Adding a Second A/C Unit (RV Pre-Wired for A/C) (2023)

Can be done. However, there may be times when you run out of power when you add a second AC unit to your RV or RV. Adding a second AC unit depends on what your RV or RV supports. That is, if you want to run other fixtures at the same time.

This is not a difficult task and you can do it yourself if you wish. Also, if you're familiar with these types of projects, look for the pre-wiring boxes so you know where the second unit's wires are located.

To learn more about this topic, continue reading our article. It covers that topic and provides the information you want to know before you begin. Take a few minutes to see how this information will help you.

Can you add air conditioning to a caravan?

This is a possibility, but there are still a few factors you need to consider before attempting this project. These factors are as follows

-wiring- Is your RV or trailer pre-installed for extra air conditioning or not? Can you add wiring to your trailer or trailer?

-amperage- How many amps is your RV rated for? If it's 30 amps you may not be able to run both at the same time. If it's 50 amps, then you can

-Size- What is the height of the new caravan unit? You have to be careful with low gaps lest you want them too high.

-Investor- Is it powerful enough to operate the AC unit? Or is your generator powerful enough to run two AC units at the same time?

When it comes to pre-wiring, look before you buy. Trailer manufacturers have pre-wired their models since the 1970's and these cables can still be in good condition if never used.

If they are pre-wired, all you need to do is connect them to the AC unit and fuse box. If your unit never came with air conditioning, replacing a roof vent for air conditioning use is not that difficult.

Adding AC to Travel Trailer

Adding extra air conditioning to your RV or RV is not a difficult task. One of the most important issues will be the weight of the AC unit. Not just for lifting it to the ceiling, but also for its overall weight and whether your ceiling is strong enough to hold it.

The tricky part will be lifting the air conditioner onto the roof. Make sure you have plenty of help with this task. Before you start, look for a pre-wiring. It can stand in its own partitioned area with its own cover, or attached to one of the vents.

It's hard to tell where the trailer manufacturers ran these AC power cords. The other thing to worry about is whether those wires are for a fan or an AC unit. If there should be 2 at the end, then there is none.

So, as we mentioned before, you should check what your trailer is ready for. If it's 30 amps, you may have trouble running the AC unit and other devices at the same time.

If it's plugged into 50 amps you shouldn't have a problem plugging in the AC device and getting it to work. This is important when adding a second AC unit.

With a 30 amp system, you probably can't run two large AC units at the same time. You can run 2 smaller units if the BTUs are low enough.

Cost of adding a second air conditioner to the caravan

The actual cost you have to pay depends on the method used. If you intend to do this yourself, the cost is limited to the price of the AC unit and the few wires, connectors, and breakers needed.

This is the cheapest option you can go for, but make sure you have the skills to hook it up properly. The next method would be to hire a local handyman to do the job for you.

They are usually qualified for this type of work and their labor costs are less than that of a professional installer. The downside of this option is that there isn't much you can do if something goes wrong after installing the device.

The last method would be to hire a professional to do the job. You can make the right connections, turn the thermostat right, and so on. They will also be faster than you or a handyman.

The downside is the time and labor required. What you pay depends on the company you hire to do the work. They all have their own fee schedules and one we read was around $1,500.

Some owners have suggested installing the second air conditioner when ordering your new RV or RV. This cost is much less than adding a second one after the fact. The offer we saw ranged from $800 to $1,000.

Do-it-yourself or dealer?

This is a very good question. We do not recommend self-installation for anyone who has no electrical experience or does not know how to wire the thermostat. Although you save money initially, the cost of redoing your work can get expensive.

Then the dealer can do it for you. They have trained professionals to make sure everything is hooked up properly. The downside is that dealers can be more expensive than local AC installers.

It's easier for you to hire someone else to do it, and sometimes if you do NOT have a warranty, it's best to go to a local AC or HVAC company that does RV AC unit installation.

They can do a good job and hopefully charge less than a dealer. The only way to find out is to call both of them and compare their estimates. Of course, if you're still under warranty, you may be limited to letting the dealer do the job.

That way everything will be done right and you may not have to pay as much for installation. Check with your RV company how this is handled with your warranty coverage. The last thing you want to do is remove that cover.

Motorhome pre-wired for air conditioning

That's a good situation. Because the cables are already installed, you don't need to purchase additional cables or worry about finding the best way to route those cables. Everything is taken care of for you.

What remains to be done is simply install the AC unit and it should have a place designed to hold it. This space typically measures about 14 1/4 inches by 14 1/4 inches tall. If the space is larger, you will need to add standoffs to secure the AC unit.

If it's smaller, you'll need to make the room big enough to accommodate the AC unit. Once that's done, all you have to do is connect the wires to the AC unit and breaker box.

Pre-wiring can be found on many older RV models. The 73 Coachman Cadet was pre-wired d9one with an AC unit. We're not sure how many older models had the same feature, but you can check if yours is ready.

If you have openings in the ceiling, simply open them up and see if a cable or two is already installed. If so, you should be able to easily add the first or second AC unit.

Adding a second AC unit to the RV

This is not a difficult task, other than, as we have said, placing it on the roof of your caravan or motorhome. Some people used ladders and ropes to push it up. Others had help carrying them up the stairs. How you use it is up to you.

When you hire a professional, we're sure they'll appreciate your help with lifting. The key isn't whether or not your RV or RV comes pre-wired, but whether the electrical design of your RV or trailer can handle the extra electrical load.

The other important consideration will be the size of the AC unit. Some people say you can run 2 units of 13,500 BTU on a 30 amp system. You may not be able to run anything else, but it will be cool

Sizing is important and you need to figure out how many BTUs you need. To do this, you need to look at your storage situation. Will you be in the hot desert all the time or will you be in colder climates intermittently?

The climate at your campsite will help you make the right size decision. Then you need to make sure that you can control the device from inside the caravan or motorhome.

You need to think about all these little details before you buy your second AC unit. The price for this unit will be below the listing for now.

How do I add a second air conditioner to the MyTravel trailer?

The best method for installing a second air conditioner in your RV or RV is to hire someone to do it for you. That's no excuse as most people don't know how to wire a light bulb let alone an AC unit.

If you don't know how or are afraid of electrocution, this is your only option. Although they cost more, the best option for hiring someone is to hire a professional.

That way you know the job was done right and if it wasn't, you have an option to get your money back or take legal action. Also, you want to use an unobtrusive drive to make sure you don't have clearance issues.

Then check your warranty as they may be making the installation decisions for you. Some AC units can add up to 10 inches to your overall height. This will cause some problems when driving on roads where bridges have low headroom.

Tips for installing a second AC unit

1.Start with an existing roof vent - if you don't have one, a professional will fabricate a new vent for you

2.Be discreet - this is the way to have peace of mind and expand your travel options. You can take these very scenic but very secondary road routes.

3.Keep the shorter side facing forward - this reduces drag while riding. Every little helps with fuel efficiency.

4.Be sure to use nuts and bolts - they are more secure than just bolts. Also, carefully follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, especially inside the installation.

5.Consult a professional, even if they have experience with electricity - doing it yourself might not always be a good idea, especially when you're leveling up in the world.

some final words

add a secondAC unitit's a smart idea for many parts of the country. These winters can be cold for the locals, but they can still be quite warm for you. An additional source of cooling can help you get the most out of your vacation.

Just make sure you connect the wiring correctly and the correct AC unit for your trailer's electrical system. Everything else is a breeze when it comes to installation and purchase.