RockChalk
Kansas
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Joined: 07/10/2009
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I have a 2011 Cougar 327 RES and I'm looking to add a second A/C and need to wire it in seperately even though its pre wired for a second one (only 30 amp plug ins where we camp). My question is has anyone ever run wiring from the opening on top down the walls into the storage area below the bedroom in a 327 RES or similar Cougar camper? Thanks for any input.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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Look hard and you should find the current wire in a basement location so you can just splice in there.
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57 Panhead
Central Valley Calif.
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Ours has a separate breaker in the electrical pannel, I suspect yours does also. You could use a switch off that set of wires.
Steve
Retired Teamster
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jaycocamprs
Ringgold Georgia
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I would do as 57 Panhead says and take the wires from behind the electric pannel. But I have to ask, if you only have a 30 amp plug where are you going to plug in the 2nd AC unit?
2005 Silverado 3500 DRW
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Retired JSO
Florida
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A friend of mine used the existing wire and rewired from the existing breaker box for a separate 20 amp supply.
I, on the other hand, didn't have a pre-wire so mine was run through the ceiling about 2' to an existing closet, into a GE breaker box and down into the basement ceiling then over to the driver side with a flush mount male plug.
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fred42
Charlotte, NC, USA
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I already have the 2nd AC and a traditional 50amp plug. This sounds like an opportunity to start another RV mod project, something I cherish far more than camping. But first I need to understand something.
I have a favorite campground where the 50amp sites are back in the woods with the mosquitoes and the beach sites only have 30amp. Is it likely that the 30 amp pedestal (which typically include a 20amp plug) was supplied with a wire gauge sufficient enough for the distance to prevent voltage drop when both receptacles are being used and averaging a 40+ amp total draw? Is there a master panel with breakers that feed the pedestals? What size breaker would be there for the 30amp pedestal? I understand voltage drop can damage motors like AC motors. I have a plug in voltage meter. My bet is that there is no way that the 30amp pedestal is being fed 2 sets of wires. one for 30, one for 20. I also doubt that the 30amp pedestal is being fed with one set of wires that can deliver 50amps at the proper voltage. I think the campground is assuming you use one plug or the other but not both.
Please tell me I am wrong and this is a common practice that works well so I can start the project.
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Kybiggray
Central City Ky
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I have been running my second ac on a 20 amp breaker for 2 years now. Works great and a very big help on keeping the fifth wheel good and cool. Just make sure you get a heavy enough gauge extension cord and go for it.
Kevin Gray
Western KY
04 Jayco Eagle
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smkettner
Southern California
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fred42, there is a good chance the 30a-20a pedestal is fed with big fat wire on a 200+ amp main breaker and the box just limits what you can take. Otherwise if on it's own feeder most likely it is wired split phase 30a. I don't think you are going to experience significant additional voltage drop pulling a combined 35-40 amps. The pedestal will protect itself just fine.
Consider a 5-15 inlet and a transfer switch for the second air conditioner.
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fred42
Charlotte, NC, USA
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thanks all,
Would the transfer switch be one like this? or is there something more compact for indoor RV use? I suppose I could put it in a closet.
Also, is it OK that this type of switch only switches the black wire, all the white are nutted together.
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smkettner
Southern California
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I would get 30 amp rated since the breaker is usually 20 amp.
Something like this: 30a switch $50
Transfer switch has two input, one output.
Pull the entire romex(air circuit) out of the panel and connect to the output of the switch. Connect the inlet to one input(#12 romex). Get a new piece of romex (#12 wire) and connect in the power panel same as what you removed and the other side to the second transfer switch input. Each connection will include Hot, Neutral & Ground. All three will go through the switch box. Hot & Neutral switched. All grounds will connect to a ground bus in the box(not switched).
Not nearly as tricky as it may sound. Directions will include a diagram.
Leviton 5-15 inlet on amazon
You can get a 5-20 inlet but you need a cord to match this uncommon configuration. I think Lowes or Home Depot has an "extra heavy duty" #10 extension cord with the 5-20 connectors. The 5-15 will have no trouble with 20 amps and you can use regular #12 extension cord.
You could also just connect the cord to the transfer switch direct if you can hang it out the compartment while in use.
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