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Topic: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover? (Read 521 times) previous topic - next topic
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2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
2004 LD 30ft island queen: Has anyone installed a 2nd AC on an LD above the Cabover? If so, is it wired into the breaker panel or does it have direct separate connection to the campground pedestal? Our roof mounted 13.5K BTU can't keep up in Las Vegas. Not sure if the 4kw generator will power two 13.5K BTU ACs. Any advice will be helpful..

If there is an "RV mini-split" that can be installed on the roof [both components] that would be ideal.

Thanks in advance..
2004 30' IB in blue
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #1 –
TREELEE

"Our roof mounted 13.5K BTU can't keep up in Las Vegas."

I doubt very much that you have a 13,500 BTU A/C in your 2004 30'IB ! The standard A/C for that year and model was a 15,000 BTU unit. The spec sheet calls for a 15,000 and my 2004 30'IB has the larger unit. And yes, it is barely adequate for Vegas heat in August... ask me how I know.   :o   ::)   :D

Instead of adding a second unit, with all of the needed work and materials, I would be inclined to increase the BTU rating with a new A/C, should they be available. I try to avoid hot areas in the summer and have been quite satisfied with my 1,500 unit.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #2 –
Steve meant 15,000 BTUH, but That should be the rating for your A/C.  Your generator can only run one of those. Bigger class 'A' coaches might have two A/C units,(or more) but many times can only run the compressor on one at a time.  There are automated ways to cycle between two A/C units.  Bigger coaches have 6 kw gensets or even up to 10kw generators. For shore power a 50Amp hook up can provide another circuit to run another full blown 13.5 btuh or 15k btuh A/C, and you could just run another temporary extention cord to a small portable unit.
   First measures to take for a temporary fix, is to limit heat gain. Reflectix aluminized bubblewrap in the windows to keep some of the heat out, partitioning the cab over area while directing more cold air out of the A/C and into the sleeping area. Parking under a shade awning, or tree even, just for some shade, etc.
   A more permanent fix would be pretty involved. i.e. switching to a 50A power cord and power distribution.
   So the announcement recently of that new A/C unit at 18k btuh, quieter and using the same power as older units should have gotten your attention.   a link: Furrion Chill® Cube RV Rooftop Air Conditioner “New Design”    RonB
   edit, do you live in Las Vegas?
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #3 –
Quote
    So the announcement recently of that new A/C unit at 18k btuh, quieter and using the same power as older units should have gotten your attention.   a link: Furrion Chill® Cube RV Rooftop Air Conditioner “New Design”    RonB

Has anybody seen one of these in the wild, yet?
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #4 –
When we had the original Dometic that came with our rig I was always dissatisfied with the configuration of the vents. The one facing forward would not blow straight out, just kind of downward. Consequently, it would never send that nice cool air up front. The one I replaced it with does blow up front and will keep it comfortable. Of course, when you're hittin' 110 degrees none of them will really do the job.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #5 –
"Steve meant 15,000 BTUH."

Oops, my bad! Yes, I did intend to say Fifteen Thousand BTU and have corrected my mistake in the original post. 
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #6 –
With soft-start(s) installed on each rooftop A/C, a 4000-watt generator will run both, it will require electrical additions to house the extra 20-amp breaker, a new sub-panels maybe?
A whole house soft start could also be installed.
SoftStartRV – The RV AC Soft Start For Any RV Air Conditioner

If 50-amp service is available, the second A/C could be wired to use the extra 120 VAC leg.
Getting power to the new A/C will be a challenge, without personally inspecting it, I can't suggest a clean-looking pathway for the new wires.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Keith S  - 
Has anybody seen one of these in the wild, yet?

