Additional A/C Needed?

[Montana_5844]

This past weekend we had our Montana out in the Texas Hill Country. Starting at about 2PM the unit began to heat up with the afternoon temp approaching 98 degrees. By 5PM it was 85 or better in the coach. We have a 15,500BTU A/C but are starting to think we need an additional unit in the bedroom. We're also looking at putting in a Therm Air Filter System that will allow us to redirect all the ducted air into the living area. Any additional ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[campbud]

This past weekend was a hot one here in Illinois. I noticed that our Montana starting heating up around 3P.M. We ran it on high and we thought it was cooler running it on high than on auto. We have a 32 foot and the 15,500 BTU and for our size I think it is ok.

[lawrenceb42106]

What model Montana do you have? What brand of a/c unit do you have? We have the duo-therm brisk air. It cools our trailer real good in hot weather. If it is a brisk air you can open the quick cool damper open to the living area. Have you checked your filter? The unit may need cleaning. You may have to clean the condenser on the roof. Also check and see if the unit is freezing up the inside coil. If it is it won't cool good. Are you running the fan on high speed? That is a few things you might check out.

[Lstierw]

I must say so far that ours has done well with one 15,000 BTU AC. We spent last august in Desert Aire, Wa and the temps were between 96-105. Did well but we did have dry air and not much humidity. In the south as summer approaches it is much different.......Les

[richfaa]

We have the 2 A/C's in our new 3400. it was 91.3 by our outdoor in the shade thermometer yesterday afternoon and 112.3 in side the closed up 3400. The humidity was very, very high.Went in and turned on the main A/C wanted to see what it would do. Set the temp for 70.went back @ one hour later and it was 83 in the main room and 85.7 in the bedroom but it felt OK..let it run for another hour and it was 73 in the main room and 76 in the bedroom and it felt very comfortable. Never did turn on the bedroom A/C.We keep our whole house A/C at 80 and that is comfortable with the humidity wrung out of the air. Today it was only 88.7 this afternoon and and only 99.6 in the 3400. Turned on the 13.5 bedroom A/c and let it run for about 1 1/2 hour.. set it on the coldest setting, Med fan..It was way to cold in the bedroom and I was surprised to find it 77.6 in the main room.(cold air drops) I checked the air coming right out of both A/C's and they were both at 54 degrees.. I was impressed..did not expect them to do that well..The camper is in the driveway facing north/South and is exposed to the blazing sun all day. I think that with both A/C's running full blast on the 91.3 day we would have been froze out.

[Fordzilla]

We have a 3685FL and the main unit is over the bedroom in the back of the trailer. We had then add the second A/C when we purchased it, as we thought it was too much trailer for one A/C to keep cool. And we have never regretted it since. When we set up and it is warm we will get unhooked and one of the first things I do is go in and turn on both A/C's to full blast and then finish setting up. By the time we return inside it will have dropped it 15-20 degrees. Rich is right with both left on it will just about freeze you out of the trailer.

[richfaa]

Additional information on my A/C testing.On the 3400 the 15K A/C is in the living area. The temp out out of the unit was 54.3 Exactly. The cold air out of the duct farthest away(the bedroom) was 54.7 and in the 3400 that a pretty good distance..I was amazed that there was so little temp loss. The temp out of all the ducts were very close to the temp out of the main A/C (this is a good way to check for air flow and kinked or not connected ducting) We do not regret purchasing the 2nd A/C however if you are not going to subject yourself to the super high temps.. and some of you have no choice .It is my opinion that the 15K A/C will do a good job with temps in the hi 90's and hi humidity. With the temp at 91.3 with high Northern Ohio, Lake Erie humidity and the camper in direct sunshine it was very comfortable in the camper.

[bpierce]

I had talked to several Texas locals before I ordered mine about this very topic. Their input was nearly unanimous....if you are ordering, or have the option to easily add the 2nd AC GET IT!!! The occasional need for the second unit is well worth the xtra cost - no one wants to sweat while they sleep! I will say that the rigs with ducted air probably have less need for the 2nd air than those without ducts. I view this particular subject the same way that I do the 4x4 option on my truck - I may not use it very much, but if I ever need it, its there.

Bryan

[Montana Sky]

I had the 2nd a/c installed this spring on my coach. Went through the past 2 summers with temps as high as 108 and the main a/c could not keep up. With a coach this big I would suggest the 2nd a/c.

[Montana_5844]

Thanks for all the input. I had the additional unit installed today.

[5ER]

Guess it's too late to talk you out of it! LOL
Ours is wired for the second Unit but I wished we had the second unit one week last year. I think part of that was because my wife baked something in the oven. About how much would it cost for the second Unit?

[Montana Sky]

5er,
The cost depends on where you buy the a/c, and what brand you buy. I bought the Dometic Low-Profile 13,500 btu w/ heatstrip at my dealership. The cost was $850. Some members have been able to pick up the same model for cheaper from their dealership because they worked it into their purchase deal. I have used both a/c's twice this past week and have no regrets about buying it.

[Montana_797]

I had my 06 3475RL down in Las Vegas last summer and I can honestly tell you that there is no way the 15000 btu can keep up with 100 degree + temps. Unless you want to open the quick cool vent and stand under it all night! I had the 13500 btu unit put in the bedroom,all is well.
Good Luck

[Ozz]

Roger and Brenda,
I just bought one here in K.C., over the line in Kansas, at a small RV supply mom and pop store for $649.00, a Duotherm 15,000 BTU unit. This comes with the control panel. Regular price is $749.00 plus $80.00 shipping at Camping World.
Jim