Added 3rd A/C to 35ROK

ingalmi · 10-03-2016, 09:17 PM

Having read several threads on this subject and specifically the one that Brad published inspired me to go for it. 95 degree days in the South and not being able to get the inside temp below 82 degrees after considerable work to seal ducts, installing sun blocking blinds, pillows in vents and minimizing door opening I decided it was time. The total job took about 2 days and $800.00, one day for wiring prep and one day to install equipment. Having the CCC 2 thermostat and 2 zones factory installed made the job easier. Zone 3 which I installed by removing the rear vent and installing the Dometic Brisk Air 2 15.0 with a non-ducted T-stat controlled air distribution box. I did a hybrid install by tying in the non-ducted air distribution box to the factory installed ceiling ductwork (not difficult) and the overall effect gave me more air without running additional ducts which would have been difficult. Available electric power is a non-issue, all 3 units running and the fans on hi and I wasn't close to maxing out. Indoor 68 degree temps are now achievable. Hardest part may have been running the telephone cable for thermostat com (4 wire flat cable) from zone 3 at the rear to zone 2 in the front bedroom (about 35 ft), make sure you follow wiring diagram for installing the connectors on the ends.

chop249 · 10-03-2016, 09:54 PM

You should post pics here and to Brad's thread. I'm waiting on my unit to come back from warranty repairs to see if they actually fixed the A/C (doubtful but fingers crossed anyhow) before I do the 3rd unit. I'm almost resigned to having to do it.

Mikele · 10-06-2016, 08:15 AM

I am adding this to my list to do as well. My issue is my wife works nights so the front bedroom is closed off all day. It gets plenty cold in there but the second unit can't keep up in the living room during the afternoon. I've seen In door temps as high as 88 in the living room. When we were in a shaddy spot there wasn't any issues, but now we are in the sun all day, with late day sun hitting the rear of the Trailer so it just bakes it.

325BH · 10-06-2016, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikele

I am adding this to my list to do as well. My issue is my wife works nights so the front bedroom is closed off all day. It gets plenty cold in there but the second unit can't keep up in the living room during the afternoon. I've seen In door temps as high as 88 in the living room. When we were in a shaddy spot there wasn't any issues, but now we are in the sun all day, with late day sun hitting the rear of the Trailer so it just bakes it.

This off-season, I am going to add a 3rd a/c in my TT. I have the main a/c in the kitchen area and the 2nd a/c in the master area up front, however the kids' bunkhouse in the back can get hot when the temps are up there. The main unit is ducted, however it just doesn't do much all the way in the back.

A 3rd a/c will definitely keep the back cool. Total BTU will be overkill for the TT, but will leave me in total control of cooling.

For me, I don't have a vent/window in the back ceiling, so I will be cutting the hole and building the frame myself. I have already planned the electrical wire run.

I'll take pics and post when I do this. Fun times!

jtesta1 · 10-06-2016, 02:28 PM

hard part will be paying for the electric bill.

chop249 · 10-06-2016, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtesta1

hard part will be paying for the electric bill.

What campsites charge electric in addition to the regular camping fees????

**Mr. Dan** · 10-06-2016, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chop249

What campsites charge electric in addition to the regular camping fees????

There's one in Schulenburg, TX that does... has a meter at each site... only one I've seen.

rockfordroo · 10-06-2016, 09:25 PM

You really need 68 F in your trailer???!!! I keep my house at 78 F. Once you've removed the moisture, you really don't need temps that low.

Wolverine 1945 · 10-07-2016, 07:17 AM

We keep our home around 74,,, had our A/C replaced a couple of years ago,,, new unit is bigger than our old one,,, and it does a much better job of removing humidity,,, so 74 is pretty comfortable !!! I would have to wonder how many amps would 3 A/C units draw ??? And would a de-humidifier work as well as a 3rd A/C unit ???

Mikele · 10-07-2016, 08:25 AM

I full-time, and almost every CG I've stayed at in the last 2 years with the exception of the one I'm currently in has charged for electric.

chop249 · 10-07-2016, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikele

I full-time, and almost every CG I've stayed at in the last 2 years with the exception of the one I'm currently in has charged for electric.

Sounds like you're staying at the wrong places.... I haven't ever had one charge electric in addition to the regular fee in 7 years of owning RVs.

325BH · 10-07-2016, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolverine 1945

We keep our home around 74,,, had our A/C replaced a couple of years ago,,, new unit is bigger than our old one,,, and it does a much better job of removing humidity,,, so 74 is pretty comfortable !!! I would have to wonder how many amps would 3 A/C units draw ??? And would a de-humidifier work as well as a 3rd A/C unit ???

3 ac units would be about 45 amps. On a 50amp rig, you have 100amps available. Not a big deal.

It's not just about humidity. Our bunkhouse has very little insulation due to slideout and outdoor kitchen. Add-in poor airflow (longest distance from main unit) and you have a warm room. Giving that room its own ac will really cool things down and give me total control. With that 3rd unit, I can turn down (up) the other two for a balance in temp.

Wolverine 1945 · 10-08-2016, 07:59 AM

The one A/C we have in out 2500 Sunseeker,,, with 3 slide,,, works very well,,, I just can not imagine an RV with 3 A/C unites ???

325BH · 10-08-2016, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolverine 1945

The one A/C we have in out 2500 Sunseeker,,, with 3 slide,,, works very well,,, I just can not imagine an RV with 3 A/C unites ???

Add another 10 feet to your rig, don't run the car a/c while traveling and let the camper get to 100+ degrees inside and you will understand.

My two ac units are skewed to the front. I have plenty of capacity, but the back doesn't get good airflow and stays warm/hot at times.

A 3rd ac is an easy way to have total control. Plus, I like to bring the temp down NOW, not wait 4 hours...

dwhit · 10-08-2016, 08:41 AM

I'm toying with adding a 3rd unit in the garage. So far I can run main and bedroom a/c's and be cool using a fan to get the cold air from the bedroom into the main room.

Most every camp spot we went to NO SHADE for the "big rigs"...

Filthy Beast · 10-08-2016, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325BH

Add another 10 feet to your rig, don't run the car a/c while traveling and let the camper get to 100+ degrees inside and you will understand.

My two ac units are skewed to the front. I have plenty of capacity, but the back doesn't get good airflow and stays warm/hot at times.

A 3rd ac is an easy way to have total control. Plus, I like to bring the temp down NOW, not wait 4 hours...

Unfortunately bringing the temp down NOW does not allow for humidity removal.

325BH · 10-08-2016, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filthy Beast

Unfortunately bringing the temp down NOW does not allow for humidity removal.

Who cares. The humidity will eventually come down because I leave them running. In the mean time, I want the temp to drop.

I'm a weekend camper. When I unhitch, I want to get the party started, not wait for a perfect climate in 24 hours..

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