Adding 3rd AC unit to 2014 Berkshire

[EJM4]

I have recently inquired and thought about adding a third a/c. The a/c unit only weighs 120lbs and do not think that will be an issue for the roof. Many people add satelietes and other also can't resist the urge to get up there and walk around... :-)

While on 50amp in a park, not an issue. I would not want to chance running all three at once with the generator.

I found a few places who will do the install but prices range all over the place. I have been quoted $1600 -$5000. I'm assuming the 5K person was not interested in the job?


Many of the mid to higher end coaches either already come with 3 a/c's or can be ordered with some. Some are already pre-wired. I supposed it is just a $$ issue to FR to keep at certain price point.

[Phil57]

Most MH I see with three A/C are 43-45'. It will be interesting to see how it works out. I would think the roof would be strong enough also but if FR says it's not I would ask more questions before I added a third. At 120 lbs the bouncing would concern me. Every bump that 120 lbs would be more like 300lbs. If there isn't sufficient bracing you could have a structure fail. Again I have no idea what FR puts around the vent holes. It might be as strong as the AC holes.

[Phil57]

If plugged in at a park and all 3 AC running assuming they are all 15000 are you sure it will have enough power to run them? Would you still be able to run the oven or anything else. I don't know how to figure the amp draw for the 3 units.

[dan-nickie]

I hope someone actually find out a 3rd AC can be added and how to.
In the mean time there has been several good threads on here that may eliminate the need for it. Phil's solar shades recommendation is the most effective.
It's really not about the cooling, it's keeping the heat out that is most effective.
Solar shades was my business for several years.


Here is another very effective way to make it cooler inside that I learned from a brother in law. Pulls that cool bedroom air up to the front and helps it circulate.

[EJM4]

Originally Posted by Phil57

If plugged in at a park and all 3 AC running assuming they are all 15000 are you sure it will have enough power to run them? Would you still be able to run the oven or anything else. I don't know how to figure the amp draw for the 3 units.

I have no idea on how to calculate either, but when we visit some of the Class A RV resorts, many of them have 3 a/c's up top and using the 50amp service just as us. I think the only difference is these coaches bump up to a 10K generator compared to our 8K in the Berkshires.

[JTN8]

FYI to all about using 3 AC's with the generator. When I had my gas coach, it had the 5500 Onan and while in the infield of Michigan for a race I ran both of my 13.5's and my buddies 13.5 (he was plugged into my outside outlet) for three days straight with no issues. My panel said i was drawing around 38 to 40 amps usually.

I also have plugged in a buddy of mine into my Berkshire and ran my two 15k's and his 13.5 with no issues at all. Both fridges on electric and still ran fine.

Jason

[gasman94]

Another thing that you may consider that I have done is to use insulated cushions in your fan openings. I got mine through camping world and they work great. They're also on sale now. Vent Cushion - Intersource D10-146 - Fan and Vent Accessories - Camping World


Rich

[Phil57]

Thanks Rich. I think I will pick them up in sale. I have been wanting them. All this helps a lot. I wish I had one of those infrared thermometer. I think it would really show where the heat is coming in. Has anyone done any extra insulating in the generator area or anywhere else?

[jcowles3]

I added a stand alone 8k btu Ac unit up front and it did help. What it showed me was the 13.3k's in my coach need to be 30k's to keep up with Arizona summer! The swap out to 15k's is not worth the money. 8k of extra Ac at $300 is.... It exhausts 130 degree air out the drivers window...


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[Gottawonder]

I've yet to install my windshield screen but 4 nights in Branson next week might make it worth it. I kept waiting for Phil to come down and show me how to install it… I guess he's a busy guy.

Those Lasko fans are worth their weight in gold. Here's the Stanley branded one Robot Check

They're small, rugged, fairly quiet you can plug other stuff into them, you can flip them down to dry small carpet spills, etc etc. Sam's had the next size up this summer and I was tempted.

Also like the idea of the standalone a/c for the worst heat days. My goal with the RV is to use it where I don't need 3 a/c's but we can't always leave TX for 8 months of the year lol.

Gottawonder

[Phil57]

Dave you will be amazed how much cooler that shade will make the MH. Have fun in Branson. Where are you staying?

[Gottawonder]

Originally Posted by Phil57

Dave you will be amazed how much cooler that shade will make the MH. Have fun in Branson. Where are you staying?

Got premium "buddy sites" at the KOA. Neither of us have been there so it was all sort of a guess.

[Phil57]

We have never been there but have talked about it but after the kids go back to school. Less crowded.

[Gottawonder]

I originally agreed to "June or July" wouldnt have said "mid-July" as I like to be CO or WY bound by then. CO end of the month then home a week at Wyo b4 a meeting in Denver. Gonna drop the jeep at COS and fly back up to get it for the WY leg

[Gottawonder]

Originally Posted by jcowles3

I added a stand alone 8k btu Ac unit up front and it did help. What it showed me was the 13.3k's in my coach need to be 30k's to keep up with Arizona summer! The swap out to 15k's is not worth the money. 8k of extra Ac at $300 is.... It exhausts 130 degree air out the drivers window...Attachment 81846


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I became intrigued with this idea, and have a couple other spaces where an occasional a/c unit might be handy. Target had a Haier unit that would show up on sale. In store price right now is 293, online is 252 plus 15% off if you pick it up at your local target! I also have a Target Debit card that's good for 5% off any purchases… I usually avoid such things but since (a) we shop there a lot and (b) it's cheaper than cash, I use it. Got the unit down to $222 with tax and I can pick it up today (I assume they went and got one of the $292 models off the shelf.)

I don't anticipate carrying this unless I know we're going to be staying somewhere hot, but I'll have it if I want it. Also finally went to the bus barn and did a practice install of the solar screen I bought from Phil57.

Anyway, wanted to pass this pricing along. Won't get to try the unit until later this week
Haier 8,000 BTU Portable AC - HPRB08XCM : Target

Gottawonder

[jcowles3]

I'm AZ so we carry it with us through the hot months... fits behind driver seat while rolling down the road.

here's another option...
DIY Low Cost Homemade Air Conditioner

Not sure wife would let me but... Interesting.