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2nd AC unit worth it?

leggy
Explorer
Explorer
We have a 38ft Grand design reflection. In the three years of using it the AC never seems to keep up when in site that's full sun, which happens more than I would like. Thinking about putting a 2nd unit in front bedroom, already wired according to sticker in hatch. Looking for thoughts before we pull the trigger.
Thanks
20 REPLIES 20

WTP-GC
Explorer
Explorer
We added a 2nd AC to our 34' 5er a few weeks back. We chose to go with the Coleman Mach 8 (low profile) 15K ducted w/ thermostat. It is a little louder on the outside than the Dometic Brisk Air II that came with the rig, but it is ultra-quiet on the inside. The difference in cost between the 13.5K and 15K is minimal, so we went with the larger one. It makes a monumental difference in the cooling efficiency of our rig.

I would highly recommend the Coleman Mach 8 like we got. It blows hard and cool and truly is whisper quiet.

We didn't struggle with removing the sealant around the vent opening. I just cut the roof membrane along the edges of the sealant and laid down 4 strips of eterna-bond tape. The roof membrane wasn't glued down there anyway.
Duramax + Grand Design 5er + B & W Companion
SBGTF

allen8106
Explorer
Explorer
I wouldn't have a TT or 5Ver without a second AC.
2010 Eagle Super Lite 315RLDS
2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD 6.6L Duramax

2010 Nights 45
2011 Nights 70
2012 Nights 144
2013 Nights 46
2014 Nights 49
2015 Nights 57
2016 Nights 73
2017 Nights 40
2018 Nights 56
2019 Nights 76
2020 Nights 68

2012Coleman
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 303RLS and we negotiated price based on installing the front bedroom AC. Get the one with the thermostat - but make sure that the thermostat is not installed in the path of the cool air flow. Definitely need it camping in the Florida summers.
Experience without good judgment is worthless; good judgment without experience is still good judgment!

2018 RAM 3500 Big Horn CTD
2018 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS

GHop
Explorer
Explorer
Yes, it is worth it, we also have two. Get the second AC (low profile) and you will be happier.
G.H.

JWP127
Explorer
Explorer
My first TT was 33 feet, and was prepped for a 2nd ac. I should have bought one before leaving the lot. The following summer was brutal. My new TT is 37.8 feet with a 2nd ac. While I haven't camped in 100 degree weather yet, it was 90 degrees this past weekend and no shade. We kept the inside temps at meat locker levels.

slider45
Nomad
Nomad
A second AC unit definitely worth it.

Allworth
Explorer
Explorer
Replacing the Magic Fan with the smallest non-ducted unit available is the only way to cool the bedroom of a 35' Titanium. The duct above the bathroom ceiling (the only feed to the bedroom) is 2" tall by 7" wide. No way!

Last July we came back from Yosemite across Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Without the second air we would have had to sleep on the (comfortable for only small children) sleeper sofa to get the LR air.
Formerly posting as "littleblackdog"
Martha, Allen, & Blackjack
2006 Chevy 3500 D/A LB SRW, RVND 7710
Previously: 2008 Titanium 30E35SA. Currently no trailer due to age & mobility problems. Very sad!
"Real Jeeps have round headlights"

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
SAD it came with one!!! YUP two is a minimum on a larger RV. I vote for three!!!

2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD

Happytraveler
Explorer
Explorer
We have a 35ft. motorhome with ducted air and added a Atwood Air Command 13,500 BTU non-ducted Air Conditioner. We spend a lot of time in Palm Desert and the River. It makes a huge difference having both airs running.
Charlie, a male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Katie, a female Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

azdryheat
Explorer
Explorer
I have 3 A/C and there's times, in triple digits, when they all have a hard time keeping us cool.
2013 Chevy 3500HD CC dually
2014 Voltage 3600 toy hauler
2019 RZR 1000XP TRE

ppine
Explorer II
Explorer II
I rarely camp anywhere when one AC is required.

ksbowman
Explorer II
Explorer II
We have a 33' Reflection 303rls with 2 air units. The second unit is very nice when you pull into a camp site and it is 95* and everything in the unit is hot. We turn both on at first and it really cools down quick. After the initial cool down one unit works great even in the mid 90's. When sleeping running only the living area AC is very quiet and the ducted AC keeps the bedroom just right.

My first fifth wheel had 1 @ 15K, and 1 at 13.5.. I was in heaven..... My 2nd fifth wheel had 2 @ 15K.... How could it get better??? My newest fifth wheel has 3 15k...... What a great thing ! ! !

I will never have a large fifth wheel without a minimum of 2 at 15K....
Me-Her-the kids
2020 Ford F350 SD 6.7
2020 Redwood 3991RD Garnet

valhalla360
Nomad II
Nomad II
Shocking a 38' rig didn't come with 2 units.

We had to do some management on really hot days with our single AC 28' 5er.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV