Dual AC Retrofit

[vswingfield]

I have a 1983 34’ Excella, VIN 1STEAU38DJ501672. Andy’s (from Inland RV) posts have stressed the importance of identifying the trailer exactly. Thanks again to Andy for all his advice! I am considering replacing my aging Coleman with a Carrier 15000 heat pump. It has been suggested that adding a second unit would be more useful hear in Little Rock’s heat and humidity. Has anyone retrofitted a second unit? It really is a big trailer for only one AC. Any advice, opinions, comments and photos will be greatly appreciated.

Vaughan

[overlander63]

My opinion is you would not have enough amperage for two a/c's with 30 amp service. In order to successfully accomplish this, you would need to upgrade your coach to 50 amp service (2 leg 240 volt, in a 30 amp and 20 amp leg, 120 volt). You would also need to remove the center mounted a/c unit, install a vent of some kind there, remove the two end roof vents, and install a/c units in or near them. Lots o' work.

[vswingfield]

Thanks Terry,

I had considered the 50 amp upgrade. My brother (32' 1984 Excella) can do wiring, so he can help. (He's the main supporter if the dual retrofit, anyway) By the way, that should be here in Little Rock, not hear in Little Rock, though I do hear it's going to be hot this summer. Posts in other threads, like the treads by chuman70, imply that you shouldn't put ACs in the vents. I was considering in the hall between the existing unit and the rear vent. Does anyone have experience with the 15000 units on a 34' in full sun and high heat? How well would one unit do?

Vaughan

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by vswingfield

Thanks Terry,

I had considered the 50 amp upgrade. My brother (32' 1984 Excella) can do wiring, so he can help. (He's the main supporter if the dual retrofit, anyway) By the way, that should be here in Little Rock, not hear in Little Rock, though I do hear it's going to be hot this summer. Posts in other threads, like the treads by chuman70, imply that you shouldn't put ACs in the vents. I was considering in the hall between the existing unit and the rear vent. Does anyone have experience with the 15000 units on a 34' in full sun and high heat? How well would one unit do?

Vaughan

Installing a 50 service, I think, is a waste of time and money.

What makes a dual AC installation much more practical, is to wire a "separate" 30 amp service for the second AC.

In that way, your rig is flexible.

You can plug both into two different 30 amp service outlets, or should you be somewhere that does not have 50 service, then you still can be in business, be it only one AC.

Sometimes suggestions from outsiders may have merit, but when it comes down to getting it done, knowing the costs, inconveniences and modifying an RV to take it out of standards, becomes very real, and not wise.

Changing cables, modifying wiring, is never cheap.

Andy

[vswingfield]

Thanks Andy,

Good suggestion. Right now, I'm leaning to replacing the existing 13.5k unit and evaluating the results before I jump into the deep water. As for the 50 amp upgrade and dual airs, I think I will let my brother upgrade his 32 footer first. (Don't think it will ever happen)

Vaughan

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by vswingfield

Thanks Andy,

Good suggestion. Right now, I'm leaning to replacing the existing 13.5k unit and evaluating the results before I jump into the deep water. As for the 50 amp upgrade and dual airs, I think I will let my brother upgrade his 32 footer first. (Don't think it will ever happen)

Vaughan

As John Wayne would say "good thinkin."

Andy

[genearnold]

What makes a dual AC installation much more practical, is to wire a "separate" 30 amp service for the second AC.

What Andy said. My '92 Limited has a separate 30 amp service for the bedroom A/C. It is not a retrofit. PO had it installed at the factory.

Gene

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by genearnold

What Andy said. My '92 Limited has a separate 30 amp service for the bedroom A/C. It is not a retrofit. PO had it installed at the factory.

Gene

Gene, just out of curiosity, how many campsites have you run across with the second 30 amp outlet?

[genearnold]

Very few campsites have an extra 30 amp service. However, in addition to the 30 amp, most have a 20 amp plug and with an adapter I get along (my bedroom A/C is smaller btu yhan the main so 20 amps is usually enough). To be completely honest, I get more good out of the second unit during cooler weather. I regularly use both units for heat. I seldom have to use either of my two propane furnaces.

Gene

[vswingfield]

I have run my 67 on many 20 amp circuits. Also, the circuit breaker for the AC in my Excella is 20 amps anyway.

Vaughan

[GO Bob]

I'm sitting in Perry hitting 100 F Sunday and 96 F today. I have two 12500 btu,s. I'll leave the rear on low during the day while the middle is on high. The 2nd is ran on it's own 10AWG cord to a 15amp plug with a 15amp surge suppessor.

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by GO Bob

I'm sitting in Perry hitting 100 F Sunday and 96 F today. I have two 12500 btu,s. I'll leave the rear on low during the day while the middle is on high. The 2nd is ran on it's own 10AWG cord to a 15amp plug with a 15amp surge suppessor.

Is yours also a factory install, or a retrofit. Any Pics?

Vaughan

[Tarheel]

I installed a 20 amp breaker and a seperate line to support the new additional ac in the bedroom it worked great

[GO Bob]

A PO had it done or did it him self. I found the reciept on the 2 ACs. Sorry no pics yet. I just sent my first pic on email yesterday. still learning.

[vswingfield]

Hey GB,

I just finished uploading my first pics to the forum today! I have done a lot of internet stuff, but not much forum stuff. (Having access to four web servers makes sending pics a little easier) Look in Members Photos in the "V" section, vswingfield for the first pics of the new countertops in my Excella.

You're right, there is just no reason for decaf!

Vaughan