Summer can be one of the best times of year to travel with your motorhome or RV.
The weather is pleasant, the days are longer and tourist attractions are plentiful.
Whether you are travelingwith your familyor going out to see the grandkids, it's a good time to travel.
It can also be an incredibly hot travel time.
Manypopular travel destinationsThey are found in the southern and southwestern United States where temperatures can rise.
You want to be comfortable during your trip, and you probably can't do that without air conditioning.
Many RVs and RVs come equipped with air conditioning..
Depending on the size of your vehicle, where you are traveling and how many you are traveling with, you may need an extra unit for real comfort.
If you're considering adding another air conditioner to your RV or RV, here are some tips to guide you through the process.
1. Don't buy for a bargain
Everyone wants to get good value for the money they spend.
Just know that there are some things you don't want to compromise on in order to get a better price.
A more expensive air conditioner will accomplish a few things.
First, a larger area is likely to be cooled more efficiently.
It probably willmore energy efficient.
If you're wondering if that really matters, I'm here to tell you.go to.Air conditioning systems consume an enormous amount of energy.
That energy will cost you money..
At the end of the season, you may find that the cost of running your economy air conditioner was more than the combined purchase price and cost of running the more expensive unit.
You can still find a good price for a quality air conditioner. Just don't expect the cheapest device in the store to do the same thing as an expensive one.
Note that adding a second air conditioner to your RV is a financial investment.
But think of the money you save on the alternative: hotel rooms when it's too hot to stay in your RV.
2. Work with what you have
If you've researched the latest and greatest air conditioning options for your RV or RV, you may have a specific idea of the system you're looking to install.
Always make sureYour first device works perfectly.
Price will likely become a factor for you, but more importantly, the vehicle you start with will determine the type of system you choose.
Air conditioners come in two basic types: ducted and ductless..
A duct system is an integrated system where air flows through ducts, evenly cooling your space.
Ducted air conditioners are perfect for cooling a room. However, if you don't have ducts in your RV or RV, upgrading to a duct system probably isn't within your budget, nor is it very practical.
Ductless air conditioners are standalone cooling systems. They are installed in an area and that is where the fresh air is generated. It moves from where it came from through the room, just like a traditional window unit.
A ductless air conditioner is still a great option for creating a cooler living space.
When choosing the installation location, you should only consider a few things. It will always be colder where the device is located.
For best results, try to install the device far enough away from any sleeping or seating areas so that everyone in the RV is comfortable while the device is in use.
3. Location, location, location
When considering where to place your second air conditioner, there are a few things to consider.
OfNOYou want to set up your new device in the kitchen or bathroom.
Putting air conditioning in these places usually means sacrificing acirculation ventilation.
With humidity and condensation at their peak in the kitchen and bathroom, losing airflow is not an option.
As a general rule, you should place your air conditioner outdoors. Installing it in a small space like the bathroom will make that small space very fresh without necessarily moving to other areas.
You should also install your air conditioner in the area of most use. Having a second air conditioner in your vehicle won't do you much good if you're never around to enjoy it.
One more word of caution when choosing a location for your second air conditioner. If your first air conditioner is on the roof of your vehicle, you should find another location to install the second unit.
Most RV's are not able to support the weight of the wiring needed for two air conditioners on the roof.
4. It's a balancing act
If you're an experienced RV or RV driver, you know the importance of keeping your vehicles balanced.
Much of this is accomplished throughhow do you pack.
While adding a second air conditioner is great for your comfort, it also adds a nice onesignificant weight for your vehicle.
You can expect your air conditioner to weighat least40 lbs. You can even end up with a device that weighs up to 120 lbs.
This is a bit of extra weight if you don't balance it properly. Leaving your RV dramatically unbalanced can cause a number of problems including excessive rocking, poor gas mileage and stress on the frame.
Do yourself a favor and weigh your RV or trailer when it's full as you plan to travel with it. Check your vehicle's gross vehicle weight range to ensure you are seated at the correct weight.
If not, make any necessary changes to bring it to a safe weight.
Try to balance the extra weight gain evenly on the opposite side of the trailer.
If possible,additional weight on the axlesIt can help keep your vehicle more balanced.
5. Take care of your battery
You know your air conditioner is going to use energy.
If this current is coming from your battery, be careful. If you use your air conditioner all the time and don't let the battery charge, you can drain it.
In the worst case, you may not be able to save the battery afterwards.
If you regularly use drainage devices – hair dryers,refrigerators, air conditioners and the like, you might want to consider upgrading your battery.
A larger battery will more easily handle the power load of these devices.
Don't wait until your battery is exceptionally low to charge. Once he's used half the battery, it's time to charge him up.
Knowing you're making greater demands on your battery, you should be prepared to replace it more frequently. Spare yourself vacation nightmares by traveling with a spare.
If you're prepared, it's not a big deal when it happens.
6. Clothing for the energy of the coast
Preparing the battery for extra power consumption is a good start.
However, there will be times when you want to rely on the power of the coast.
Adding your new air conditioner may mean changing the plug on your amp for something higher. goes from a30 amp plug to 50 amp plugIt can better meet the needs of two air conditioners.
