Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Installing a 3rd A/C unit (Read 573 times) previous topic - next topic

Installing a 3rd A/C unit

Has anyone installed a 3rd A/C unit on a coach that only came with 2? I have a 2003 GV320 with ducted A/C.  I have some questions about installation process.

Re: Installing a 3rd A/C unit

Reply #1 –
I have done this in numerous coaches, especially the Prevost I just sold.

Re: Installing a 3rd A/C unit

Reply #2 –
Daisy chain a new "data" cable from zone 2 back to the zone 3 location.
Then do the reset for your 5 button thermostat to find the  3rd A/C.
Call me for technical info.
Jim

2002 U320 42'
308-440-5154
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Installing a 3rd A/C unit

Reply #3 –
Snappytalor - I'm curious to what's driving the reasons/requirements for a third AC ? With all that glass out front with the GV,  you likely face a different thermal challenge than those of us with the bus style flat fronts. Assuming your current two AC's are working well?

I noticed a nice insulation gain when we had a ceramic film added to the windshield interior. Helped especially while driving. We also got the perpetual dash AC leak fixed early on, so it blows really COLD.  Also, when we replaced the original two Dometics last year with new AC's, which had higher CFM on the blowers that also helped. And finally by cleaning up the 14"  x 14" air box openings, (lots of obstructions) made it more streamlined that helped push more cold air out the ducts.


J & K



Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!

Re: Installing a 3rd A/C unit

Reply #4 –
Our previous coach had ceramic tint. I'm going to do this to our present coach. Huge difference

Re: Installing a 3rd A/C unit

Reply #5 –
I was going to do the 3M crystalline two years ago to the front windshields I got a quote for $850 in Corpus Christi. And then I realized that if I ever got a ding in the windshield and had to replace I'd have to fork up another 850 or maybe half of that if we only replaced half the windshield. That gave me pause. I too have thought about a third AC unit as I didn't like the way Foretravel installed the first one pretty far back from the windshield. However since I got the dash air fixed it's better. Hopefully it's fixed anyway time will tell. I also thought about extending the ducts forward. In the end getting the dash air fixed seem to work for me this year.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Installing a 3rd A/C unit

Reply #6 –
J&K:
Quote
And finally by cleaning up the 14"  x 14" air box openings, (lots of obstructions) made it more streamlined that helped push more cold air out the ducts.

Could you say a little more about the obstructions?  Not sure what you're referring to.

Thanks
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Installing a 3rd A/C unit

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Larry Rubin –
J&K:
Could you say a little more about the obstructions?  Not sure what you're referring to.

Thanks

Larry, if open up that area you will find just a "rough" opening framed out, lots of wires, (120v, 12v. and thermostat flat cable running through the 14 x14 opening.

What I did was to move everything to the sides, then used foil AC duct tape to cover the sides, enclosing the wires as much as I could, especially in the cold air return. This provides a much more efficient channel for that return cold air. There are a few videos on YouTube where folks have taken the next further step to create a foam diverter wrapped in that foil AC duct tape to direct the return air down towards the vents. On our coaches where we have ducts, not sure how much additionally we gain by adding that diverter feature.

J & K
Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!
 

Re: Installing a 3rd A/C unit

Reply #8 –
If you have comprehensive glass insurance coverage and ceramic film on the windshield, the coverage should replace the film as well as the windshield.

Call FT and get a roof plan for your coach.  The framing needed for a third AC may not be there. And it might give an idea of how you are going to run new 120v, 12v and control wiring with the existing framing in the way.

This is the roof plan for my coach, yours will be different.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN