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CakeHenn's avatar
CakeHenn
Explorer
Jul 15, 2013

Almost constant running AC unit

So we bought a new TT in Dec....it only has one AC unit...when going through the buying process the sales person did not even mention adding a second one and honestly I didn't even think about it.

I ran into someone on another forum that had the same model and they had two AC units. Oh well...next time I'll know.

In the mean time I've noticed that during the day it will run constantly...even when set to 80 degrees....not surprising since I'm in Texas. So the question is can the constant running hurt the AC unit? In the day when we are not there I turn it up to even higher than 80 degrees or sometimes to off....at night is about the only time it will get a break otherwise.

Also how much would it cost for a second AC unit to be installed....what all would go into that? I have 30amp service so honestly I'm not even sure I could run two.

30 Replies

  • They can sell units with inadequate AC, so that's how dealers order them. A bit cheaper it seems.........Good luck up-grading to enough air conditioning.
  • Your 314 is just a tad smaller than our 321,get 2nd AC.our units shut off when we use both up here in east tx.
  • I set mine at 68 and let it run 24x7 until it's time to go home. Has run as long as 10 days before, no issues. Just get up on the roof a couple times a year and gently spray off the unit to keep it clean and working well. Mine can keep me around 72-75 in 95 degree weather in direct sunlight. in the shade in those temps, I have no problem keeping it at 68-70.
  • If your gonna let it run set that thing on about 68.... When I'm camping my 5er stays plenty cool. I did add a second ac and it does help on hot days, mine is 40' and just one wasn't getting it.
  • Also set it to run on continuous fan not on auto. It will be more efficient when it catches up and keep the cool air circulating. We do this in our sticks and bricks also.
  • It is made to run. I live in Austin, and until 9:00, that compressor will be buzzing away.

    My recommendation are similar to the above:

    1: Reflectix in the windows. There are insulated "pillows" which are made to be shoved into skylights and vents. You will have to take your pocketknife and make a slit for the crank.

    2: Turn the A/C on early in the morning, so it isn't trying to catch up all day.

    3: Run fans. Ducted A/C is good, but a couple "O2Cool" fans will even further distribute the air.

    4: Check your line voltage. If it isn't up to spec, consider an autoformer.
  • let it run
    less trouble than starting stopping restart
    head pressure on the compressor, is the big load grabber and problem maker
    let it run is easier on the A/C compressor
  • No harm. It is a machine designed to run continuous. It does not get tired like people do.
  • Covering all the windows, vents and skylights.
    Parking the RV in reference to the setting sun when it is the hottest. If at all possible nose into the setting sun so the sun is not beating on the 'whole side' of your RV for several hours at a time. Or if you can't then turn the RV around so the awning side is facing the afternoon sun and put awning out and lower to lowest position to block the sun.

    All these things DO reduce the temp inside your RV by sometimes 20 degrees.

    These are important things to consider when parking in hot and humid regions. Makes a BIG difference how hard your AC has to work.
  • In the heat of the day it will run all the time, unless you have plenty of shade, have all the windows covered, and keep the doors closed as much as possible. The units are designed to run. Much better that starting and stopping.

    My mh is wired for two units but we only have one. Even if we had two we could only run one at a time. Some 30 amp units have a power management system that will allow two units to run at the same time.

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