Install 2nd AC on 2010 Hurricane 31G (Pre-Write)

[Jimbo56]

All this is above my pay grade. I did what Jerry did. And I’m real happy with it.

[apwelsh]

So I found the power line. The auxiliary AC unit was pre-wired as described, and the power line is terminated in a single gauge metal enclosure under the bad. There are two yellow romex cables (12 Gauge) running into it. One goes to the AC unit, and the other goes to the generator.

To accommodate the AC unit, I had two choices that don't put my electrical system at risk.
1) installed a 20amp service plug into the side of the RV,
2) run cable from new service ports to a new 20 amp auto-switch.
3) Install 30 amp breaker panel in place of prior the single gang box.
4) Rewire 12 gauge wires from the old gang box to new auto-swtich, and and breaker panel

My other choice was to upgrade the wiring to 50 amp
1) replace auto switch with 50 amp
2) add 30 amp breaker panel
3) rerun 30 amp power line as 50 amp power line
4) replace 30 amp service plug with 50 amp service plug
5) rewire system to split 50 amp to two breaker boxes (old 30 amp, and new 30 amp)

I chose the expensive solution for upgrading my unit to a 50 amp service.

I will not be able to run 2nd AC unit on Generator power, but that is fine.

Thanks everyone for all your feedback, it all helped me get off my butt and figure out the wiring, and to realize I need to just spend the money and perform the upgrade to 50amp service.

[cmills1334]

with a second unit soft start cant you just wire it with 110 cord to plug into the shore plug at campgrounds and plug into your exterior mh plug when boondocking and turn off other app, and make sure of different start ups

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by apwelsh

My other choice was to upgrade the wiring to 50 amp
1) replace auto switch with 50 amp
2) add 30 amp breaker panel
3) rerun 30 amp power line as 50 amp power line
4) replace 30 amp service plug with 50 amp service plug
5) rewire system to split 50 amp to two breaker boxes (old 30 amp, and new 30 amp)

I chose the expensive solution for upgrading my unit to a 50 amp service.

I will not be able to run 2nd AC unit on Generator power, but that is fine.

Thanks everyone for all your feedback, it all helped me get off my butt and figure out the wiring, and to realize I need to just spend the money and perform the upgrade to 50amp service.

I went through the same thought process in 2017 and came out with the same 50 amp power solution. 5 years later I am satirized with the 50 amp mod. I can now run both A/Cs, microwave, electric water heater, portable ice maker and the fridge all at the same time.

[JeffThor325]

Ever the weird bird, I went in the opposite direction. My coach came with two rooftop A/C units, both of which I removed and replaced with vents and bidirectional fans. (I find those give great airflow and just as much cooling under 90% of conditions with vastly lower power usage.)

I also upgraded my entire power center from 30A to 55A. When plugged into shore power, it's uncommon for me to have access to more than a 15A/20A circuit and I've never blown a breaker.

The power center upgrade was because the old one made an annoying humming noise. And I went with 55A because the price difference between 30A and 55A was nominal.