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I am going to be installing a second AC Unit on my Jayco 36KPTS in the near future. I have decided on the Coleman Mach 8, 9,200 BTU. Aside from figuring out a way to get it on the roof, I have a question about mounting angle. It states in the installation manual to install it level to +15 degrees. The front of my fifth wheel is sloped to the front that would mean the front of the unit would be slightly sloped down. What issues will I have with this type of installation. I really do not want to fabricate a shim to mount it level as it would be just another potential point of a leak.
first off, I'd measure how high off the ground your 5th is at the highest spot. DOT restrictions for normal loads is 13' 6". My 5th, and many others use a low-profile A/C unit like the Dometic for this reason.
I did a quick search on google for your year and model, and came across this: 2012 Pinnacle | Jayco, Inc. Looks like a 2nd A/C was an option.
I think I'd call Jayco or a dealer to see if the 2nd A/C prep has already been done, and if its for a specific A/C model.
Get some info. As noted in previous post. Mine was pre-wired for 120 only. I had to find a way to get 12v from unit to where I wanted to mount thermostat and from a power source to thermostat since it was ducted. Mine was close to being to far out of level due to the slope. I mounted without shims and have had no problems. You might can pick up a cheap level that tells degree of slope from Harbor Freight. Good luck.
first off, I'd measure how high off the ground your 5th is at the highest spot. DOT restrictions for normal loads is 13' 6". My 5th, and many others use a low-profile A/C unit like the Dometic for this reason.
I did a quick search on google for your year and model, and came across this: 2012 Pinnacle | Jayco, Inc. Looks like a 2nd A/C was an option.
I think I'd call Jayco or a dealer to see if the 2nd A/C prep has already been done, and if its for a specific A/C model.
Thanks djousma, I have sent Jayco and inquiry. I was just wondering if anybody else has installed or have a fifth wheel with the second AC unit and if it is in fact mounted with the nose/front of the unit at a downward angle.
I've got 3 AC's on my rig, but all are angled backwards as you can see, so I cannot answer as to the angle question you are asking about. but my point, and sounds like you've taken steps to contact Jayco is that your unit is designed for a 2nd AC. so as long as you find the "spot" where it should be, you should be fine. the benefit to you is the manufacturer has already done the engineering needed to know if it would work or not, you just have to find out if they pre-wired your unit for a second one already.
You might pop a inside skylight trim off so that you can get a peek between the roof and the inside ceiling to see if you can spot any of this. your job might be easier than you think.
I removed the trim from the vent and it has both the AC as well as 12v and thermostat wiring already in place. Thanks everyone for their assistance.
By the way beautiful rig you have there Dave.
Thanks! Glad you discovered that! If it were me, I'd try to install whatever Jayco would have installed had you got it from factory. That way, If you ever decide to resell that Jayco, it will look factory.
The only part I do not know is if Jayco would have designed the roof supports expecting the A/C to be mounted in an exact location. Maybe from what you can see, you can determine that. I mention that because if your current A/C is ducted all the way up to the bedroom, the 2nd AC feeds into the same duct work. that way both a/c's service the entire unit.
Framing for vent and AC is the same. If wiring is there, you are set. Normally low profile AC.
Steve
Thanks Steve, yes everything is there so in that respect I am all set. Like I said the only concern is the installed angle. Although I have seen most fifth wheel secondary AC units installed nose/front end at a downward angle.
The Coleman Mach 8 is only 8 1/4" tall, not any taller than the Max-Air I currently have installed on the power vent.
Thanks Steve, yes everything is there so in that respect I am all set. Like I said the only concern is the installed angle. Although I have seen most fifth wheel secondary AC units installed nose/front end at a downward angle.
The Coleman Mach 8 is only 8 1/4" tall, not any taller than the Max-Air I currently have installed on the power vent.
As I am sure you realize, the degree of slope is a matter of making sure the condensate does not overflow the drain pan and drip down into your camper, although given the manufacturer is prepping this model for a second AC, I am not much worried about that.
Please research your choice of AC. Goggle "problems with Coleman Mach 8"
rdlouks, I added the same unit to my Sunset Trail that also has the downward slope in the front and had not problems. The only issue was they had to start with longer mounting bolts due to my curved roof. After they compressed the gasket enough they used the supplied bolts. I decided not to hook it up to the factory thermostat or duct work and use the control panel on the unit. This way I can turn off the one in the bedroom and still have the main unit cool down the bedroom at night. Much quieter this way.
Thanks everyone, here it is installed on my Fiver. I contacted Jayco and they stated that installing it nose down would not be an issue. I too had to use longer mounting bolts due to the thickness of the roof.
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