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cru-in · 05-10-2019, 07:30 PM

Hi,

Looking to order a 25RB Twin and wondering is it needs 2 ACs?

Seems like it should do fine with one.

However, never having owned an Airstream, I wanted to ask.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Dan

GMFL · 05-10-2019, 07:34 PM

Lots on the forum about this topic. I think it needs 2 without a doubt. If you travel south in the summer 2 is a must.

SeaLevel · 05-10-2019, 07:38 PM

From our experience, it depends on where you camp. In full sun on a hot day, our 25' FC single AC unit can sometimes only cool the AS to about 10-12 degrees lower than the outside temperature. So if it's 95 degrees it might only cool it off to the low 80's.

So we try not to camp in those conditions. If you will be regularly camping in those conditions you should get two ACs.

r carl · 05-10-2019, 08:09 PM

With the lower reliability of the new air conditioners it would be nice to have a backup.

Al and Missy · 05-10-2019, 09:10 PM

My experience was different, for a different generation of 25. We had a 2001 Safari 25 RB twin with only an 11,000 BTU AC. Sitting in the sun, in my driveway, with 95 degree temperatures it kept the trailer comfortable, but I don't remember the temperature. It wasn't cycling, if I remember correctly, but we were never uncomfortable. It had the mouse fur walls and vinyl ceiling overhead so no exposed aluminum.

Our 2002 Classic 30 is another story. I will probably end up putting a rear unit in it.

Al

Bgibbs · 05-10-2019, 10:14 PM

I would definitely recommend two. We have replaced both of our units TWICE! It would have been miserable without any a/c.

I hope we don't have any more failures!

Barry

**wulfraat** · 05-10-2019, 11:45 PM

Two no doubt

Zybane · 05-11-2019, 01:38 AM

I always recommend two.

1. You have a backup
2. You can turn on the AC opposite to where you are in the trailer for less noise. Even with them being duct'd, still loud enough to be annoying (to me at least).

Acheron2010 · 05-11-2019, 05:04 AM

I'm in a 26 with two, and I like it because,
50 amp service. I can use 30. But if I have only 30, I cannot use 50.
Sometimes I want it quiet in the lounge area, so I run the AC unit on the opposite side.
Having a backup is awesome. Two is one, and one is none.
In 100+ degree days, I can run two and get in the mid-70's inside.
Two heat pumps for those cold days.

Bill M. · 05-11-2019, 07:01 AM

Maybe it depends upon whether you view the trailer as a tent on wheels or a mobile luxury condo.

Bobfrapples · 05-11-2019, 09:11 AM

We have 1 unit, Non-Ducted on our 25 Safari SE.
1. These things break. 2 is better than 1.
2. you can use them as needed.
3. Re-Sale. Nobody keeps these forever. Don't be cheap with Comfort issues.
4. Hot Weather. You'll be glad you did it!

Safe Travels!

PirateChris · 05-11-2019, 09:25 AM

Sleeping in the heat.....

During summertime in Maine and Nova Scotia, one is adequate.

During summertime in Arizona and Texas, two is almost mandatory.

From a re-sale perspective, having two is always better.

Be well and "sleep cool"

PirateChris

davidrrand · 05-11-2019, 09:54 AM

We've had our 2016 25RBTwin since May of that year. We avoid camping during the heat of the SE where we live in NE GA and travel out west in the mountains in late summer and fall. One has worked well for us. For those who camp in the hotter months wherever, two would be wise.

gypsydad · 05-11-2019, 10:06 AM

We have owned 3 25' AS's; all had only one, 1500AC unit, so we did not experience the value of having 2 AC's. Even on our camp trips in Texas heat and California desert, it wasn't an issue...since we did not have 2 AC's. It took awhile in those hotter climates to get us comfortable, for sure, but that's all we had.

Fast forward- the dealership here in TX started ordering 25's with 2 units about 8 years ago, as I recall; now they order all 25' and larger AS's with 2 AC's, unless a customer requests a special order of one.

We have 2 in our 28', and I am glad. We mostly use the second unit to cool our AS faster when in hot climates, then we will select just one for maintaining the temperature we are comfortable with, especially true at night... If I were doing it again, I would get 2; better resale also.

redhat200 · 05-11-2019, 10:59 AM

Congratulations on purchasing An Airstream. We love our 2018 25 foot FBT .
We live in Southern California haven’t traveled anywhere we have needed more than just the one air conditioning unit. Depends on your use . Airstream community has many folks who have debated this issue. I’m sure you will get good advice and recommendations. Think about the trip you will take now and the ones in the next five years. I’m sure you will make a good choice. Happy trails hope to meet you down the road.

daleyocum · 05-11-2019, 11:22 AM

We are often in places without electric hookups so our criteria was if we can’t run it on a small Honda generator plus our 500w of solar it doesn’t help us much. In the Pacific Northwest and equivalent latitudes in the west our single AC unit was been more than fine.

Not that it should influence your decision but I found it easier to upgrade the trailer’s 30Amp service to the 3000w hybrid inverter (where every outlet is live) than it would have been with 50 amp service.

Adventure.AS · 05-11-2019, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cru-in

Hi,

Looking to order a 25RB Twin and wondering is it needs 2 ACs?

Seems like it should do fine with one.

Dan

Our single air conditioner keeps our trailer very comfortable in + 90 ° F temperatures, although it probably takes longer to cool down after a day of travelling.

The biggest disadvantage of the second air conditioner is loosing the Fan-tastic fan in the bedroom. This fan when open (even if not running) is great for circulating air when an air conditioner isn't needed and for letting in light on a gloomy day.

banderabob · 05-11-2019, 03:25 PM

You'll get both sides on this. We ran into a fellow Texan a couple of weeks ago with a new 25' International, 2 A/C units. Said he wished he'd gone with one because 2 require a 50 amp connection. We have a 23' and can get frozen with one unit. Just sayin'.........

Life is a Highway · 05-11-2019, 04:18 PM

We live in Florida have have no problems

I suppose it’s worth thinking do you want 50 amp service or 30 amp.

Do you want to loose a fantastic fan for a AC unit?

There are pluses and minuses to both. We did not want the dual AC

Quote:

Originally Posted by cru-in

Hi,

Looking to order a 25RB Twin and wondering is it needs 2 ACs?

Seems like it should do fine with one.

However, never having owned an Airstream, I wanted to ask.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Dan

cazual6 · 05-12-2019, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaLevel

From our experience, it depends on where you camp. In full sun on a hot day, our 25' FC single AC unit can sometimes only cool the AS to about 10-12 degrees lower than the outside temperature. So if it's 95 degrees it might only cool it off to the low 80's.

So we try not to camp in those conditions. If you will be regularly camping in those conditions you should get two ACs.

I concur.