Is 2 AC Units enough on the Raptor?

[cobiker]

We are upgrading to a Toy Hauler for this season and its between a 2014 Voltage 3800 or a 2015 Raptor 425TS. Both with full body paint.

So the Voltage has 3 AC units and a load management system to run the 3, where as the Raptor only has 2 AC units. I'm leaning toward the Raptor but my concern is there enough cooling power for the whole rig including the garage?
We'll be at the races during the summer on Generator and the temps can get into the 90's.

The brochure references something called "MaxFlow zone control" so it looks like there is a common duct system for the AC.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Thanks, - Scott

[MattHelm21]

With energy management, the question is really moot. Only two AC’s can run at one time. I have the Fuzion 414 which is similar to the Raptor in question. I have the energy management system and black paint. I also go to NASCAR races in the summer and last year in the Indianapolis heat 95+, the two running AC’s had trouble keeping the temp down to 83 degrees inside. The third AC does at least give you the option of which two you chose to run. Lastly, you need to verify this but my Fuzion was on the dealer lot with only two AC’s but pre-wired from the factory for the third. The dealer already had the AC unit in stock and installed it for a reasonable price.

[Tinner12002]

I suppose it would depend on how cool you want the garage to be, as Matt said, your really only going to be able to run 2 at the same time anyway. Though I've only been out with ours a few times, I've not yet run the garage AC and really don't anticipate a time when I will but who knows, maybe I'll just carry it around for a spare!

[Racebug]

I rewired mine to have the ability to run all 3 units at once and it is NICE!! 2 wont do the job when its 90+ degrees.

[rivverat]

I rewired mine to have the ability to run all 3 units at once and it is NICE!! 2 wont do the job when its 90+ degrees.Mind sharing the details of the rewire?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[PARAPTOR]

Before you jump into rewiring I suggest doing a search on this topic, have been many posts on this topic including why a management system was installed versus allowing all three to run at the same time. If I recall had to do more with using the on board generator.

If I recall correctly thought I read about newer rigs using different model AC units running all three at the same time.

Many posts on AC efficiency also exist and can be searched. Many have to do with checking duct taping and used lengths. Basically check to make sure your existing AC system is running as efficient as possible. Just redoing the duct taping has made a big difference in my AC system.

[hdrolling]

The 2 AC's in our raptor work okay as long as we start running the cool early in the morning and let it go all day, once the camper gets hot it's hard to get it cool until it cools off at night. We also run a few fans to keep to cool circulating, and have put the window insulation covers on during the day.

[Blizardj]

Yes, you can run all three in some new trailers. Our 2018 Fuzion 384 is that way. Not hot enough yet to really test. But here in Vegas, it won't be long....

[RaptorJB]

I have the Raptor 425TS 2016 and have 3 ACs as well. Having experience with a 2015 Forest River TT that had 2 ACs one at 15K BTU and the other at 13.5K BTU and on the hottest day of the year it was 89 inside and drove us out of the RV until 7:30 at night when it finally cooled to 79. Just really no R value in that tin can. Now on the Raptor doing the same test in July\August of 2017 the Raptor stayed at 72 inside with a couple of tricks. 1st the bedroom doors stay closed and turns into a ICE BOX :) and then the AC shuts off, once it shut off the garage AC comes on and cools it off quick and really helps the main living area AC. Then the main living area AC shuts off and the bedroom AC comes back on, then garage AC shuts off and main AC comes back on.... So it cycles and keeps it at 72. 2nd the these Vortex fans you can get from homedepot, have 2 of them in the Raptor and they really move air. I have one sitting on top of the food cabinet blowing right at the main AC on low, that in itself makes one huge difference.
Also I don't use any of the AC ducting, just blow it straight out of the unit (MAX) Hope this helps.... JB

[Racebug]

http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29414

[cobiker]

Lastly, you need to verify this but my Fuzion was on the dealer lot with only two AC’s but pre-wired from the factory for the third. The dealer already had the AC unit in stock and installed it for a reasonable price.

what's a reasonable price? What is Keystone using for AC units on the Raptor and Fuzion? but I guess I need to know if this 425TS is pre-wired for a 3rd AC unit first. ;)

Thanks, - Scott

[Prowler59]

cobiker, yes these toy haulers do need the 3rd A/C if you plan on camping anywhere it's 90+ degrees.

