Forum Discussion

sofar-sogood's avatar
sofar-sogood
Explorer
Apr 29, 2013

Adding third roof air conditioner, fitment question.

Currently our 03 Beaver Patriot has 2 roof air conditioners, both are the Dometic Penguin 13,500's and are ducted into the center duct on the coach. There are (6) 6" X 6" ducts running front to back. There is a roof vent near the center of the coach that I would like to add another a/c in. The potential problem is that there is only 2 3/4" between the passengers side of the vent opening and the hallway wall. The existing duct work is approx 5" away from the drivers side of the vent opening. I am trying to learn if there is a a way to make the third a/c work either by adding it to the existing duct work or use it non-vented. My concern is that I would have to add more vents to the duct plus add duct to attach the new a/c to the existing duct work. Since I only plan on using the 3rd unit when in high temp environments, I think it would be easier to install a duct less model but I have only the 2 3/4" space to fit the inside plastic air return. I called Dometic who told me to call a dealer who said that they were booked for 2 weeks. Anybody got a solution? I have approx 19" width to work within the hallway.
  • sofar-sogood wrote:
    Currently our 03 Beaver Patriot has 2 roof air conditioners, ...


    First, I'd ensure the roof channels for the existing air were 100% clog free ... given the age of the coach.

    Second, I'd OPEN every A/C vent to the max, or, even remove the fancy plastic crappy deflectors.

    I was surprised to find out that by trying to direct the air flow from the over head A/C duct-work I was actually limiting the overall air flow.

    I removed the directional vanes on the overhead A/C duct-work and my RV got a WHOLE LOT COOLER.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    I'd start by replacing the one in the front with this 15K heat pump. This way you will have a spare 13K if you can find room for it in your garage.:B Thanks for selling me the toilet you removed so I'll never have any problems with mine.
    He already has a hole/vent for the third unit, but not much room for the inside ceiling assembly.
  • Or upgrade one to 15K, see if that does the trick. I too am surprised that the two units don't cool your coach...I go along with the service idea.

    Jim
  • Why not change your two exiting AC units to 15,000BTU models. Yes, you have to buy two units instead of one, but then you dont have all the customizing costs.
  • I'm very surprised that having 27,000 btu's of cooling available you can't keep the less then 400 sq ft of motorhome cool. I would have the units checked out first before thinking about cutting into the roof. Are you sure both of your units are running at the same time when on shore power; some coaches only allow one to run when on shore power. Many folks have done a rewire to be able to run both AC's when on shore power.