The Cool Quest: Deciding to Add a Second AC to Your RV
Let's be honest, there are few things worse than a sweltering hot RV when you're trying to relax on a summer road trip. You pull into your campsite, exhausted from a day of driving or exploring, and all you want is to crank the AC and chill out. But for many of us, especially those with larger rigs or who love camping in scorching climates, that single rooftop air conditioner just isn't cutting it. It chugs along, struggling to keep up, and you end up sweating more inside than you did outside. Sound familiar?
That's precisely where the idea of adding a second air conditioner to your RV really starts to shine. It's a significant upgrade, for sure, not just a simple plug-and-play, but for many RVers, it transforms their experience from "tolerable" to "truly comfortable." Think about it: a second AC can make your RV an actual oasis, even when the mercury is pushing triple digits.
Why Even Bother? The Case for Dual ACs
You might be wondering if it's really necessary. Let me tell you, for a lot of us, it absolutely is.
Battling the Heat Monster
If you've ever spent a summer in places like Arizona, Florida, Texas, or even the Midwest during a heatwave, you know what I'm talking about. A single 13,500 or 15,000 BTU AC unit in a 30-foot-plus RV is often just doing its best to slow down the inevitable rise in temperature, not actually cool things down to a comfortable level. With a second unit, you're doubling your cooling power, giving that heat monster a proper smackdown. We're talking about going from 90 degrees inside to a blissful 75, even when it's 105 outside. That's a game-changer for sleep, cooking, or just existing.
Improved Cooling Efficiency and Comfort
It's not just about raw power; it's about efficiency and comfort zones. When one AC is constantly running full tilt, it's working overtime, which can shorten its lifespan. Two units, often running at a lower, more comfortable setting, can achieve the same cooling with less strain. Plus, with two units, you can often create "zones." Maybe you want the bedroom extra chilly at night, but the living area a bit warmer during the day. A second AC allows for that kind of nuanced climate control, which just feels luxurious after a long day in the sun.
Redundancy and Peace of Mind
Here's a thought many RVers appreciate: redundancy. If one of your AC units decides to take an unplanned vacation (and believe me, they sometimes do), you're not completely out of luck. You'll still have a functioning AC to provide some relief until you can get the other one repaired or replaced. That peace of mind, especially when you're miles from civilization, is priceless.
Is Your RV Ready? The Pre-Installation Checklist
Alright, you're convinced. A second AC sounds like heaven. But before you start shopping for units, we need to talk logistics. Adding a second air conditioner to your RV isn't always straightforward.
Structural Integrity: Where Will It Go?
Most RVs, especially those over 25 feet, come with at least one existing roof vent, often in the bedroom or living area. Many manufacturers actually "pre-wire" and "pre-brace" a second roof opening, usually in the bedroom, specifically for a second AC. This makes the job significantly easier.
You'll need to climb up on your roof (carefully, please!) and check. Is there an existing 14" x 14" vent opening that you can replace? Is the area around it flat and sturdy enough to support the weight (around 80-100 lbs) of a new AC unit? You definitely don't want your new AC unit crashing through your ceiling! If there's no existing vent, creating a new opening is a much more involved process, often requiring internal framing and ceiling work, which is typically best left to professionals.
Electrical Power: The Big One
This is probably the most critical factor when considering adding a second air conditioner to your RV. Your RV's electrical system needs to be able to handle the increased load.
- 30-amp RVs: This is where things get tricky. A single 15,000 BTU AC unit can draw around 12-15 amps on its own. Add a second one, and you're looking at 24-30 amps just for the ACs. With a 30-amp shore power connection, you simply cannot run both ACs simultaneously, along with other high-draw appliances like a microwave or coffee maker, without tripping the breaker. You'll have to be a master of power management, carefully toggling units on and off. Some RVers opt for a "soft start" kit (like a Micro-Air EasyStart) for their ACs, which significantly reduces the initial power surge when the compressor kicks on, making it possible to run two on 30-amp shore power, but it still requires careful management.
- 50-amp RVs: Ah, 50-amp service. This is the sweet spot for dual ACs. A 50-amp connection actually provides two separate 50-amp lines (effectively 100 amps total), which means you'll have plenty of juice to run both ACs, your microwave, water heater, and more, all at the same time, without breaking a sweat (literally). If you have a 50-amp rig, you're in a much better position to tackle this upgrade.
