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mrlightrail's avatar
mrlightrail
Explorer
Aug 01, 2013

91 Pace Arrow: Running both A/C units

Although this summer has been quite mild by Oklahoma standards, my 91 Pace Arrow 30' can't keep it's cool when running only one AC during the day. I've heard from some folks that I can run both AC's when on the genset, but in my case, that appears not to be possible. I have a switch in the furthest forward left cabinet that has "front" "rear" and "off". Even on the genset, I can run only one at a time. (6500 Onan genset). Is there a simple way to rewire this so I can run both off of the genset, and to run both while on shore power? I know that 30 amp service won't cut it for both.
Class A

10 Replies

  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Aug 03, 2013
    mrlightrail wrote:
    WyoTraveler wrote:
    I had an 89 with same setup. Both should run with generator. When that works then run an extra cord from the generator compartment. I would plug one into 30 the other into 20. I could run both on shore power. Easy to wire up that way because wire just runs from generator compartment.


    Yep, found the switches, and the rear was off. Now running both on the genset. Would love to get the diagram for setting it up to run on shore power. Will be needed badly in these Okie summers.


    John,

    My 95 Bounder was wired like you MH. Here is how I now run both ACs on shore power.

    Richard
  • Terry_and_Lynn_'s avatar
    Terry_and_Lynn_
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2013
    About 1 gallon per hour is correct......and a full or 3/4 tank of fuel is a good idea......the genny will shut off before the tank is empty.
  • mrlightrail's avatar
    mrlightrail
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2013
    Just a quick aside, anyone got a good guesstimate on how much fuel a genset will use per hour? I'm thinking 1 gallon per hr @75% load.
  • mrlightrail's avatar
    mrlightrail
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2013
    WyoTraveler wrote:
    I had an 89 with same setup. Both should run with generator. When that works then run an extra cord from the generator compartment. I would plug one into 30 the other into 20. I could run both on shore power. Easy to wire up that way because wire just runs from generator compartment.


    Yep, found the switches, and the rear was off. Now running both on the genset. Would love to get the diagram for setting it up to run on shore power. Will be needed badly in these Okie summers.
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2013
    I had an 89 with same setup. Both should run with generator. When that works then run an extra cord from the generator compartment. I would plug one into 30 the other into 20. I could run both on shore power. Easy to wire up that way because wire just runs from generator compartment.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Aug 02, 2013
    Your year model requires the Gen set to operate the rear AIR if you need BOTH AC units to run. Your Fleetwood(as well as most others from your year), the Genset has 2 breakers on it. A 30 amp main breaker which obviously is ON and the second breaker which will be either a 20 or 30. THAT 2nd breaker is dedicated to the REAR AC on your unit. Make sure that 2nd breaker on the Genset is ON. The odds are that 2nd breaker is OFF. Doug
  • Mike_M2's avatar
    Mike_M2
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2013
    I used to have a Pace Arrow with the exact same setup as yours(switch in the front cabinet, 30 amp setup, 6500 Onan) and i could run both with the genset on no problem. It would run a single unit on shore power, but as soon as i cranked up the genset both would work. I'm thinking you have an issue somewhere as i know you should be able to do it...
  • popeye766's avatar
    popeye766
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2013
    My 97 pace Arrow has 5000 onan...can run both A/Cs at once....13.5 and 11.0 on gen or 30 amp shore power......check your sizes...
    I must be plugged in with the 30 amp plug...no dog bones...
  • FuzzyKnight's avatar
    FuzzyKnight
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2013
    I think that when the coach has the switch installed from the factory you are set up for a 30 amp service. The OP said he only has a 6.5 K gen so to me that indicates a 30 amp service. Our 94 Pace Arrow has no switch and a 7 K gen set but is a 50 amp service. I think in order to rewire for a 50 amp service would be quite costly. IMHO
  • Tim_Nowicki's avatar
    Tim_Nowicki
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2013
    I have a 1991 pace arrow. I can run both AC with the generator. Don't know how its wired. You have two circuits on your generator?? Mine has two. Check to see if one circuit breaker is turned off. I believe the second circuit is for the second AC.

    Tim

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