central air

[robert]

Hello everybody,

Any insight on installing central air on a model 10 Eagle? I have 3 roof tops that are ok but I need more cooling when underway. I have enough power and 3 bays with the middle being holding tanks, gen. and water tank and heater. I am wondering more on any ideas on return air and supply vents. Any ideas would be helpful for this project starts next month.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Robert,

Most Entertainer Coaches have 2 [home type] two ton central air systems, one air handeler on each side and both condencers in one bay.

This set-up will limit you to 230v, 25amps service for each with the home style systems.

This set-up will be able to handle your cooling needs for over the road but, what do you have in mind for heat?

Good Luck
Nick-

[TomC]

I have a 40ft x 102" transit with very large windows (as you can see in the picture).  I have three roof tops also.  Recently going through the Mojave desert with 107 degree weather, I only needed the two front A/C's running to keep the inside in the 70's.  I also have 2.25" of sprayed in insulation.  I would suggest you look at your insulation situation and also possible hot air infiltration before spending the money on different A/C's.  Three roof tops should work just fine going down the road.  Good Luck, TomC

[LegalEagle82]

I have an 82 Eagle, Model 10 that was an entertainer bus back in the day.  It still has the factory bus air/heat, but it also has a split central unit.   Being a split unit takes care of a lot of the air return issues.  I'll try to go take a picture, but I have a closet that houses 1/2 the unit.   It sits a top the air return, which is basically a  2 x 2 typically house intake vent.  My split unit AC/heat unit services just the driver's side of the bus.   My venting system runs in a area of the upper wall / roof line the length of the bus.   This is the same area that my factory heat/air system is serviced through also.  I have a 50 amp service with kubota generator.   

Evan
Nashville

[TomC]

Other considerations-  while a central A/C like what's used in a house is simple, it does take up a lot of room with all the ducting.  Two other ways come to mind- if you don't mind the evaporator being wall mounted, the residential mini splits are a good deal.  Also is the Dometic all in one or split A/C designed for big rig trucks-so you know they are made for mobile use.  They are expensive (in the $15-2000 range) but are the most compact and use components that are easily obtainable at most any RV outlet-as compared to mini splits or central that uses all overseas components unique to their units.  Good Luck, TomC