Forum Discussion

gfmonk's avatar
gfmonk
Explorer
Mar 21, 2017

Second air conditioner on a 33' 5th wheel

I, or more importantly my wife, would like to get a second air conditioner on our 5th wheel (2017 Durango 281RLT). The current one is a AirExcel Mach 15, with 15,000 BTUs. Two questions

1.What size would you recommend getting for the second air conditioner? It would go in the bedroom but we want it, not just for the bedroom, but the whole 5th wheel

2. What would you recommend for the make? The current one is an AirExcel but I don't see them on the internet, just Coleman. Are they the same?

Thanks,
Gary
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2017
    Is the existing unit ducted ?
    If so, some adjustment of the baffles (louvers) and the thermostat might be all that is needed to satisfy your requirements.
  • jaycocamprs's avatar
    jaycocamprs
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2017
    We have a 13.5 the front of ours. It is not run into the duct work, and really will not do much for cooling the downstairs. For what it does a 7.5 would work. But what it does is enough, on hot days with both units running the trailer will cool down. And it will hold temp in full sun. But the front unit is running way below capacity.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Mar 22, 2017
    AirXcel parent company of:
    Coleman-Mach, Dicor Sealant, Maxxair, Suburban, MCD Shades/Blinds etc
  • phillyg's avatar
    phillyg
    Explorer II
    Mar 22, 2017
    We added a 13.5 to our front BR Wildcat as the single 15k couldn't handle the heat/humidity load in FL. Unless you're hung up on having the shrouds match, any brand should work.
  • Dayle1's avatar
    Dayle1
    Explorer II
    Mar 22, 2017
    A non ducted unit will still cool the downstairs, both because it takes load off the main unit and cool air falls. A low profile unit may be helpful to minimize risk of damage and hard to find them in smaller BTUs. 13.5 k will be the most cost effective solution.
  • C_B_'s avatar
    C_B_
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2017
    Added air in bedroom on my CC. Connected into duct system for additional output in whole unit. Opted for another 15K unit instead of 13.5. Same dimensions. Thought was "if your adding add as much as you can".



    C.B.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Mar 22, 2017
    Dayle1 wrote:
    A non ducted unit will still cool the downstairs, both because it takes load off the main unit and cool air falls. A low profile unit may be helpful to minimize risk of damage and hard to find them in smaller BTUs. 13.5 k will be the most cost effective solution.


    I've read where many people with 2 A/C's will run the BR unit, with a fan blowing back, during the day (unless both are needed) and the LR unit at night, with a fan blowing up into the BR. Helps to cut down on the noise considerably.

    Lyle
  • johndeerefarmer's avatar
    johndeerefarmer
    Explorer III
    Mar 26, 2017
    laknox wrote:
    Dayle1 wrote:
    A non ducted unit will still cool the downstairs, both because it takes load off the main unit and cool air falls. A low profile unit may be helpful to minimize risk of damage and hard to find them in smaller BTUs. 13.5 k will be the most cost effective solution.


    I've read where many people with 2 A/C's will run the BR unit, with a fan blowing back, during the day (unless both are needed) and the LR unit at night, with a fan blowing up into the BR. Helps to cut down on the noise considerably.

    Lyle


    That's what I do. 32' fiver with a 15k main and 13.5k bedroom. In the heat and humidity of Texas and OK I wouldn't be without two as during the day two are needed if you aren't under trees

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