Adding a BR A/C in 30 AMP Trailer

[Poppy's 5th Wheel]

Hi All,

My biggest regret was not having ordered my Cougar High Country 299RKS with 50 AMP service. But it is what it is. I really want to add an A/C unit in the bedroom. I realize I wouldn't be able to run both units through the house electrical system but I was interested to hear options and opinions for getting power to it.

Also, this unit did not come with ceiling vent in the bedroom at all so the install would be more complex than just a drop in. Is that a big problem or something a competent RV service center can handle?

We've had our 5er for 2 1/2 years now, towed it about 6,000 miles and it has been trouble free essentially. Even still running the original tires (I hope I just didn't put a curse on myself). I have 1 more year to work and our plan is a tour of the US next summer so we want to get a number of things done before then. I just changed to a Mor-Ryde pin box that I love. I am changing out my wheels to 16" and going with a better tire (lot's of good reading here on that). I will be shopping for a good tire pressure monitoring system too. I am also adding an invertor and switching to 4 - 6 volt batteries from our 2 - 12 volt system. And, we may add a satellite dish.

Any input or advice, especially regarding my A/C question, will be greatly appreciated.

[hankpage]

One way would be to power the second A/C separately from the 20 amp outlet on the power post. This should allow you to run both at the same time. Since you are not pre-wired it may be something to consider.

[Poppy's 5th Wheel]

Originally Posted by hankpage

One way would be to power the second A/C separately from the 20 amp outlet on the power post. This should allow you to run both at the same time. Since you are not pre-wired it may be something to consider.

That was one of my thoughts but how would they (the installer) get the power from the A/C unit through the ceiling? Is that possible? I also thought about just having the power plug exposed inside the trailer and running it across the ceiling and plug it into a wall outlet where the BR TV would plug in but your way I could potentially run both A/C units at the same time. My way wouldn't. Right?

[Javi]

Unless that trailer was framed and braced, not to mention wired for a second A/C unit; you'll be in for a big expense...

[TandE]

What would you look for to see if it was framed and braced?

[Poppy's 5th Wheel]

Originally Posted by TandE

What would you look for to see if it was framed and braced?

X2, I'd like to know that too!

[hankpage]

Looking at your floor-plan you should have a 14"x14" vent in the bathroom. Removing the interior trim from that vent you should be able to look inside your ceiling to see what you are up against. Behind the livingroom tv there should be a removable panel to access the shower valve. If you have a skylight in your shower removing the trim will allow you to get wiring down that wall and follow the shower plumbing to the storage area and from there under the trailer to the power post or to the power panel to a new breaker to share the 30amp. One A/C at a time. To add a breaker you may have to remove a single breaker and replace it with a piggy-back to give you the new circuit. If an extra vent in the bedroom was optional for your model, I would think that it would be framed for it. Now ... only the good lord or a good stud-finder will know where it is located. I have little trust in dealers. Good luck, Hank

[Poppy's 5th Wheel]

Thanks Hank. I know the model had an option for 50 AMP and for a BR A/C so I agree that it would cost Keystone a lot more to only frame some units and not all of them so I suspect it is framed properly but will do some research for sure. I think my favorite power option would be a separate power cord that would go to the power stand and plug into the 20 amp outlet. For some reason I thought A/C units needed a minimum of 30 amps.

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by Poppy's 5th Wheel

Thanks Hank. I know the model had an option for 50 AMP and for a BR A/C so I agree that it would cost Keystone a lot more to only frame some units and not all of them so I suspect it is framed properly but will do some research for sure. I think my favorite power option would be a separate power cord that would go to the power stand and plug into the 20 amp outlet. For some reason I thought A/C units needed a minimum of 30 amps.

Start up may be a little higher but they are usually under 15amp.. If you are going with the separate 20amp. you may want to consider a heat strip or heat pump model to aid in heating also. Just a thought .... it is very easy for me to spend your money.

[Poppy's 5th Wheel]

Originally Posted by hankpage

Start up may be a little higher but they are usually under 15amp.. If you are going with the separate 20amp. you may want to consider a heat strip or heat pump model to aid in heating also. Just a thought .... it is very easy for me to spend your money.

Isn't it fun!

I saw that and thought about it but need to look into it more.

I noticed you are running 16" XPS RIBS. Did you upgrade from 15"? I think that's exactly what I want to do. I found a link to a company that sells trailer wheel and tire packages that seemed pretty reasonable.

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by Poppy's 5th Wheel

I noticed you are running 16" XPS RIBS. Did you upgrade from 15"? I think that's exactly what I want to do. I found a link to a company that sells trailer wheel and tire packages that seemed pretty reasonable.

Yes I upgraded from 15" .... be sure to check ALL clearances on EACH wheel. Section width on one of my tires was critical in choosing size.

[Poppy's 5th Wheel]

Originally Posted by hankpage

Yes I upgraded from 15" .... be sure to check ALL clearances on EACH wheel. Section width on one of my tires was critical in choosing size.

I absolutely will check.