2 AC Units vs 1 AC Unit

[dchysan87]

We currently own a 23' Flying Cloud and are going to upgrade to a 25' FBT Flying Cloud. My question is should we go with (2) AC units or (1)? We live on the east coast do plan to travel across country in a few years. Is the $2150 cost worth it? thanks

[rowiebowie]

Already discussed in this thread.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f427...ot-191172.html

And the answer is 2.



.

[LDM]

I love 50amp service and two a/c.

[wulfraat]

50amp and 2 - there is no downside. Only upside.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

50amp and 2 - there is no downside. Only upside.

Unless you like the roof vent you are loosing and the fan when boon docking.

[wulfraat]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

Unless you like the roof vent you are loosing and the fan when boon docking.

Yeah - good point.

For us (30’ international) we still have a fantastic fan up front in the lounge / kitchen, and no less than 7 windows and 1 screen door we can open for fresh air when needed, so access to cool air in 120 degree temps prevailed in our case

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by dchysan87

<<snip>> Is the $2150 cost worth it? thanks

Not for me.
I've camped all up and down the east coast, east of the big muddy, during the heat of the summer. And, all across the upper half of the USA too. The 13,500 BTU AC unit does fine in the 25'. I've been in 90+ degrees out in the sun and 100+ degrees in the shade without any problems. Interior temperatures in my 25' stay in the mid to upper 70's (my comfort zone), or cooler.

I have not experienced heat of the southwest USA during summer. Maybe, if I camped there in mid summer I would think about the second AC. I've never experienced that kind of heat and don't plan to.

Downsides of 50 amp service:
Two AC units running at the same time = LOUD
That 50 amp cord is stiff and heavy.
I would not want to give up one of the fans.
With the heavier cord and extra AC unit, there is a loss of at least ~100 lbs of payload capacity.

Downside of 30 amp service:
Can't start the single AC while running microwave/convection and converter at the same time. During hot weather the draw on the 30 amp cord will heat & sometimes melt the cord end and/or trip the main breaker.

[brick1]

No brainer. Get the 50 amp/dual air.

[Doc Foster]

I had a 25'FC with only one AC and in the summer heat in a Southwest the bedroom would never.get.cool. Now this was before ducted.AC
I now have a 30' International with 2 AC and love it except for the heavier cord.

[StreamingEagle]

Originally Posted by dchysan87

My question is should we go with (2) AC units or (1)? We live on the east coast do plan to travel across country in a few years. Is the $2150 cost worth it?

If you can go to 2, do it. I've camped in the south in the summer and have found that my previous 1 AC in the 25' worked, but definitely not that well for long trips in the high heat.

The up-side to the two units is that you don't have to run both, you have the option to boondocks and use one only if you need to run off of gen power or off a 30A connection.

I don't really think there is much downside at all aside from not having the second vent/fan.

[wulfraat]

I’ve found that the ducted air is much quieter, I can have both ACs running and it’s much quieter than having the single 13.5 running with direct downward air distribution box on my older trailer.

I’ve also found however that ducted air reduces overall cooling capacity and air flow, as compared to the old fashioned down draft jet engine approach.

Because it cools less, like for like trailer size, you need more cooling and forced airflow (2 ACs vs 1).

Overall ducted air is a game changer, really nice system and you can have a normal conversation with both units running, but you need both units to keep things cool even in moderate heat.

50A service is great too - no longer do you have to shut off the air conditioner to use the microwave, etc...

I ditched the factory, heavy and stiff 25’ python 50A power cord, and bought a higher end, flexible 15’ cord with a second 10’ extension. Takes the burden out of messing with the monster grey factory cord.

[pmclemore]

one AC for me. I bought mine used and had the second ac removed - plus had it converted from 50amp to 30amp. We greatly prefer a maxxair fan over our bed.

If it's too hot, I'm in the wrong place.

Plus I got rid of that big-a 50amp cord.

Pat