Posted 2009-06-23 11:10 AM (#106902) Subject: RV Airconditioners
Member
Posts: 11
Location: nashville, TN
What tips do you have for me for purchasing a RV airconditioner for my horse trailer?Any brand you recommend?What btu? 13,500 or 15,000What about high efficiency models?What about a heat strip? I have heard they aren't worth it, do "nothing"I want heat and cool...what about a heat pump model that also cools?
Posted 2009-06-23 1:13 PM (#106914 - in reply to #106902) Subject: RE: RV Airconditioners
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by rlehman on 2009-06-23 11:10 AM
What tips do you have for me for purchasing a RV airconditioner for my horse trailer?Any brand you recommend?What btu? 13,500 or 15,000What about high efficiency models?What about a heat strip? I have heard they aren't worth it, do "nothing"I want heat and cool...what about a heat pump model that also cools?
Every trailer I have had with a heat strip is a joke. They called chill chasers. We live in Texas and really does not get that cold, but still does not work! Pure waste of money. A $15. electric heater from walmart does great!
Model I have no clue, my opinion is any of them that get COLD!
btu will be based on the size LQ you have. Mine is a 10LQ and has a 13.5 btu unit and works great down here. I can set the t-stat cold enough to hang meat in the trailer. (better half hates that)
Posted 2009-06-23 1:46 PM (#106919 - in reply to #106902) Subject: RE: RV Airconditioners
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
I'll agree with HTB on the heat strip. I purchased the Carrier rv unit minus the heat strip. My ceramic disk heater is much quieter than running the a/c blower. Plus it was much less expensive.
Posted 2009-06-23 2:34 PM (#106937 - in reply to #106902) Subject: RE: RV Airconditioners
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
We have a 13.5 in a 4' LQ, and a 15 in a 13' LQ. Both are adequate for their installations. The Dometic heat strip is an easily installed $50 option. It will take the chill off the living space, but while doing so, you are running a noisy and expensive A/C circulating fan. We occasionally use them, but do not depend on them for our primary heat source.
I agree with the previous threads about the value of the inexpensive ceramic heaters. We bought a two pack at Walmart for $29. They are thermostatically controlled, run on multiple speeds and heat settings, and operate quietly. They take up little room, and can comfortably heat a 13' LQ with an outside temp at freezing. Many owners have stated their usefulness.
I am familiar with the Dometic brand of air conditioners. I like them and would recommend them to anyone considering an A/C installation.
RV Airconditioners
