revisit: roof a/c heat strip

[chasg1]

I am a newcomer to the site, I am in the process of a CTC to permanent dwelling.

I saw the A/C heat strip topic somewhere. Here's my take.

I live in a 37' 5th wheel with 2 AC's. The upper one has a heat strip, probably 5000-6000 btu. I like it. It helps warm up the upper part of the rv faster when I come in at night. I was using just an electric heater but now I use both. Much faster. I do not use any propane heat.....The lower portion is heated by a portable heat pump with twin hoses.

Last night I left the heat strip run(cut off the other electric heater) just to see what it would do. Noisy, but efficient. It got down to about 30, but the temperature stayed at about 74 after I got it adjusted. The fan runs continuously. The upstairs area is about 120 sq. ft. counting the bath area. It was cycling. Considering the insulation factor of the upper part of the 5th wheel and the slide out, plus about 35 sq ft of window space with double blinds, I would say it works very well for my situation.

Love this site, but it has set my planning back about 3 weeks because of the good ideas on here. I found it after I bought the CT.

[bc toys]

Welcome to site what size cargo did you get and whats your plans for it such as bath kitchen living area or bed area is it for 1 or 2 pep

[chasg1]

Thanks for the welcome.

It's a 8.5 x 20 CargoMate w/18" v-nose. Only one person, and I am never there except to sleep. I plan to use the front 16' for everything. Kitchen, shower, toilet, bed, and even room for a w/d if I want to add it. The rear 4' where it slants will be used for electrical, batteries, converter, etc, and maybe solar power set up, and storage. Lots of good ideas have been reaped from this site, it's a gold mine here. I have to get right the first time.

Seems like it would be simple if I could find the "holes" to put the plumbing....

[chasg1]

Right now, the plans are:

kitchen sink etc, toilet, shower, up the left side(starting at the back)

Bed(fold up single) on the right side over the wheel well. Front will have a counter for TV, portable heat pump, storage, etc and (washer on left, dryer on right if that happens)

2x2 walls with 2....3/4 poly sheets. I'm not taking down the original plywood....way too complicated.

ceiling will have at least 2 layers of 3/4 poly, and I may lower the ceiling 1 1/2 for 2 more.

I haven't decided on the floor, may leave it for now. It already has checkered flag linoleum(used 2015 model Oct., I just bought it a couple of weeks ago) My RV floor was 52 degrees this morning in the downstairs area(floor insulated), I can live with that. If I do insulate the floor, it will be 2x2 once again with 1 1/2 " of poly.

Plans are also for about a 6,500 BTU A/C mounted on rear wall (inside the rear area will be power air vented to get relief from exhaust). I don't like the A/C on the heat pump because it does not shut the fan off at desired temperature. A couple of windows would be nice, if I can find the proper places(thinking about the front right door, and one other place)

Several DC lights and outlets. 50 amp box with 6-8 circuits.

still fine tuning the plans, it will be a while and nothing fancy.

all ideas appreciated.

[chasg1]

It will be parked under a 20 x 40 RV port. I hope it doesn't get too hot....lol