I just ordered a 13.5K Coleman Mach 8 yesterday. I am going to add a 2nd AC unit to my 28.5 next week when it comes in. No more sweating my A$$ off in the box.
You are best to have the second a/c tied to the duct system. No one mentioned that with the front a/c you can close the vent to force air into the duct system or open the vent to supply bedroom if rear a/c is off or on. In my book that is the best of both worlds, stop overthinking it will get you into trouble.
Well may Coleman 13.5K AC unit arrived today. Unfortunately the UPS freight monkeys smashed it all up. Crate was half missing, box destroyed and the 2 fiberglass corners of the AC pan were all cracked up. Going back tomorrow and they will continue to keep shipping this unit until it arrives undamaged. I am really beginning to not like UPS! If Amazon was smart they would start using a actual freight company and not UPS at least for heavier stuff. UPS just doesnt respect anyone's package.