Not adding, but upgrading a/c?

[datasponge]

Hi. We're camping in nearly 90 degree weather, and as I suspected the single, 13,500 btu unit that came with our cougar 326rds is struggling to keep up.

I know we can add another unit, but I'm specifically interested to know if anyone has swapped out the single unit with a 15000 btu unit and if that did the trick.

I'm on my phone and tried to do a search on this but didn't get any real results, so I apologize in advance...im sure this has likely been discussed before.

Thank you.

[travelin texans]

Either way, adding or upgrading, you have to buy another unit, so my suggestion is add another rather than upgrade. I honestly don't think you'd notice enough difference in the upgrade to justify the cost. Adding another will definitely be a noticeable difference.

[Ddubya]

If yours is ducted, have you done any of the mods on ducts and or return plenums?

[sourdough]

I'm in the camp of "why"? I am assuming it is a fairly new trailer. A 13,500 unit is going to be hard pressed to cool a 38' trailer no matter what you do, and, a 15k won't do much better....if you could even tell it.

My trailer is about the same size as yours and came with a 15k unit which did not do the job in hot W TX or S TX temps so added a 2nd AC. I would suggest doing the same or you will just be throwing your money away I'm afraid.

[Pull Toy]

+1 ^^^ for Danny..., and Danny!

You will have to buy a new A/C anyhow, why not add it to what you already have? You have a better chance of keeping the rig cool with an A/C at both ends.

Good Luck,

[bob91yj]

The ducted 15K AC on our trailer couldn't keep up with the SoCal heat, another vote to add the second AC!

[wiredgeorge]

I have a 27' Cougar 278EFS and upgraded from a ducted 13.5 to a 15K BTU and it helped but also needed the duct work made right (as has been mentioned) and I going to tint the windows to reduce thermal heat in the cabin. My trailer has a 30A service not wired for a 2nd A/C and trying to add another A/C would require putting a line through or over the trailer to plug into a 20A box usually available next to the other electrical service.



I am guessing a trailer that is as long as yours is wired. Put a 15K BTU in place of the 13.5 you already have and buy a non-ducted lower part and drop the 13.5 in the bedroom and hook the 15K BTU up for the main cabin. Do I think a 15K BTU would work alone as a replacement? I live in the Texas Hill Country where summer temps are triple digit and I am guessing you won't be happy with just swapping. My swap made enough difference in my smaller RV to be noticeable along with working on the ducting to make it a lot more efficient but even doing that in your trailer likely won't get the job done. To move your A/C, get a lower unit and a new seal and you are pretty much in business. If the 15K btu unit you buy is the same brand, it should be plug n play.

[JimMach1]

I would agree adding is a better option we have a 35 ft cougar and added another from Amazon 800 $ about an hour later had 2 ac units and problem solved both are 13500 units. Basically plug and play breaker and wiring already there.

[B-O-B'03]

Originally Posted by JimMach1

I would agree adding is a better option we have a 35 ft cougar and added another from Amazon 800 $ about an hour later had 2 ac units and problem solved both are 13500 units. Basically plug and play breaker and wiring already there.

Wow, $800 sounds a little steep.

I just bought a replacement, 15K unit, from PPL and it was under $600 delivered... including $54 is sales tax.

-Brian

[JimMach1]

Was inside controls too was 600 then install kit and the controls mine wasn’t wired for dual thermostat

[14george]

Have a 32 ft camper added 2nd ac made world of difference one couldn’t keep up

[B-O-B'03]

Originally Posted by JimMach1

Was inside controls too was 600 then install kit and the controls mine wasn’t wired for dual thermostat

That probably explains it, I ordered just the roof unit, since I was replacing an existing system.

The Duo-Therm Brisk Air II Air Conditioner - 15,000 Btu was $549+tax

-Brian

[louielouieohoh]

datasponge ... I also have a 326RDS but have a 15k btu ... I'm with the other posters ... I have done all the taping and mods to get mine to peak performance but that 15k just won't keep up in 105 degree weather and in the sun.

I would put in the second unit in the bedroom. Mine is wired for it. Yours should be as well. If you're a handy mechanic, should be no reason you can't do it yourself. Don't forget the appropriate AC attachment kit (non-ducted). There are some cheaper Dometic AC's listed out there listed that don't come with the kit.

[datasponge]

Thank, everyone, for your input. I was hoping to hear otherwise, but the consensus seems to be get the 2nd one. The Cougar is pre-wired for it, so I'll likely just add the 2nd unit, but I'd like to go with a low profile, even though the original isn't.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by datasponge

Thank, everyone, for your input. I was hoping to hear otherwise, but the consensus seems to be get the 2nd one. The Cougar is pre-wired for it, so I'll likely just add the 2nd unit, but I'd like to go with a low profile, even though the original isn't.

I installed the Dometic Penguin II low profile because I wanted one in the front as well. We've been pleased with it. Makes some noise but every RV AC makes noise.

[tech740]

Not sure if it’s possible but I would look into a 15k to replace what you have and move the 13.5 to the bedroom. That way if you are on 30 amp the main 15k would be primary. Not sure if you can get an old style set of controls for the bedroom unit this way though.

[johnlewis]

We have a 37' Montana, and we can run one A/C unit until the ambient temp get into the upper 80's. Then we need both to stay comfortable. I agree with adding the 2nd unit. Upgrading to a 15,000 BTU unit means you will eventually end up buying 2 A/C units.

[datasponge]

This weekend we were on a pretty well shaded site. The temps were about the same as we had the previous weekend where we were not in the shade and the A/C couldn't keep up.

In the shade, the single 13,500 was up to the challenge and actually shut off when the set point was reached.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by tech740

Not sure if it’s possible but I would look into a 15k to replace what you have and move the 13.5 to the bedroom. That way if you are on 30 amp the main 15k would be primary. Not sure if you can get an old style set of controls for the bedroom unit this way though.

If the 13.5K BTU is moved to the bedroom, all you need to buy is the non-ducted lower unit with the controls on the lower unit you reach up and manipulate. They have these at PPL. I would think it would make sense if you did this to block off cuting to the bedroom area as the 13.5K unit will keep it nice and cool.

[KOZKO]

I paid $747 Dometic Penguin II + $92 for inside duct box (all A/C’s require this). The low profile A/C’s are more expensive!