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Old 08-08-2016, 09:49 PM   #1
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Adding 3rd AC in Garage - Voltage 3950

Is this something a guy can do himself, or should I seek out a dealer? Has anyone done this themselves? Should I wire it so that it can be plugged in by itself? One dealer has quoted $1800. The units seem like they are only about $700. That's a lot of labor cost...
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Old 08-08-2016, 10:04 PM   #2
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Is this something a guy can do himself, or should I seek out a dealer? Has anyone done this themselves? Should I wire it so that it can be plugged in by itself? One dealer has quoted $1800. The units seem like they are only about $700. That's a lot of labor cost...
If the camper was preped for an AC, the power should already be there. Take a look at your distribution panel, does it have a blank where a new breaker could go.

If you have to pull the wires, that can be a challenge, but not impossible and yes the new AC should be on it's own circuit.
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Old 08-08-2016, 10:07 PM   #3
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It has a powered vent/fan. Does that mean is prepped?
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Old 08-08-2016, 11:07 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by smackdaddy66 View Post
It has a powered vent/fan. Does that mean is prepped?
Not necessarily...

Need to see if there is 120v wiring in there, the vent fans are 12v.

Aaron
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Old 08-08-2016, 11:51 PM   #5
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You'll need some help getting that sucker on the roof.
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Old 08-09-2016, 12:40 AM   #6
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You'll also need to consider load management if wired to camper power system
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Old 08-23-2016, 08:51 PM   #7
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I will be watching this thread.
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Old 08-23-2016, 08:58 PM   #8
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As an update - I installed a 3rd AC in the garage and had it wired in to the main panel. I can run the main unit and the garage unit at the same time. I didn't run the bedroom unit. I also retaped the airbox under the main AC. Lastly, when installing the garage AC, we cut holes in the frame to force air in to the ducts that were already there.

I now can have 2 ac's feeding the ductwork. I haven't tested it in 100 degree weather in Houston, but did test it in 90 degree weather. The main cabin and the garage were cold. The main cabin could use a fan to move the air around a little better, but otherwise I'm delighted with the results.

The guys I hired in Houston came to the house and did this work in a short 9 1/2 hours. Best $1200 I ever spent. That's labor and the AC with a thermostat.
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Old 08-23-2016, 10:18 PM   #9
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Smackdaddy, I'm not too far down 6 from Sugar Land.

I'm very happy to hear you found a mobile-tech that sounds like he knows what he is doing. While I don't have any projects for him this moment, I'm very tempted to file him away for when I might.

Would it be reasonable to get his contact info? (personal message if you prefer)

I completely understand if there's a reason not to. Glad to hear you got great service and it sounds like for a very fair price.
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Old 08-23-2016, 10:26 PM   #10
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Yes of course. I'll send you as soon as I find his card.
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