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Houstonkid's avatar
Houstonkid
Explorer
May 14, 2014

Adding 2nd A/C, more questions.

Hey guys, I am getting serious about adding a second A/C to my TT. It is currently 30 amp so I will be powering it from the CG pedestal.

I have read this very informative thread (thanks to all who contributed) and it answered most of my questions.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26041975/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

My only question I have now is about the length of the power cord. The specs on the dometic (http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-air-conditioners/duo-therm-ii-air-conditioners.htm) I am looking at state a min. wire size of 12 awg up to 24 ft. My trailer is 35', the new A/C will be installed over the front bedroom.

Will the length of my cord be limited or can I just get a larger cord? If we stay at a campground that has the pedestal at the rear of the site I could be easily pressing that 24' max. length.

My ignorance of electricity is embarrassing but I really know nothing.

9 Replies

  • Houstonkid's avatar
    Houstonkid
    Explorer
    May 14, 2014
    BubbaChris wrote:
    On the power cords, the lower the gauge number the bigger the actual wire inside. That allows it to either carry more load or carry the same load further in a safe manner. If you don't have enough, the cord can overheat (and more bad things can follow).

    If you compare cords at a hardware store, you'll be able to see the relationship between cord gauge, amp rating, and distance.

    Also going for a power cord that is outdoors-rated is important as the coating will have UV protection to help it survive in the elements.


    Thanks Bubba, I knew that bout the gauge/size relation, I was just unsure if getting a smaller gauge would allow me more length to get to the pedestal.
  • BubbaChris's avatar
    BubbaChris
    Explorer
    May 14, 2014
    On the power cords, the lower the gauge number the bigger the actual wire inside. That allows it to either carry more load or carry the same load further in a safe manner. If you don't have enough, the cord can overheat (and more bad things can follow).

    If you compare cords at a hardware store, you'll be able to see the relationship between cord gauge, amp rating, and distance.

    Also going for a power cord that is outdoors-rated is important as the coating will have UV protection to help it survive in the elements.
  • Houstonkid's avatar
    Houstonkid
    Explorer
    May 14, 2014
    Happytraveler wrote:
    We are thinking about adding a second air conditioner to our motorhome. We are considering the Atwood Air Command 13.5k BTU My sister has one in her 5th wheel and it sure performs well.


    Stupid question, why are the Dometic Duotherms so much cheaper than the Atwood? My AC in my old trailer was a dometic and it was terrific for the 5 years we had it.
  • Houstonkid's avatar
    Houstonkid
    Explorer
    May 14, 2014
    SR, I looked into that route also but our bedroom is a little small and it would just make it more cramped in there.
  • SpoiledRotten's avatar
    SpoiledRotten
    Explorer
    May 14, 2014
    I added a second A/C to my 33' 5er. I wasn't going to go through the roof with mine though. I bought a combo AC, Dehumidifier, Heater for mine. It stands in it's own little spot by the bedroom sink. I vented it to the outside via a 3 louvered dryer vent style fitting so it keeps the outside looking neat and sleek. The A/C will freeze you. The dehumidifier pulls moister out of the air and sprays it out the vent like a champ. I couldn't believe there was that much moisture in the camper. When we travel, the bedroom slide pushes the bed right up against the A/C to keep it nice and secure during the trip. It most likely cost a fraction of what an A/C on the roof install would cost.

    It used to take about 2-3 hours to cool down after setting up in the summer. Now, it takes about 30 minutes to get comfortable.
  • Houstonkid's avatar
    Houstonkid
    Explorer
    May 14, 2014
    Thank you West & Bigg. Yeah, we upgraded from a 25' that you could hang meat in at 5pm with no shade here in Texas to the 35' with one 15k AC. I hate it. I told my wife unless we do this addition I flat out refuse to camp June- Sept.

    I have a company that I believe has a decent reputation here in Houston that will be doing the install. Hopefully all goes well considering the trailer is not prewired nor do I believe it has any type of supports already in place.

    My main concern is leaking after the install.
  • biggrigg's avatar
    biggrigg
    Explorer
    May 14, 2014
    I added a 2nd A/C to my camper a couple of years ago and have had no problems with the cord below.

    Coleman Cable 02687 10/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord with Lighted End, 25-Feet

    Adding the 2nd A/C is the best thing that I have done to the camper.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    May 14, 2014
    If you bought another 10 AWG conventional extension cord, that should handle the load well.

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