Adding 2nd AC after purchase - bad idea?

[Smiletwice]

We are considering a larger trailer. A second AC is an option. We found one we liked but while it is wired for 2nd AC, it only has one currently installed. In our area, we're not even sure we need a second AC. Never did with our 26 foot trailer. So...any insights on cost/hassle/difficulty to install second AC if we thought we needed it vs. just finding one with it already installed? Thanks!

[A32Deuce]

Any chance to travel to places where you may need the second unit? If not save the money till you feel that you do need it. That's what I would do.

[jjhamick]

A big question is can you run both AC's at the same time? I had a Winnebago that had two AC's. I could only run one at a time on shore power. I could run the second one on the genny. My coach was 30A. I would imagine 50A units will run both together.

[Smiletwice]

Originally Posted by jjhamick

A big question is can you run both AC's at the same time? I had a Winnebago that had two AC's. I could only run one at a time on shore power. I could run the second one on the genny. My coach was 30A. I would imagine 50A units will run both together.

Yes, the new unit will be 50 amp. I should have mentioned that!

[My17Ram]

My son ordered s new Grand Design Imagine 2800 BH bunkhouse and he ordered the second AC from the factory. Much cheaper than having it installed later and no worries about trusting the dealer to do the install correctly.

[Kimber45]

In Michigan I seldom need both a/c units in my 43 foot 5th wheel and often camp on only 30 amp sites. if temps are in the 90's and humidity is hi one a/c unit struggles on a sunny site. I would think it would be easier and more cost effect to find the unit you want on a lot with both a/c's already installed (if looking at new units) ive found that some dealers order bone stock units to make their prices seem low while others tend to order units with more options.

[5picker]

To answer your question, not a difficult install if it is already a 50a service and prewired but you will definitely save money by having it factory installed.

Not sure what it is today but a few years ago we couldn't buy just the A/C unit for what the factory installed price was. Same for slide toppers.

My advice... if you are considering it at all... add it as an order option and have it installed at the factory.

[LannyCox]

The forward A-C unit in my 50 amp 2013 Class A motorhome failed (making loud noises) on a recent short trip. Parts for the unit are no longer available so we are having to go with a new Coleman A-C/Heat Pump unit. The new unit, installed by a reputable dealer for my brand RV, is going to cost almost $2,000. Labor rates at RV Service Centers are outrageous!!

[Tundra 2014]

If it is wired for it, you can put in a non-ducted A/C. My 27' Flagstaff V-front has this. My trailer is a 30 amp, but has a 110 male in a socket on the outside. Not as good as having them both ducted together, but allows camping in TX and the Southwest anytime. Sometimes I have to have an adaptor for the 50 amp pole to 30 amp and 30 amp to 110. Most times there is an extra 110 outlet. If you have power there on a %0 amp no problem.

[Walholler]

I would never pay anyone $2000.00 to install a $500.00 air conditioner. I added a second 15K roof top AC unit to our 5th wheel travel trailer that was only wired for 30 amp power for $650.00. This price included the new AC unit and the required wiring and circuit breaker box & breaker. The most difficult part was getting the unit on top of trailer. I got a fellow with a small crane on his work truck to hoist it up there and set it in place. Living in Southwest Louisiana with its high heat and humidity, one AC unit cannot hack the mission, but two can and do a fine job of it.

[Bama Rambler]

If the RV has a vent in the location where the second A/C would go, then it's pretty easy to replace the vent with an A/C. The hardest part is getting the A/C up on the roof. If you can handle that, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the RV without the second A/C and add it later.

[Tundra 2014]

I agree, I would try to find trailer w/ 2 nd. air on it. Ducted if possible, quieter. The add-on like we have is $1000 installed. Disadvantage is it is noiser and not connected to thermostat.

[Jeff from Burlington Ont]

we had a 35 foot 5ver with 1 AC and went to South Carolina for a beach holiday for 2 weeks.. Outside it was 100 degrees and 100% humidity. It was so hot in the trailer that I thought the AC was not working, paid $250 for a tech to come out and test the unit.. it was working just fine.. We ended up putting the dog in the car with the AC on, during the hottest part of the day. We ended up leaving the resort 3 days early and headed up to Virginia to find a cooler spot.

Our new 5ver has 2 AC units.. I would suggest it is an easy decision if you plan to camp anywhere south of North Carolina.. Adding the second unit if your unit is wired for it should be a painless enhancement. Like other's have mentioned, get a price from an independent trailer service company. they are apt to be faster and less expensive than the dealers

[5picker]

Originally Posted by LannyCox

The forward A-C unit in my 50 amp 2013 Class A motorhome failed (making loud noises) on a recent short trip. Parts for the unit are no longer available so we are having to go with a new Coleman A-C/Heat Pump unit. The new unit, installed by a reputable dealer for my brand RV, is going to cost almost $2,000. Labor rates at RV Service Centers are outrageous!!

I don't know where you are having the work done but replacing an already existing but defective A/C unit should not cost anywhere near $2k.

I don't want to say your dealer isn't as reputable as what you suggest but I'd advise a second opinion.

[CaptnJohn]

A 28’ is about the max for 1 AC below the Mason Dixon line. I have 2 at 41’ and will be installing a 3rd. All 15k and 3rd will have the heat pump as 1 heat pump works too hard. My Montana came Wired for the 3rd.

[DouglasReid]

Here is a link to a thread where the guy wanted to add a 2nd A/C and a description as to what is involved.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ml#post2262042

read through it and you will see what all is involved. The difference is he has 50A service. With only 30A you will not be able to run both at once, you will overload the 30A breaker at the pedestal or in yoru service panel......

.UNLESS you wire it to a separate new panel to a 20 Amp breaker and then to a pigtail so you can plug into both the 30A for the rest of the camper and to the 20A receptacle on the pedestal.

[Smiletwice]

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

Here is a link to a thread where the guy wanted to add a 2nd A/C and a description as to what is involved.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ml#post2262042

read through it and you will see what all is involved. The difference is he has 50A service. With only 30A you will not be able to run both at once, you will overload the 30A breaker at the pedestal or in yoru service panel......

.UNLESS you wire it to a separate new panel to a 20 Amp breaker and then to a pigtail so you can plug into both the 30A for the rest of the camper and to the 20A receptacle on the pedestal.

Thanks for the info. As noted previously, the new unit we're looking at is 50 Amp.

[lewisra]

Ours has one A/C. When we are in high heat areas, 100 degree direct sun in Moab, UT. We close off the ducted air and use a pedestal fan to circulate the air towards the front bedroom without an A/C unit. This has worked fine for us.

[whj469]

My 2018 Cardinal 3825 FL has three AC, 15,000 btu in the living area and one 13,500 btu each in of the kitchen and bedroom. we live in SE Texas and for a 42 foot fiver they are needed when we do the southern summer. In my first fiver many years ago we had a ducked 15,000 btu AC in the kitchen/living area and a stand alone 13,500 btu in the bedroom and the bedroom AC was on or off and very noisy. I would recommend that all ACs be ducked together.