Forum

I have ordered a 2012 classic 16RBT and have a few days to decide what size A/C to add. The dealer told me it was not an option to install a 13500 on the roof top for 16 footers and less so I called KZ and they said thats right. Even though I have seen some with it they say there is no support bars to mount it and its not "if it leaks but when it leaks". Also voids the warranty. I was a little dissapointed but not discouraged. Does anyone have the 5000 or 8000, and does it cool the camper in the summer heat with the bunk ends down? I also left the furnace off. Has anyone used a space heater in one of these and how big, and how did it perform. Any other suggestions or "I wish I would have's" to consider would also be welcome for the Sportsman classic.

I have to agree with Julie … the 5000 BTU A/C has worked great for me. This summer we've had some real hot temperatures with very high humidity and I still didn't have to run the air on high. It was very comfortable … if not chilly at times. The one issue that is annoying is that unless you have your trailer leaning well to the A/C side it will have a tendency to leak inside. Just have to make sure you have some way of raising the trailer on the one side.

I do have the factory furnace and it works very well and fast. I don't use it often because it really sucks up the propane but it would be good to take a chill off in the morning.

I do have the small square electric ceramic heater. It works exceptionally well in the 14RB. It has a thermostat as well as the safety shut off switch as well.

Enjoy your new trailer … which ever way you go,

Karsty

Karsty said: This summer we've had some real hot temperatures with very high humidity and I still didn't have to run the air on high.

---

Karsty, I have to ask — how hot & humid does it get in Ontario?

In July 2010, we spent 11 days in Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama & Georgia. No problems with the AC keeping us cool.  I have had other campers come up to me & comment on the side AC. A neighbor also told me of his leaking problems with a roof AC & how much he likes the unit on our 16bh. 

I would recommend these — http://www.campingworld.com/sh…..hion/26552 

– for your 16 also. They are advertised to keep in the heat, but are also excellent in the summer for keeping the heat out.

Never have used the furnace, but over the winter we used a ceramic heater from WalMart (spent around $20) when temps reached mid-20s overnight. It worked so well, we had to turn it down during the night.

Cold and miserable. We can have some snow starting in late October … although that is rare. November is unpredictable. Can be really nice or cold and snowy. Temperatures during the middle of winter are generally into the teens and 20′s. On occasion it wil go below zero. The wind chill at times is minus -20 to minus -30. I've seen that mostly in January and February.

I have come to HATE the winter because I had to work in it for the past 35 years. Now that I have retired I want to head south … anywhere where I don't have to shovel snow!!

happycampers said:That's odd, my 2011 16rbt came from the factory with a 13,500 btu roof a/c.  I wonder if my unit is covered under warranty or if this is just a change for 2012.  The 13,500 unit is more than adequate and I camp in south florida where it is always hot and humid.

I called a dealer in Florida today who is advertising a 2012 with 13500 roof air and he too said it came from the factory. Its not the only one I have seen either. With the warranty only lasting one year thats not the biggest deal to me. My dealership here says a new feature is a crowned roof that was not previously available but adds 2 inches headroom. I am wondering if this has anything to do with it. I am going to call KZ again. I love the camper and even the side air but I am afraid even the 8000 btu a/c will not be big enough with soft bunk ends. I currently own a pop up and have a 13500 roof air and it is just right for oklahoma. Too cold at night, but cool enough on 100 degree days. I bought the PUP with out a/c because i didnt plan on spending much time indoors anyway, but I ended up camping a lot more than I had expected and the a/c made it more of nice getaway to the lake instead of just camping. I am just afraid of getting rid of a camper that works for me and getting stuck with one I am not happy with. Honestly the only reason I want a hybrid is for the setup and take down time. I would do a lot more one nighters with the family if it wasn't as much of a chore. The PUP is great for 2-3 days though. Thanks to everyone for the responses, you are all much appreciated. Happycampers, do you have any problems with condensation?

Gunner – Since you currently own a pop-up, one thing to consider is overhead clearance. The addition of a overhead AC might be an issue, depending where you camp. The side AC is perfect for where I boondock. Have had no issues with the AC and heat when plugged in, but Wyoming humidity and Oklahoma humidity is not really comparing apples to apples.

There must be some variation in how well the individual AC units work, I guess.  My 5K has not impressed me at all.  In 95 or 100 degree heat it takes a couple hours to get the E14RB cooled down to upper 70s.

Post edited 1:06 am – September 10, 2011 by Mike Magee

Great!  Bell's seems pretty good.  And BTW, greetings from a BA neighbor.