Adding A Second Air Conditioner To Rv

Remember that summer? The one where even the dog looked at you with disdain, panting like it had run a marathon just sitting on the linoleum? Yeah, me too.

The RV, affectionately nicknamed "The Wanderer" (though "The Sauna" felt more accurate those days), was supposed to be our escape. Turns out, escaping into a tin can baking in the sun requires more than just good intentions and a half-melted popsicle.

We had a single air conditioner, bless its little BTU-churning heart, but it was fighting a losing battle against the relentless solar onslaught.

Then came The Plan.

Operation: Arctic RV

The idea, whispered in hushed tones across the campfire, was audacious. Some might even say crazy. A second air conditioner. In The Wanderer.

Suddenly, weekends weren't about scenic hikes anymore. They were about crawling around on the RV roof, armed with screwdrivers and a healthy dose of "what could possibly go wrong?" optimism.

My spouse, bless their mechanically-inclined soul, became obsessed with wiring diagrams. I mostly held things and offered moral support. And snacks. Crucially, I provided snacks.

The Great Vent Heist

The first hurdle? Finding a suitable spot. Apparently, you can't just stick an air conditioner wherever you feel like it. There are things like structural integrity and pre-existing vents to consider.

The solution? Sacrificing a perfectly good (okay, slightly warped) roof vent. It felt a little like performing surgery on a beloved pet. We even gave the vent a solemn farewell speech.

I may have teared up a little. Don't judge.

Removing the vent was surprisingly easy. Mostly because it was already half-falling apart. Still, we celebrated with ice cream. Victory, however small, deserves ice cream.

The Weight of Expectations (and the AC Unit)

Then came the moment of truth: hoisting the new air conditioner onto the roof. Have you ever tried lifting a large, heavy object onto a slightly unstable surface while trying not to fall off? It's character-building, to say the least.

We employed a complex system of ropes, pulleys, and carefully chosen words (some of which would make a sailor blush). It was a slow, precarious dance, but eventually, the beast was in place.

I’m pretty sure the neighbors thought we had joined the circus.

Securing it felt like winning the lottery. A sweaty, slightly terrifying lottery, but a lottery nonetheless.

Wiring Woes and Electrical Enthusiasm

Now, the wiring. This was where my mechanical contributions dwindled to essentially zero. Electrical diagrams looked like ancient hieroglyphics to me.

My spouse, however, dove in with gusto. Wires were spliced, breakers were tested, and cryptic pronouncements about amps and volts filled the air. I mostly nodded and looked intelligent. It seemed the safest course of action.

There was a brief moment when the entire RV lost power. But after a few tense minutes and some frantic flipping of switches, we were back in business. Mostly.

The Moment of Truth (and Cold Air)

Finally, the moment arrived. The air conditioner was installed, the wiring was (hopefully) correct, and the RV was plugged into shore power.

With bated breath, we flipped the switch. A whirring sound, a click, and then… bliss. Glorious, icy cold air. It was like stepping into a refrigerator in the middle of the Sahara.

We stood there, basking in the arctic chill, feeling like we had conquered Everest. The dog, who had previously been giving us the side-eye, finally seemed impressed.

Unexpected Benefits (and Lessons Learned)

Beyond the obvious benefit of not melting into a puddle, the second air conditioner brought some unexpected perks.

The RV was suddenly much quieter. With both units running on low, the constant roar of a single struggling AC was replaced by a gentle hum.

We also discovered that we could now camp in locations we had previously avoided. Deserts, parking lots, and even the occasional volcano (okay, maybe not the volcano) were now fair game.

Of course, there were lessons learned. Like, always double-check your measurements before cutting a hole in your roof. And maybe invest in a better ladder.

And always have plenty of snacks on hand. Construction work is hungry work.

But the biggest lesson? That even the most daunting tasks can be tackled with a little perseverance, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of duct tape.

And maybe a really good electrician on standby.

The Campervan Community and its Kindness

Something wonderful also happened. We discovered and found a community.

We met fellow travellers who gave us advice and encouragement. A forum where we posted our questions and fears were met with support and humor.

I believe The Wanderer gained something special on this journey.

This act of kindness, the collective knowledge, the shared passion for adventure... it made the project more than just adding an AC unit.

The Unexpected Perks of a Cool RV

Our newfound temperature control also brought about an unexpected surge in our social life.

Fellow travelers, previously content to wave politely from a distance, suddenly became very interested in visiting "The Wanderer." Especially during the heat of the day.

We became the go-to spot for happy hour. Our RV was the coolest place to be, both literally and figuratively. The dog loved the company too.

One evening, we had what I like to call our “RV Warming” party, where we all celebrated our AC success, with the stars twinkling above and laughter that carried till late at night.

It reminded me of the simple joys of travel. It isn't just about seeing new places, but also the people you meet and the memories you make along the way.

The Wanderer, once a sweat lodge on wheels, had transformed into a hub of camaraderie and cool comfort.

More Than Just an Air Conditioner

So, was adding a second air conditioner to our RV worth it? Absolutely.

Not just for the obvious reason of staying cool, but for the adventure, the challenges, and the unexpected connections it brought.

It reminded us that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that involve a little bit of sweat, a whole lot of improvisation, and a healthy dose of believing we can do something.

And besides, who doesn't love a good excuse to eat more ice cream?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear The Wanderer is calling. And I think it's time for another adventure – this time, to somewhere really cold.