Community Forums

seabeckian · 12-02-2020, 07:49 PM

We ordered a new 27L-5, expecting delivery by April. We have no experience in hot climates and are wondering if one A/C unit is enough if we get to someplace like Arizona.

We are considering upgrading to both a 50 AMP service and a 5.5 ONAN, to provide capability for adding a second A/C later if needed.
However, based on the experience of others, perhaps that is overkill for this size 5th wheel.
What do 'we the people' recommend? Is one A/C enough in a 27L-5?
Thank you for reading and your input!

jcussen · 12-02-2020, 07:59 PM

Don't know the quality of the insulation on your unit, but my 15000 btu ac on my 25 footer will not cut it when temps get close to 100 f.

artman1913 · 12-03-2020, 05:17 AM

Part of the reason we went 50A was so the second AC would be pre wired.

50A gives you much more power and you can run just about everything at once. ( 50A service is 240V or as a fox would use it 2 120V 50A )
30A is 1/3 the AMP that a 50A is

Depends on when you are in AZ, You and how much shade.

I would say mid 90s and we are "good" any more and I would be moving the dealer installed solar around to add the second AC

Go 50A they make adapters so you can plug into 30A if 50A is not available.

Oh and go with a surge protector
We went with https://hughesautoformers.com/product/pwd50-epo-h/

MtCamper · 12-03-2020, 07:38 AM

I'd go with the 50 amp option with the prewire for sure. We can be pretty comfortable into the low 90s but we have to work at it at that temp. There is a lot of good info on improving the A/C on the NROA site. Unfortunately (for your pocketbook) there are also a lot of good mods for the 27-5. Extra lights, additional windows, fireplaces and the like. There is also a lot of good info on what options to look for with a factory order.

I'd leave out the Onan. You will need the storage room on a 27-5 and even with the large propane tanks, you won't be able to do any extended boondocking with the genny running. I'd consider putting a gas unit in the truck bed or a rear mount carrier for one. I've gone both ways and they both work.

W5CI · 12-03-2020, 07:41 AM

You need two AC's on any Rv if you plan on being anywhere in the Southern part of the USA.

YC1 · 12-03-2020, 08:13 AM

If you are going to kick in for 50 amp upgrade, add the 2nd AC and you will not regret it for sure. That is a lot of cubic feet to cool.

We had one AC in our last 30 ft A with one slide and we always wished we had two.

trapper2020 · 12-03-2020, 08:40 AM

In the south in summer no way one unit is enough. In going to our class c having a second unit was a requirement not a maybe add. This requirement eliminated a lot of units we looked at. The 50 amp upgrade is a nice thing to have with 2 ACs. Safe travels

Enjoy the journey

Mark_K5LXP · 12-03-2020, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabeckian

wondering if one A/C unit is enough if we get to someplace like Arizona.

"Enough" has a number. What degree of cooling do you want?

A single A/C on my 30 footer nets about a 20 degree delta inside/outside. If it's 95 out, it's 75 inside. But around here it can hit 105 during the day and you can feel the heat coming through the sun-facing walls. Underway the dash A/C makes some contribution, so between the two I find it's "enough" for me. Arizona in summer is a whole 'nother ball game, you have night time heat to deal with.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

TXiceman · 12-03-2020, 09:31 AM

Mark K5LXP, the method of measure is not the 20 degF between inside and outside temperature. The heat load depends on amount of sun, the direction the RV is pointed and other factors. The 20 degF measure is the difference across the unit. The outlet air should be 18 to 20 degF colder than the inlet air to the unit.

To the OP, go ahead and get the second A/C on the unit. Once you get close to 90 degF ambient (outside temperature), the second unit will be great.

Ken

GOLDandGREY · 12-03-2020, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W5CI

You need two AC's on any Rv if you plan on being anywhere in the Southern part of the USA.

2nd AC unit is a must down this way during the warmer months.

seabeckian · 12-03-2020, 03:26 PM

I appreciate everyone's experience! Thank you for all the input.

Wood Chip · 12-03-2020, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W5CI

You need two AC's on any Rv if you plan on being anywhere in the Southern part of the USA.

ArcticRebel · 01-15-2021, 01:06 PM

Two AC units are nice but not having a electric roof fan in the bedroom is something I can not live without. We camp from Alaska thru Texas and yes there have been times I wish I had the second AC unit, but to sacrifice the roof fan and to say the least give up the front storage for the Onan is not worth it to me. Having an RV requires sacrifices and which ones you can live with and which ones you can not.
Kirk
27-5

PeterC · 03-21-2021, 09:41 PM

So far I can not say we have "needed" our second AC unit but sometimes we have the bedroom AC on and enjoy a good movie and not have the living room AC noise over our heads. There have been a few times we have run both while hooked up to shore power. Need is such a subjective question. I used to work in 120* plus heat with steam blowing past me. But it was not enjoyable. For windows open to get a nice fresh air and finding the Fox filled with very small flying bugs to the point we get out the vacuum cleaner and start sucking up the little clouds of the creatures is an experience. We did add a window in the bedroom on the drivers side of our 2016 27-5L and with the bathroom or living room vent fan on we get a good exchange of air. I also at times run the bedroom AC with air fan only to keep the air moving. Kirk introduced us to the small fans by the major battery power tool devices and that has worked very well on those hot boondocking nights. For shore power nights we have a 110 volt fan. So it comes down to if you would rather spend the money for 50 amp and an extra AC to be just in case. We did. Would do it again. One thing about RV people, you make do when you have to. All is good either way.