installing 2nd A/C unit

We had a 2nd unit installed in June. We went with a Dometic 13.5 Kbtu heat pump instead of the A/C unit. It just made sense for us to add heat and A/C. Bill was $1,021 installed and took them about an hour. Very pleased. Had a couple of cool nights and it was nice to have the heat function.

If you are going to do it yourself (easy) or with a friend (easier), spend $60 to rent 10 foot tall scaffolding ( 2 5-foot tall sections). Getv3-4 cross walks not just the standard 2. Thus you don't need to move them in order for your lift to be in 3-4 foot increments.

Jerry B wrote:
I saved considerable $$$ installing the AC myself, until I got the ER bill. I had a finger in a drain hole, the AC slipped and just about severed my finger.

Installed a Coleman Mach 3 Low Profile non-ducted second AC a few weeks ago "myself". A 12' Ladder, a friend on the roof and pushing the box up the ladder to the friend wasn't too hard.
Previously removed the existing vent cover/lid and carefully scraped away all the caulking to make a very smooth surface on the rubber roof. Installation not too hard, albeit the RV pre-wiring could have been a little longer for ease.

I'm disappointed the Coleman Mach is so noisy and the ceiling non-ducted unit controls do not have a digital thermostat (just crude dial for warmer or colder) or an "AUTO" feature where the fan would only will run with the compressor on, so its always noisy when on. Does such a great job cooling the RV in 90+ degree temps the main AC (A new Dometic Brisk Air 2 - Love it (light and quieter) often cycles off. For the 100+ times they both run constantly.

I saved considerable $$$ installing the AC myself, until I got the ER bill. I had a finger in a drain hole, the AC slipped and just about severed my finger.

Heck, I have two and thinking of putting in a third ac !!!!

It's 105 here in dfw today :(

will probably have to wire it separately and not be tied into the ducts, but really considering it...

Had a new Coleman Mach AC installed two months ago for $876. Took about 45 minutes and they did it on site never had to move.

Love it. Make the main unit work better and we have much more even temps throughout the trailer.

Whatever you do, go low profile. Both are good units (we have the Dometic), however have also heard that the Coleman is quieter. If you can also wire into a second thermostat (or second port of an existing 2-unit tstat), it will work better. That way, you use the controls on the thermostat instead of the A/C unit. All this from personal experience....

Our current unit is a Coleman the other RV's had Dometics. The Coleman makes half the noise and blows air better than all the others. Not sure if its the unit or the RV manufacturer that made the difference but it sure is nice having the Coleman in a Nu-Wa.

Did it myselt too..Used extension ladder and pushed it up onto roof while still in box.Only weighs 100 lbs.easy to slide up.Had a thick blanket on top of roof to push it onto.Slid it over to opening and dropped it in..Easy if your in decent shape,otherwise have a pro do it..Use the word pro loosely...

It's not THAT hard to get it on the roof. I did it by myself using an extension ladder and cargo strap. Fasten it carefully, get on the roof and pull it up. The area to cut out of your ceiling/roof is very well defined, and power should be available right where you'll need it. It's only a two/three hour job.