It still appears that there are no online vendors, probably the first shipments are going to RV manufacturers to install on more premium RVs.
Our 22-year-old A/C still works OK, I suspect its days are limited and will need replacement in the upcoming years. An 18K BTU variable speed A/C would be a good replacement. The existing 13,5000 BTU A/C barely keeps the interior comfortable when temperatures rise above 100 degrees, which is common here at home.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #8 –
I don't think I would want to put the weight of another full sized air conditioner on the cabover, along with two people.  If the included A/C unit is way in the back of the 30' IQ, and you sleep in the cab over, another smaller, say a 7k to 11k btuh could be added just aft of the cabover. With a slow-start circuit, you should easily be able to run both off of your generator, or 30A shore power.
   When I was in Desert Hot Springs (Ca) and the outside was 108, my 13,500 btuh A/C couldn't keep up. The AC is amidship, but heat gain was worst in the back three windows, where we sit and sleep (The 'TK floorplan). I considered getting a small 12v 6k btuh roof air conditioner for between the ffan and the back window.  Mostly used by truckers in the cab, I have enough solar with the LiF batteries to run that in a pinch without the generator, or with the generator, or shore power if I need a little more cooling, or just some cooling at night.  About 50-75 amps, so about 940 AH per hour.  10k btuh for 45 pounds on the roof. My 55A converter would need help from the batteries at night, but solar during the day, especially if plugged in too, would take care of it.  RV Air Conditioner, 12V 10000 BTU Top Mounted Heating and Cooling Park –...  Intended for vans , trucks and such. 
   If you went big solar 700-1200 Watts and big LIF say 600-800 AH, you could handle two A/C's boondocking. You wouldn't need the generator except during the day. and maybe not then.  Also an insurance policy for our furry pets if the main A/C or generator quit.
RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #9 –
Thanks guys for all of the suggestions.
2004 30' IB in blue
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #10 –
Curious as to whether Lazy Daze installed wood blocking in the roof to support the factory air conditioner?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #11 –
I  have a 2007, 31 foot LD  and modified the AC  AIR VENT so more air was forced to the front cab area.  Works great

Bob Wilson
2007 31 IB
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #12 –
Bob,

Can you please explain how you modified the AC vent. I’m curious and sure other are also 😁

Lazy Bones 2
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #13 –
Quote
whether Lazy Daze installed wood blocking in the roof to support the factory air conditioner

Pretty solid in the a/c area.
jor

09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #14 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
I don't think I would want to put the weight of another full sized air conditioner on the cabover, along with two people.  If the included A/C unit is way in the back of the 30' IQ, and you sleep in the cab over, another smaller, say a 7k to 11k btuh could be added just aft of the cabover.

Ron,

The 30 footers do not have a cabover bed - cabinetry/TV only.  But that raises a good point about adding weight - the 30 foot units have some of the lowest NCC, so adding another permanent weight to the coach might not be a good idea.

The A/C is relatively mid-ship. 
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #15 –
"The 30 footers do not have a cabover bed - cabinetry/TV only."

In prior posts concerning the conversion of the 30' models 'entertainment' area into a 'bunk', it has been pointed out repeatedly that the structure is fabricated differently in those units and will not sustain additional weight!  ::) 
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #16 –
Just an opinion but don’t even think about it. Too many complications including weight and getting power to it.

Use the wheels to get the RV to a cooler climate. RVs don’t do well above 85F with fans or 100F with A/C, especially in the sun. Some have opted for a motel room. Standard thought is A/C will lower inside temp 20F if you are in shade.
Harry 2006RB
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #17 –
Thanks Michele;  By wanting an A/C on the cabover I thought that  they may have had an optional bed in the cabover spacw.  If the main sleeping area is the bed at the back, that makes sense, the cab area could be sequestered during the day along with the bed in back using, internal drapes.  The heat load should be less at night, so the air conditioning could be more directed to the bed area.
    I don't have double pane insulated windows, and with all the reports of fogged windows, I'm ok with that. With the E350 chassis for my 'TK I also have to keep a close eye on total weight.  The 45 pounds added by that 10k btuh roof air, and another 5 pounds of wiring should still work for the 30' model.  The converter would have to be improved. Not much weight gain there. The 2004 Parallax has a heavy iron transformer. The newer converters are high frequency 'switchers' with small toroidal transformers. so maybe even less weight. That A/C would take about 8A of the 30, leaving just 22 A for the main 15k btuh A/C. Pretty marginal. A split system would have to have a 50A hookup, and probably wouldn't work on the generator.
    The 110VAC Penguin 2 at 11,000 btuh still weighs 80# and takes 13 Amps. That, with the factory supplied Carrier (or Coleman?)  15k btuh roof A/C would take about 35 amps and wouldn't run on 30 A shorepower. 50A  shorepower would be easy!  A simple exterior connection with an extension cord could be run to the 20A outlet most 50A pedestals have. Or a custom 'dongle' to break out the second 110 vac circuit of a 50A. socket.
   I'd still locate the extra roof A/C over the queen bed in the rear.
     My two lithium batteries actually weighed 30 pounds less than two lead acid batteries. Enough weight saving to add two more 100W solar panels.  RonB
    
