Anyone added a second air conditioner?

[kdinnar]

We are finding that our single air conditioner in the 2017 27fb doesn't do much when the temps get to the upper 80's. We have awnings and keep the shades closed, but the ducted air, though quieter, can't keep the trailer comfortable. We are thinking of adding a second air conditioner, replacing the bedroom fantastic fan. Is there someone on the forums that did this...and how did it work out for them. We would have it done at Jackson Center, but is it worth it?
I haven't got a price yet, but expect it to be a good chunk of change. Thanks for your feedback if you have done this already.

[wulfraat]

I haven’t done it but I do own a 30’ with dual ACs. I hear ya, I don’t see how one unit would keep the unit cool especially with the indirect ducted AC distribution which although quiet, does not cool as much as the old direct overhead jet engine approach.

You will have to upgrade to 50 amp service so there will be some other things that change as well such as the AC distribution panel and exterior trailer plug, wiring between the plug and the panel, etc. I am going to guess that this is a $3k upgrade. But it would be worth it.

[HiHoAgRV]

We added a second AC to our 34'

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f205...m-54749-3.html

[cwf]

Yup! In rear bedroom.. trashed the fan, upgraded 30 to 50 AMP power!

Also... put a n insulation coating on roof, over the “white paint”. I can now lay my hand on roof at High Noon in TEXAS summer and leave it without burn or uncomfortable heat.

Wiring is difficult (unless the Mothership let wires in ceiling).

You may have to let condensation run off onto the roof (I found solutions for both power and condensate drain)

[bganso]

Previous owner added a second A/C to our 30' Classic. It connects to power via a second cable. We use a 50 Amp connector that splits to 2 30 Amp connectors. When it's hot it works really well, but most of the time we only need a 30 Amp connection. Also added was a 6.5kw propane powered Honda generator, which will power both A/Cs when boondocking.

[SuzyHomemakr]

Hello from Sunny S. Florida! If even you guys up in Maine are having problems getting a single A/C to cope with the heat, well surely we are all doomed!

Anyway, we went a second portable A/C that vents out through the former gas furnace hole (slightly embiggened). I wired up a simple 30A (with breaker) circuit that takes its own extension cord. So when I want to use the aux A/C, I plug in my 50A-> twin 30A wye connector, and run the entire trailer off of one side, and the aux A/C off the other.

The portable unit, while basically the same rating as my overhead unit, doesn't have as much cooling power. However, with all A/Cs roaring, I can keep the inside tolerable in late summer without shade. This is with my roof coated with fancy ceramic paint, windows tinted, and Reflectix in most of the windows.

[woodfox45]

If you want JC to install it you better make appointment soon or you won't get in until it's cold outside.

[Lumatic]

I checked into addition a 2nd AC on the roof. I decided against it because of rewiring and loosing my vent.

Also checked on portable AC. Decided against it because of the big exhaust hose.

I got a Luma portable evaporative cooler. Small footprint, moveable and inexpensive.

[alphamale49]

What would be the maximum BTU for a portable air conditioner running at the same time in a 30 amp trailer? Have everything else off except the overhead 15,000 BTU air conditioner. NO TV, microwave, refrigerator and water heater on propane. Would only take a few minutes to configure.

[Rzrbrn]

quote

Also... put a n insulation coating on roof, over the “white paint”. I can now lay my hand on roof at High Noon in TEXAS summer and leave it without burn or uncomfortable heat.

CWF, what did you use to further insulate the roof? Did you just put it on the white roof or did you also put it on at least part of the aluminum?

[kdinnar]

Thanks for all of your input. I just got a call back from Jackson Center. They have done a few of these, so he had an estimate for me. Because our air is ducted and our electrical is currently 30 amp service, the price to install the ac and upgraded electric would be $9,600. We'll forget about it for now. Maybe a future trade-in would be more cost effective. We're headed to Texas this fall. Hope it's cooler down there then.

[brick1]

I am glad We opted for 50/dual air on our new Serenity 28. Much cheaper than adding it afterwards. And we are nice and cool...
brick

[SuzyHomemakr]

Originally Posted by alphamale49

What would be the maximum BTU for a portable air conditioner running at the same time in a 30 amp trailer? Have everything else off except the overhead 15,000 BTU air conditioner. NO TV, microwave, refrigerator and water heater on propane. Would only take a few minutes to configure.

The problem is the startup surge from the A/C pretty much much taps out the circuit. Trying to run my 12KBTU on the existing 30A would trip the breaker when the overhead A/C cycled. This is with the soft start cap installed. I've tried running just the portable, and it doesn't do the job as well as the overhead, so I wouldn't want to go any smaller.

I also insulated the exhaust hose with some duct insulation, which helps. That hose gets hot!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Keep in mind that the 50A service is 50A at 240V. At the 120V level it gives you 100A into the trailer. The 30A hookup is 30A at 120V. You have 3X the power with a 50A hookup.

Bob