adding 2nd air conditioner to FR3 30DS

[JerseyGuy]

Just finished wiring mine. I used the existing a/c duct (actually a gap in the ceiling running from the front unit all the way to the rear wall. I removed the panel that runs along the rear wall and ran the wire into the rear closet. I then ran the wire down the closet into the electrical bay.


2014 FR3 30DS In New Jersey

[JerseyGuy]

Do you have the model number for the breaker box? I'm using a fused A/C box but I like yours better.


2014 FR3 30DS In New Jersey

[PDG]

JerseyGuy,

I liked the way you did your wiring, nice job!

The breaker box is a basic Square D 2 circuit slots. Home depot Square D Model # HOM24L70SCP Internet # 100202333 Store SKU # 565539
$14.34

The 20 AMP breaker is separate and located right next to the breaker box area.

Also, check this dog bone RV 50A Male to (2) 30A Female Lighted "Y" Adapter by ECS electric cordsets. I called them, very knowledgeable and helpful.

URL is:

RV 50A Male to (2) 30A Female Lighted "Y" Adapter


This adapter allows you to be at an older RV park that only has a 50 AMP outlet on the pedestal and no other outlets available. (Had several like that on my trip out west last year).

It splits the 50 AMP service so we can individually power the coach and the 2nd AC from one 50 AMP outlet. Very cool.

Let us know how this project continues.

GLTA

[JerseyGuy]

I will order the adapter. I've finished the wiring but the actual unit will not be installed until May when we get to Phoenix.

I've arranged to have the unit dropped in at a dealer in AZ.




2014 FR3 30DS In New Jersey

[LCraddock]

I also have a 2014 FR3 30DS and am planning on doing the same thing. Did the installation go as planned? If you don't mind could you tell me how you ran the wiring and briefly summarize what you did?


thanks much!

[DutchRv]

Originally Posted by LCraddock

I also have a 2014 FR3 30DS and am planning on doing the same thing. Did the installation go as planned? If you don't mind could you tell me how you ran the wiring and briefly summarize what you did?


thanks much!

I added a 2nd A/C to our 2015 28DS. Snaked the wire though the 'duct' (really just a channel cutout in the styrofoam) and down to the electric bay through a closet. The second A/C is wired on it's own separate 15AMP outlet. So when at home or camping, I run the bus (with original A/C) on 30AMP, and the second A/C completely separate on 15AMP. Note that while driving/boondocking I CANNOT run that second A/C...

While snaking the proper wire through the duct, please make sure you don't expose wire by 'scraping' the screws from the vents, they're very sharp...

[Combatcoal]

What gage wire you using to get down to the 20 amp breaker? From there you run a std plug to the 20 amp pedestal from the breaker box?

[DutchRv]

Originally Posted by Combatcoal

What gage wire you using to get down to the 20 amp breaker? From there you run a std plug to the 20 amp pedestal from the breaker box?

I used yellow romex 12/3. And since I wanted this A/C to be on a separate 20amp service, I didn't use the RV breaker box panel. Just it's own receptacle so I can power the 2nd AC. I did add a 15amp inline fuse that will before before the (20amp) breaker at the pedestal trips, for added protection.

[Combatcoal]

Awesome stuff Dutch, thx, I believe you also shared pics too, thx for that also

[LCraddock]

I installed a Dometic 13500 ducted. Used a drywall saw to cut a passage to the ducts on either side (It snowed through all the ducts for a little bit the first time I turned it on.).



Ran the wiring like you guys did, down the duct to the back wall, out the ceiling and through the closet with the rest of the wiring and on to the rear storage area.

Carefully removed the corner and ceiling trim on the bathroom wall. Pulled the wall out far enough to drill a hole up into the duct and ran the thermostat wire down that wall.





I didn't upgrade the generator. Also did the wiring a little different. Installed a 50 amp cable that feeds 2 boxes; one has a 30 amp receptacle and the other a 20 amp twistlock. Shortened the old 30 amp cable to just long enough to plug in to the 30 amp shore power receptacle or the generator receptacle. Installed a 20 amp breaker for the 2nd A/C that's fed by a short cable to the 20 amp shore power receptacle.



All working fine.

[bmmarly]

Living in TX, I'm very interested in installing a second AC unit in my '16 30DS. I have read all posts in this thread (appreciate all the detailed info and pics), but have just one question. Doesn't this mod require changes to the existing duct work, assuming the new rear unit will exclusively cool the bedroom area, while the existing unit now just cools the front of the coach? All the discussion seems to center around electrical, but nothing on the AC duct routing?

[ScottBrownstein]

Presuming that the existing "ducts" actually tunnels in the foam filling in the ceiling go to the rear vent, you could block the ducts further forward to split the system, or simply use a non ducted rear unit in "dump" mode on the grille

[bmmarly]

Thanks for the input, that's definitely one option. Interested to hear how those that have done the mod handled this, and whether the new rear unit is a ducted or non-ducted unit?

[Combatcoal]

Good stuff LCrad, thx for sharing!