DRV Need a 3rd A/C

[rorr1821]

I have been told by one dealer that I should opt to add a 3rd A/C to a 36RSSB3 DRV which I plan on ordering. The reason given was that the new Freon law as of 2012 has caused the newer A/C's to be less effective than the previous models. Would this be a wise move?

[1960C182]

Originally Posted by rorr1821

I have been told by one dealer that I should opt to add a 3rd A/C to a 36RSSB3 DRV which I plan on ordering. The reason given was that the new Freon law as of 2012 has caused the newer A/C's to be less effective than the previous models. Would this be a wise move?

help me here,how big is this 5er as I only know my Jayco 321RLTS which is 35ft.Does this rv have insulation upgrades and is main ac 15K btu and bedroom 12K(12-13).we have the "polar package insulation "upgrade as well as "day-shades" and +100 temps we've had no problem.
If close to 40ft might be worth it to get 3,make 2 of them 15's but the ac's NO MATTER what "Freon" is in them are rated by BTU's so a 15K r-22 unit moves as much heat as a 15K r-410 unit.
FYI,freon is a refrigerant brand name of Dupont,ac's/freezers use refrigerant of many different types

[missourijan]

In a word, no. I've heard this from some friends that ordered a Drv and the dealer talked them into a 3rd AC. You can still ONLY run 2 ac's at the same time so what's the point of having a 3rd one? Ask your dealer that. However, post this question on the owner's site for Drv's, www.suitesowners.com, OR on the Thor forum, there's a Drv thread, OR on the www.5thwheelforums.com. Actual owners are your best source of info

[jesilvas]

1960 is right, 15K BTU of R22 is 15K BTU of any other refrigerant. And the newer units move more air than old ones anyway and are better insulated.

[paz]

We have been in the sun in 90º temps in our 38' DRV Tradition and do OK with 2 ACs. Sometimes it isn't quite as cool as we would like in the late afternoon; but with 2 ACs taking the humidity out of the air, it is still comfortable. Being in AZ in summer in 110º heat might not be as good, however.

The thing that seems to work for us is to set the front AC about 5º colder than the rear. Otherwise, the front shuts off too soon because it is cooling a lot smaller volume.

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by missourijan

In a word, no. I've heard this from some friends that ordered a Drv and the dealer talked them into a 3rd AC. You can still ONLY run 2 ac's at the same time so what's the point of having a 3rd one? Ask your dealer that. However, post this question on the owner's site for Drv's, www.suitesowners.com, OR on the Thor forum, there's a Drv thread, OR on the www.5thwheelforums.com. Actual owners are your best source of info

NOT TRUE!!!

I have 3 AC's and have no problem running all three. I can also run all three with my 6500LP Cummins/Onan gen.

I am VERY happy that Alicia from Rolling Retreats suggested 3 AC units!

I am an owner, I had a 07.5 36' MS for 3.5 years before this new 16. It had two AC's in good working order. When it headed towards 100 it was not fun anymore.

[Lanny1763]

We just bought a new FW (see signature) and it has 3 ACs. With all 3 on, you could hang meat in here! Presently we're in Montgomery AL and the temps have been very reasonable, but it does get hot and humid here. We have been shutting one zone down and only running on two and it's more than comfortable. It's nice to know that we can crank the 3rd one on and cool it down even more.

[JBurg]

Our 2016 DRV 41 RSSB4 had no problems last summer with only two A/C units and high ninety degree temps. The insulation on these things really helps out.

[jfran304]

I would rather have 3 and only need 2 then have 2 and need 3.

Jon

[JBurg]

Can't argue with that

[rorr1821]

I appreciate the candid comments. I will be opting for the 3rd air. As was stated in one comment more is better than not enough.

I would disagree with the statement of only being able to run two A/C's at the same time. I did hear that same rhetoric from a person who claimed to be an chief engineer at DRV. But that same person made a statement that you only have a total of 50 amp going to the unit. But the reality is when you are plugged into a properly wired 50 amp pedestal your are getting 50 amps to leg 1 and leg 2 which share a common neutral. Basically you have 240 volts coming to the pedestal which is split into two 110 v sharing a common neutral. Using Ohm's law you really have 100 amp of power or another way to state it you have 12,000 watts to use. The largest generator found in most diesel pushers aside from a Prevost is 12kw which supports a 100 amp service.

Thanks again to the forum members.

[Luv2go]

Originally Posted by rorr1821

.... I did hear that same rhetoric from a person who claimed to be an chief engineer at DRV. But that same person made a statement that you only have a total of 50 amp going to the unit. But the reality is when you are plugged into a properly wired 50 amp pedestal your are getting 50 amps to leg 1 and leg 2 which share a common neutral. ....

No wonder we get confused about 50A service, even chief engineers do!

You should have no trouble at all running 3 A/C's on 50A RV service. If I were doing the wiring, I'd put the microwave and water heater element on the side with only one A/C to balance the legs. This will leave enough spare power to run hair dryers, etc while running everything else at the same time without blowing the breaker.

[Cummins12V98]

When at this level in a 5er a person really should not scrimp on things like having a dishwasher, washer and dryer, big generator, cheap heat and 3 AC's.

None of them are NEEDED but are sure nice just like having a nice big high end 5er.

[Cummins12V98]

Not sure why but this seems to be a "fact", one of your AC's WILL die on one of the hottest days. That's when I will be so thankful Alicia suggested the 3rd AC!!!