- Generator Power: If you rely on your generator, check its wattage output. Many built-in RV generators (like a typical 4000-watt Onan) can just barely handle one AC and a few other things. To run two ACs, you'll likely need a 5500-watt or larger generator. Again, soft start kits can help here too.
Ventilation and Ducting
Will your new AC be a "dump" unit (meaning it just blows air straight down into the room it's in), or will it be integrated into your RV's existing ducted system? Most modern RVs are designed with a single main ducted system. Adding a second air conditioner RV usually means adding a second, independent system, often a dump unit for the bedroom, unless your RV specifically has a dual-ducted system already in place or a way to easily extend the existing one. For simplicity and often cost, many opt for a standalone dump unit for the second AC.
The Nitty-Gritty: What the Installation Entails (DIY or Pro?)
Once you've done your homework and determined your RV is a good candidate, you're ready for the actual work.
Choosing the Right AC Unit
There are several brands out there (Dometic, Coleman Mach, Furrion, etc.), and they come in different BTU ratings (13,500 or 15,000 BTU being common). Match the BTU rating to your needs and the size of the space it will cool. A 13,500 BTU unit is often sufficient for a bedroom. If you're going for a soft start kit, ensure compatibility with your chosen AC model.
The Process (Simplified)
- Safety First: Disconnect all shore power and turn off your RV's 12V disconnect. Safety glasses and gloves are a good idea.
- Remove Existing Vent: If you're using an existing roof vent, carefully remove the internal trim and then the screws holding the vent to the roof. You'll need to cut through the existing sealant.
- Clean and Prep: Scrape off all old sealant and ensure the roof opening is clean and dry.
- Run Electrical (if necessary): This is often the trickiest part for DIYers. You'll need to run a dedicated 120V AC line (with appropriate gauge wire and a breaker) from your main power panel to the new AC unit. If your RV is pre-wired, this step is much simpler – the wire should already be there, ready to be connected.
- Lift and Mount the AC: This is a two-person job unless you have a lift. The AC unit needs to be carefully lifted onto the roof and centered over the opening. Once in place, it usually bolts down from the inside, compressing a gasket to create a watertight seal.
- Connect Wiring: Connect the 120V AC wiring inside the unit (black to hot, white to neutral, green to ground).
- Seal It Up: Apply new sealant (self-leveling Dicor sealant is common) around the base of the AC unit on the roof, making sure all screw heads and edges are fully covered.
- Internal Trim & Test: Install the internal control panel and trim. Then, reconnect power and fire up your new AC unit!
DIY vs. Professional
While adding a second air conditioner to your RV is a common DIY project for mechanically inclined RVers, especially if the RV is pre-wired, it's not for everyone. If you're not comfortable working with high-voltage electricity, cutting holes in your roof, or wrestling with a heavy unit, please, call a professional RV technician. The cost of installation will be well worth avoiding potential electrical fires, leaks, or roof damage. Seriously, don't mess around with electrical if you're not confident.
Post-Installation & Living with Dual ACs
Once that second AC is purring, you'll quickly realize what a difference it makes. But remember:
- Power Management (especially 30-amp): If you're on 30-amp, practice conscious power management. You'll get a feel for what you can run simultaneously. It's often one AC and the fridge, or two ACs and nothing else.
- Maintenance: Just like your primary AC, your new unit will need regular maintenance: cleaning filters, checking coils, and inspecting roof seals.
- The Payoff: The ability to truly cool your RV, sleep comfortably in any climate, and extend your camping season into those hot summer months is the real reward. No more dreading those 100-degree days; you'll actually enjoy your RV.
Final Thoughts
So, is adding a second air conditioner to your RV worth it? For many, including myself, it's a resounding yes. It's an investment in comfort, certainly, but also in the longevity of your existing unit and in your overall enjoyment of the RV lifestyle. Just make sure you do your homework, understand your RV's capabilities, and either take your time with a careful DIY approach or trust it to a skilled professional. You'll be glad you did when you're sipping a cold drink in a perfectly chilled RV, while the sun beats down outside. Happy camping!