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #18 –
Well no 18k btuh units seen in person, and no prices either.  The 3.5" needed depth of the roof is close, so some sort of extender collar might be needed.  An e-Trailer video here,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hl1KP7IeZE    sounds like what TreeLee needs, an Larry and I want.  Our (at least my) factory original roof A/C is getting pretty old, and the extra capability sound great.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #19 –
Ron FYI - Last year we purchased a [Furrion FACR15SA-PS RV Air Conditioner, Rooftop, 15.5 BTU- White = $1,192.11] to replace the existing roof A/C. We read all the rave reviews and watched tons of youtube videos before making the purchase. Once the unit was installed, we were extremely unhappy. The cold air from the back [toward the bedroom] blew out about 1ft-3ft. The cold air from the front [towards the driver] blew about 3 inches. There was just no way this was going to cool any area in the LD. We reinstalled the original A/C unit then returned the Furrion Chill and lost a lot of money on the return insured shipping. Then they initially charged us a 50% restocking fee, but Amazon got involved and made them fix that. This story is a lengthy explanation of why we will not purchase any Furrion Chill products in the future.
2004 30' IB in blue
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #20 –
We have often wished for 2 ducted air conditioners because our hot weather is so long.  We like quiet.

 Nevertheless our hot weather camping includes all the steps we use for cold weather camping with a few exceptions.   For example, we search for shaded campsites in the summer that face west to avoid sun on the sides of the RV.   We separate the cab from the house with a heavy quilt. We also keep the roof AC clean as well as the inside air filters.   Under these conditions, we can keep the inside temperatures in the 76-78 degree range in the day while outside temperatures are in the low 100s.  Since most of the windows and all the vents are covered with insulation, the inside is kinda like a cave!  Hot weather camping isn’t our favorite style of RVing.
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #21 –
"We reinstalled the original A/C unit then..."

Another factor NOT mentioned in this thread, but beaten to death in others, is C.C.C., Cargo Carrying Capacity, which in the case of this vintage LD is only 757Lbs.
By adding the additional weight of a second A/C unit you would be that much closer to an overload condition!  :o
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #22 –
Hi Steve; see reply #14.  And that is why I recommended a 45# A/C unit directly over the bed, running on 12V dc from a non 60hz transformer new version of a switching power supply converter.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #23 –
Hi TreeLee;  Glad to hear that feedback from you. Sad to hear that about the fan, I can see why Furrion wants to reduce power usage and noise level (weight too) but not at a loss of air circulation. With the interior volume of your coach, maybe double my short 23.5' 'TK, that is a problem. 
   I try not to visit really hot places often, but southern California desert areas are often hot, but not with the humidity problems of parts of Texas, Florida, and Arizona during monsoon time.
   I'm still hoping that the fan situation is corrected with the 18k unit, and maybe the production delay has something to do with that?  My E350 chassis is weight limited, but I'm saved by not having much cargo room either. Going with Lithium batteries and deleting the lead acid and slideout tray saved enough weight to add newer, lighter solar panels.  The newer converter saved enough weight to add a light weight 2kw (true sine wave) inverter.
   For the rare situations of Desert Hot Spring visits in fringe months of October, more reflectix on front and side windows facing the sun sides, should help. The factory didn't offer upgrades from 13.5 to 15k btuh A/C units until about 2001 or 2002.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
 
Re: 2004 LD 30ft Island Queen: 2nd roof AC installed above Cabover?
Reply #24 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
Another factor NOT mentioned in this thread, but beaten to death in others, is C.C.C., Cargo Carrying Capacity, which in the case of this vintage LD is only 757Lbs.

I actually mentioned it upthread - Reply #14  ;)  :D