AC removal R21ec

[bjp447]

2014 R21ec
I have never used the AC except to make sure it works.
I would also like more usable space in the stern.
This is just a thought - What batteries and how would i remove them without
affecting the vessel electronics. Just pull to batteries or what.
Also If the AC system is not used or disabled by removing power how would that
effect the AC unit long term?
Since , even in the GA heat we are in and out of the cabin alot making the AC ineffective
at best and at night sleeping with the engine running to keep the AC running isn't great either.
So we use fans - just looking for thoughts, opinions and actual experience.
Safe boating

 

[lproulx]

Your AC is actually a 110-V unit run off a dedicated inverter located more or less under the sink. If you want, you can just remove the two AC batteries in the stern - all they do is feed the AC inverter. Disconnect the heavy cables and the smaller one that goes to the battery charger. Tape that one. The batteries are more or less useless anyway, as they will only supply the needed 35 or 40 amps for a short time, and even with shore power connected, the 20-amp charger won't keep up.

It wasn't simple, but I changed my setup so that I can plug the AC directly into shore power for use at night, and run it off a newly installed inverter supplied by the hefty engine alternator during cruising. This is only worth doing if you find the AC powerful enough to to meet your needs in the first place. It works OK for me, but things are probably much warmer where you are.

Larry

 

[ohioan55]

We have the AC install as well and I have thought about removing the AC as well. I replaced the 20 amp charger with a charger/inverter unit. The inverter side powers direct off of the 2 AC batteries to provides AC power (I have a Keurig coffee pot). The charger side is 40 amp and will top the batteries in no time. I never thought the 20 amp model was big enough to charge 4 deep cycles in a reasonable time. As for removing the AC unit, it shouldn't be hard and it won't affect other systems. I'd keep the inverter they used as it is a nice 1000 watt pure sine wave model and you may be able to use it else where. The biggest issue I see is the through hull used for cooling. I'd wire it closed plus block off the outlet (short section of plugged hose). You may forget about it down the road and don't want it to be a issue when least expected.