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16RBT A/C

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6:30 pm
August 29, 2011


5inchgunner

Oklahoma

Member

posts 6

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.

1:25 am
August 30, 2011


kayaknut

Member

posts 376

Post edited 1:28 am – January 14, 2012 by kayaknut


5:00 am
August 30, 2011


Karsty

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Member

posts 114

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

CURRENT: 2012 Winnebago ERA – FORMER: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited – 2011 Spree Escape E14RBnn"If a hammer doesn't fix it … it must be an electrical problem."

2:17 pm
August 30, 2011


happycampers

South Florida

Member

posts 22

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.

2008 Lincoln Navigator pulling 2011 16RBT

5:20 pm
August 30, 2011


mbanda

ARKANSAS

Member

posts 121

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?

5:33 pm
August 30, 2011


Karsty

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Member

posts 114

mbanda said:

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


Most of July was into the mid to high 90's with several days into the 100's. The humidex had gotten up to around 114 or there abouts on many occasions. August has been much of the same … maybe not quite as hot. Not much rain during July or August. September should be much nicer … I hope.

I live in Southern Ontario and you have to note that we are actually further south than Northern California.

CURRENT: 2012 Winnebago ERA – FORMER: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited – 2011 Spree Escape E14RBnn"If a hammer doesn't fix it … it must be an electrical problem."

5:42 pm
August 30, 2011


mbanda

ARKANSAS

Member

posts 121

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.

5:50 pm
August 30, 2011


mbanda

ARKANSAS

Member

posts 121


Most of July was into the mid to high 90's with several days into the 100's.


You've gotta be kidding me!! Surprised  


What are the winters like?

5:57 pm
August 30, 2011


Karsty

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Member

posts 114

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!!

CURRENT: 2012 Winnebago ERA – FORMER: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited – 2011 Spree Escape E14RBnn"If a hammer doesn't fix it … it must be an electrical problem."

8:29 pm
August 30, 2011


mbanda

ARKANSAS

Member

posts 121

We had 2 significant snows here last winter and a couple nights with single digit lows. 1st time I can remember that happening in a while. Usually get a dusting once or twice, but sometimes not even that, and lows in the low 20s at the height of winter.

That is plenty cold enough for me, I don't see how you stand all that you get. Why don't you move on down to Arkansas?


BTW, by significant snow, I mean 3-6 inches Laugh. That is enough to make folks around here think they'll be stranded in their homes for a couple weeks.

9:01 pm
August 30, 2011


5inchgunner

Oklahoma

Member

posts 6

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?

5:56 am
August 31, 2011


happycampers

South Florida

Member

posts 22

I have never really had a problem with condensation.  Pop up gizmos seem to help a lot too on the bunkends. 

2008 Lincoln Navigator pulling 2011 16RBT

9:07 am
August 31, 2011


bojewy

Member

posts 27

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.

1:58 pm
September 2, 2011


5inchgunner

Oklahoma

Member

posts 6

Good News! Talked to sales rep at KZ who said yes, the 16rbt can be ordered with 13500 roof air. It is usually ordered that way in certain parts of the country, Florida, Texas, etc. So no warranties have been voided. She also informed me I can order it with a straight axle instead of the standard drop axle for more ground clearance, approximately 3″. That puts me where I need to be. I looked at a Jayco 17Z today, they offered me more for trade-in, but it seemed flimsy compared to the sportsman classic. One cabinet was coming apart, one tent end riped from the wall from high windsthe other day, etc., and the floor plan is not as nice and it weighs more. I once got caught in Amarillo, Tx during a storm in my PUP, the news said 47 MPH winds and it handled it no problem, not one leak. If a hybrid cant handle that I dont want it. The KZ sales rep also told me the tent ends are secured to the trailer in a metal lip. does anyone know if that is acurate? That Jayco used plastic rail to sandwich the canvas to the trailer. That obviously doesnt work well. The wind we had the other day was only about 20 mph. bojewy, what size A/C do you have?

7:04 pm
September 2, 2011


Mike Magee

near Tulsa OK

Member

posts 204

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.

2008 Toyota Highlander – 2011 Escape E14RB

4:29 pm
September 8, 2011


5inchgunner

Oklahoma

Member

posts 6

Today is the day. I ordered the 2012 16rbt. I researched and researched and talked to KZ reps(excellent customer service, they actually look things up and call you back, one even went out to look at one to answer my questions) and several dealers (Bell Campersales in B-ville have been great). I ordered it with 13500 roof air, and a straight axle for more ground clearance. The new model has a slightly crowned roof with 3/8 inch decking under the metal. As much as I hate to buy new because of the depreciation right off the lot, this trailer has everything and more than I have been looking for and I wont find it used with these options anytime soon. The gas company comes next week to move my gas meter so I will have room for it next to my house, which is the main reason I liked the KZ, because of its width of only 7' allows me to avoid paying storage costs. The KZ should be soon to follow. Bell Campers even threw in a generator as part of a promotion they had at the RV show!  I am excited. Now to sell that pop-up. Gonna get it out this weekend and clean it up. Any one in the Tulsa area looking for a 2008 Yearling 4102, $4500 obo. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and input.

6:04 pm
September 9, 2011


Mike Magee

near Tulsa OK

Member

posts 204

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


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

2008 Toyota Highlander – 2011 Escape E14RB

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