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Old 06-02-2015, 06:33 PM   #1
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3rd AC over garage

I live in OKlahoma and this will be first summer using the Toy Hauler. I am thinking of installing a 3rd AC unit over garage. Some tell me its not needed, but I tend to think its a must in the summer.

Can someone share thoughts on this? Anyone feel its not necesaary before I waste the $$ ?

Thanks!
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Old 06-02-2015, 07:14 PM   #2
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I use a portable air unit from Lowes I bought the biggest one they had 13,000 BTU
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Old 06-02-2015, 07:33 PM   #3
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That's a great idea.
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Old 06-02-2015, 08:04 PM   #4
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I use my garage as a bedroom for guest, so for me it's a must.

If you just store toys, you could probably do without.

It's easy to install an RV rooftop AC in the vent opening and hard-wire it to a 120V inlet. You can just plug it into the power pole with an extension cord, or run the cord up to the exterior outlet to use the generator. On the generator you'll be better off if you buy a high efficiency unit.
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Old 06-02-2015, 08:05 PM   #5
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I've got a portable air unit from Lowes that I use in my bedroom at home, so I don't have to cool the entire house overnight. They are good, and work well... but in an RV, it's another item you gotta lug around & store when you're on the go. Plus, you still have to vent it outside... either thru a window, or cutting a hole in the wall.

Personally, I'd opt for getting the 3rd A/C installed over the garage. The wiring & circuitry should all already be there, so all you gotta do is have the unit installed & hooked up.
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Old 06-02-2015, 08:10 PM   #6
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I use the garage as a bedroom for kids or other guests too. That's why it seemed a must. I'm getting one that comes with IR remote so I don't have to install thermostat. Ceiling is too tall to operate. I know that when I'm too hot I can't sleep... Don't want my guests to be miserable while I'm sawing logs in 65 degrees :-).

I will wire for separate extension chord used outside.
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Old 06-02-2015, 10:27 PM   #7
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Here is a link to a thread I posted last year about adding an AC hardwired to an inlet to connect with an extension cord.

http://www.dutchmenowners.org/forums...tall-1725.html

If you don't already have an AC in the garage, you may have the romex wired from the vent to the panel, but without a Precision Circuits load management system it should not be wired to the panel.

In my last toy hauler I purchased a high efficiency AC unit that only pulled 10 amps and was able to run the extension cord up to the exterior GFI outlet to power the garage AC off the generator while still running the main OR bedroom AC, but the generator can only handle two ACs at a time. If you're plugged into shore power you'll be able to run all three ACs.

Eventhough you can run three ACs on shore power, most RVs without a load management system only have two ACs wired to the panel to protect the generator.
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Old 06-03-2015, 02:03 AM   #8
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Mine came with 3 AC's and we use the garage AC a lot for family and friends. We don't hesitate to turn on all 3 AC's and let the management system sort things out.
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Old 06-03-2015, 02:25 AM   #9
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I too use the portable AC. It works great to supplement the main system when getting things set up in the middle of the hot Texas summers.
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Old 07-23-2015, 07:38 PM   #10
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I ended up having the 3rd AC roof mounted over garage. It doesn't take up floor space and it gets the room super cold on a hot day. I have a desperate power chord that plugs in for 110 outlet. That way I can run to separate power supply on pole, or plug back into my trailer and use generator if needed.
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Old 07-24-2015, 10:10 AM   #11
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I bought mine with it, so I don't know what it is like without it. Using that room as a guest room with the drop down queen bed, as well as my cats and dog usually lounging out there, I can't imagine not having it. Very comfortable. Plus with having the ramp/party deck down and only having the plastic over the screen doors as insulation, I think you need the extra kick from the third unit.
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Old 07-24-2015, 02:24 PM   #12
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I'm moving into the Voltage full time next week and my first project is to move the garage AC.

I keep a queen size residential mattress on the top bunk and store a 3 inch foam topper along with the stock mattress pad up top to pull down for the couches when I have guest. When the top bunk is raised I cannot run the garage AC as these items restrict the return air flow.

I have another 14X14 vent in the center of the garage ceiling between the edge of the bunk and garage bulkhead. Simple solution... I'm going to move my AC to this vent so I can run the garage AC with the top bunk raised to the ceiling!!!

I hope I can salvage the vent so I can re install it in place of the AC and do not have to buy a new one. The last one I took out got mangled beyond use.
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Old 07-24-2015, 10:11 PM   #13
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We are having trouble running all 3 AC units on 50 amp shore power. The only thing that is running besides the 3 units is a couple of lights. Is there a trick to getting all 3 running at the same time?
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Old 07-26-2015, 02:38 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HornedToad View Post
I'm moving into the Voltage full time next week and my first project is to move the garage AC.

I keep a queen size residential mattress on the top bunk and store a 3 inch foam topper along with the stock mattress pad up top to pull down for the couches when I have guest. When the top bunk is raised I cannot run the garage AC as these items restrict the return air flow.

I have another 14X14 vent in the center of the garage ceiling between the edge of the bunk and garage bulkhead. Simple solution... I'm going to move my AC to this vent so I can run the garage AC with the top bunk raised to the ceiling!!!

I hope I can salvage the vent so I can re install it in place of the AC and do not have to buy a new one. The last one I took out got mangled beyond use.
I know what you mean about the AC over the bed...I keep the bed stack down about 6 inches, close the main bottom vent, but allow the sides to be open, it does a good job of cooling while traveling. When we get to MD, we are going to remove the bottom bench/bed contraption and drop the top bunk to the that spot, that way the boy, dog, and cat can all sleep in the bed.

Cale
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Old 07-26-2015, 08:11 PM   #15
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I would look around, most of the time, they pre-wire for AC, since a lot of RVers like to add the 3rd one
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Old 07-27-2015, 05:50 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by RVNevada View Post
I would look around, most of the time, they pre-wire for AC, since a lot of RVers like to add the 3rd one
I sure know my V3605 wasn't pre wired for A/C in the garage. Didn't even have 12V up there for a fan upgrade. I had to run it myself.
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Old 07-28-2015, 01:38 AM   #17
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Just so everyone knows, the floor of the garage in voltages at least are NOT insulated. Don't believe me walk on it in 30F temps bare foot. I was going to get cost of having mine spray foamed.
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Old 07-28-2015, 04:29 AM   #18
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Originally Posted by fordborn View Post
Just so everyone knows, the floor of the garage in voltages at least are NOT insulated. Don't believe me walk on it in 30F temps bare foot. I was going to get cost of having mine spray foamed.
My 3905 garage floor is not insulated!

But I have good heat back there,
.
Arlan
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