Adding a 2nd AC

Brianandcher · 06-02-2021, 04:35 PM

Hi all,
I have a 2018 Keystone Passport 3290bh.
We are considering adding a second AC- HOT SUMMER!
The TT is wired for a second AC- is it safe to assume the roof has been supported for it as well? Any other advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks
Brian

**chuckster57** · 06-02-2021, 04:37 PM

Welcome to the forum

If your trailer is prewired for a second AC unit then the vent will take the weight. You need to decide if you want ducted/non ducted and if you have in command you will need to either tie in or get a plenum controlled unit.

Brianandcher · 06-02-2021, 04:46 PM

Thank you, just dropped the shroud on the vent and I can see aluminum stabilizing all around it, so I think it’s good. It’s non-ducted so I should be good to go! No I’m-command so I will just go with the ceiling controls. Thoughts on how big of a job this will be?
Also, how clean do I have to get the roof where the seal goes? Wondering how much sealant will be around and under the current vent

**chuckster57** · 06-02-2021, 04:51 PM

Should a very easy install. AC wiring and your golden. We remove as much Dicor/putty tape as possible and then use eternabond to make a smooth non sticky surface.

Make sure you get the 4 mounting bolts threaded straight. Then going around, tighten them in steps until the gasket is compressed to about 1/2 it’s original thickness.

bigman73 · 02-19-2024, 03:20 PM

I have a 2022 2951BH with a pre-wired 2nd AC circuit.
Where are the AC2 wires? On the roof?

**chuckster57** · 02-19-2024, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigman73

I have a 2022 2951BH with a pre-wired 2nd AC circuit.
Where are the AC2 wires? On the roof?

The 120VAC wires are either behind the vent trim ring, or in a junction box on the ceiling.

bigman73 · 02-19-2024, 03:36 PM

Thank you!

JBM3M · 02-20-2024, 06:21 AM

The hardest part is getting the unit on the top of the RV.

bigman73 · 02-20-2024, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBM3M

The hardest part is getting the unit on the top of the RV.

Due to its weight?

JBM3M · 02-20-2024, 06:41 AM

weight and size getting it up on top, find someone with a forklift or something, we almost lost ours almost all the way to the top and fortunately a neighbor was able to run over and help. The install is straight forward.

**sourdough** · 02-20-2024, 06:47 AM

When they replaced my A/C last March the tech had a pretty neat way to get the unit on the roof. He used an extension ladder (the kind with 2 pulleys and a rope to pull/extend the ladder and had built a "sled" that fit over the outside edges of the ladder with a retaining "lip" on the bottom to keep the unit from falling off. He had a rope attached to the front edge to pull it up the ladder. They put the sled on the ladder then the unit on the sled. He climbed to the top then pulled it up and over the edge of the roof (2 of them). It was pretty cool. If you had the ladder and some wood laying around might be an option. Quite a bit of work and expense if you are never going to use it again.

markcee · 02-20-2024, 09:52 AM

I put an 8' straight ladder in my truckbed, with the truck parked alongside the trailer, and was able to push it ahead of me up the ladder to a waiting helper. Here is a DIY solution that looks like what Danny is describing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2L2...4gdG9wIG9mIFJW

JBM3M · 02-20-2024, 09:57 AM

The wife and I did it that way, no hoist but we slid it up ladder in back of pickup .... but we are of advanced age....her 67, I was 70.

**sourdough** · 02-20-2024, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markcee

I put an 8' straight ladder in my truckbed, with the truck parked alongside the trailer, and was able to push it ahead of me up the ladder to a waiting helper. Here is a DIY solution that looks like what Danny is describing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2L2...4gdG9wIG9mIFJW

The concept is the same (use of ladder). They used a ladder like in the attached link. It had no exposed rungs, the wooden platform/sled rode on top of the sides with retaining "runners" on each side that kept it straight on the ladder then a retaining board across the bottom (2x10?) to keep it from falling off. They placed the ladder with the end about 6-8" over the top edge of the trailer and when it got to the top just pulled it up and over the top of the rungs. Worked FAR better than I was afraid it was going to. He said he had used it used it a hundred times (FL).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-2...20-2/203134417

wiredgeorge · 02-20-2024, 02:49 PM

When I replaced my roof A/C, I left it in its box and secured a ratchet strap around both sides and connected to a rope. Had a friend get under and push up the ladder while I pulled the rope. Wasn't all that hard. The box was used to lower the old A/C which I sold (switched from old Duotherm 13.5K btu to Brisk 2 15K btu. It helps to have the ladder base sit out a bit.

jasin1 · 02-20-2024, 03:20 PM

I walked into my brand new fifth wheel while it was getting the second ac installed, at the dealer,by a sketchy looking guy in street clothes….as far as i can tell you should be standing on the bed while smoking cigarettes (in and around the rv)…..make sure to get sawdust over almost everything…and oh yeah DO NOT use a drop cloth under any circumstances….ever

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