Second a/c

[jkinger]

We like just about everything about our 233s roo but, during the hot Oklahoma summers the a/c just can't keep up. We cover all three tents with space blankets and have reflectix in the windows. I was thinking of adding a second 13.5k a/c or upgrading the 13.5 a/c I have now to a 15k. I think I could run second a/c off separate 20 amp hookup. Just looking for input.

[1l243]

Do you have an available roof vent where you can put a second AC? I added a second AC to the Garage in my Toy Hauler. Mine was prewired so the electrical was easy.

Your right, if you want to run two AC's at the same time you will have to run it seperate from your 30amp system...

You can see my install here
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...5.cfm#25971865

[Cowracer]

I have the 15k btu in my 21ssl. Not a whole lot smaller than your 233 when you factor in the size of the slide. It will positively FREEZE you out. We camped just last weekend, 100 degree days, and our spot was in direct sunlight from sunrise till about 7-7:30 at night. We have no reflectex or space blankets.

To be sure, the bunk ends were noticeably warmer than the main 'box', but only while the sun was up. But on the whole, I think I could hang meat in the thing. I didn't know if another 1.5k BTU in a/c would make a difference, but is sure seems like it does. My old class A with TWO 13.5K did not cool down like this one does.

Tim

[jkinger]

Thanks for input cowracer and 1/243. I have already installed second a/c and will finish wiring it tonight. I plan on wiring in a separate circuit to run it. Camping this weekend in 100 + weather so we will see how it works.

[tolley31]

It was 109 in the shade here in Southern IL today and 94 in our camper with the air running! Miserable! Now that the sun isn't beating down it is freezing in here. I ended up putting our tent ends in to help cut down on the loss of cold air. It helped some. We definitely learned our lesson and will NEVER camp in the sun in the summer again. We will also make sure we have the bigger air unit next time (I believe we have the smaller one). Live and learn. Will be getting solar blankets as well. Glad to hear that we are not the only ones with a cooling issue. DH thought the air conditioner broke at first. Hopefully your addition of a second air conditioner helps.

[jkinger]

Just got back from a 4 day weekend in 100 plus degree weather. The second system worked great. Used it in afternoon during heat of day. Kept camper at 75 degrees. Second a/c blows right into front bunk. We were in shade in morning but had afternoon sun.

[wiesenbornk]

Originally Posted by jkinger

Just got back from a 4 day weekend in 100 plus degree weather. The second system worked great. Used it in afternoon during heat of day. Kept camper at 75 degrees. Second a/c blows right into front bunk. We were in shade in morning but had afternoon sun.

We are VERY interested in this thread! Right now we are camping on the beach in Texas and it is uncomfortably warm! Anyone know about how much it would cost to get a second AC unit and have it installed? This is our first summer with the Roo and have loved it up until now. I would hate for our camping to come to a screeching halt. HELP!

[tolley31]

Hate hearing others have the same issue as we did with the heat but glad to know we are not alone.

[jkinger]

I did the install myself. The 13.5k a/c cost $575. I had the 12/2 wire but had to buy the external plug for about $20. I used the forward vent opening and it took about 4 hours. Also $25 for 25' extension cord.

[wiesenbornk]

Originally Posted by jkinger

I did the install myself. The 13.5k a/c cost $575. I had the 12/2 wire but had to buy the external plug for about $20. I used the forward vent opening and it took about 4 hours. Also $25 for 25' extension cord.

Where would you go and how much would it cost to have someone do the install for us?

[redfox217]

can you post some pic of the install and setup

[jkinger]

I'll try to post some pics tonight.

[wiesenbornk]

Pictures would be awesome! Thank you!

[jkinger]

Ok here are some pics.







Inside control unit just clears slide.



In this picture you can see the ceiling light between two Ac units. To run wiring you have to drop this light. This will give you access to run 12/2 wire. There is a channel in ceiling that runs from behind refrigerator to this light and from this light to vent where the Ac will be installed. There is spare wire in there for a power vent option. Too small to run Ac. ( I used this wire when I rewired interior lights to a switch at door). So basically I ran new wire from vent down the channel to light and from light to behind refrigerator. I also had to remove refrigerator vent cap from on top of camper to direct wire down. I also used fish tape to pull wire.



This is back of refrigerator from outside. Yellow wire is the new Ac wire. I first displaced electric panel below refrigerator to make sure things were clear so I could drilled a hole thru wood. Then I ran wire down.



I went to local Rv dealer and found this 15 amp male plug. Used a 1 7/8" hole saw and drilled hole for plug. Ran wire out hole and connected it to plug. Installed plug with three screws.
All this took me about 4 hours. Only help I had was two strong guys to lift Ac unit up to me while I was on roof.Upper unit weighs about 80 pounds. Had camper out about two weeks ago in 105 degree temps. In afternoon sun I would run both units and they could maintain 74 degrees. New unit blows nicely into front tent. I only use second Ac when first starts losing ground. Also for initial cool down during setup.

[papamcgown]

We went out for 1st trip in new TT last week July 3rd-8th. Temperatures were 100+ daytime high & we were glad to have 2nd AC. Still had to open up main AC to blow more air into living-dining area.

Following suggestion in other thread & installing "GILA" Reflective film on dining-living area windows & skylights (way too much heat comes in through the skylights), doing this before trip to Branson for 8 days end of the month.

[GASPEDDLER]

I like the idea of a second a/c to help during the peak hours and to serve as a backup if the other breaks down. The problem is the only roof vent I have is located in the bathroom. Has anyone added a second a/c by cutting their own hole in the roof? Can it be done? Would there be a need for additional bracing to support the unit?