Second AC Question

[ScenicView]

My Puma XLE 2019 31BHSC has 50 amp service, is prewired for a second AC, but only comes with one 13.5k BTU unit.

I was thinking of adding the second unit right off the bat. The dealer told me it would go where the skylight in the master bedroom is now.

How does a second unit work with the first unit? Do they both push air into the same ducts so they complement each other? Is it very noisy in the enclosed space of a master bedroom?

The price for the second unit plus installation is $1,800 and change even though it is prewired and braced. Would I be better off upgrading the main unit to 15k BTU and waiting on the second unit? I'm just sticking to New England this summer, but last summer there was a heat wave every week long trip we took. We were in a 22' Bullet with two kids and a dog. I guess that explains the new TT!

[Kimber45]

Should of ordered the unit with two units. prob would of been a minimum charge new. now that you own the unit either way will be pricey. Yes the share the same duct work and yes its noisy in the bedroom. I run both during the heat of the day when needed and only run the living room one after dark once cooled off. Will need to shop for 50 amp camp sites if wanting to run both units. Most campgrounds I stay at only have 30 amp service.

[tomkatb]

Your dealer did you a disservice selling you a 35’ trailer with 50% of recommended air conditioning. Generally a second unit is less then a grand. $1800 to install one now sounds about right.

A 15,000 unit is only about 10% more ac. A second unit will improve your situation. If you are careful you can run two on 30 amp service.

Cooling a trailer in Kansas on a 105 degree day takes two 15,000 units working hard. Our two units worked hard from 5pm to 10:00 pm to cool our fiver down. We went out to dinner.

Noise in the bedroom is an issue. Depending on weather you might be able to turn one off. Maybe not. We were fortunate to be able to get the whisper quiet units. I doubt you have that option.

Earplugs? You do get used to it eventually.

[Iwannacamp]

Lol. These guys are right if it gets above 85 or so. My first unit had one 15k unit and on a 100 degree Texas summer it was a challenge. I swore the next would have two....and it does.

Couple things I have figured out. Most of the places we stay are 30 amps(COE and state parks and such) some do, but not many. I was told you can use a cheater adapter to tie in the 30 and 15 amp plugs...only 2 times I have tried it the GFCIs didn’t play nice in the sandbox.

The next thing is rolling thunder on the BR unducted unit. Cool? Yes... DW and me snore so I am used to noise.

I pretty sure you can buy a unit for $7-800 with the adapter stuff. What I have read the getting the unit to the roof is the hard part.

I will try and post a link.

[Iwannacamp]

One

Puma 2nd A/C Addition
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...d.php?t=181127

[Iwannacamp]

Two


Adding 2nd 15,000 BTU AC????
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...d.php?t=153257

[ScenicView]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

Two


Adding 2nd 15,000 BTU AC????
Adding 2nd 15,000 BTU AC???? - Forest River Forums

Great links. Thanks!

[RAMMIN_TIME]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

One

Puma 2nd A/C Addition
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...d.php?t=181127

This was my post. I purchased from Dyers Online for a great deal. For everything it was around $600 shipped to my house. I chose the non-ducted because I didn’t want to deal with the ducts. Overall it was an easy experience. The main unit is 15k and this one is 13,5k.

[flyboy43]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

Lol. These guys are right if it gets above 85 or so. My first unit had one 15k unit and on a 100 degree Texas summer it was a challenge. I swore the next would have two....and it does.

Couple things I have figured out. Most of the places we stay are 30 amps(COE and state parks and such) some do, but not many. I was told you can use a cheater adapter to tie in the 30 and 15 amp plugs...only 2 times I have tried it the GFCIs didn’t play nice in the sandbox.

The next thing is rolling thunder on the BR unducted unit. Cool? Yes... DW and me snore so I am used to noise.

I pretty sure you can buy a unit for $7-800 with the adapter stuff. What I have read the getting the unit to the roof is the hard part.

I will try and post a link.

Good info in your reply. My question is since I have the 50A down to a three prong 120v 15-20A plug, will that work with the 30A services usually available at RV parks? Thanks.

[Iwannacamp]

Originally Posted by flyboy43

Good info in your reply. My question is since I have the 50A down to a three prong 120v 15-20A plug, will that work with the 30A services usually available at RV parks? Thanks.

If you mean can you use both A/Cs?
Sorry to say most likely not. Some say you can if you install a couple of helpers to the units. If you use LP for the reefer and the WH you can MAYBE get by with it. Leave the micro off and no hair dryers when both A/Cs are on.
Just remember... under full load my converter will pull 10 amps.
Do you have an EMS? You can monitor the amperage if you do.

Short story? Prolly not a good idea.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by flyboy43

Good info in your reply. My question is since I have the 50A down to a three prong 120v 15-20A plug, will that work with the 30A services usually available at RV parks? Thanks.

No, you will not be able to use both A/Cs on 30 amp unless you also have a power management system that cycles between the units or understand current draws and how to manage them.

Also if you are adapting your 50a down to 15a/20a with an adapter, you really should only go 50a to 30a when using A/C. Maybe you do have a 50a to 30a and then to a 15a/20a but at a 30a site you don't want to adapt down further than the 30a. While an A/C unit can be run on 15a, you can't run much else, especially if using an extension cord.

30a to 50a


30a to 15a/20a


And as mentioned, the adapters that let you plug into BOTH the 30a receptacle and the 15a/20a receptacle usually trip a GFCI and most warn they will right on them.

[tomkatb]

We go to state parks all the time with 30.amp service.

Our trailer is wired for 50 amps/ two circuits equaling 100 total.

We use a 30 to 50 amp dogbone as shown.

As you have no load shedding devices you are it!

We hook our ems up to the dogbone. Then the 50 amp wire to the trailer.

You can monitor each circuit. Our fiver is set up with gas water heater, stove, fridge.

So when we power up it is one ac, and the converter to charge the batteries. When the converter fan shuts off we know it is in the mid mode. Not a lot of amp draw. Then my load shedding wife can use one high load additional device.

Ac or dryer or convection oven. Sometime she gets away with three. Starting up the ac units are the issue. At night she turns the fridge to electric. Living room ac off. Dryer on!

In cold temps, the same deal with the fireplace and second electric heater in the bedroom. Colorado mountains can get cold.

Works for us.

Love state and COE campgrounds with 30 amp service.

[flyboy43]

Originally Posted by 5picker

No, you will not be able to use both A/Cs on 30 amp unless you also have a power management system that cycles between the units or understand current draws and how to manage them.

Also if you are adapting your 50a down to 15a/20a with an adapter, you really should only go 50a to 30a when using A/C. Maybe you do have a 50a to 30a and then to a 15a/20a but at a 30a site you don't want to adapt down further than the 30a. While an A/C unit can be run on 15a, you can't run much else, especially if using an extension cord.

30a to 50a


30a to 15a/20a


And as mentioned, the adapters that let you plug into BOTH the 30a receptacle and the 15a/20a receptacle usually trip a GFCI and most warn they will right on them.

Thanks - that info is very helpful. And I appreciate your rapid reply.

[birchcrossing]

I put in a new Dometic 13500 Brisk 2 in our Columbus 5th wheel. Its an easy install if your already wired. Price I paid for the new unit was $551.00 from www.rvpartscountry.com