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JCat's avatar
JCat
Explorer III
May 02, 2015

Addded a 3rd AC unit -IT IS GREAT !

I just completed the add of a 3rd AC unit
I hired an AC guy to do this upgrade as this was too much for me to do by myself.

Removed the kitchen ceiling vent, placed new AC unit in that opening, fit perfect.
Ran the thermostat wires across the roof to the bedroom AC and hooked them in there.
I control all 3 units at thermostat.

The 110 v had to be run across the roof, and is connected to a 20 amp breaker box, that then plugs into the 30 amp service at the pedestal. The 110v cable plugs into the ac unit and is removed when traveling.

I am in Palm springs currently and it was 102 degrees here yesterday.
With the 3rd ac unit on the inside temp was 71 degrees and cold.

I had wanted to hook into the RV's electrical system but this was not possible.
I called Thor and talked to a tech who helped build the Mandalays.
There is no circuit currently wired for a 20amp draw that is not already in use.

So I had to wire the unit outside of the rv's electrical system.
Only drawback is I have to go on the roof to plug and unplug the unit when traveling.

JCAT
Class A
  • T_bone1's avatar
    T_bone1
    Explorer II
    May 02, 2015
    Good job..Do some thinking and figure a way to not have to go on the roof to disconnect.That will get old in a hurry and increases the risk of a fall...
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015
    Sounds like a pretty ingenious way to get a third AC installed. Plugging in the extra cord at the 30 amp post will work great since you will only have to do it during summer months.
  • msmith1199's avatar
    msmith1199
    Explorer II
    May 03, 2015
    SO you run your motorhome and the other two units from the 50 amp and run the 3rd A/C from the 30 amp?
  • JCat's avatar
    JCat
    Explorer III
    May 03, 2015
    What did it cost? It was $1900, $1500 for dometic 15000 BTU AC unit, $400 for parts and labor.

    SO you run your motorhome and the other two units from the 50 amp and run the 3rd A/C from the 30 amp? correct

    Going forward to make life easier I will find a way to run the 3rd ac power cord into my power bay, that way I wont have to go to the roof and plug it in, but for now it works well.

    JCAT
  • Teacher_s_Pet's avatar
    Teacher_s_Pet
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015
    When did Dometic 15000 BTU AC's get to be $1500? I thought $500-600 was the going rate? Or is this a heat pump? Again $700 to $1175 price range on line, the highest being Camping World. It was just a shock, since we've gone through 3 front heat pumps on our Phaeton fulltiming in the past 9 years. Good thing the Good Sam ESP is still in effect.
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015
    JCat wrote:
    I just completed the add of a 3rd AC unit
    I hired an AC guy to do this upgrade as this was too much for me to do by myself.

    Removed the kitchen ceiling vent, placed new AC unit in that opening, fit perfect.
    Ran the thermostat wires across the roof to the bedroom AC and hooked them in there.
    I control all 3 units at thermostat.

    The 110 v had to be run across the roof, and is connected to a 20 amp breaker box, that then plugs into the 30 amp service at the pedestal. The 110v cable plugs into the ac unit and is removed when traveling.

    I am in Palm springs currently and it was 102 degrees here yesterday.
    With the 3rd ac unit on the inside temp was 71 degrees and cold.

    I had wanted to hook into the RV's electrical system but this was not possible.
    I called Thor and talked to a tech who helped build the Mandalays.
    There is no circuit currently wired for a 20amp draw that is not already in use.

    So I had to wire the unit outside of the rv's electrical system.
    Only drawback is I have to go on the roof to plug and unplug the unit when traveling.

    JCAT

    Did you make a strong attempt for running all your wiring thru the ceiling vents to the rear AC? Once there, I would be thinking of some decorative vinyl surface conduit for getting the power wiring across the ceiling to the port side and down the bulkhead into the basement somewhere. Like it or not, it's still better than climbing on the roof and having the wiring laying up there as well.
    As for using the pedestal, to power it separately, this is the way you'd want it, anyway.
  • mccsix's avatar
    mccsix
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015
    Here's my next project...
    On my Bounder 35E.... I kick out the w/d (bring more clothes, use local facilities) and install a 10k btu portable a/c heat pump unit, fits in the same space, draws 9.5a @ 110v.It can exhaust through the dryer vent already in place, drain through existing plumbing and the 110 outlet and c/b are already there.
    I don't see any downside and the boss agrees.
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015
    mccsix wrote:
    Here's my next project...
    On my Bounder 35E.... I kick out the w/d (bring more clothes, use local facilities) and install a 10k btu portable a/c heat pump unit, fits in the same space, draws 9.5a @ 110v.It can exhaust through the dryer vent already in place, drain through existing plumbing and the 110 outlet and c/b are already there.
    I don't see any downside and the boss agrees.

    There ya go and most tell me that they only use the on board washer/dryer for underwear and socks, anyway.
    Keep us posted on this one.
    As for us, we have neither and still need more space with extra family on board.
  • JCat's avatar
    JCat
    Explorer III
    May 03, 2015
    Tropical 36: How will circulate the cool and hot air ?

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