As we step further into June, the temperatures are rising and RV owners are beginning to feel the effects. Extreme Texas heat can greatly affect the outcome of summer vacations with the family trailer. As the ultra-hot environments cook up, more and more RV owners are asking about how they can add extra A/C units to their RVs.
Many RV A/C units are not manufactured by the company to withstand ultra-hot environments. So, to add extra A/C units seems like a great option for keeping your vehicle cool. At Coach Specialists, we want to help you understand the process and hook you up for a cooler summer season. We’ve been receiving lots of customer questions about installing extra units to RVs. So, we wanted to focus this week’s blog on how to do it, how much and costs, and what it entails.
Adding Extra A/C Units to My RV
At Coach Specialists, we think air conditioning is one of the greatest inventions. Depending on your RV model, you may not have as many A/C units as you’d like or none at all.
How it’s Done:
The first step in adding an extra A/C unit to your RV is to find the right spot. Be careful, as this involves you climbing on top of your RV. Typically, you can choose a clear spot on the roof of your RV or replace an existing vent with the new unit.
If you are choosing to replace an old vent with the unit, you must completely remove the vent and any sealers that have been poured over screws on the roof. Try to keep sharp objects away from your roof as much as possible. Putty knives work great for removing sealers and they are not as sharp as regular knives. Any holes left behind by the old vent need to be sealed as well as holes left by the screws that held it in place.
Once your roofing area has been stripped, sealed, and prepped, you can bring in the new A/C unit. This may require a team of friends (or friendly professionals) as these units are incredibly heavy. The more people and proper equipment the better as they can damage your roof in the process. Make sure you thoroughly clean the unit and its shroud before installation. It can be helpful to have one or two people inside the RV to help center and adjust the A/C unit once it has been placed in the new hole. Installing new units requires some special equipment as well.
Bolt and duct kits help attach the units where they should be. The bolts and duct keep the A/C unit clamped to the roof and the amount of these supplies needed depends on the thickness of your roof and how much everything weighs.
Checking the Work:
One thing to consider before replacing or installing a new unit is the type of air conditioner. If you currently have a ducted A/C unit, buy the same type. The same goes for non-ducted units. A ducted A/C unit is wired into the RV and is connected to a thermostat and will require slightly different processes for wiring hookup after the installation into the roof. A non-ducted unit can be hooked up to a remote control. While the basic installation process is the same, you may find yourself in a sticky situation trying to wire the wrong things to the wrong units.
After the unit is installed, a water hose test should be performed to make sure there are no areas that can cause leaks. Running power to the unit is the next step – after all, what is the point of adding an extra A/C unit if you aren’t able to power it? Most units come with a factory provided junction box. Check the circuit breaker in the trailer to make sure all is functioning properly. All it should take is running extra power from your RV to get the cool air blasting.
The overall procedure for adding an extra A/C unit is relatively the same for either a ducted or non-ducted unit. The average cost of an RV air condition can range based on style and is anywhere from $300 to thousands of dollars. That doesn’t include any of the tools or additional features you may need in order to do the work yourself. There is also the risk of damaging your RV during a DIY installation and requiring additional work.
This process can be extremely taxing, especially in the heat of the summer. Don’t risk damaging your RV or your equipment (or yourself!). Give Coach Specialists a call. Our experienced staff can safely handle the installation of heavy, difficult A/C units quickly. You’ll be back out chilling on the road in no time. Make your appointment today!
