656DKean
Registered: 02/02/06
Posts: 47
|
|
|
Reply with quote | #1 |
My unite has 30 amp service. It has one 13,500 btu AC. We bought a new dealer stock unite and that is how they ordered it. If we ordered it we would have gotten 50 amp with second AC. Dometic just replaced our AC unite and it is working like new.
When we dry camp we use two Honda 2000's which will run the ac and the microwave at the same time. But not with the sat,and tv going. Also we run the water heater on propane when dry camping.
My question is could we install a small ac in the bed room roof vent and use the water heater circuit . Have the circuit run through a three way switch ? WH/OFF/AC ?
It sounds like it would work to me,but I'm just a retired trucker. What do I know.
|
| |
747BLUCUSTOM
Registered: 04/13/06
Posts: 816
|
|
|
Reply with quote | #2 |
That sounds like a great idea to me but I'm not an electrician either. There may be other ideas coming from others yet. Some have changed to a fifty amp service, others have added another cord to run extra stuff, like an extension cord for the AC. Keep us informed as to what you do and how. Someone else will use your idea sometime I'm sure.
|
| |
450donn
Registered: 05/18/05
Posts: 593
|
|
|
Reply with quote | #3 |
The three way switch to handle the current will probably cost you an arm and a leg. Simpler solution is to run wire from the new AC unit to a plug and plug the generators in to that for boon docking. Do you run your refer on Gas or automatic when boon docking?
|
| |
656DKean
Registered: 02/02/06
Posts: 47
|
|
|
Reply with quote | #4 |
When we dry camp we use propane for ref/hw. If we do this and we are at a CG we should be able to use both AC unites together as long as the water heater is on propane. I think this would be cheaper then converting to 50 amp ???
Giving it some more thought, why couldn't I just disconnect the electric for the water heater and use that breaker for the second AC. We already have a second source to heat the water. Then I wouldn't need that expensive three way switch. If we ever get rid of the rig it would be easy to put it back to stock,or let the new owner know that the water heater is propane only.
|
| |
832skypilot
Registered: 07/14/06
Posts: 425
|
|
|
Reply with quote | #5 |
Keen: I also run two Honda 2000s and they won't power both Air Conditioners in my creek (albeit, I think I have 15K in main area, 13K in bedroom area -- thinking is bad for my brain but that is how I remember it anyway).
With both generators running full bore (i.e. no econ mode on either of them), when the 2nd AC starts up, it pulls so much load that it trips both generators off-line. I then have to shut them down and restart them to have power again. Now, both generators running will run either AC by themselves, or one AC, TV, refer and Microwave as long as I have one of the generators running full bore (the other on econo mode). If both are running in econo mode they can't spin up fast enough for the load of the microwave and they trip.
As for using the water heater plugin-- that sounds like a great idea. It SHOULD already be on its own circuit and gives you an easier place to run power to.
Now, all that said, You might want to give Cedar Creek (Steve Hicks or Dorreta) a call. Seems I recall someone else having a newer SilverBack with only 30 amp service and they (CC) provided the plugs, panels, etc., to upgrade to 50 amp service.... worth a try I would guess.
|
| |
Registered: Member deleted
Posts: N/A
|
|
|
Reply with quote | #6 |
Yes that would be me i have an 07 cedar creek 35l4qb that came with 30 amp service and you can't run 2 ac'x on that . ac takes 15 to 18 amps upon compressor kicking on and i called steve hicks and asked why they would prewire for a second ac with 30amp service and also the wire was a loop off of the front ac. Long story short he supplied all parts and a little labor because they screwed up on our units. talk to rich on here i think he is 798rpfan for the user name. he also went through this after i told him i had done it. also he's an rv tech who is very helpful you should talk to him. i don't think it's a big job to upgrade to 50 amp but what a big diff. once i had it done
5
|
| |
Registered: Member deleted
Posts: N/A
|
|
|
Reply with quote | #7 |
Hi Mike. Yes, call Cedar Creek. Steve will ask for the last 7 of the VIN#. That will tell him if the unit was supposed to have 50 amp service. He will get you on the right path to get it done if such is the case. I have done mine and 4 others. Takes about 10 hrs to do from start to finish.
When hooked to 50 amp site, I can run both A/C units, water heater and micro with no problem. The key is to have the power distribution box wired to evenly divide all the appliances to properly share the load.
Rich
|
| |
1194Mickey
Registered: 08/14/07
Posts: 3
|
|
|
Reply with quote | #8 |
I'm glad to see some of you had success with Steve Hicks. I also have a fifth wheel that is braced and wired for a second A/C. After the purchase, I found out the wire was ran to the other A/C and useless. I made several calls to Mr. Hicks and was told the bracing and wiring was a "sales tool". If I wanted to add a second A/C, I would have to purchase all of the parts myself. He said this would be very expensive. This is my first Forest River product and with the customer service I received, this will most likely be the last. I'll stick with other companies who do not use deceptive "sales tools". |
| |
162firegoth
Registered: 02/19/06
Posts: 24
|
|
|
Reply with quote | #9 |
Sorry to hear that.. It sure doesn't sound like Steve, he has been very good helping me get my 2nd air up and going.. And also a big help with some damage I had to my CC... |
| |
