Replace existing AC or add 2nd unit in the bedroom

[Vt_Rv]

My air conditioner, although blowing cold, isn't cooling enough to keep up with the heat. I have a Coleman unit, not sure if it's 15000 or 13500 but think it's 13500.

I was debating on replacing with a new 15000 then realized that the rear vent in the bedroom is pre wired and vented to add a second AC unit.

Now I'm wondering if I should put in a new unit up front and move the old one to the rear.

Just add a second unit in the bedroom.

Or just replace the front AC.

I'm also wondering if this is a DIY job or if I should have it done. With it being pre wired with a connector and breaker And having it vented into the duct work will both units run off the existing thermostat?

I have 50 amp service so will I be able to run both at the same time and run off the generator? The generator is a 5500 with 50 amp service.

[TNGW1500SE]

First I'd figure out if the old A/C is running 100 percent like it should be. If not, I'd get that one up to speed. If that wasn't the case, I'd look for ways to insulate and/or shade the RV. If all that fails, I'd add a second A/C unit. It would take me a few drinks to get the nerve to cut the roof. I would want to know exactly where to cut and defiantly cut from the inside first. It something went wrong, I could fix the interior. I'd make sure the wiring was there before cutting the roof! I'd probably DIY the job but that would be one I'd hate to tackle! There's a bunch of stuff that could go south on you. Like at said at the beginning, make sure the old unit just doesn't need a little TLC first! You could always just drive north!

[TucsonJim]

I went through the same dilemma as you. My 13.5K unit just wouldn't keep up on hot days. I too had the prep in place for a second ducted unit. In fact, the manufacturer included wiring for the thermostat by hiding it behind the bedroom light switch. I had mine installed, but it's relatively easy to install them. The big issue you might face is how to get it up on the roof. Those rascals are heavy.

With the old single unit, I'd get up to 85-90 on a hot day here in AZ. With both units, I can easily keep the rig at 75 or lower.

Jim

[crasster]

New one added. Replacing (even bigger) I have witnessed sometimes doesn't produce the desired result. It may be more of a circulation issue or who knows. Adding one directly there will fix the issue.

[cybrfalcon]

I would add a 2nd unit if all is as described. Your generator is capable of running both. It's a DIY job if you are handy and the vent is already wired.

[nemo45]

It depends on what thermostat you already have. If its an analog thermostat you can't add another unit to it. If its digital with two zones you can. If its digital with one zone you can't add to it either. The simplest and cheapest thing to do would be to add an A/C to the bedroom with an air box with a built in thermostat. Then its just hooking up the 110V wiring. If it is hooked up to the ducting, which I doubt, you'll have to tape up those outlet holes to use an A/C like this. You could add one to the bedroom with a thermostat on the wall if it is indeed ducted. It will have a digital thermostat which is an extra $100 and you'll have to figure out how to run the wire for the thermostat in the wall. The wire for these thermostats is basically a telephone wire with plugs on each end. It just plugs into the compressor and the thermostat. They don't even make a replacement A/C unit that works with the old analog thermostat anymore and if your replace one like that you'll have to put in a digital thermostat anyway. If you do that you can use a two zone thermostat and run both A/C units off of it. The thermostat will have to be in a central location where you can get the wires from both A/C's to it. I replaced my front A/C, which was ducted, with the unit with an air box. It had the old analog thermostat and I didn't want to fool with the installing a new digital one. It was a straight forward easy installation. the hardest part was getting the unit up on the roof.

[Johno02]

I would have a new one added.