Back from Branson and Table Rock SP

When we were in Branson attending the FROG rally last spring, the area had been experiencing cool and very wet weather. So much rain had fallen in Southwest Missouri that the water level on Table Rock Lake had risen to a point that all ten flood gates on the dam had to be opened.

Releasing 68,000 cubic feet of water per second makes a pretty good waterfall.

The next two photos were taken at the same picnic area at Table Rock State Park.

Barely visible is a BBQ pit and the picnic table is under water. Pic was taken on 4/30/11.

This photo of the same picnic area with the lake a normal conservation pool.

Summer weather in the Branson area has been quite the opposite, it has been extremely hot and dry. It’s been so hot that many of the trees in the area are changing color.

I don't know if the trees were going dormant, or if they were dying.

When we arrived at our campsite in Table Rock Lake State Park on Sunday the temperature had soared to 107 degrees. I was drenched in sweat by the time I had the fifth wheel leveled, unhitched, and set up. Our 15k A/C couldn’t lower the temperature inside the trailer to a comfortable level until after 10 PM.

It was still 100 degrees at 7:30 PM.


Nope, we didn't have a campfire.

And that is why I installed the second AC unit up front. Temps like that make you feel like someone is and you are the receiver.

Richard, after you cooled down the first night, did your ac keep up the next day?

The next day the temperature went to 102 degrees but the trailer never got hotter than 78 degrees. That 78 felt nice and cool compared to the outside temperature and humidity. We did keep the day/night shades down all day.

When we bought our Wildcat I wanted to get a larger 15k A/C on a unit that was relatively short and that's why we ordered the 28 RKBS. It has worked out well for us. If I ever bought a fifth wheel with two or more slideouts and longer than 30 feet, I would definitely want two A/C units.

A couple that was camped across from us in a brand new 36 foot Cougar with three slideouts were complaining that their one A/C wasn't keeping their trailer cool. I don't know if their A/C was a 13.5k or 15k unit.

Thats a lot of water.

Looks like a neat campground though. I've seen some of the hardwoods around here drying up on the ends of the limbs. water conservation built in to the trees ,,,,, shut down what you don't need . Looks like those trees shut down the whole system.

That's hot....
Thanks for sharing the photos.

Thanks for the photos, Richard. Very nice looking campground.

The weather all over has been upside down this year. Can't wait to see what winter brings.

BobnPi wrote:And that is why I installed the second AC unit up front. Temps like that make you feel like someone is and you are the receiver.

Richard, after you cooled down the first night, did your ac keep up the next day?

We had a second A/C installed also. It certainly makes a difference.

I installed a second A/C in the front bedroom and it sure does cool the place down nice and cold. I like to get 50AMPS when available because of the 2nd A/C. Made a dog bone plug for the 2 30amp cords and will pay the extra $$.