3rd AC install

[Ryanjb01]

Hello,

I am looking to install a 3rd AC in my 40' 5th wheel. It is a bunkhouse and the bunkhouse is always warm. There is no electrical currently there at that location. I do not want to tie into the existing ductwork. Just straight dump into the bunk area. Nothing fancy, but look good.

Suggestions as to what others have done for electrical connections would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ryan

[one_strange_tex]

Ryanjb01 wrote:
Finally got it done. I ran an additional cord to the power pedestal, per the recommendations here. I ran power out to a 30A secondary receptacle to the exterior body of the trailer.

I now have 2 receptacles for power. My factory 50A, and a secondary 30A dedicated for the 3rd AC. If I am planning to use the 3rd AC, I simply run the secondary power cord.

Works like a charm, and looks factory.

Thanks for the advice here. I appreciate the guidance.

Ryan

We did a similar thing. We had a 3rd A/C installed to keep up with the hot summers down here in Texas. It is in the middle of the 5er where a MaxxFan was located. Apparently the openings for both the fans and Dometic A/C's are standard, 14-1/2" square, I believe. The installer was able to run the power and control wiring in the ceiling by using the MaxxFan's wire to pull it. He installed the thermostat for the new A/C in the wall with the MaxxFan's control alongside the thermostat for the existing 2 factory A/C's. We did not have it tied into the existing ductwork but set it to dump. It has its own 30 amp wiring that can be tied into the 30 amp supply at the power pole with a separate cord. We set the temperature a little above the existing A/C's and it kicks in when they cannot keep up. It has worked very well.

[greende]

Good Job. The pedestals usually a have a 50 and 30 amp outlets.

[Ryanjb01]

Finally got it done. I ran an additional cord to the power pedestal, per the recommendations here. I ran power out to a 30A secondary receptacle to the exterior body of the trailer.

I now have 2 receptacles for power. My factory 50A, and a secondary 30A dedicated for the 3rd AC. If I am planning to use the 3rd AC, I simply run the secondary power cord.

Works like a charm, and looks factory.

Thanks for the advice here. I appreciate the guidance.

Ryan

[momentum_rv]

If you are electrically handy just run a new circuit from the breaker box to the A/C. Ideally find a hidden route in a chase, ceiling, walls, belly or get a cable cover to cover any exposed areas. Romex routing may be a bit challenging but worth it in the end.

[MFL]

Dayle...I think most pedestals will have 20amp outlets, rather than 15. Still a good idea though.

Jerry

[Dayle1]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"Run an extra 15 amp power cord for the 3rd AC and plug it into the service pedestal"

Fine idea but the 15A cord will get hot, a 20A 12ga cord would be more appropriate IMHO.

Sure, a 20 amp cord would be better, but power will still be limited to 15 amps. The biggest source of heat is at the connections due to poor contact resistance, especially at the service pedestal 15 amp outlet. That issue will be the same regardless of wire gauge. Heavier gauge wire will dissipate the heat slightly better, but the best solution is to make sure all connections are clean and tight.

[Cummins12V98]

"Run an extra 15 amp power cord for the 3rd AC and plug it into the service pedestal"

Fine idea but the 15A cord will get hot, a 20A 12ga cord would be more appropriate IMHO.

[Dayle1]

Run an extra 15 amp power cord for the 3rd AC and plug it into the service pedestal. You can install a twist connector on the trailer exterior with a spring loaded or twist on lid. Then to route the power up to the AC, use a surface mount wire chase from LeGrande available at Lowes or HD. I used this to run 12 gauge romex from the AC in my toy hauler down to add an outlet to run an electric heater for cold weather. It was simple to cut a notch in the inside AC grill to run the romex and wire chase into the AC unit. Looks very clean.

[Lwiddis]

X2

[Bumpyroad]

just run a separate 120 volt cord from post to rear area for the AC.
bumpy

[kerrlakeRoo]

If you have a means of venting it, you may want to look at a portable ac and power it with an extension cord directly from the 15 amp plug on the power pedestal. Look for one which vents outside, much more effective, but you will need a window or other opening for that purpose.
With most rv's running a third unit from the internal systems will be pushing them harder than you may want to.