Questions on AC for a 43'

[JohnT]

How well would two 15M Penguins cool a 43'? We're not talk super cool. We keep our current rig at 72* and we're fine. Just curious.
Thanks

[96 Wideglide]

Start one or both early in the day, block your windshield if needed, you will probably be fine to about mid 90's outside.

I have three, in the same size coach, and the only time I've needed to run all three together is when I've allowed the coach to get hot inside.

[Sky_Boss]

It does depend on both how hot and how sunny it gets. Our 2 15K Penguins are adequate up to the middle 90s without shade if I use my Magne Shades. It also helps if you can deploy the awning into a westerly direction on hot, sunny days. At the same time we use all available means to help ourselves with insulation blocks in the fan openings and keeping other window shades down.

Of course, it would be nice to have a third unit for extreme conditions or as a backup if one fails. Been there, suffered that.

[Sky_Boss]

BTW...It helps to have a well insulated coach like a Newmar.

[Agaveguy]

Here in Phoenix we can only keep our 40' cooled to about 80 with 2 15k units, that is when it's well above 100f outside. If we allow the interior to heat up it takes a long time to bring the temp down, even longer if all 3 slides are open.

When travelling on the highway we sometimes close the bedroom door and only run the front unit, the dash ac blows very cold but is nearly worthless with the setting sun beating down on the huge windshield.

Call me cheap but I don't like to run the genny the whole time we are driving. It's what it is for I suppose.

I have heard that the Newmars are insulated very well.

[JohnT]

Thanks Ben and Don.
Never thought about using our insulated blocks for the vent fans. Good idea. 3 AC's and a 10K generator would be nice if and when needed.

Hi Don and Sandee. Long time no see!

[96 Wideglide]

I have a inside mounted windshield cover that came with my current coach. Last one had a outside cover. Outside mounted cover, MUCH better at keeping the heat out.

[JohnT]

We purchased Magna Shades last summer. Worked great this winter.

[DAJO]

The first thing we did when we got our 2008 DS 4320 was take it to Newmar and have the third ac installed like it should have been ordered with.

[Sky_Boss]

Originally Posted by DAJO

The first thing we did when we got our 2008 DS 4320 was take it to Newmar and have the third ac installed like it should have been ordered with.

Our 06 with a 7.5 KW Onan didn't list that an option. In 07 they added a 3rd AC as an option with either the 8.0 Power Tech or 7.5 Onan. In 08 the 3rd AC was optional with either they 8.0 Onan or 10 KW Power Tech bit it doesn't appear the 10 KW Power Tech was a mandatory upgrade for the 3 ACs.

What generator do you have and did you have any issues with how it was installed along with power management if you were running all 3 on 50A power? Was your EMS upgraded/reconfigured to shed up to 2 ACs if needed? I'm interested in doing the same. PM me if you feel that is best and if you have a general idea of the cost that would be great.

[4x4]

I always believe in the more options the better, so I'd go with 3 A/C's just in case 1 fails. I know from experience about A/C's failing and am very glad to have 3 to choose from when it gets hot and 1 dies!

[Scottybdivin]

I camp at a couple race venues each year where temperatures are likely to exceed 100. In our previous 5th wheel, 2 AC's could not keep it lower than 84 degrees during the day. Last year was the first with our MADP. It was able to stay cool (78) with only 2 AC's but using all 3 allows them to not work as hard. Another observation was that the 10K diesel generator uses about the same amount of fuel while running all 3 AC's as the 5500 gas generator did running only 2.

[Mr_D]

We had two 13.5 heat pumps in our '02 Dutch Star, in Yuma in 90+° weather all slides out we did just fine with one running. We did have slide toppers, dual pane windows and the (at that time) optional roof insulation package though.

[JohnT]

Thanks everyone.

We feel a bit better. This is the only issue otherwise this coach has everything we would have ordered if we did.