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80Ram · 04-03-2016, 10:47 PM

Can anyone tell me how well their singe AC unit works on a 2015-16 28' Airstream. At what tempitures would a 2nd unit come in handy?

paiceman · 04-04-2016, 04:29 AM

We have a 30' FC with two A/Cs. Anything above 85 degrees and especially if in the direct sun on any part of the trailer both A/C units run. We were at Lake Powell last summer and almost the entire trailer was in direct sun at the NP campground. The temp in the shade was 107 F, the A/C units kept the trailer at a nice temperature, but they both ran all day.

We also got two units just in case one broke, as well as to use as heat pumps, they help warm up the trailer petty quickly.

So far no regrets on getting an AS with two units.

KEIZER · 04-04-2016, 04:34 AM

A lot of variables there. BTU of unit, trailer layout, and are they utilizing factory insulation. I am removing my roof top unit and installing a concealed unit. Less wind drag and will look better.

overlander63 · 04-04-2016, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80Ram

Can anyone tell me how well their singe AC unit works on a 2015-16 28' Airstream. At what tempitures would a 2nd unit come in handy?

The second unit does come in handy. I usually set up the units so one comes on at a temp a couple of degrees warmer than the other. That way, the second one doesn't run unless the first one can't keep up. And of course, the reverse for colder weather, using them as heat pumps. The downside I've noticed is the second unit comes with some heavy baggage, the 50 amp cord. It's stiff and heavy, and handling it is kind of like trying to arm wrestle a snake. One of the aftermarket RV parts places has released an adapter within the last month or so, you can plug it directly into the trailer, and use a 30 amp extension cord when you aren't going to use the 2nd unit.

paiceman · 04-04-2016, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

The second unit does come in handy. I usually set up the units so one comes on at a temp a couple of degrees warmer than the other. That way, the second one doesn't run unless the first one can't keep up. And of course, the reverse for colder weather, using them as heat pumps. The downside I've noticed is the second unit comes with some heavy baggage, the 50 amp cord. It's stiff and heavy, and handling it is kind of like trying to arm wrestle a snake. One of the aftermarket RV parts places has released an adapter within the last month or so, you can plug it directly into the trailer, and use a 30 amp extension cord when you aren't going to use the 2nd unit.

I bought the adapter - 12" long and also a 30AMP cord, one of our best purchases. Also bought the same adapter BUT for 110 just in case and it too is terrific as at the storage facility we have our AS there is a 110 plug that is operational and I plug it in to test everything but the A/C units.

SteveH · 04-04-2016, 07:28 AM

We had an '04 28' Classic with one A/C unit, and it just didn't cut the mustard any time it was hot outside. I remember several times pulling into a part in the hot afternoon, and it taking till about 11 at night until it was cool enough to sleep.

I would recommend getting the trailer with two units for all the reasons posted above, and if running two units is not needed, you always can run just one.

switz · 04-04-2016, 07:48 AM

We have the 50 amp two air conditioner factory package in our 2014 Classic. Being based in the Southwest this was a no brainer and even two work hard on a hot sunny day with no shade over the trailer. Putting the awnings out on both sides does help with the heat build up as well as shading the backside of the refrigerator space.

RamblinManGa · 04-04-2016, 08:13 AM

Hi from AZ. . . we have a FC28 and I'd say anywhere West of the Mississippi, you're going to need 2. And full change to LED bulbs inside. And as Switz said, spring for the awning package, really helps the refrig.. . . We went to Alaska last Summer & never used A/C, so I guess the caveat is your travel plans. . . be careful out there, Craig

m.hony · 04-04-2016, 10:22 AM

Living in Missouri I would say get 2 a/c units.
There is more to it than that.
If a trailer has 2 a/c units, it will have 50 amp service rather than 30 amp service.
You cannot run the a/c and microwave at the same time on a 30 amp trailer. It will trip breakers.
You can, however, run the a/c and microwave at the same time on a 50 amp trailer.
Also, if you and your spouse like different temperatures, you can have one end of the trailer at your preferred temperature and your spouse can have the opposite end of the trailer at his/her desired temperature.
2 a/c units and 2 televisions makes married life easier.
I'm always cold.
My wife is always hot.
More to think about...
An Airstream trailer is a cold place when it gets cold and a hot place when it gets hot.
2 a/c's- No problem with high outdoor temperatures-

