Energy Management System

[Glenn the fifth]

Hello all. How do I know if my 2012 3402 has an Energy Management System? I have read that some of the newer RVs come with the Energy Management System, but don't know if mine has one. I am asking because I am installing a second AC and the EMS might allow me to run two ACs on 30 amp service when I can't get to 50 amp service. Thanks, Glenn

[Irlpguy]

Glen I have a 2012 - 3402RL and I can tell you they do not have an Energy Management System, you will be able to run one AC on 30 amps but certainly not both. I installed a hard wired EMS which has many features to monitor your power and protect your rig from improper wiring at sites. It does not allow you to even run one AC if the voltage drops below a certain point. You can of course disable the EMS but you stand a chance of damaging your AC if the voltage is not sufficient.

At best you will be able to run one AC and not a whole lot more on 30 amps. Best to seek 50 amp service.

[1retired06]

No Montana we have purchased has had any EMS system, and Keystone has never advertised as an option. We have used a product from Progressive on our last two Montana rigs for protection; not aware of anything that kicks up power. 30A equals one AC.

[bigskyjimmy]

Heh Glen,You know you live in Western WA state don't ya ,what the heck do ya need 2 A/C's for? what you really need is 2 FireplacesI had 1 A/C on my 2012 3402RL and think I needed 2 A/C's maybe a couple times in 3 years and that was summer down south now I have 2 A/C's on my 2015 but I doubt I will use both very much unless I go to Eastern Wa ALOT or Down South more

[DQDick]

I'm not aware of any Montana purchased new that had an EMS. I'm a big fan of EMS use, but on the list of things they do for you allowing two AC's on 30amps isn't on the list.

[Glenn the fifth]

Thanks all. I thought the story I was reading was too good to be true and I knew the folks here would give me the "straight skinny".

Jimmy- every summer we head over to Eastern Washington/Idaho for a family trip. A couple of times it has been in the high 90s low 100s and the one AC just would not keep up (wouldn't expect it to). I am installing a second AC this weekend because the weather forecast in Winthrop, WA while we are there is right at 100 every day. I have 50 amp service there in Winthrop, but when we head over to Silverwood after that in Athol, ID we only have 30 amp service. It is supposed to be real hot over there too by looking at the long range forecast. -Glenn

[bncinwv]

Another odd suggestion. You can replace the ac duct covers with a kind that can be closed. I assume that you are going to install an air conditioner that feeds the ductwork or is it going to be a stand-alone type. If not, then you can use the bottom dump for quicker cooling. If both feed the ductwork, then you can close the vents in the bedroom or areas that you are not in much during the day to reduce the amount of floorplan that you are trying to cool. Keep doors closed, as mentioned, cover windows with reflective foil or similar. Block off ceiling vents if they do not have covers. By managing what you have, you may be able to keep it somewhat comfortable in those conditions by running one air conditioner. What we have found when in hot conditions is the key is to start cooling the rig first thing in the morning, even if it gets too cold then. Once you lose the cool air, you will not get it back with one air conditioner, and many times even with two.
Bingo

[Glenn the fifth]

Thanks Bingo. The second AC is a stand alone Coleman Mach 8 that will not feed into the ductwork. The only big hurdle is always check in day. We can't check in the second place until 1:00PM and after driving about 4 hours in 90+ it will be pretty warm in there and hard to catch up with. I do leave the shades down and such and that tends to help a lot. -Glenn

[iowaone]

See my comments on the post about running to ACs on 30 amp service

[Dam Worker]

I say two AC's here in eastern Washington. Our forecast is as listed for the next few days. 95, 100, 106, 111, 113 ,108, 108, 109, 109. welcome to Tri-Cities WA. Home of dessert sun and water fun. Oh yeah also sand and rattle snakes. Glen is correct in wanting two Ac's. This state is defenatly a tale of two different climates. Good luck on your install.

Tom Marty