Community Forums

hawgguy · 07-05-2011, 06:35 PM

Picking up my new 2011 Ventana 3962 in a few days. I live in West Texas and am concerned that the standard 2 x 13.5K AC will not be adequate. I'm sure that this new coach is better insulated than my old 1997 aluminum-skinned Safari, but our weather conditions are brutal (trust me).

I'll be pleasantly surprised if the stock A/C can keep up. Thinking ahead though. Is it possible physically (is there a cutout) to add a third A/C? Looking at the Newmar web page, it seems to be an option on some models.

Is there much to be gained to switch the 2 x 13.5K units for 2 x 15K units?

I'll give a good stress-test in a few days as pickup is in Reno, NV and I'll be driving home through western NV, Vegas, Arizona and New Mexico.

Mr_D · 07-05-2011, 06:49 PM

We have a 2002 Dutch Star 41' with two 13.5 heat pumps. In AZ we stayed at a friends place in Yuma. Usually only needed 1 heat pump going even with all three slides out. BUT we do have the optional roof insulation package, dual pane windows and covers over the slides.
Try yours first, adding an add'l A/C won't be trivial and will require a 50 amp hookup or good EMS. You would need to add add'l roof support and tie into the air ducting in the roof also. The Essex we looked at had three as I remember, but it was 45' long too.
Switching to 15K units gains the 1,500K on both. May or may not be worth it. If the dealer will do a swap and give you a reasonable price it might be worth it but ONLY if you really need it

Saber77 · 07-05-2011, 07:00 PM

We have a 2009 Ventana 3936 and live in Las Vegas. We have travelled extensively throughout the West in extremely hot weather upwards of 105-110 degrees and the two AC units have been very adequate. The key is to have them running before it gets too hot. If you turn them off, leave the motorhome, and then return in the middle of the afternoon and turn them on, you can expect them to take a long time to cool the coach down; therefore, we leave at least one AC unit on while we are away for the day. I can really see no reason to even consider adding a 3rd AC unit, if it's even possible given the electrical load it would cause.

hawgguy · 07-05-2011, 07:18 PM

Encouraging replies - thanks. I am slightly more optimistic.

I know the MH insulation, ducting, slide toppers, MCD shades and dual pane windows are far better than my last two rigs (Safari class A and Keystone Toy Hauler). Both of those rigs had similar AC but poor (or no) ducting, single pane windows, and scanty insulation. My shakedown cruise from Reno --> West TX will be a great test of this as the temps will be above the century mark most of the way.

Saber77 · 07-05-2011, 08:03 PM

There's another issue and that is keeping cool while driving in hot weather. We just returned from a 10-day trip to Great Basin and upon returning to Vegas, the temp was around 100. The dash air on normal with fan speed 2 was more than adequate to stay comfortable. We have driven from Phoenix to Tucson when the temp was 110+ and in that case, we turned on the generator and ran the front AC unit while driving. You should also close the bedroom door to minimize the space to be cooled and keep the shades closed on the sunny side of the coach. Have a good trip!

hawgguy · 07-10-2011, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saber77

There's another issue and that is keeping cool while driving in hot weather. We just returned from a 10-day trip to Great Basin and upon returning to Vegas, the temp was around 100. The dash air on normal with fan speed 2 was more than adequate to stay comfortable. We have driven from Phoenix to Tucson when the temp was 110+ and in that case, we turned on the generator and ran the front AC unit while driving. You should also close the bedroom door to minimize the space to be cooled and keep the shades closed on the sunny side of the coach. Have a good trip!

On last leg of journey bringing my baby home. All is well - stayed cool through Death Valley during middle of the afternoon. 400 mile to go today.

"007" · 07-10-2011, 06:57 PM

Gaining access to your vent system could cause a problem when mounting the third AC. Check pictures.
Newmar roofs and sidewalls and floors have extra insulation in them so cooling or heating will be easier.
Newmar construction.

Welcome to the Newmar forum & Newmar family.