Installing a second A/C unit in 32 QBBS

Due to only having a 13500 BTU A/C I am in the process of adding a second A/C to the back bedroom. I was looking at upgrading to a 15k to keep from going to a 50 Amp service until I read a post in this forum about having a second 20 outlet connected to the CG post. So now for the same amount of money and a little time I will get more A/C. I finally got the wiring pulled today with pics. I did forget to take a pic of the cubbard being removed but I got the rest. My plan is to run the wiring from the ceiling vent over to the corner of the closet and then down to the floor and to the outside. In order to do this I had to take the cubbard down. This was very simple basically 4 long wood screws is all that secures it. I also removed the panel directly under the closet (Before I realized I would have to take the cubbard down). This panel also has a backflow preventer access panel in it. I then went to the outside in an existing hole for the water lines. More to follow.

Wiring at Ceiling Vent



Underneath the bedroom closet panel. Secure by staples so I think I will screw it back into place in case I need access again.



This is the cubbard panel that I removed. Basically each corner has a screw in the top and bottom and the entire section comes out exposing an area from the ceiling to the floor. I had to cut a 3" hole in the ceiling inside this area to get the wire through.



This is where the wiring drops to the outside of the camper. I have the 2nd 1/2bath option so the access door is for the black water tank in the back. The wire comes out between the skirt and the frame so no need to remove the underbelly cover.





I am planning to mount an external plug later this week if I can get it. I take my camper to the dealer Friday to pick up the A/C and let them do the actual install onto the camper. I figured an hour of time $(95) they can have it done and it would take me and some help all morning to get it in and hope for no leaks. The hardest part so far was the wire pull from the bedroom vent to the corner of the closet. The roof truss system is very difficult to fish wire through. I basically had a friend(electrician) on one side and me on the other both with fiberglass fish stik's trying to get them together to pull one to the other end. It took several tries but we finally got it. I believe when I am done this will be better than installing the wire conduit across the ceiling.(Dealer technician idea). We leave for the beach on Tuesday so the wife has me on a timeline!! LOL!

That is a great idea. When you turn the a/c on now you will really be cool.

You will love the second air. I Just installed one on our 29rlbs. A Dealer wanted $1500 I got a ac on ebay for $400 plus shiping and installed it myself. I too used the second 20amp outlet connected to the CG post .I put it in for going to the beach in Destin, Florida where there is not very much shade in the park, last year the cat was warm in the afternoons. just got back 2 weeks ago the air worked great. We are camped at a lake here in Arkansas now in 100 deg. but the cat is cool.

[quote="jeepingjason"]I too used the second 20amp outlet connected to the CG post.quote]

Do you have any pictures of how you mounted the plug? That would be very useful in helping me decide exactly how I want to mount it.

I had the same problem at the coast or in direct sun. The a/c couldn't keep up. If my wife started cooking it really couldn't keep up.

Thanks,

Jonathan

what do you do when you get to a campground that only has one 30amp plug in ? ,,,, and no 110 outlets or or anything else ?

I ran into that at myrtle beach. I wanted to plug the radio into the power box but all it had was the one outlet and the breaker switch in the box.

Admin wrote:what do you do when you get to a campground that only has one 30amp plug in ? ,,,, and no 110 outlets or or anything else ?

I ran into that at myrtle beach. I wanted to plug the radio into the power box but all it had was the one outlet and the breaker switch in the box.

Same thing happened to us last weekend. I wanted to plug my griddle in on the post, but nope, no plug.
jim

If they have a 50A and a 30A, you could make a 50A to 20A adapter pretty easily.

If 30A is the only choice, you can't do anything but sweat.

My 5500W Onan has a 20A circuit for a second AC that is not used at the current time. One of these days I will add the second AC over the bedroom and put an automatic transfer switch between the generator and a dedicated 20A circuit.

The best way to mount the plug is to use one of the Marinco sockets. There was another post here about adding the 20A circuit.

http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/diy-improvements-f3/auxiliary-power-t1821.htm

The first picture shows the Marinco socket (above the outside shower)

jetskier wrote:The best way to mount the plug is to use one of the Marinco sockets. There was another post here about adding the 20A circuit.

http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/diy-improvements-f3/auxiliary-power-t1821.htm

The first picture shows the Marinco socket (above the outside shower)

Its a twist lock 20 amp inlet socket. It came from www.burnstines.com but I dont see it on their website now.

If you have any questions about installing 1, just ask.

I also made up 2 power cords, 1 is 10 foot, the other is 25 foot.

I just made a T-Bone for the camper 50AMP plug and came down with two 30AMP plugs. It cost me around $60.00 to make it and I will take a picture and try to post later on.

Admin wrote:what do you do when you get to a campground that only has one 30amp plug in ? ,,,, and no 110 outlets or or anything else ?

I ran into that at myrtle beach. I wanted to plug the radio into the power box but all it had was the one outlet and the breaker switch in the box.

Pirate Land didn't have any outlets on the post? Thats hard to believe as big as they are. I have never saw a power post without a 110 outlet. We stay at Lakewood and I am pretty sure they have the 110 connections, if my post doesn't have an outlet I am right beside a bathhouse so I may have to Improvise. If not I guess sweat it is!!

Jonathan,

Sorry for not getting back soon.. Not much time at the lake on 4th of July for the computer. I don`thave any pics but I used the Marinco sockets just like Tom did just above the out side shower.This weekend it was very hot and the DW had the stove and oven going and the inside temp was very cool. she said "this was the best thing we ever done to the cat"
Don`t Know about not having a 20 amp we have always had one. I wonder if you could put the frig. and hot water heater on gas and just plug it in to the camper out side outlet

I got everything installed Friday. I am not quite ready to take the jump and cut the whole into the side of my WC so for the time being I mounted a box back at the bumper with a male pigtail coming out where I can connect a drop cord I made. I have a 20 amp outlet at my garage so I tested out the new A/C yesterday and WOW what a difference!


Most of the places we camp have the 110 outlets. I hope they do at lakewood at Myrtle Beach.

I bought one of the Coleman Power Savers, it is only suppose to draw 12 amps so I may be able to plug it into the camper as a last resort. I will have to check out the wiring first to ensure it can handle the load. Thanks for everyones help. I will let you know how it works at the coast. I think the rear bedroom will be a mancave with the flatscreen and plenty of cold air!

jetskier wrote:The best way to mount the plug is to use one of the Marinco sockets. There was another post here about adding the 20A circuit.

http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/diy-improvements-f3/auxiliary-power-t1821.htm

The first picture shows the Marinco socket (above the outside shower)

I have the web site somewhere were U can get them cheap. RV dealer way to high. Also I have the sites to buy the plug especially for this. All info is 20 amp. Anybody want it I can find it.