Second A/C or not - Page 2

twiggw · 02-23-2016, 01:51 PM

We had one coach (30 ft.) with a single A/C. Never again!

Dinostop · 02-23-2016, 02:13 PM

My new Heritage Glen has a 2nd ac and I believe it is ducted in as well. Both thermostats are next to each other in the main living area. I would always opt to have that kind of work done factory rather than after market.

Eastlake, Ohio
2013 F-350 Turbo Diesel
2016 Heritage Glen 368rlbh

Telstar · 02-23-2016, 02:13 PM

If you are undecided get it pre wired for the second AC then you can replace the vent with a second AC at any time. We did and after ten years still haven't seen the need to add it. We like Windows and vents open whenever weather permits.

TURBS · 02-23-2016, 02:19 PM

I installed my second a/c myself for under $700.00

2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"

DKRITTER · 02-23-2016, 02:23 PM

10000000% yes

twiggw · 02-23-2016, 02:31 PM

Our next rig will probably be a 300x12 toyhauler. No way would I take a chance on having an uncomfortable bedroom. The unit comes with a 50 amp service so it's really a no brainer for me. I have even considered a third unit for the toy bay but not so much now since no one will be sleeping there. 6 for cocktails, 4 for dinner, 2 to sleep.

booniey · 02-23-2016, 02:42 PM

I live in New York and we just ordered a flagstaff 831RESS. When my salesman told me we could get the unit with a second a/c , I didn't hesitate and said yes,we want it. The way I looked at it was there's a reason why they offer it and the thought of trying to sleep in a hot camper does not appeal to me. Besides nobody blames a man for overkill.

FrankMor · 02-23-2016, 02:56 PM

We have a Coachman Freedom express 248RBS, 50 amp second air with 1500 replacing 1350 was something we had to explain to the sales manager when we ordered it. He said we did not need it. I asked if he had ever camped when it was 105. He said, I said we have and we want 2 ACs. The only problem is Coachman did not have the bedroom air hooked to the vents, it is bedroom only. Last year was not as hot and rained every time we camped. The MH we traded in had 2 ACs and needed them, it was 31 ft inside.
The humidity in FL makes 2 ACsneeded.

Frank

Sasnett1 · 02-23-2016, 03:03 PM

I am in SE Alabama I just bought a 2016 311rl vibe and got the 15k unit and prewired for the front unit my dealer told me it is like $710.00 installed from factory and if we use it and decide we need it later that he can install for $650.00

Sasnett1 · 02-23-2016, 03:04 PM

That he didn't think we would need it due to construction of our unit we will see come summer

RoyandCherryl · 02-23-2016, 03:15 PM

We bought our 2016 Heritage Glen 282RK spec'd from the factory through a dealer in Ohio. We were told the factory would wire for the second a/c during the build but the dealer would install the unit before our pick up. We also were told by our Rep the second a/c was ducted into the main ductwork. Much to our dismay, the second a/c was NOT ducted and air flow goes directly into the bedroom. We wanted the second air to run while we were in the unit and not have the noise from the main when watching tv or to converse. We currently are staying in Florida and the temperature outside is 82 today. With the bedroom air only running as I type this, the temperature in the living area is 73. But, in order to maintain that temperature we had to start the a/c this morning well before the outside temperature climbed. Otherwise it does not catch up to cool the main living area. The temperature of 73 is the lowest it will be obtained using the bedroom air as primary. So be sure to verify the second a/c is ducted to the main ductwork for the main. Ours is not.

halfdome · 02-23-2016, 03:28 PM

Might also depend if you do much dry camping. I really like the fantastic fan on in the bedroom (5th wheel) while we sleep. If you add a 2nd AC you don't have any way to get airflow in the bedroom unless you are on hook-ups. If it were possible I would have ordered fantastic fan AND 2nd AC as it could use an 2nd AC as one doesn't cool fast enough if hot.

camaraderie · 02-23-2016, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiscampsin

Summer in Florida? IMHO it's a no brainer, get the 2nd AC unit.

X2... it will cost a lot more to install it when you realize you should have!

KRSmitty · 02-23-2016, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampingGator

We also live in Florida. What size trailer? We have a Hemisphere, which is the sister to the Heritage Glen. We have the 263RL and have only one air conditioner. Usually we have the air blow in the main living area and let the bedroom cool down more gradually. By bedtime, it is good. We have a fan in the bedroom and often feel cold and turn down the air during the night. We camped last summer in Mississippi when it was 100 degrees out and did fine. Every one is different thought, so maybe you want two, especially if you have a larger unit. One other consideration is if that would put you over 30 amp service. I'm not a guy, so maybe others have more specific details for you.

We are looking at the 272RL

jimmie2gunns · 02-23-2016, 04:42 PM

I have that trailer in a 2014 model. Because the exterior is a dark color, it absorbs a lot of heat. I wish more than anything, we had a second a/c. Nothing worse than trying to sleep when it's too hot. We run a fan in the main living space and point it toward the bedroom to try and help it. The bedroom is always the hottest part of the trailer.

ferguson65 · 02-23-2016, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaraderie

X2... it will cost a lot more to install it when you realize you should have!

THIS!

I ordered my trailer 30A with one 15k a/c because I decided I didn't want to deal with the monster 50A cord. Wish the salesman would have told me I was being stupid. Needless to say the trailer has been converted to 50A and now has 2 15k a/c's. Don't make my mistake!

dryhorn2 · 02-23-2016, 05:03 PM

Well worth the extra money add the 2nd AC...

5er_tom · 02-23-2016, 05:05 PM

With the former 5th wheel we stayed in OK City for 4 nights, 105 degrees each day. The one 15K A/C ran 24/7 and just barely kept it comfortable. With the new 5th wheel with 2 a/c units, we pulled into Redding, CA last Aug @104 degrees. Within a hour it was comfortable.
Yes, no brainier.

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

dahagen · 02-23-2016, 05:29 PM

When watching TV we run the back AC. When sleeping we run the front AC in our Motorhome with the rear queen bed. The AC's are not real quiet, you know. Rarely run them both, but nice to have two.

Fairenatic · 02-23-2016, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conceptumator

From a fellow Floridian.....don't even think about not getting the second unit. You'll only regret it later if you don't. Even if you like it warm I the RV, it's nice to have a backup if one unit goes down. We have the heat pump on our main unit, too, and it takes care of all our heating needs.

I agree.

Redundancy is good. Just gives you peace of mind, spreads out the operating hours on the units, and makes life just that much more comfortable on those really hot days.

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