside but it sure was nice inside. As far as getting one with a thermostat... your call, but for me, having the fan run all the time when your trying to sleep is WAY better than having it kicking on and off the entire night.
2008 Dodge Ram 6.7 Laramie SRW SB
2012 Keystone Passport 26BHWE
2009 Lance 830 with Tent foldout
20' North River Seahawk Boat
2005 Honda VTX1300
At my age, even as a native Floridian, I'm a strong proponent for air conditioning. I have a 13.5 ac and a LP 3600 Generac generator in my Lance. During warmer months, both are good for short runs, like eating lunch or grabbing an hour nap.
But LP generators are energy hogs, especially with the ac going. I burn approximately 1/3 to 1/2 gal. of propane per hour while running the air. Then I'm faced with finding a refill station which may charge me between $19-$31 to refill a 30# tank.
Considering high consumption, inconvenience, and variable costs of propane, I find it easier, when traveling in hot weather, to grab a government or Passport America park where electric is supplied. JMHO.
You and I have similar sized campers and I would highly recommend the Coleman Polar Cub. I chose the Polar Cub based on info from this forum, low profile, runs on Honda 2K,etc. It was a good decision for us.
When I retired and left Alaska in 2010 my wife and I drove out and stopped in Spokane to visit relatives. We had a Polar Cub installed because we were moving to AZ and thought we might need AC. We traveled roughly the same trip you are planning, ID,MT,ND,MN,IA,KS,OK TX,NM,AZ. We spent eight weeks on the road and used the AC nearly every night.
The Polar Cub will run and cool my camper very well with my Honda 2K in 100+ temps of AZ.
Chuck's RV of Meade,WA ( just north of Spokane) sold me the Cub and did the install. He had the best availability and price. Nice guy too.
Thanks everyone. I found 25 used ... of the bunch I am looking at these two:
Both are 13.5 's and he says our generator is just on the fringe of NOT being able to start the air conditioners. He said that initially there's a surge of power needed and then it levels off to pulling 14 or 15 amps.
So between these two....which one is the better one??
Coleman 833 13.5
and a Dometic 57915 13.5
That means it can just start it at sea level and you better have every other electrical draw turned off when you try,so probably you will have no ac at any altitude. Get a Polar Cub 9200, It kicks on with my Honda 2000 at 7000' and it keeps my Lance 1055 cool even in 105* heat.
03 F350 Diesel 4x4 Crew Cab long bed, 08 Lance 1055, Rancho 9000xl, Air Lift air Bags, Torqlift tiedowns,stable loads, super hitch, 48" super truss, Toyo 285/75R16 Opencountry HT
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