25' Flying Cloud - 2nd AC unit or not?

[dave_air]

I'm shopping for a new 25' Flying Cloud, but was wondering what everyone thought about adding a 2nd AC unit or not. What's the pros and cons? Does it add much weight? Does it cool a lot better? Is it any quieter if both AC units are running on low (vs one unit on high)?

[Acheron2010]

Well, I have a 26, and glad I have the extra unit for those +105 degree days. Also gives me a nice backup if one fails. Nice to run one opposite from where you happen to be seated. With ducting it is quiet enough for normal conversation.

[NoResults]

I have a2019 27' Globetrotter on order. Although I live in Oregon plan on spending some time in Arizona and Nevada so ordered with two. It was not a lot of money when ordering a new trailer but I understand in can be quite substantial if you wanted to add one later.

Dave

[StuartsDad]

I 100% agree that two units is the way to go. When we bought a year ago, our dealer stated they now order everything 25' and up with two AC's. At night with our rear bed, we only run the front unit and will run just rear unit usually if watching TV in the evening sitting up front. Had two days last summer in 105 degree heat, no shade, and it was all two units could do to keep up as these were days we were not out doing other stuff. Also great for quick cool down if you've been away all day and trailer is hot when you get back. Even though two units require 50 amp service, if you end up at a place with only 30 amp, you can still run on just one unit. I feel it's better to have a little excess cooling vs. not enough.

[Bgibbs]

We have replaced both our a/c units twice and I have firsthand knowledge of how 1 unit cools-not so good! Our first a/c test came on our first trip to CO. TV broke down in Tucumcari, NM. It was 109 and the two units cooled it down in a reasonable amount of time. 1 unit would have had no chance. The following summer, we were in Ouray, CO and 1 a/c failed. Even at 80 degrees afternoon temps and no shade it was not comfortable. We did survive on one unit. If we had only 1a/c the trip would have ended prematurely.

[Piggy Bank]

We have a 25 foot 2018 model. 1 AC. Full awnings.

We tend to camp West where the humidity is lower. This makes a big difference in our experience.

It will keep up in the very hot humid heat of the summer, but just barely.

I think anything over 25, definitely get 2 Acs. For a 25, I think it depends on where you expect to be staying.

[DewTheDew]

We have a 27ft FC with two AC units and one failed last summer. In 90 degree heat but some shade during the day it kept up okay but it took quite a while to cool down in the first place, so we felt we had to keep it on even when we were out during the day. Two is better and, as noted, you can always just run one if you are hooked to 30A. I probably wouldn't have ordered two but am glad the one we bought has two.

[moosetags]

We have been avid Airstreamers for some time (!3 years/1,980 camping nights) We have had two 25FB's and have camped all over the country. We have had just one air conditioning unit and always done alright.

Brian

[Night owls]

We just purchased a 2018 26 foot flying cloud with 2 AC units and the awning package. Obviously the weather now is currently cool but from prior experience with SOB with 1 AC it was not enough to keep up with the dog days of summer. I highly recommend getting 2 AC units despite the 50 amp cord being much heavier. It is a sacrifice I will gladly accept. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

[Dave-n-Janet]

As for the heavy 50 amp cord that AS provides, I highly recommend looking for a 15' marine type 50 amp cord (flexible and relatively light weight). I carry that and a 30' 30 amp cord (with proper adapters) which I use in the very rare case that I'm more than 15' from power pedestal or when running the generator from the truck bed or 30 amp shore power.

Amazon: 50 amp 15' Rv Power Supply Cord Cable, 50A Marine Shore Power Cord

[brick1]

Get the dual A/C. It gives you 50amp service, which is actually 2X50amp. You can run pretty mutch runeverything st the same time.
brick

[majorairhead]

Reminds me of the old saying "it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it, and not have it".

We had a 25 flying cloud with one a/c. It was ok with us but we never spent considerable time camped in extreme heat. I'm certain it would have struggled to keep up under those conditions.

The only thing I'd add is there is a BIG difference in handling a 30 amp cord vs. a 50 amp cord, especially when colder outside.

[AlanMcD]

I'll chime in on this, too. We have 2 AC's and it's wonderful when the temps are 90+ degrees and humid. Also we did have one fail early on and still had the other as a backup. We don't use both all the time but as I said, when the temps soar it's nice to have.

[heslinhotel]

We currently have a 25 Safari w/1 AC unit. In the southeast where we camp humidity is a bigger issue than temp. One unit keeps us comfortable in temps to 95 degrees. It is important to note we use awnings and keep the roof painted white.
I doubt we would be comfortable in a desert with no shade. If ordering new I would opt for 2nd AC.

[Hans627]

We have a GT and I ordered it with two AC's. There have been a few times when it helped having two AC's.

One thing I really miss with having 2 AC's is the lack of a second ceiling vent/fantastic fan. We like fresh air and being able to turn on one fan and open the other vent was nice. Of course windows can be opened but not as conveniently.. But having said that we are happy with our decision.

And I totally agree with some of the comments about the 50A cord supplied by AS. Especially when it is cold it is really tough rolling up the cord for storage. I replaced it with a 50A cord that is much more flexible. Bought it from eTrailer. I didn't like spending the extra money but justified it in that this cord is used often.

[dzwiss]

I have the two airs and use this 50 to 30 amp 25' adaptor cord 80% of the time when two airs are not necessary. Much easier than handling the 50 amp cord.

Connect RV 30 to 50 amp 25' power adaptor cord on Amazon for $75.

[cazual6]

Short Answer: From experience with my 2018 FC25RT: One AC unit has been sufficient. The power cord is easy to work with.

Long Answer: I've only wished for a second unit once. I went to Vegas in the summer and it was 115 ~ 120 degrees, one unit was having a hard time.

What I've heard: 50A cords are a bitch to work with. You'll need more or a bigger generator.

I hope this helps.

[rchawkins]

We spent a week dry camping in Big Bend National. We were happy for the two vents. Also with 50 amp 2 ACs you loose the front plug for a generator.

[twrastall]

With it for the 50 AMP. Also these new AC units fail. Having a back up will save your vacation.

[Mollysdad]

Pro:
You have a spare, JIC.
You can run the one in the other room and it's quieter.
Both will cool you down FAST!
50 amp power. Much more than another 20 amps.

Con:
It's expensive.
You lose a roof vent.