Fan vs. AC

[wtrider]

Hi Everyone,

We have a 2011 Windjammer 3001W which we have in a "permanent" spot about 4 hours from us. We hope to be down there every couple weeks during the summer.

My question is which is better:

Leaving the AC on around 80
Leaving the bathroom fan on

I have installed Maxxair II vent covers on both the vents in the living room and bedroom as well as the bathroom.

If it makes any difference it is in southern KY (Lake Cumberland).

Thanks in advance for any and all advice
Wayne & Robin

[rockwood06]

We have our camper on a seasonal site about two hours from us and we have an 8314ss Rockwood, same floor plan as yours but your bedroom slides out and you have more storage space in your bedroom as well.
We leave our a/c on and it set at 75 degrees, window blinds are closed and all other vents are shut tight. The reason I do this is for humidity control, if you leave the fan on all you are doing is drawing in the out side air in from your slide outs, windows and any penetrations that have been made in the floor under cabinets for the plumbing that were not sealed up from the manufacture. High humidity can cause the wood in your camper like the cabinets to swell and if it gets too hot some of the glue that is used will start to come apart. These kind of things will not happen over night but over time you may see it starting. So I say leave the a/c on.....

[KyDan]

I don't know what a Windjammer is but if it's got a flat roof you
might want to sent is slightly out of level so the water will drain
off your roof. Both rain and AC condensation will tend to puddle
up there and it doesn't take long to "go green" if you let that
happen.
I also think AC on 80 would be OK.
Try it once and see how it feels when you get back down there.
Also, you can get these little battery operated weather stations
or desktop thermometers that display temps and humidity.
I have one that shows the min/max of humidity and temps.
That would tell you how you're doing as far as humidity control
while you're away.
We live in the "burbs" of Louisville and just leave ours with
the vents open no fan no AC while it's sitting at home.
We do this pretty much 365 days a year and after 2 years no
problem.
I realize if you are in the woods near the lake, humidity levels
might be higher.
Lately it's hard to imagine anyone having higher humidity than
we've had!

Welcome to the group!!

[TheSasks]

Dan,

These units have radiused roofs so standing water is a non issue. I would say leave the a/c on at 80 and you should be fine.

[aintgotnun]

I agree with leaving the A/C on to combat the humidity. I personally would kick it up a bit so as not run it as much say around 85 but yes run the A/C.

[wtrider]

Thanks all for the responses.
I'm heading back down today and will see how everything held up. We did leave the A/C on at 80. I think we'll probably do 85 the next time and see how that works.
Thanks!
Wayne & Robin

[dezolen]

At 85 it will seldom come on. We leave ours at 75 when away

[2manytoyz]

I agree with the other posts. We bought ours in October 2006, and it's kept at a nearby storage facility. I have the Maxx Air covers over the vents, and initially left the fan running. It did help keep the camper cooler, but it was still very humid inside. Not surprised since I'm in FL.

For an additional $10 or so a month, I got a spot with AC power. They frown on seeing a condensate puddle near the camper since I'd obviously be using a fair amount of power. So I set the thermostat on 80, which is enough to keep the camper cool and dry inside, without creating any condensate puddle.

I do keep the shades and vents closed. I keep the camper level, no issues with water, and we DO get our fair share of rain in FL! 4 years now, camper still looks new inside, no signs of mildew or heat issues. Outside looks pretty good too, despite the intense sun.