Do I need A/C if most of my camping will be in CA?

[jgr]

Just wanted some feedback re whether I need A/C for camping in California.  Most of my camping will be in Northern CA (from Ft. Bragg to Monterey on the coast and about the same territory in the Sierras).  However, some of our camping will likely be in southern california, so I want to plan for that possibility as well.
Thanks!

[harleywolf]

Based on where you say your camping most, I

[zamboni]

We did not have AC in our first PUP (10' Starcraft).  When we moved up to a Niagara, I thought the AC was overkill...

But, there were definitely times we needed and used it!  Overall, I'd say it is a good thing to have if you (like me) are the type where being very hot and unable to cool down can make you and your trip miserable...

Obviously, our 3rd camper also has an AC - and I bought a generator powerful enough to run that AC if we are dry camping and need it!

[Dee4j]

get A/C especially is you come to so cal. My friend lives in Orland North of Sacramento (near Chico and I know it's 100+ in the summer (or anytime I go to visit :eyecrazy: )

[naganthunter]

I

[Hackker]

We debated that when we decided on the Niagara.  A little while back we went camping and it was 91 the first day and 90 the second.  Having the AC was worth every penny on that trip.  

Even if we only use it occasionally, its worth it to us.

[DK&3kids]

I second that!  

I "third" that!!!  We never ever regretted one penny we spent.  We use it all the time in late spring - early fall in CA - unless you camp exclusively on the coast.

[beacher]

I "third" that!!!  We never ever regretted one penny we spent.  We use it all the time in late spring - early fall in CA - unless you camp exclusively on the coast.

I almost camp exclusively on the coast.  And even I use my AC when it starts to get hot! :S

In the words of the wise sage known throughout the land of PopUps,

I

[OC Campers]

When we moved to Sacramento we didn't realize how hot the summers get.  I wish we had a/c on our camper.  We looked into it but they wanted $700 to put it on.   We are looking to upgrade in the next year and our new camper will DEFINATELY have a/s.
 
Jacqui

[Dray]

I'm likely to offend someone with this but here goes.  I guess I'm the only one who thinks A/C is not necessary.  I plan my trips like this.  I go to the coast or to the hills when it's hot in the valley.  When it is too cold at the coast or the hills I stay in the valley.  

Also to me I just don't want to sit in the PU during my trips.  Boring and I could do something like that at home.  If it's too hot I'll go find some water to play in.  

I also don't want the extra cost of an A/C which includes either bringing a generator and gas can with  you everywhere you go or going to places only with hookups (which are more $$).

[naganthunter]

I'm likely to offend someone with this but here goes.  I guess I'm the only one who thinks A/C is not necessary.  I plan my trips like this.  I go to the coast or to the hills when it's hot in the valley.  When it is too cold at the coast or the hills I stay in the valley.  

Also to me I just don't want to sit in the PU during my trips.  Boring and I could do something like that at home.  If it's too hot I'll go find some water to play in.  

I also don't want the extra cost of an A/C which includes either bringing a generator and gas can with  you everywhere you go or going to places only with hookups (which are more $$).

I AM SO OFFENDED!!!    :-()

Hey JGR - maybe this guy will sell you his.  He just took his AC off of his camper and replaced it with a vent fan.  Here's the thread:
http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?t=64159

[pricerj]

I'm with Dray. After 20 years of tent camping, I got the pop-up to get off the ground and for an alternative to huddling in a tent waiting for the rain to stop. Other than that, I'm usually outside. Would a/c be nice on a hot night? Sure... but its not a must-have for me.

A/C less in SoCal

[sacrawf]

When was the last time someone started a thread on here asking if you should buy a new tow vehicle without air conditioning if you do most of your driving in...?  I look at this as the same question, with the same answer.

Just as most people would never consider buying a new or used car or truck without AC, I would not advise that you buy a pop-up without it either.  

Even if you are personally willing to bear occasional discomfort in a effort to save the $650  or so the AC will cost, the comfort of your spouse, children, or other camping companions will make them want to go camping more often and be more refreshed to enjoy the outdoors activities during the day.  And, just because you have AC doesn't mean you have to use it when the weather is comfortable.

If you figure the cost of the AC over the lifetime of the camper, for about the cost of a 20-ounce bottle of pop per night you can have the option of enjoying a comfortable night of sleep or respite from oppresive heat for lunch. That doesn't factor in the higher resale value.  Seems like a bargain to me.

[Camping Coxes]

We have owned two other pop-ups before this one we have now.  The other two did not have AC.  I remember once when camping that it was so hot at a San Diego campground by 9:00 AM that we packed the kids up for the day, bringing out cooler and chairs along, and headed an hour's drive away to the beach to escape the heat.  It was unbearable to stay at the campground where there was minimal shade.  
 
Having said that, our pop-up, which we bought used, has AC.  We will NEVER own a trailer without it.  No, we don't hang out only in the PU.  Yes, we sit in lawn chairs, etc.  But we've had a sick kid on a campout -- the AC definitely made it more liveable for them.  We've camped when it's hot and the trailer is too hot to sleep well -- I'll take the AC, thank you very much.  And no, we don't avoid parks that dont' have hook-ups so we'll have the AC.  We just make do on those trips.  But otherwise, it's a really nice option to have.

[jgr]

I'm glad to hear from people on both sides of the argument -- exactly why I asked.  It seems most of the used pop ups around Northern California do not have A/C.  So that probably means that no matter which way I decide, I'll probably purchase one without.  So, if I were to decide to install one after the fact, does anyone know just how problematic it is to retrofit and install one?  I've seen posts that mention around $700, but couldn't discern whether that was for professional installation or to purchase a new A/C.  I can do stuff like that myself, but wonder if it's really better to let a pro do it.  

I've also seen "Fantastic Fans" and the like advertised, but imagine that's just some advertising weenie's spin on a regular fan.  Don't know how much good those do, but if anyone knows . . .

Thanks