Second AC Unit?

[Kalico Daxx]

I have the new 327RES, and I was told that it is designed to have a second AC unit as an option. Does anyone have any feedback on this? I know the single unit takes forever to cool it down, but once it is cooled it seems to keep cool, although it does run most of the time. (setting it at 70, outside temps around 80-85) I just don't know if it is cost effective or worth it. Any thots? Thanks.

[byrdr1]

I had the second added the day I signed the papers. We use it to cool down the upper half of 5er in the day time and use the main unit only during the nights for all the camper. We have camped in some hot weather and I like the fact that I got it and I have used it. it helps the main unit not work as hard it is a 15K unit. bedroom unit is 13.5K unit with manual controls. Best added value money I could have spent beside the slide out awnings. I still want to add a awning to my main slide out on the curb side but just cant part with the money at this time. for that extra coverage.. that main 12 foot is just so small..
randy

[jje1960]

I added the front unit this year, what a difference, the main 15K just could not keep up in 90+ heat and sun.

[Kalico Daxx]

good to know. I will check in with the dealer next week on the shower floor issue and look into costs...any rough estimate so I don't get hosed...dealers can get real pricey real fast after the main sale is made...:)

[howard]

The second unit does make a big difference in keeping the RV cool. Our main unit is a 15K btu unit. I bought a 13,500 btu for the second unit. We dry camp at the big EAA air show in Oshkosh for a week in July. The Honda 3000io generator runs the 13.5 unit just fine, however the 15 K unit is iffiy. While you can only use one unit at a time, the 15K unit frequently causes the generator to go out on overload. The smaller unit keeps the RV liveable and does not go out on overload.

[jje1960]

Definitely agree, air conditioning on generator is full of options. We have two generators now, the Boliy and our trusty 1k Mitsubishi. We have done considerable dry camping, sometimes a Walmart parking lot over-night, sometimes week at a time in Bristol, even full service camp ground during power outage! We actually have three aircon units. Main 15K, 13.5K in bedroom and a portable that stays in the garage of the SRX. The Boliy runs the main unit fine, however will go through considerable fuel on extended run. The newest 13.5K in the bedroom is super efficient, like 8amp. In the past, we have actually run the 1K Mitsubishi and the portable 7K unit in the garage area for a cool off area during the day. Now, cooling the bedroom/bathroom with the Boliy is kind of a sweet spot for sleeping for a nap or all night with the Boliy. We have a 25gal fuel caddy in the truck now for Bristol week, has made for a comfortable week, aircon when we want it, without running to the gas station constantly. Realize this was long winded, however wanted to share some ideas that we have found makes our experience better.

[LittleJoe]

JJE1960

What is your overall height now? I believe I measured 12'8" on my SRX without front a/c.

Would like to add this too at some point.

[jje1960]

JJE1960

What is your overall height now? I believe I measured 12'8" on my SRX without front a/c.

Would like to add this too at some point.

Hey there. Well, not exactly sure... However don't believe it's any higher than original. I looked from the back deck of our house and think it's even with everything else. This was a great addition, it's super efficient and should take care of the heat that was building up in the front of the unit in Myrtle Beach. By the way we will be able to check out in less than 3 days... !!!! Myrtle here we come!

[Kalico Daxx]

I appreciate the info! I had not thought about the smaller ac unit able to run on smaller generator during dry camping runs. Great point! I will be contacting the dealer and find out pricing and likely get it done..I will letcha know.

[fred1609]

What was the cost for installing a second unit?

[jje1960]

What was the cost for installing a second unit?
I installed by myself, had a neighbor assist getting on the roof, which was the main hassle.

[malexander]

The second unit does make a big difference in keeping the RV cool. Our main unit is a 15K btu unit. I bought a 13,500 btu for the second unit. We dry camp at the big EAA air show in Oshkosh for a week in July. The Honda 3000io generator runs the 13.5 unit just fine, however the 15 K unit is iffiy. While you can only use one unit at a time, the 15K unit frequently causes the generator to go out on overload. The smaller unit keeps the RV liveable and does not go out on overload.


Are you going to OSH this year?
We've been going for the last 12 years. We stay at Sleepy Hollow Farm. Space 69 if you happen to be in the area.

I installed the second a/c in the upper bedroom of our 5th wheel a couple of years ago. The problem I have is, is the thermostat is on the "stairway" wall. so the upper unit satifies the main a/c temp & shuts it off. So I made a small, 3 sided cover out of balsa wood and covered it with Monokote and velcroed it to the wall so the stat only gets air from the side facing the main a/c, it seemed to help quite a bit.

[dave-g]

Are you going to OSH this year?

So I made a small, 3 sided cover out of balsa wood and covered it with Monokote and velcroed it to the wall so the stat only gets air from the side facing the main a/c, it seemed to help quite a bit.

Must be an old rc pilot- to have balsa and monokote lying around- kids today in the arf world don't even know what that stuff is.

[malexander]

Must be an old rc pilot- to have balsa and monokote lying around- kids today in the arf world don't even know what that stuff is.



You got it!"bouncey:

Easy on the old part though.

[justlizz]

I could give you my unit but it would cost more to ship I have to get mine taken off but not due to not wanting it but when we go to the South of France we are lucky to get 5amp leccy and it would not run it the fridge has to go on gas most of the time so we have a fantastic fan find that works ok and we dont go till the end of the season so temps are a bit lower
lizz

[RVbear]

I added a front AC to my 2013 327RES. Height is now 13' 3".

[Kalico Daxx]

the cost for the install of the 13k ac unit on the front was $900 installed. (it is already wired) shoulda included it in the purchase..ouch

[Sparky]

I added the second ac unit last month after a 7 week East coast trip in Aug/Sep. The single ac just didn't do the job. I checked all the ducts, made sure the intake and air flow in the unit were not restricted. We had to close the bedroom door during the day so the single unit could cool down the living area then at night closed the vent on the unit forcing the cool air into the bedroom. Once the outside temp exceeded 85 the single unit ran all the time. If the nose caught the afternoon sun then the bedroom really warmed up. My clearance went from 11-9 to 12-9. This is the actual measured clearance hooked to the Ram on a level surface. They installed a 13.5 Domentic Brisk Air (sp?), my 5vr was already wired and framed for the front unit. I did not want to buy a dual zone stat so I just use the controls on the unit itself. Cost was about $800 but well worth it, now the main unit can run on low and the front unit can run on low with no problem. Just watch your amp draw, each will have a separate breaker but a 30a site will limit your usage, especially if your refer or hot water heater kicks on with ac units running. With 50a service no problems.

[BlindGuyNAR]

My unit came with both. Camped in 95 deg heat and both compressors would come on/off throughout day. Kept inside at 70 without issue.

Highly recommend.

As far as genny use my honda 6500is runs both and probably the guy next to me if I wanted:)