Will 15k AC cool a 30 ft FW

davisenvy wrote:
The FW with the single AC unit is a 15k 30 amp that does not have the ability or prewiring for another AC unit. I wouldn't have given the AC issue another thought until the salesman at CW said it wouldn't do the job. We like to spend the summers in Florida while being a NC family that loves meat locker temps inside. CW sales man quoted me one price, then somehow snuck another $5,500 on the final price. This is my typical experience with these guys.

An option would be to first, check with the mfr to see if the roof would support a 2nd A/C in the bedroom. If it will, then have one installed and add a plug on the outside wall (or even in the front storage), then plug it into the pedestal separately. In FL, I'm sure you'd not be happy with only 1 A/C. Either that, or beat hell out of CW on their price. Be prepared to walk if they won't, and mean it. Third option is to buy out of state. Can you find what you want =in= FL and buy there?

Lyle

davisenvy wrote:
We like to spend the summers in Florida while being a NC family that loves meat locker temps inside.

If this is your requirement, then the answer is simple... Two A/C's.

Mike

Second AC is great, the parks have 50 amp services! Without 50 amps you can't run both at the same time!

downtheroad wrote:
Won't comment on the 'dealer' issue....but, we have had 2 different 30 foot travel trailers. both had a single 15K AC. Best we could do was lower the temps inside by about 20 degrees over the outside temp.

Shade, dual pane windows, window coverings, insulation, outside wall color all are factors as well.

That was my experience, too. I have a 34 foot FW. We originally purchased it with a single 15k A/C unit and our first trip was to Pensacola. We stayed at a KOA and it was over 90 outside and we were parked in the sun. When I went inside, the thermostat was pegged at 99. We turned on the A/C and left for a couple of hours and when we returned it was still over 95. The unit didn't start cycling until well after midnight. During the following few days we were lucky to get the inside temperature to stay below 80.

It wasn't "rule of thumb", it was my experience with my TT in 95 degree heat in FL. The FW says its a 29.5, but is actually 34 ft overall length. Not sure if that makes much difference.

20 degree difference between outside and inside temps is "rule of thumb" 15K A/C should be plenty in normal temps. Never had a 2nd A/C till we went to 38 foot plus 5th wheels.

First, if you are going to use it in Heat and humidity, you will need the 2nd air conditioner. If its not pre structured, pre wired and 50 amp capable, then I would suggest looking for one that is reaady and include the 2nd air in the price. They already have a 3k cushion and its CW, gosh, they buy in mega volume so they have incentives they reap that are not passed on.

ACZL wrote:
Rig in sig has a single 15K A/C that does a good job in keeping the coach cool during the summer. All shades are down, awning out, A/C flow diverter switched to "Quick-Cool", temp set at 75. I keep the 2 roofs vents in BR and BH cracked a smidge to let excess heat out. In the BR, we run a 16" oscillating fan as well. If the dinette window will be in afternoon sun, I have a reflective pad I put behind the shade to aid in keeping sun out. Not wired for 2nd A/C.

But like others have said too, al lot depends on insulation, going in/out. Start out running A/C 1st thing in morning to give it a head start. While traveling and it's warm/hot, we open the roof vents (4) to allow internal heat to escape (MaxxAir covers over them).

This is what I do in my current TT. It doesn't bother me that much and the TT is cooled down enough in time for bed time. It seems that 20 degrees cooler than the ambient temp is the norm. This situation wouldn't bother me, but I surely wouldn't want it any worse.

Rig in sig has a single 15K A/C that does a good job in keeping the coach cool during the summer. All shades are down, awning out, A/C flow diverter switched to "Quick-Cool", temp set at 75. I keep the 2 roofs vents in BR and BH cracked a smidge to let excess heat out. In the BR, we run a 16" oscillating fan as well. If the dinette window will be in afternoon sun, I have a reflective pad I put behind the shade to aid in keeping sun out. Not wired for 2nd A/C.

But like others have said too, al lot depends on insulation, going in/out. Start out running A/C 1st thing in morning to give it a head start. While traveling and it's warm/hot, we open the roof vents (4) to allow internal heat to escape (MaxxAir covers over them).

davisenvy wrote:
The FW with the single AC unit is a 15k 30 amp that does not have the ability or prewiring for another AC unit. I wouldn't have given the AC issue another thought until the salesman at CW said it wouldn't do the job. We like to spend the summers in Florida while being a NC family that loves meat locker temps inside. CW sales man quoted me one price, then somehow snuck another $5,500 on the final price. This is my typical experience with these guys.

They're all going to TRY and make as much money as they can. Be a good negotiator and don't let them get away with it. Any dealer is going to try this. If CW has the one you want then get in there and be hard nosed. You will win in the end. Get quotes from other dealers for the same rig and throw it in their face. When I bought mine from CW I had a bunch of prices I got from the internet even though I wanted to buy locally. It's all a big game and you can win. I've come to enjoy the process.....do just like they do....lie like a dog.