Community Forums

bamaboy473 · 08-09-2015, 07:23 PM

Most 40s have 2.

Most 45s have 3.

What makes/models that are close to the 40' length have 3 roof airs? That is a big deal to us, to have enough A/C no matter how hot/humid it is.

Craigls2 · 08-09-2015, 07:28 PM

We added the optional 3rd ac on our 40' and love it. Handles hot weather better and allows 3 zones of temp control.

Steve Ownby · 08-09-2015, 07:52 PM

My wife and I have been living full time in our 40', '03 Monaco Signature for 8 years now. It has 3 A/C units and we rarely run the 3rd unit.

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

charliej · 08-09-2015, 07:55 PM

Nice to have a back up in case one goes out.

DGBPokes · 08-09-2015, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craigls2

We added the optional 3rd ac on our 40' and love it. Handles hot weather better and allows 3 zones of temp control.

Interesting. What all does it entail to add a third unit? Are they heat pumps?

Gary RVRoamer · 08-09-2015, 08:10 PM

Generally anything over 40 ft will have three, and some 40's now have three as well, either standard or optional. Dark colored rigs in particular need more a/c than a pair of 13,500 or 15,000 btu heat pumps can provide.

Melmoses · 08-09-2015, 08:14 PM

Our 40' has three and in this heat it is a good thing. Less than 40' usually has 2 which is usually due to space on the roof. There just isn't enough room up there for 3 ac's, satellite dish, OTA antenna, fantastic fans. 40' is pushing the space limitations to get three ac's. I could be wrong but I haven't seen anything 38' or less have 3.

Craigls2 · 08-09-2015, 09:37 PM

Sorry for any confusion. The 3rd AC was an option that we chose at time of purchase. Our previous unit was 39' with 2 ac units and we couldn't keep it below 85° when we were in Moab. I like the idea of having it and not needing it rather than needing it and not having it.

Smitty77 · 08-10-2015, 07:39 AM

40' with 3 AC reasons
-Dark colors
-Number of slides (Slides are not as well insulated.)
-Quality of coach build, and wall/roof/floor insulation rats.
-Area of majority of travel (Hotter/humid regions.)
-Quality of windows and # of window awnings.
-Because the owner wanted them

We have a 40', with mostly lighter colors, a dark maroon paint on the back and lower area from the tag back. We have good window awnings all around. Country Coach did a good job on the build, window components, insulation values. The original owner opted for 2 15K BTU's. We have found that the majority of the time, these do the job well for us. When the back end is facing west in direct sunlight, or if we are facing North/South with the full sides backing in AM and PM - the units work a bit harder to keep us cool. Even in temps of 110+, we have been able to maintain comfortable levels. Would a 3rd AC be nice to have? Sure, at times - but not a deal breaker if the rest of the coach met our needs.

If ordering new, and you don't need the roof space for Solar Panel plans. Then sure, order a third unit, that way you have it if you need it. IF, the manufacturer offers it. If not, then at least spec a 15K BTU unit. In either case, obtaining an external windscreen cover, will greatly assist in keeping our coach cool.

Best to all. Be safe, have fun,
Smitty

Peralko · 08-10-2015, 12:15 PM

Country Coach put 3 roof ACs even on the 38-foot Affinity when they were still made in that length. We have camped out in 125 degree heat and had no problem staying cool with our 3 ACs.

bamaboy473 · 08-10-2015, 05:25 PM

Good intel. Who has added a 3rd A/C unit to the roof DIY (or otherwise)?

Were wiring issues tough, or were you able to locate wiring runs on the centerline and just tie into one of them? This would make the new unit a slave to the LR's thermostat, but that sounds logical to me.

mikensallyt · 08-10-2015, 08:05 PM

I say 3 if the systems could handle it. I mean actually a 15000 btu ac is a small unit. And really doesn't cool a large area with all this heat. Slam me if you must but a 15000 btu a/c is too small for the insolation (none) provided. If I had to in this years summer heat, I be pulling a trailer with two units with 35000 btus or more. If our systems could handle the load with more insolation to keep it cooler, I'd go for it.

alpha99 · 08-10-2015, 10:07 PM

3 units at 40'

Mr_D · 08-10-2015, 10:12 PM

We did just fine with 2 13.5 heat pumps in our 41' Dutch Star in Yuma in Jan so it was only in the 90's. In fact we usually only had one going during the day.
Our present rig came with 3 15 KW heat pumps and we haven't needed all of them, in fact I'm not even sure they all work. I know two of them do, at least in cooling mode.