Dual A/C Switch

[Windsor]

This question has probably been asked before, but I'm new.

Does anyone know the clean and correct modification for allowing both roof A/C's to run from shore power. I know when both a/c's are running, they draw well below the 30 amp circuit (except for a mili-second during start-up). Some Mfg's have a switch which selects between the microwave and one a/c. Seems to me that the Winn. switch could be so modified. Any ideas? Thank you, Wayne

[Windsor]

This question has probably been asked before, but I'm new.

Does anyone know the clean and correct modification for allowing both roof A/C's to run from shore power. I know when both a/c's are running, they draw well below the 30 amp circuit (except for a mili-second during start-up). Some Mfg's have a switch which selects between the microwave and one a/c. Seems to me that the Winn. switch could be so modified. Any ideas? Thank you, Wayne

[NeilV]

Dual AC on a 30 amp service is done using an automatic PowerLine managment system so that the second AC will be shut down as soon as you go over a 30 amp draw. To do otherwise puts your AC compressors at risk everytime somone turns on anything that puts a load on the system that breaks the 30 amp barrier.

The cleanest way is to upgrade to a full 50 service in the coach while you are at it.

You can use the search function to research the other options people have tried over the years.

[AFChap]

Wayne

What make, model & year rig do you have? When we are on a 30 amp service, our '03 Winnebago energy management system is designed to shut down the following in order to try to keep power demand under 30a -- Water Heater/AC #2/AC Fan Speed/Refrigerator. I think most recent Winnebago rigs have a similar system. However, the system is not bullet proof ...we have tripped a shore pole breaker due to pulling excessive amps at least once. Another key part of the system is starting the two AC compressors about 2 minutes apart (the basement air in most current Winnebago rigs is not actually two units, it is one unit with dual compressors). Not sure how easily the system could be retro fitted to an older RV. Preventing the two independent AC systems from trying to start at the same time would likely be the more complicated part.

[skigramp]

Windsor ...

I think you will generally get better answers if you post your year and model ...

There are at least two folks who post on here regularly that have '97 Adventurers ... they can probably help with your power management question ...

Both of my Winnebago motorhomes came with power management systems that managed the power going to the compressors ...