3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

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3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

September 07, 2012, 11:03:09 pm

I have been thinking (Dangerous) about a 3rd roof top unit, and other than mounting and getting it into the ducted system, I wonder about the 5 button control, It presently has 2 Zones 1 & 2, so you folks with the 3 units 42' models, does the 5 button thermostat show the 3 zones or how is it controlled?
Sure do not need a 3rd unit for AC, just a backup unit in case..
Dave M

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #1 – September 07, 2012, 11:31:40 pm

Quote from: Dave M – September 07, 2012, 11:03:09 pm

I have been thinking (Dangerous) about a 3rd roof top unit, and other than mounting and getting it into the ducted system.
Sure do not need a 3rd unit for AC, just a backup unit in case..
Dave M

I tried to have a 3rd unit installed at the factory and was told they could not do it because the roof structure was not set up for it. Bummer

You might want to ask them first.

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #2 – September 08, 2012, 12:25:58 am

We have 3 units. The thermostat has three zones. Each zone has fan, AC, heat pump, furnace. We typically only run two AC's but on a hot Tejas day, and if we want to chill the inside down, we will run all three units. And in winter, we always run furnace on all three zones!

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #3 – September 08, 2012, 01:15:39 pm

Yes you can get it set up with the first board on the first AC unit having the proper dip switch thrown to show three zones. You will have to talk to FT as they put a steel box around the AC units and put steel stringers in too I think. I will say I love having three AC. If it is really humid I will turn one off and let it defrost a bit and turn on the middle one to carry the load and that prevents the water dripping down. It does not happen often but after spending 5 weeks in the coach in VA and TX heat with temps over 100 most of the time, that third AC unit was a blessing. If I ever build a new coach I might put four units in for that very reason to cycle them off and on and to put them all on when the temps get scorching hot.

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #4 – September 08, 2012, 08:12:23 pm

Barry, Fully understand about the issue with the structure on roof,but also getting the control and power lines run to the 3rd unit might also be a biggie. For sure I will ask, but expect they do not want to get into it at FOT. If a negitive at FOT, will ask Mike at MOT if they have done it. Otherwise I guess it is a no go issue.
Thanks
Dave M

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #5 – September 08, 2012, 08:29:07 pm

Dave, I wonder if they can put one right next to the rear AC and duct it in that way... Not a big run then for power and control lines as they are there already and the one in the middle could be number three.

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #6 – September 09, 2012, 11:42:46 am

Quote from: Dave M – September 08, 2012, 08:12:23 pm

Barry, Fully understand about the issue with the structure on roof,but also getting the control and power lines run to the 3rd unit might also be a biggie. For sure I will ask, but expect they do not want to get into it at FOT. If a negitive at FOT, will ask Mike at MOT if they have done it. Otherwise I guess it is a no go issue.
Thanks
Dave M

If you find it can be done I would love to know and I will make an immediate appt. I don't think this 100 degree summer heat in the future is going to stop.

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #7 – September 09, 2012, 12:44:35 pm

Dave,
This is a link to a guy that added a roof AC on his Horizon coach. I know he just added a non- ducted unit and he loves it for those hot days. Just a thought.

We add a roof top AC unit - page 1

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #8 – September 09, 2012, 05:16:45 pm

I don't need three air conditioners... that's why God gave us the Olympic Peninsula!

Craig

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #9 – September 10, 2012, 07:49:06 am

For those who don't want to spend money to try and add a 3rd AC, there's always a portable AC unit that you can just have sitting in the coach when you need it - like this past summer! I have a cheap one on my back patio and it works fairly well to keep a small area cool. Something like this:
HONEYWELL Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier 12000 BTU Auto Evaporative

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #10 – September 10, 2012, 06:29:57 pm

I have never used one of those portable units in the coach but have in the house and they are great.... It is a good idea for the hot weather. Also, make sure you uncoil your electric cable as well, especially if you have low power on the gauges.

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #11 – September 10, 2012, 07:22:57 pm

I don\t know, is all that work really necessary as surely it is easier to sit outside in the shade and have a fan going?? I could not sleep at night with 3 let alone 1 air conditioner going. When we were in central mexico and it is hot and humid we just have 2 silent fans blowing air around the coach and it feels like ac. Easy to sleep as well. I guess if you live in an aire conditioned stick home you get used to it. Not good for the health I would think either. IMHO
John H

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #12 – September 10, 2012, 08:15:24 pm

John,

Try spending the SUMMER in Texas without air conditioning. It can be done. People do it. Without air conditioning, I would not be be living or traveling in Texas in the summer. I expect the same could be said for many places in the southern US. Two air conditioners have been sufficient for our requirements. A coach with no air conditioning would not meet our requirements.

