3813ms AC units

[SforB]

We got my mom's new 5th wheel settled in the central valley of California (100+ temps in summer), and immediately found the AC units did not work at all. One was not plugged in, the other had cut wires. After messing with the dealer for a few days, they finally approved on-site service and those issues were fixed.

Unfortunately, now that the temp has gone up to over 100, she is only able to lower the temp in the LR to 10 degrees or less than the outside temp. The service man said it should be around an 18 degree split, but this is not even close. Not feeling cool air coming out of those weird crappy ducts at all.

Has anyone else dealt with this and have a solution? We are in the process of finding another service man to come out (her regular guy is off work for a few weeks) but had to literally fight with Keystone to approve it. Thank you.

[SforB]

Could anyone at least tell me what your AC unit BTUs are for a 40-42 foot 5th wheel?

[Ram Montana High Country]

our 373RD came with a 15k main unit and 13.5k in bedroom - this is a 41' unit. we added a third unit in the kitchen - 13.5k. It takes several hours from an internal temp of 95 to get in the up 70's.

[Ram Montana High Country]

there are numerous mods you can do to make it cool better if you search the files

[SforB]

Thank you. I'm really annoyed with the dealer. They knew where it was going and the temps and didn't bother to warn us. Anyway, in the meantime, I did find all the different conversations regarding changes that can be made. Thank you!

[Daryles]

There is a long list of things to check or modify to help with AC.
Search the forum for Air Conditioner or other terms for ideas where to start with your project.
While cleaning the air return filters I noticed in the rear return there was a gap I could put my finger through into the attic. I taped it up. Found a 3 finger gap in the forward air return.
Also some insulation partially cover the return obstructing it. Trim the return opening almost as wide as the plastic opening so nothing restricts the return air.
Another modification is to cut out every other fin of the ceiling vent. This helps increase airflow.
We also changed the bathroom register to one that closes to redirect the air to elsewhere.

[Foldbak]

Search youtube for RV ac mods. You'll find a lot there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9rEQb05Qv4

[SforB]

These are good starts. Thank you!

[DQDick]

Reflective bubble insulation on the windows you aren't using and particularly ones on the sun side will help a lot. Her rig is also prewired to add a third AC where one of the vents is. Look for the junction box cover next to the vent. The controler for that vent will also have the control cord behind it for the thermostat.

[SforB]

Thank you. I think at this point, that is what we are considering with the AC. I read that you can't run three at once without major electrical changes but we might move her bedroom one into the LR space. She says she is always too cold up there anyway. She has really good blinds and awnings. Doesn't get alot of direct sun on the sides, just the top, unfortunately.

[h2ojocky]

You are right that you can only run 2 units at once. Another option is to get a portable air conditioner from Home Depot or Lowes like this one. If you have 50 amp service you can plug in the portable air conditioner on the 20 amp circuit on the pedastal and run the 12 gauge extension cord through the slide out.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toshiba-...CWRU/314620248

[Carl n Susan]

Originally Posted by h2ojocky

.......You are right that you can only run 2 units at once.....

You can run 3 ACs IF you have 50 amp service and you manage the loads across the two buses and avoid other large power consumers (microwave, water heater, dryer, etc.) at the same time.