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Old 06-02-2016, 07:52 AM   #1
hawkeyestoob
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Recommended 2nd AC unit

It is becoming obvious that the single AC unit on our Raptor 297SE toy hauler simply will not keep up on hot days. Our unit is wired for adding a second unit and I am hoping to find out what has worked for those of you who have added one. Things like what brand and size you went with as well as what you would do differently.

Thanks,
Craig
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Old 06-02-2016, 08:11 AM   #2
canesfan
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I'm in this camp too. Thought I'd try with only one unit first but in the Summer it runs constantly and can't keep up. Leaning toward a 13500 non-ducted unit without a separate thermostat to make it easy. Was thinking low profile but since the other AC is full size it really doesn't matter since the roof is flat front to back. What else should we consider and what brands, or just go to Amazon and read reviews?
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Old 06-02-2016, 08:20 AM   #3
Kristi
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We went with a 13500 non ducted unit in our 313rli. It really made a difference! In the evening we usually turn off the main A/C and just run the front one so its quieter in the living area, the do the opposite overnight. If I could do it over I would spend the extra $$ for the low profile unit, just for clearance peace of mind.
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Old 06-02-2016, 02:34 PM   #4
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2nd Air

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kristi View Post
We went with a 13500 non ducted unit in our 313rli. It really made a difference! In the evening we usually turn off the main A/C and just run the front one so its quieter in the living area, the do the opposite overnight. If I could do it over I would spend the extra $$ for the low profile unit, just for clearance peace of mind.
During heat of the day down at Myrtle Beach the 2nd bedroom 13500 has made huge difference. We also use a portable unit in the SRX garage, again, huge benefit.
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Old 06-06-2016, 01:26 AM   #5
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Link from an earlier discussion

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22877
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Old 06-06-2016, 02:10 AM   #6
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Our dealer used a Coleman 13.5 unit, non-ducted, with the controls on the unit, and it's worked fine.

One notable item on fifth wheels (which are already high in the front), sometimes a low-profile unit is useful to keep the total height of the trailer lower.
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Old 06-06-2016, 04:46 AM   #7
hawkeyestoob
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Thanks for the replies. I think that we are going to have to get serious about this here quick since the weather here is going from mid 70s this weekend to mid 90's by the end of the week.
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Old 06-06-2016, 05:17 AM   #8
sourdough
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We went with a Dometic Penguin II for the front. It's a low profile unit. We have a Dometic 15k in the living area but it is pretty tall and square. The Penguin II has sort of a tapered front that looked like it might handle the wind better. Our trailer was wired and prepped and we had Camping World install it. All I can say is.....it's great. A 2nd AC can't be beat in hot temps. It is non ducted and doesn't have a thermostat...which I wanted. We like to sleep cold so it's good for that.

In the day we run the main ac, if it gets too hot we turn on the bedroom ac as well, and so far here in FL, it will keep you COLD. At night we just use the bedroom unit; not only does it keep us plenty cool, we like the noise too. This is our 3rd summer with the setup and we like it.
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Old 06-06-2016, 10:42 AM   #9
Dave W
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I just added one to our 5er. This is my write up:

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=25262

As far as keeping things chilly - it sure will!!!!!!!!
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Old 06-25-2018, 11:25 AM   #10
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Thanks for all the information. I have a SRX and am considering adding another unit, it is pre-wired. However, since the main one is ducted...to the bedroom and bath, is it possible to add a unit and use the ducts that exists in the bath and bedroom. Maybe block from the the main. Just a thought, since they are there.
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Old 06-25-2018, 12:54 PM   #11
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Just a quick ? for you raptor guys, how did you know that your unit was pre wired for a 2nd unit? Is it quite obvious?


Edit: I just went out and looked, and I do have a breaker that has "2nd ac" hand written on the tag.
Also, there is a "skylight" as well as a typical vent in the front bedroom.
Also noticed a random 110v plug mounted in the ceiling, but not really very close to either of the "holes"
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Old 06-26-2018, 12:15 PM   #12
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For those who are considering adding the second 13.5 unit....why not consider a 15K unit? I usually think more is better unless there is a size or clearance issue?

Just wondering.....
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Old 06-26-2018, 12:25 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Harleydodge View Post
Just a quick ? for you raptor guys, how did you know that your unit was pre wired for a 2nd unit? Is it quite obvious?


Edit: I just went out and looked, and I do have a breaker that has "2nd ac" hand written on the tag.
Also, there is a "skylight" as well as a typical vent in the front bedroom.
Also noticed a random 110v plug mounted in the ceiling, but not really very close to either of the "holes"


AC unit will sit on roof after removing the 14X14 vent. The wiring will be in the ceiling rafters. The random plug may be near the coax for a tv.
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Old 06-26-2018, 01:06 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57 View Post
AC unit will sit on roof after removing the 14X14 vent. The wiring will be in the ceiling rafters. The random plug may be near the coax for a tv.

Thank you Sir.
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Old 06-26-2018, 01:37 PM   #15
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I installed a low profile 15K Carrier non-ducted in the master bedroom. If you're going to add a 2nd A/C, go ahead and make it a 15K. If I close the bedroom door on a 90-degree day, I can get the temperature down into the 60's! You can always adjust the thermostat if you get cold. It's good to have the extra 1.5K BTU's available for those extra hot days.
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Old 06-28-2018, 04:05 PM   #16
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I just installed a 2nd in the front living room - check out this thread

http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums...ad.php?t=33668
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