Your solution works well for you. It also conforms to my favorite answer to: "What is the best surface on which to park your RV?" Answer: "Arizona in the winter and Montana in the summer." Your excellent answer is: "Mexico in the winter and BC in the summer."

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #13 – September 10, 2012, 09:33:11 pm

I agree with Montana in the summer..... Especially at elevation.

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #14 – September 10, 2012, 10:51:59 pm

We spent a week over on the Washington coast (several blocks from the Pacific Ocean) and when it was 95 in Seattle it was 68 there. Misty in the mornings, sunny afternoons, offshore wind... but still nice and cool. We even had some light rain.

No wildfires, either. But lots of bonfires with campers sitting around chatting.

Craig

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #15 – September 10, 2012, 11:17:35 pm

I have spent summers in texas and Louisianna and Florida so know what it can be like, and had a house in Phx for 6 yrs and those summers are way hotter than Texas, but all are manageable if you handle it right. I know most US citizens think we canadians live in the frozen north and we live in Igloos, but we have the same temperatures you guys do, just not so long at the highs. Here in the desert of the Okanagan it does get up into the 40c+ at times but mainly like this year it was upper 30s for many weeks (sorry- 95f to 100f). We are not at the coast but 400km inland and the hottest place in Canada (southern Interior) generally thru the year.
John H

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #16 – September 11, 2012, 04:57:13 pm

There may be a chance FOT can do the 3rd unit, however I see an issue of no space, between the two large mirror's, long lights, and the existing 2 A/C units, I guess they will have to either remove one of the mirrors and fill it in or go to the bedroom and remove the fan. Was told they had done a 40' but not a 36', so tomorrow I should get the word.
Dave M

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #17 – September 11, 2012, 06:05:57 pm

Wonder if they can put four of them up. Also I wonder if you can put in another inverter to run one on the road and increase the alternator sized as well.

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #18 – September 11, 2012, 09:35:08 pm

If you throw enough money at it, anything can be made to fly....

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #19 – September 12, 2012, 04:17:55 pm

Had a chat with Billy Jack, he has talked with the engineering dept, they feel two locations are available for the 3rd Heat Pump, either in place of the fan in bedroom, this would require work to makeup the ducting to tie into the ducting and the other location would be to remove the florescent light in kitchen and that would be an easier tie in to the ducting. I feel the kitchen would fit my idea better.
The issue of structure does not appear to be an issue. SO they are kicking it around and I am sure there will be more talking, but does seem to be a doable.
Moe later
Dave M

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #20 – September 12, 2012, 08:06:40 pm

hey Dave, I have a better idea, why not go to Lowes and get one of those units that fit in a window for when you are parked. A heck of a lot less money involved and no taking the fan or light out?? What do you think? I know, you think I am crazy!!
John H

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #21 – September 12, 2012, 08:17:59 pm

Dave the answer to all your AC issues are an IH 45! Talk to Tyle and he will fix you right up!

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #22 – September 12, 2012, 08:30:05 pm

John H, & txft, Yup, there are all sorts of methods of cooling off, I also could junp in a lake but somehow these ideas just do not fit my wacko needs and the IH-45 etc are just too slow, not dead, just slow with the 600 or 650 hp ISX, only due to the weight, like lead sleds. Also my 36' hot rod is perfect for me & my needs, so feel it is worth while making and keeping in the order I enjoy.
You guys think too much about money, I am 70, already outlived 99% of the males in my family, and I am not trying to save anything for the DW's next buffalo.

He, she and the IRS will be very happy.

Dave M

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #23 – September 12, 2012, 10:10:23 pm

Re: 3rd Roof Heat Pump / AC unit

Reply #24 – September 12, 2012, 10:17:50 pm

Quote from Davey"You guys think too much about money, I am 70, already outlived 99% of the males in my family, and I am not trying to save anything for the DW's next buffalo"

Dave, to help relieve you of some of that cash you are not worried about, can I send my address to you for a donation to help us poor Canadians buy another sweater?
I see across Canada (our great land) the price of gas went up to today , and in Montreal as much as 35c a gallon (imp). Here it was 1/2 of that
John

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