Community Forums

Dwayne & Shara · 08-07-2014, 05:07 AM

I have 2 13,500 btu a/c ' s but I can only run one at a time and in the heat of 90+ it will not cool down the hole coach. Unless I start the generator to run both. Last week the front A/C died so I'm thinking of going to a 15,000 btu my RV is a 33' HR 30 amp do y'all think the 15,000 btu will work better when I'm on shore power?

jdoran1973 · 08-07-2014, 05:25 AM

I don't think it will work much better, but will draw more power. With 2 ac units, you should have 50 amp power Ann be able to run both ac units without depending on the generator. Not sure why that is not an option for you unless you are at a site that only has 30 amp service. There are some newer dometic or Coleman units called Mach 3 that are 13.5 k but draw less amps. Good luck

Dwayne & Shara · 08-07-2014, 05:38 AM

My RV only has a 30 amp line it's a 1990 they didn't offer 50 amp on this one. But the generator is a 50 amp 2 poles a 30 amp for the coach and back ac and a 20 amp for the front ac. So on the generator you can run both ac's but not on shore power

ronspradley · 08-07-2014, 06:38 AM

My 1993 Gulfstream was 30 amp when I purchased in late 2010. And I could run either front or back AC when hooked to 30 amp shore power, or both when running generator. I re-wired my coach to 50 amp so I can now run both AC's when on 50 amp shore power. Not too complicated. And you can search the forum here for details about how that is done. Also some run an extra, heavy duty, 20 amp cord to the coach that just runs one AC. So you can hook up your 30 amp cord for the coach, and then hook up the extra 20 amp cord to be able to run that second AC.

Trying to keep these coaches cool in summer is a chore. Two weeks ago I was camped on the Guadalupe River below Canyon Dam Texas and the shore power was only 30 amp. I had to run just the front AC with rear of coach closed. Site was full sun, facing West. Kept front of coach no higher than 78 during the afternoon heat.

Best of luck with keeping cool.

ronspradley

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seasonedsole · 08-07-2014, 07:11 AM

To answer your question, yes. 15,000 BTU will only take a few more amps than your 13,500. That would be my choice.

RichKimball · 08-07-2014, 07:28 AM

I also ran a second line to power one A/C from shore on a 20amp service and the other 30amp main runs the other A/C. I don't think the 15K btu will give you the cooling you need vs the 13.5K and will draw more power.

glemo81540 · 08-11-2014, 04:48 PM

I replaced my 7 year old 13.5 with a 15 Very satisfied w/result However not sure how much of the improvement was a poor performing 13 vs more powerful 15 If you have to replace 13 then the minimal additional cost of a 15(at least in my case) is worthwhile

jamesrxx951 · 08-11-2014, 05:14 PM

The newer A/C units seem to draw less amperage (especially at start up). So if you get a newer 15K unit or maybe replace both 13.5's you may not need to make any changes. My first coach was 36' long with no slides and single 15K central air unit. It cooled the coach pretty well but was power hungry. My new to us coach is still 30amp service but has dual 13.5K units and have no issues at all with power. I can even power the coach off of a 12/3 100' extension cord if needed. That's actually what I use when the coach is at home getting ready for a trip with the A/C on.