Howard L. · 04-04-2016, 10:46 AM

Buy two. Love the dog.

garen-kary · 04-04-2016, 10:54 AM

We added a second a/c to our 28. Added a second 30 amp plug on exterior, with a 20 amp breaker and circuit. Many sites have only a 30 and 20 amp service. No problem, I run two cords. Very happy with this, and cool. More diversity also. If one leg of a 50 amp service overloads both legs loose power. Not good if our dogs are in camper.

Jack46 · 04-04-2016, 11:56 AM

We have a 30' Flying Cloud with the two unit option. I agree with others who have posted, when you need it you need it. We generally are fine around here using just one unit, but if you plan to spend time in the south/southwest during the summer, you'll need the extra cooling.

m.hony · 04-04-2016, 12:16 PM

A 50 amp trailer is good for more than running 2 a/c units.
You can run the microwave and a hair dryer at the same time.
Not possible in a 30 amp trailer-

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Gneiss Guy · 04-04-2016, 03:09 PM

We had a 25' AS (A 2006, I believe) and couldn't cool it adequately with the one A.C. We have a 2011 30' now and it has two A.C.s. It stays cool enough for a trip from the southeast to the Rockies. If I lived in Missouri and used the trailer in the summer, I would certainly spring for two A.C.s! The 50 amp cable is a beast, but a necessary one if you want to stay cool. I found a 30 amp cable with a 50 amp trailer plug and I use it when I know I won't be using two units. I leave the beast at home then.

Rich Jenkins · 04-04-2016, 05:24 PM

After experiencing 98-100F temperatures last summer in WA in our SOB Class B, we opted for dual AC units in our '16 27' FC. I am glad we did.

Boogieshoes · 04-04-2016, 05:26 PM

Two. You can always just run one if you don't need both; definitely run the bedroom one at night rather than both. That beats the heck out of not having enough AC when you need it.

SteveSueMac · 04-04-2016, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEIZER

A lot of variables there. BTU of unit, trailer layout, and are they utilizing factory insulation. I am removing my roof top unit and installing a concealed unit. Less wind drag and will look better.

Can you share more about the specifics of this? Thanks.

80Ram · 04-04-2016, 07:22 PM

We were looking at a 2016 28' Flying Cloud with twin beds. The salesman said in hot weather we could regulate the vents to force more AC in the area we desired. With the advice given here we have decided to find one with 2 AC units. Thanks for all the responses.

HeadWest · 04-04-2016, 08:53 PM

Although I'm late to this message and the 80Ram has decided on two A/C units, I'll be the oddball and say I'm very happy with only 1 A/C. We have had our 28 International almost three years and we have only run the A/C 2 or 3 times. We use it about 3 months or more a year, about half the time we are dry camping. Since the trailers is sitting on wheels, we don't go to hot climates where A/C is needed very much. I really enjoy having the Fantastic fan in the bedroom which we would give up with the 2nd A/C. We also have never had an issue with 30amp service since again we chose to have the propane oven, not a microwave.

The best part of the A/C for us is using the heat pump some of the time when we have an electric site.

If we lived in a hot area and were using the trailer in the summer, I'm sure I would feel very different. Either way, I strongly recommend the full awnings for the 28. The port side awning is great for lessening the load on the fridge and just making the trailer more comfortable.

switz · 04-05-2016, 04:52 AM

Since the physical size of the 13.5K BTU air conditioner is the same as the 15K BTU air conditioner and the power requirements are pretty much the same, one could swap out the lower capacity rear unit and have both units the same.

We will see if the stock 13.5 K BTU air conditioner is adequate this summer on the 23D and could always upgrade to the 15K BTU air conditioner.