30 amp and one air conditioner

We live in FL and have a 30' Winnebago Aspect. We camp a lot in FL...especially in Jacksonville and Tallahassee. We have one 15,000btu a/c and have travelled west several times. We did hit 108 degrees outside several times (Nevada) and our a/c just wouldn't cool the rig below about 82 degrees. We detoured from our original route because of the heat...not so sure a second a/c would help all that much in those conditions.
We have found two things help: 1) about 30 minutes from our destination for the night, we turn on the generator and set the a/c down so its already cooled in the house compartment and 2) we purchased inside window sunblock shields...not the thin ones, the thicker ones, to deflect heat from inside and either use the curtain if just for one night or the exterior window shades for longer than one or two nights.
Remember, if you are traveling to FL, if you stay close to beaches, you will get constant sea breeze (east coast anyway) starting in late day/evening.
That all said...if you are buying new, I would negotiate the second a/c...wouldn't hurt thats for sure.
As far as ducted vs non ducted....ducted a/c is much much quieter!! We've have both and much prefer ducted.
Check manufacturer for insulation as that, too, is a key. And it wouldn't hurt to put the sunblock shields in all the windows, including skylights, during the day when the heat starts heading north! We store our rig with all windows with heavy sunblock and it really helps.
Keep us informed as to what you purchase....and pictures please!!
Safe travels in your future.
Andi

Our entry level 31-ft Class C has a single non-ducted 15K A/C. We camp in FL on sites with no shade in summer. The A/C gets it done but works hard all day. On a 30A pedestal, we can get by with loads like A/C, Converter/Charger, and TV. We have to shed load to use Microwave, and we use the Water Heater on LP on demand. I also park close enough to the Pedestal to not need an extension cable on the shore tie.

Do not listen to the salesmen, check out manufacturers specs, things like dual pane windows, and the R factors not only for the roof but the sides as well! All the rigs I have owned were Coachmen products the latest was a Prism, which was pretty good!

Thanks for the answers. The question about ducted or not ducted sounds like a good one. Will this make a difference? Also, since only two of you mentioned living in Florida, does anyone else have personal experience with this climate? Does anyone own a Forester? Are they well insulated? A factor rep we talked to said that they are tested up to 110 degrees and the air conditioner can cool the rig. Unfortunately, I am one of those people who believes that salesmen are not the best references about their own product.

Coach-man wrote:

Mich F wrote:
I've had my 31K (32 1/2' long) with a 15,000 BTU ducted air conditioner for 2 years, and have done all my "camping" in Florida, and have never had a problem with the one unit not being able to cool the MH. It has never run constantly and cycles on and off like my house AC.

X2, I live in Florida and have owned several Class C rig, 15K AC and heat pump was all I ever needed. Unless you are talking about a super C I see no need for a second AC. Largest heat loss thru windshield, a windsheild blanket with some insulation/reflection capabilities would go a long way if your parked in the sun. And yes at times the AC will continue to crank depending on the insulation capabilities of the rig but that should be fine.

Winnie does insulate pretty well. I'm sure that helps.

Ducted versus non-ducted will make a difference. What type is yours?

Mich F wrote:
I've had my 31K (32 1/2' long) with a 15,000 BTU ducted air conditioner for 2 years, and have done all my "camping" in Florida, and have never had a problem with the one unit not being able to cool the MH. It has never run constantly and cycles on and off like my house AC.

X2, I live in Florida and have owned several Class C rig, 15K AC and heat pump was all I ever needed. Unless you are talking about a super C I see no need for a second AC. Largest heat loss thru windshield, a windsheild blanket with some insulation/reflection capabilities would go a long way if your parked in the sun. And yes at times the AC will continue to crank depending on the insulation capabilities of the rig but that should be fine.

I've had my 31K (32 1/2' long) with a 15,000 BTU ducted air conditioner for 2 years, and have done all my "camping" in Florida, and have never had a problem with the one unit not being able to cool the MH. It has never run constantly and cycles on and off like my house AC.

Hi,

One solution is to add a hybrid inverter so that start up surges will be handled by the battery bank.

I have 24' and even that is a handful for 15K BTU AC if it is out in direct sun in hot southwest weather. Parking in extensive shade helps a lot. You may also want to isolate the cab. But from what you describe 31 ft, TX and FL, I think two AC units would be best.