Adding 2ND AC to 2017 Grand Design Reflection 27RL-Need advice

[Dannytexas]

Hello,
My name is Danny and just purchased my first RV, a 2017 Grand Design Reflection 27RL.
I am going to live full time in the RV for a few years and explore the USA.

I want to add a second AC since Texas its a must and I need to sleep cold.
I understand my RV is AC prepped for a second AC in the bedroom.
I'm looking at a Dometic Penguin 2 low profile AC/Heat pump unit.
So do I need to purchase a second thermostat single zone to install in the bedroom next to the light switch where I have read the thermostat wires are hidden behind?

Is there an option to upgrade existing thermostat in kitchen to run both units or is it better to have separate to better control bedroom temp vs living room temp.

I appreciate any advice as I am about to order what I need to have a local mobile RV tech install.
AC unit
thermostat
gasket kit
Is all I think I need.

Danny
DFW Texas
2017 Grand Design Reflection 27RL

[Country Campers]

Yes you will need a second thermostat for the new AC, easiest to do.

Brian

[Yoda]

Hello,
My name is Danny and just purchased my first RV, a 2017 Grand Design Reflection 27RL.
I am going to live full time in the RV for a few years and explore the USA.

I want to add a second AC since Texas its a must and I need to sleep cold.
I understand my RV is AC prepped for a second AC in the bedroom.
I'm looking at a Dometic Penguin 2 low profile AC/Heat pump unit.
So do I need to purchase a second thermostat single zone to install in the bedroom next to the light switch where I have read the thermostat wires are hidden behind?

Is there an option to upgrade existing thermostat in kitchen to run both units or is it better to have separate to better control bedroom temp vs living room temp.

I appreciate any advice as I am about to order what I need to have a local mobile RV tech install.
AC unit
thermostat
gasket kit
Is all I think I need.

Danny
DFW Texas
2017 Grand Design Reflection 27RL

Danny
Welcome to the family.

Have you contacted GD customer service? It may be worth your time to double check on the AC prep and thermostat wires. When you call have you vin handy?
On more thing to check is there a breaker or space for breaker in you distribution panel. Another way to check if the AC prep is there is pull the inside trim ring on the existing vent and see if there is any wiring there.

The real experts (I am not one of them) will be along soon I am sure

Keith

[Cate&Rob]

For a second AC, you will have to chose "duct connected" or "stand-alone". If connected to the ductwork a wall thermostat will likely be provided. If stand-alone, the controls will likely be on the unit. I have never seen a thermostat clever enough to run two ACs independently. If duct connected, the usual practice is to use the AC in the opposite end of the trailer from where you are, to minimize noise. Unless you need both for max cooling.

Rob

[howson]

Hello,
My name is Danny and just purchased my first RV, a 2017 Grand Design Reflection 27RL.
I am going to live full time in the RV for a few years and explore the USA.

I want to add a second AC since Texas its a must and I need to sleep cold.
I understand my RV is AC prepped for a second AC in the bedroom.
I'm looking at a Dometic Penguin 2 low profile AC/Heat pump unit.
So do I need to purchase a second thermostat single zone to install in the bedroom next to the light switch where I have read the thermostat wires are hidden behind?

Is there an option to upgrade existing thermostat in kitchen to run both units or is it better to have separate to better control bedroom temp vs living room temp.

I appreciate any advice as I am about to order what I need to have a local mobile RV tech install.
AC unit
thermostat
gasket kit
Is all I think I need.

Danny
DFW Texas
2017 Grand Design Reflection 27RL

Your 27RL should be prepped for the second a/c. Below is a snip from the drawing GD made available to the moderators (I cannot post the entire drawing -- sorry.)



Howard

[howson]

Dannytexas -- forgot to add -- it is likely that wherever there's a overhead light power switch on the wall in the bedroom (on wall opposite bathroom sink?) there should be thermostat wiring. Look behind the switch you might find the thermostat wiring. The other end, obviously, will be up in the ceiling where the a/c itself is installed.

[ncitro]

Just a note you’re not limited to a Dometic, I went with a Coleman in my front because it’s a quieter unit.

[Jlawles2]

If you are looking for parts cheap and quick, try https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/search...&query=penguin in Houston (only a few hours away I make day trips from south of Houston to DFW airport on occasion). PPL stocks a lot of parts especially AC units from various MFG. Usually have the cheapest prices also.

I keep forgetting PPL has a DFW location also, might want to check them out. https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/locations

[Dannytexas]

Thanks a lot guys for all the input... I just bought a low profile Penguin 2 15K unit with heat pump....
I confirmed with GD that indeed mine is prepped and ready for the AC.
I also got a single thermostat for the bedroom and air distribution cover that can divert from ducted to straight down if I need to cool the bedroom fast and not run through the ducted system, its a factory Dometic option...

My camper has a the Ultimate Power Package which is where the "framed and wired 2nd AC" is listed. I also of the Peace of Mind package and of course the Arctic 4-seasons package..
Going through a divorce after 28 years so I am going to live full time for a year or two since I am in sales and usually fly around the USA, now I will drive...You can find me wherever it's 75 and sunny.

Again, thanks for the feedback.

[Country Campers]

Dannytexas

Would you mind sharing the where and what you got for the second AC unit?

Brian

[Dannytexas]

Dannytexas

Would you mind sharing the where and what you got for the second AC unit?

Brian

Brian,
I bought a Dometic Penguin 2 low profile15k AC/heat pump new off Amazon for $1600. Plus I got the Dometic air distribution box that is ducted but you can slide a cover and dump directly down into the bedroom if I need to cool off quickly .

I will mainly be in Texas and living full time so I am preemptively making sure I can stay cool.
plus with a heat pump I can handle a lot of Texas cool weather without the furnace.
plus if one unit goes bad in August I won’t die cause I have a back up. Lol
sorry for slow response but I have this set to email with any response to a post but have yet to get a notification