Some locations can limit your ground energy. If that's the case, and you know you'll be expanding your Cap usage needs, consider traveling with a generator.
a generatorIt helps you meet your air conditioning needs while providing you with an alternative to continuous battery operation.
A generator can also be used solely to power your air conditioners..
While this is an option, generators have their own drawbacks.
The biggest thing that both you and your park buddies are likely to notice is the noise the generator makes.
However,drive a generatoron your trailer bumper can muffle that noise a bit.
If you are staying close to other campers, consider turning off the generator overnight if it may disturb sleep.
Of course, that means you don't have to have air conditioning or change your power supply during this time.
Adding a second air conditioner results in dramatic power requirements. You can avoid them, you just have to be prepared for them.
Surely you can unplug heavy-duty appliances in a pinch and turn off the air conditioner when you want to use other appliances. It's not the easiest approach, but it will meet your immediate needs.
7. Opt for professional installation
Having your new air conditioner professionally installed increases the cost of the upgrade.
Despite the cost, you may want to opt for professional installation. For this reason.
If you are installing a ductless system that requires some type of exterior modification (including fancy units that require a hole for installation), you should choose someone with experience.
You should also have a resource in case the installation is unsuccessful.
When you take your motorhome or camper to a professional, they are committed, insured and able to correct any mistakes they make. Your RV or RV has been an expensive investment for you.
You don't want to waste time or money with an incorrect installation..
Remember that you need to make sure your drive is installed correctly. You don't want to lose it during a freeway drive.
You should also make sure that noExternal cuts are absolutely weatherproof.
Installing an air conditioner only to end up with constant water leakage isn't going to help you much.
Make sure you research your installer thoroughly. This is another time when it might make more sense to spend a little more money.
There may be additional components included with your installation. Especially if you install a high-tech cooling option. You may need to run additional wiring for the thermostats.
If you do not have any experience with this yourself, it is advisable to consult a professional.
8. Consider all of your options
Have you thought about adding another AC unit to your RV but couldn't find a way to accommodate one?
This can be likely if you are working with an older drive. But there are some options that you may not have considered.
One of them is a portable air conditioner. A portable air conditioner is available at any hardware store and does not require permanent installation.
However, you must have access to electricity and a way to duct the air outside. This often happens through an open window.
Of course, the downside of a portable air conditioner is the space you have to devote to it. They tend to be heavy, bulky and take up a lot of space.
You may need additional parameters during use. You also need to secure it on the go.
However, when all else has failed,A portable air conditioner can be a good optionto keep your space cool when there seems to be no solution at all.
9. What size air conditioner do you really need?
When it comes to buying air conditioners, you probably know that it is not the size of the machine that matters, but the cooling capacity that will be important to you.
How do you know how effectively your air conditioner is cooling your space?
You should look at the BTUs - that's the oneBritish thermal unitwhich identifies the performance behind the cooling capacity of the device.
The higher the BTU number, the greater the cooling capacity.
Standard models often come with 13,500 BTU air conditioning. For many, that's not enough to keep a large RV or motorhome cool, especially when traveling to hot locations during the summer months.
If you want to add another air conditioner, consider one with at least 15,000 BTU. You'll find that these can quickly create the kind of cool environment you want to be in.
10. Run your air conditioner less
It's easy to expect your air conditioner to do the cooling work for you.
However, there are some things you can do to reduce the load.
First, opt for a light color or at least paint the ceiling white to reflect the sun's rays. Darker colors attract heat and help trap heat. That's the last thing you want when you're battling uncomfortable temperatures.
Covered parking. It's not always possible, but it is, and you aren't.dependent on solar energyYou'll want to do your best to find some shade.
This protects your RV or RV from the sun and lowers the internal temperature.
You may still need to keep your air conditioner running, but you don't have to work as hard to get the job done.
11. Make your air conditioning multitasking
If you really want to get the most bang for your buck with a second air conditioner, consider installing a unit that can both cool and heat.
If you travel year-round or live full-time in your RV or RV, this option may be particularly appealing. You know you need warmth during the cold months.
You can also make a one-time financial investment in a device that can heat and cool. It also saves valuable space.
A dual-purpose heat pump unit can provide needed cooling during the warmer months and additional heat during the colder months.
This option is usually a large financial investment..
But it can be worth it if you use your RV or RV in both weather extremes.
12. Don't forget maintenance
It's easy to think that once your air conditioner is installed, you don't need to do anything but just turn it on and enjoy the coolness.
However, just like other equipment in your RV, your new air conditioner will need itRoutinewartungand service to make it work optimally.
Note that this maintenance is essential to get the most out of your device's lifespan..
Getting ahead with a second air conditioner is a big deal; Do not redo it sooner than necessary due to maintenance issues.
Keep your air conditioner clean, replace coolant when necessary, and replace parts when necessary.
If you notice a dramatic difference in how your air conditioner is working, don't wait to service it. Have it checked as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary damage.
stay comfortable
A second air conditioner can make your RV and RV experience more comfortable.
If you've hesitated before taking the plunge, we hope this information gives you more confidence to take the next step.
You deserve to be comfortable during your time on the road.
Did we miss something that needs to be considered before installing a new air conditioner?
We'd love to hear about it, and we're sure your experiences would help others as well. Please share your comments below and share the article if you found it useful.