Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Size and make of Air Conditioner (Read 452 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Size and make of Air Conditioner
After a bunch of research I've determined the '97 Twin King I purchased was ordered without AC.  I'm going to add one before summer travel but wanted to recommendations for BTU size and make/model before purchasing. 

Thank you,

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #1
After a bunch of research I've determined the '97 Twin King I purchased was ordered without AC.  I'm going to add one before summer travel but wanted to recommendations for BTU size and make/model before purchasing. 
The Factory now installs 15,000 BTU A/Cs, on all floorplans. That's what I would go with. When it's hot, you can't have too big an A/C.
Sure hope LD prewired the fan opening for A/C.

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: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #2
I replaced the ancient AC unit on ours with a Dometic Penguin.  I like the low profile. I wish I had upgraded to the 15000 BTU. The factory did the job for me, at the same cost as the local RV repair shop. I had the Mothership do it because I was concerned about the Lazy Daze unique qualities that the little shops around here are not familiar with. 

I have been researching an AC unit on another vehicle, and I am intrigued by the Dometic Duo Therm Brisk Air II. Taller profile.  The other contender is the Coleman Mach 3  and Mach 8. The latter is a low profile unit, but has a reputation for noise outside the rig. 

If you remove the vent trim ring inside, you should be able to see the wood framework, and whether there is a 120AC electric line present. 
Paul
'92 Mid Bath

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #3
Thanks for the suggestions.  It will be an interesting install as there is an AC circuit breaker but when I pull the trim ring off there are no wires and written on the wood frame around the opening is "do not install AC"  so apparently it was ordered w/o AC.  Oh well, I got a good price on the RV to cover the install.  I plan to run the wires surface mounted. 

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #4
The message about "do not install AC" makes me wonder if the roof framing in that area is capable of supporting the ~100# AC unit.  May be worth a call to Vince to check it out? Of course, that could also be rectified.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #5

"The message about "do not install AC" makes me wonder if the roof framing in that area is capable of supporting the ~100# AC unit." 

I think the "Do not install AC" was probably the factory's way of dealing with a deviation from standard equipment.

Way back in 2002 we were at the Lazy Daze factory choosing a floorplan to order. We were dealing with Ed Newton and I had asked a couple questions about potential changes/deviations from their standard build. We were considering a Rear Bath and at that time they were installing some carpeting in the bathroom in front of the sink. We didn't want carpeting in the bath. Long story shortened, Ed had to leave and we were getting ready to leave but stopped to speak with Steve Newton to try and see if he would consider our request.

I mentioned to him that I understood that he was the man to speak to about getting something changed. He got that look on his face, rubbed his hands over his eyes as if thinking "what does this guy want that Dad said no to" and asked what we wanted? " No bathroom carpet, I am happy to pay any fees associated with it" was my reply. His response was if we ordered it, he WOULD try to have the crew not jnstall the carpet but he would probably have to actually be present at that time of the floor installation to make it happen and he couldn't guarantee it.

So I can see how they needed to put something in writing about not installing the AC. We solved the carpet issue by ordering a midbath.
Steve K.
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #6
Thanks for the suggestions.  It will be an interesting install as there is an AC circuit breaker but when I pull the trim ring off there are no wires and written on the wood frame around the opening is "do not install AC"  so apparently it was ordered w/o AC.  Oh well, I got a good price on the RV to cover the install.  I plan to run the wires surface mounted. 

Check whether there is a connection to the circuit breaker. If so, there are wires above you haven't found yet.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #7
Steve K, in 2002 there was no carpet in the MB bathroom? Our '92 MB had carpet. Dizzying developments in just 10 years! And people say the Mothership resists change ! 😜
Paul
'92 Mid Bath

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #8
When i pulled off the trim ring I see the piece of conduit the electrical wire would come through but don't see any sign of wires.  I will look again.  At the circuit breaker marked AC the wiring to the AC unit exists but I'm not sure how to get behind that panel and further chase the where those wires might lead.

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #9
When i pulled off the trim ring I see the piece of conduit the electrical wire would come through but don't see any sign of wires.  I will look again.  At the circuit breaker marked AC the wiring to the AC unit exists but I'm not sure how to get behind that panel and further chase the where those wires might lead.
Good chance LD did not prewire the roof for A/C.
You will need to run power to the ceiling.
I would probably run the wire out the back of the panel (from the A/C breaker) and up inside the cabinetry,  to the ceiling and then bring it sideways to the vent hole. I would use surface mount wire molding, on the ceiling, where it is exposed and visible.
Amazon.com: Wiremold C210 Cord Mate II Kit: Home Improvement
If this sound alien, consider having a qualified electrican do this.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #10
Randy K.
For the Old Magnatek(now Parallax) converters in my 1988 and 1991 Rigs.  Unplug the rig,  disconnect the house battery cable.
Remove the 4 cover screws, release the door latch,remove the cover.  There should be 4 wood screws on the right and left sides holding the converter, breaker panel, and fuse assembly in the cabinet.  Remove the 4 wood screws.  The wires shold be long enough to slide the whole thing on to the floor.  Get out the flashlights and inspection mirrors. Start looking.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #11
After doing what Rodney said then take a fish tape and run it into the conduit at the vent you mentioned above if it comes out in the cabinet where the circuit breakers are then you just have to  pull the appropriate wire back to wire up the air conditioner.
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #12
After doing what Rodney said then take a fish tape and run it into the conduit at the vent you mentioned above if it comes out in the cabinet where the circuit breakers are then you just have to  pull the appropriate wire back to wire up the air conditioner.
What conduit?
The wiring in LDs is stapled or clamped to the framing every few inches and do not use conduits.
These rigs were not designed to easily added extra wiring.

FYI-Conduit was popular in Home construction years ago but it has almost been eliminated. You still see it in commercial and industrial construction. Conduit is not common in RVs either.

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: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #13
Just going by what Randy K said in post 8.  I'm a newbie to LDs since we pick up ours on Thursday.  But not a newbie to RV's and have done quite a bit of upgrades/repairs etc on my other motorhomes.  Got a lot to learn about my LD so please bear with me.
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #14
The only conduit I have seen were stubs where 120 AC wire passes through structural wood.  That is to protect the wire from nails and screws at the 14x14 opening. All 120 is Romex stapled to wood. 12 volt is primary wire spiral wrapped in electrical tape.  No factory conduit runs.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath

Re: Size and make of Air Conditioner
Reply #15
A few weeks ago I called the factory and the tech there told me there would be a gap in the wood trim (it looks like 2 x 2 wood framing) where a metal tube (conduit) exists, and that is where the wiring should come out.  As mentioned here, and by the tech, that short piece of conduit was meant to protect the wires coming through from nails/screws.  I don't think the conduit runs all the way to the circuit panel (my mistake for making it sound like that, sorry), so I will go with the surface mount approach.

All of this has been very helpful.