Treking in a hot climate (100+)

[Carolyn G McHale]

We recently traveled across the southwest states this summer where the temperatures were 100+. We would like to share some of the hints for keeping cool! Some days, when when we were zooing, hiking or doing other things and the temp was 100 to 107, we would get back to the TREK for lunch. We would have left the TREK with the roof vent fan on and the window over the sink open. We would get in and turn on the generator and wait a minute or so until the generator picked up the load and was generating 115 VAC. We would then turn on the AC and close the window and roof vent. In a short time, the TREK was very comfortable for a leisure lunch. When possible, we try to park the TREK rear toward the sun and especially not directly on the side where the refrigerator is installed. We installed a pull down mylar shade on the inside of the front window that can be used when we are parked facing the sun. We also pull the side curtains foreward and turn the blinds to reduce the heat from the sun. Other times, when we would be traveling through the lunch period with theTREK engine AC on, we would pull over at a rest stop and turn off the engine, turn on the generator, wait a minute and turn on the AC for a comfortable lunch. When we were dry camping, we would either just use the roof exhaust fan with the windows open or sometimes button up and turn the generator on with the AC to cool the place down before we shut the generator off and opened the windows and went to bed. If the day had been very hot, we found it better to lower the bed a foot or so and get the heat out of the bedding and mattress . If we were out for the evening and we were hooked to shore power, we would lower the bed all the way with the AC on to cool the bed down. This was not necessary for temps lower than 85 degrees. We find that it is best when you run the AC to turn the fan from auto to ON. In this way the air is circulating all the time and the AC doesn't cut on/off so frequently. The cost of gas is negligible relative to your comfort level. The TREK is a great vehicle and the same slogan applies to the TREK and its components--"Use it or lose it!" The generator is made to run, so don't concern yourself with the clicks of the motor on the clock. In fact you want to run the generator at least monthly in order to keep it working optimally per the instructions. When your coach is parked with the door in the direct sun and the heat is 90+, we have found we cannot use the deadbolt for it will swell and you can't turn the key in the lock to unlock it. Instead we use the handle lock. If the deadbolt does swell a remedy is to cool the lock itself down. We put out the awning to keep us cool, then put water in a bucket from the basement water tank and used a cloth to apply cool water on the lock. The swelling receeds and the key can be turned. Carolyn & John McHale mchale@... http://homestead.juno.com/mchale 301-588-1916