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Old 05-15-2015, 06:57 PM   #41
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Don't let the dealer install. Only purchase duall air if factory.

If only one AC from factory the AS will only have 30 amp service.

Kelvin
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Old 05-16-2015, 10:15 AM   #42
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Some have retrofitted a second air conditioner and basically have an extension cord to plug that unit into the RV park pedestal or a generator set. Getting the drain hose down through the walls requires cutting the interior wall as there are horizontal supports in the wall that block pulling wires or tubing.

With 30 amp service, the additional reason the refrigerator and water heater are dual power (propane or 120Vac electricity for power plus a little 12Vdc for control circuits) is so they can be running on propane when the air conditioner is in use along with small electrical loads in the trailer.

Our Classic has a rear (zone 2) 13,500 BTU air conditioner in place of the Fantastic Fan and a 15,000 BTU primary air conditioner in front (zone 1). The factory installs a thermostat that controls both zones with a separate temperature sensor in the rear.

Using the standard 50 amp to 30 amp power plug conversion, both buses in the trailer are energized so all circuits can have access to power with great attention to what is on when. Thus with only 30 amp RV park service capability, one can run either the front or the rear air conditioner or none if the microwave is needed.

The trailer main 30 amp breaker limits power access to 30 amps since the wiring is only #10 gage. 50 amp service requires #6 gage wire to the main circuit two pole breaker.

We just converted the factory tank style 6 gallon water heater to a Truma instant on unit that uses a little 12 Vdc for the control circuit and uses only propane to heat the water on demand.
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Old 05-16-2015, 10:27 AM   #43
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Hi Switz,
So in your unit, when you are at a 30 amp site, and running the AC, the fridge needs to be running on propane? And if so, does the change over to propane happen automatically when the AC goes on and off, or is that a manual process? I appreciate the info, as I have a 50 amp two AC unit arriving shortly.
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Old 05-16-2015, 11:57 AM   #44
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The dometic should swap on it's own. I know our norcold would. But you had to have it set that way. You could, if you wanted to, set it to where propane (or electric) were only manual, or you could set it automatic.
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Old 05-16-2015, 11:59 AM   #45
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Quote:
Originally Posted by switz View Post

We just converted the factory tank style 6 gallon water heater to a Truma instant on unit that uses a little 12 Vdc for the control circuit and uses only propane to heat the water on demand.
That's interesting, I would like to hear how that works out!
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Old 05-16-2015, 11:54 PM   #46
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The refrigerator has a power switch for on/off and a mode switch. One can select automatic switching between AC and propane or force the propane to be the choice or AC to be the source.

In a 30 amp situation, I want the refrigerator to be in the propane position so I can run other equipment in the trailer even though the air conditioner is cycling on and off. We can select which of the two air conditioners to have operational using the two zone thermostat that is part of the 50 amp option.

The Truma AquaGo Custom instant on water heater operates only on propane and a little 12Vdc to power the logic board. So far it works well and is easy on the fuel use.

Their basic model would not be recommended if the trailer would ever experience freezing temperatures. The custom model (next model up and only one appropriate for an Airstream), if the power to the logic board is on and the propane is on, will keep the water in the heater coils from freezing.
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Old 05-17-2015, 05:21 AM   #47
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Plasma800,
We are about 100 miles East of Yall. My House thermostat sets at 80 degrees, wife and I like it warm. With that said I wish our trailer had a second AC unit. Get a 2 AC unit, options are a wonderful thing. As Yall know high temperatures are one thing, add high humidity and it can get miserable. So using a FF to pull in outside air just don't cut it.
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Old 05-17-2015, 08:41 AM   #48
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Yeah that's understandable! Thanks for your input, is very valuable. I've heard it both ways now so many times, I'm more confused than I started...
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Old 05-17-2015, 08:51 AM   #49
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No need for confusion-
Get a 50 amp trailer with 2 a/c units.
I wouldn't have it any other way.


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Old 05-17-2015, 08:57 AM   #50
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Unless you live in the north and travel in the southern states during fall, winter, and spring. We never turn our A/C on except during routine inspections to exercise it.

cheryl
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Old 05-17-2015, 01:04 PM   #51
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After reading all comments - 50amp will edge out the competition likely - especially if you want sub 75 degrees temps as stated

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Old 05-17-2015, 03:20 PM   #52
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Even if you don't use the second AC unit very much, it's a great back up when you do, or to allow alternate room conditioning so the unit above your head isn't running.

50amp capability is a blessing when you are using the trailer for extended periods and staying places where 50amp is available. Again, you may not use it all or much of the time, but when you do, you'll appreciate it.

The cost for 50amp and 2nd AC is only about 1.5% to 3% of the price of the new trailer, depending on the deal, and adds real value.

I feel the same way about buying the full awning option, as well.

Airstreams are such expensive trailers; if you're going to spend that kind of money on a trailer, why not spend a tiny fraction more and be able to enjoy all the goodies?
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