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Old 02-08-2016, 09:29 AM   #1
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28BHBE A/C Options?

We are considering a 28BHBE and are currently working our way through the option list. As such, I'm trying to determine how much A/C is enough for this size unit. We camp a lot in central FL during the summer and sometimes without proper shade. So...it gets HOT! And we like to keep the camper cool (say ~72 degrees) even during the middle of the day.

At a minimum I'm thinking we need the 15,000 btu upgrade, but should we consider the 2nd A/C in the bedroom? It's about a $750 option by the time you include the 50 amp wiring. Is it worth it? Or, will one unit handle a camper this size?
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Old 02-08-2016, 09:36 AM   #2
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We are in AZ and opted for the 15K unit and 2nd A/C unit. So happy with the decision. We run the 15K unit most of the time but will run the 2nd unit during the heat of the day. Just keep in mind the 2nd A/C unit is not ducted just a rooftop unit. It would cost so much more to add later. I don't think you would be sorry especially in FL to add it at purchase.
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Old 02-08-2016, 10:17 AM   #3
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Our experience this year: We usually traveled from ~9AM until 2-3PM and the trailer would get quite warm even with both roof vents open (MaxxAir vent covers). After connecting the electric in a CG, our 13,500 A/C would run full blast (cool air shut off in the bedroom and bath) and would slowly bring the temp down. Most occasions we had little/no shade in the CG, so we covered the skylights and windows on the inside with the reflective 'windshield' sun blockers. The A/C would reduce the humidity noticeably faster than the temp.

After sunset, the 13,500 A/C did fine. Near bed time, we'd open the bedroom and bath A/C vents. At bedtime, we'd close the bedroom vent (too much cold air! ) and open some of the main area A/C vents.

If we were in a CG for multiple days, the 13,500 A/C did fine (~75 deg) as long as we turned it on before the whole unit, inside and out, became very warm and humid.

Bottom line: IMHO, if you stay in a CG (especially in the shade), the 13,500 A/C might be enough for your 28BHBE. I haven't experienced FL in summer, in the sun, in a TT, but I suspect one 15,000 A/C (which is only ~10% more than 13,500) would be not enough to maintain 72 deg. in worst case situations; especially if you have traffic in and out the doors - kids or dogs - on a regular basis.
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Old 02-08-2016, 10:31 AM   #4
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You've got it if you need it and it increases trade/resale value.
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Old 02-08-2016, 11:31 AM   #5
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It's one of the options I wish my BHBE had. If I were ordering now, I would definitely include it. We've had a couple times where it would have been VERY nice to have.

We bought ours off the lot, so it has 50A and A/C prep, but to put an A/C unit in there would likely be more than the $750 to order it with the trailer in the first place.

We try to keep our camping pretty sparse during the hottest months, and we look for shade wherever we can find it. So far the 15K has been adequate, but like I said, 2 units would be better.
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Old 02-08-2016, 02:17 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Camper_bob View Post
It's one of the options I wish my BHBE had. If I were ordering now, I would definitely include it. We've had a couple times where it would have been VERY nice to have.

We bought ours off the lot, so it has 50A and A/C prep, but to put an A/C unit in there would likely be more than the $750 to order it with the trailer in the first place.

We try to keep our camping pretty sparse during the hottest months, and we look for shade wherever we can find it. So far the 15K has been adequate, but like I said, 2 units would be better.
+1

We had the 15k unit and would travel from TX to FL and back. Traveling during the heat of the day and setting up camp at the half way point was miserable! The TT wouldn't cool down until about an hour before sunrise, which was time to leave and continue down to FL. It did fine when we were at our site for several days, but it would've been nice to have the 2nd unit! I think you can get by, but like Grumpy said, it adds to resale value.
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Old 02-08-2016, 02:37 PM   #7
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Thanks everybody, that's what I needed to know! Currently we have a popup, and during the day (best case scenario) it's 75-80 degrees. Trying to avoid a repeat, sounds like a 2nd unit for sure!
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Old 02-08-2016, 04:38 PM   #8
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We have the 1 smaller a/c. We mostly use our camper in the summer at the lake. Sometimes w/o shade. In 100 degree temps, the a/c keeps the inside cold.

For me, I'm glad we did not spend the money on the second a/c.

HOWEVER: If the a/c breaks down, I would probably wish I had the second as a back up!!!

For us (family of 5), 2 a/c running would be overkill.

I guess another benefit of having the 2nd a/c would be for those times when you are eat/watching TV. The ac is loud. We normally turn it off when eating. If I had the second, I could turn that one on just to keep the pop can from heating up....
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Old 02-08-2016, 04:58 PM   #9
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Those with only one 15k unit: what generator requirements does the larger AC unit need? I'm trying to decide between the standard 13.5 or upgrade to the 15 (only $120 more). But I don't want to overwhelm the generator. I'm considering a 3200 Champion or 2 2000 champions.
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Old 02-08-2016, 06:07 PM   #10
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glbtrekker…

We are in Central Florida as well and this is what I ordered on mine.

15K A/C Upgrade to CVP
2nd A/C in Bedroom
50 Amp Service Upgrade
Elite Package - Deleted Kitchen Skylight
Thermal Package
Cargo Receiver Hitch
Hide-A-Bed
39" TV
Aluminum Rims
Cashew Interior

Also… here is the link to the thread I posted about the same thing, might be some info in there you could use.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7...-ac-31614.html
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Old 02-08-2016, 08:27 PM   #11
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Sounds like you have made your decision. But if not, I am another guy recommending to get the 2nd AC unit. Considering the minimal added cost at time of build and the fact that you are in FL I think it is pretty much a no brainer.

We haven't even used our AC unit yet seeing how we only got to camp a few times this fall after we purchased the TT (most of the time we were using the heat), so I can not give you first hand info. Being in MI I am sure we will get by just fine with the 15K BTU unit. But, had we ordered ours instead of buying it off the lot, you can sure bet that would have been on the option sheet.

Your gonna love the BHBE!
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Old 02-08-2016, 10:10 PM   #12
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Redundancy is good, especially in hot\humid climates. You do not want to be without, should you have problems with one or the other.
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Old 02-08-2016, 11:01 PM   #13
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We are in SoCal, so it does get hot in the summer, but we camp over half the time near the ocean. Due to weight limitations with our TV, we opted for the single 15k unit and Thermal Package to keep the rig insulted. I'm also wondering whether our 3kw generator will be able to handle the additional 1,500 BTUs.
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Old 02-09-2016, 06:16 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IceOnFire View Post
We are in SoCal, so it does get hot in the summer, but we camp over half the time near the ocean. Due to weight limitations with our TV, we opted for the single 15k unit and Thermal Package to keep the rig insulted. I'm also wondering whether our 3kw generator will be able to handle the additional 1,500 BTUs.
It will be close, but possibly not. What is the peak/starting watts? Running it wont be the problem, it will be starting it where the possible issue will arise.

We purchased a Generac 3250W unit this fall to run ours (3750 peak) and it starts and runs with no problems.

To run our Keurig machine, i had to make sure everything else was shut off or it would trip the breaker. The thing i kept forgetting about was the dang fridge. Dont have it set on auto, as it will automatically go to electric when you turn the geny on.
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Old 02-09-2016, 08:31 AM   #15
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We were able to pick up Cabela generator, made by champion 3500/4000 peak with remote start on a Black Friday left over for $309. It runs our 15K a/c with no issues. It will not run both a/c units at the same time but that is fine for us. Watch their ads you just never know what deals come up.
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