Community Forums

swduns · 09-27-2021, 06:43 PM

I have two ACs
2008 Tiffin Phaeton
One is out with locked up fan
Fan on order
I wish I had three ACs
How difficult/expensive to install a AC in place of one of the two vent fans
Even if it only used the integral t-stat and wasn’t ducted
It would be a good back up and additional capacity on extreme days
I assume that the electric is the tricky part

Anybody don’t this on a Phaeton?

I did this on a holiday rambler but it was pre-wired for it

KenZ71 · 09-27-2021, 08:19 PM

Our 2005 Phaeton only has the roof airs. Dash AC quit 2 shops have given up so I've thought maybe try a mini split where the overhead Tube TV was.

With the fuse panel and generator up front electric should be relatively easy I would think.

thegats1 · 09-28-2021, 05:35 AM

I will be watching this thread for sure. Would be nice to have a 3rd at times. Like you said, the electrical limits are what will need to be researched. 50 AMP shore power and of course the generator. You may find you can't run all 3 on the generator but of course that depends on the rating of the new AC, all other loads, and the rating of your generator. I like the idea of having a 3rd at least for the times when on shore power and if below the limits. I do believe the stock Coleman Mach 8's I have are prevented from starting at the same time using the thermostat. I suppose adding a 3rd without having controls in place to prevent the 3rd and one of the others from starting at the same time could possibly trip the shore power breaker on start even if the running current is below 50 Amps. Having a soft start to soften the starting current should help and because starting current is quick and short lived, maybe there won't be an issue. Wonder if some RV parks, if they even know about it will prevent you from running 3.

I'll be following to see what the experts on this forum have to say. I'm certainly not one.

ernieh · 09-28-2021, 01:26 PM

I almost added a third AC to my previous coach (2012 36QSH). An unducted unit would have been a fairly easy install. The main breaker panel on that coach was in the rear closet. My thoughts were that I would pull 10ga. UF cable from the AC through the return air duct to the panel. Plan B would have been conduit on the roof to the rear cap.

Power management shouldn't be a big concern. There are plenty of coaches out there with three AC's and no power management system.

DRM901 · 09-29-2021, 07:58 AM

It will be a challenge to have 3 ACs and not have both 50 amp service and a power management system. 50 amp is a requirement. Now, the power management might be you.

We have 3 ACs (heat pumps really) and sometimes the system will shed 1 AC. Each AC uses about 15A to run; at least 20-25A to start.

I still think you could do it, if you already have 50A service. I would run the electric to the nearest wall and run it into the basement. It needs to go there anyway.

Be sure to brace the roof after you enlarge the hole. Heat pump units weigh 100 lbs. I think you could tie into the existing framework with some 2"x4"s (between roof and ceiling).