Racebug, I just replied to your thread, but did you have to bypass anything on the thermostat to allow all three A/C's to run at the same time?

[Tinner12002]

Yes, you can run all three in some new trailers. Our 2018 Fuzion 384 is that way. Not hot enough yet to really test. But here in Vegas, it won't be long....

I haven't tested it to know for sure, but the way it was explained to me was that yes you can program all 3 to run but all 3 compressors do not run at the same time. Fans and all continue to run but the compressors cycle around to where the cooling is needed most with only 2 actually running at the same time. Also I don't think the 5500 gens will run all 3 compressors together because when I looked into ordering an RV that I could actually get options on, they told me if I wanted 3 ACs I would need to upgrade to the 7000 gen. So who knows.

[Racebug]

the 5500 will run all three. Just start them one at a time.

[dcg9381]

the 5500 will run all three. Just start them one at a time.

Is that right? Assuming they "run" at 15A - 3 x 15A x 120V = 5400 watts. That's right at the limit.. I mean you're not going to be running anything else, not a fridge, probably not the converter... It's close. If the compressors decide to start at the same time, you're going to be over peak on the genset. I guess you've done it, so I should't question too much...



The brochure references something called "MaxFlow zone control" so it looks like there is a common duct system for the AC.

I think this is like the "racetrack" duct in my carbon - which may not have anything to do with zone control. If so, there is a common duct. You can sorta control it by adjusting the covers at the duct outlet. It's nice in moderate climates as you can run the rear AC to cool the front.


Here's what I'll say - these things are not built with the best insulation. 2 ACs minimum. On my 37', we run 2 x 15k units and I simply close off the vents in the garage until evening.

If I was going to add a 3rd, I'd probably wire it independently or consider a "home" (upright) unit as the Carbon has a spot for a washer/dryer in the garage... It has a 20A circuit right there and all I'd need is to duct the outlet.

After 90 degrees, you start paying attention to opening and closing the doors, especially if your "full body" paint is a dark color...

[Tinner12002]

Is that right? Assuming they "run" at 15A - 3 x 15A x 120V = 5400 watts. That's right at the limit.. I mean you're not going to be running anything else, not a fridge, probably not the converter... It's close. If the compressors decide to start at the same time, you're going to be over peak on the genset. I guess you've done it, so I should't question too much...




I think this is like the "racetrack" duct in my carbon - which may not have anything to do with zone control. If so, there is a common duct. You can sorta control it by adjusting the covers at the duct outlet. It's nice in moderate climates as you can run the rear AC to cool the front.


Here's what I'll say - these things are not built with the best insulation. 2 ACs minimum. On my 37', we run 2 x 15k units and I simply close off the vents in the garage until evening.

If I was going to add a 3rd, I'd probably wire it independently or consider a "home" (upright) unit as the Carbon has a spot for a washer/dryer in the garage... It has a 20A circuit right there and all I'd need is to duct the outlet.

After 90 degrees, you start paying attention to opening and closing the doors, especially if your "full body" paint is a dark color...

I was kinda wondering that also but wasn't going to argue as I haven't tried it myself.

[Racebug]

they don't pull 15 amps all the time. more like 10 (guessing). The only time they pull the 15-18 amp range is at FLA (full load amps) is when they start up. once the compressor is running, you can start another. now if 2 start at the same time, you will likely trip some breakers. And your right about not running anything else big on AC while all 3 are running. WH is on gas along with the fridge.