A/C 2000 Regal 2460 - 3500 BTU Unit

B

blue2

Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2007
RO Number
27631
Messages
1
I want to install A/C into my 2000 Regal 2460. I'm looking at a DOMETIC 3500 btu self-contained unit (with inverter) designed for small cabins. This unit is advertised to run for 4-5 hours on battery power (no genset)! I would like to hear from someone who has some actual experience with this product. Or another product... The big question is whether a 3500 BTU unit is large enough? Or do I need a 5000 BTU unit instead?

Chuck
 
In Florida, I'm guessing that 3500 BTU's is going to be too small.
And sure, it will run 4-5 hours on batteries, if you have enough batteries. Did you read the fine print to see how much battery power you have to have to run 4-5 hours? Again, I'm guessing that what you have on your boat will not begin to get 4-5 hours.
 
You need at least a 5,000 BTU. I had a 5K in a 24 ft. Sea Ray Sundanced, it was barely big enough. Worked fairly well at night, but in the day time it was no where near big enough.
 
I looked up the unit. Looks like a good unit.
Specs said it will run up to 8 hours using 3 group 27 batteries. I guess they say "up to" depending on how much the compressor is running. If the compressor has to run pretty much all the time, that 8 hours may only be 4, and again, I'm only guessing, but in Florida heat, your compressor will be running all the time.
Do you have separate starting battery?
 
I put a 6500 btu in our 2665 and it does a good job but it cirtainly isn't oversize.
I would say the 3500 would be ok for the aft birth only or used to remove humidity.
My biggest thought is that it will freeze up because it never has a chance to defrost.
 
5K min on a 24 footer. The 5K I have in Georgia is just making it. Great at night, but day time keep everything closed to get 80 degree temps in cabin. I run mine by a Honda 3K genverter. That thing runs everything and stingy on gas too. Almost wish it was a 7K A/C!
 
I just traded my 2460. In VA, MINIMUM of 7500 BTU. I desired a 5K to save on cabinet space. The installer would not install anything less than 7500. Dometic did not make that size unit at the time. I had a 10K unit. Despite the fact I lost a larger cabinet than I desired, the 10K could keep the cabin at 75* in 110* heat with no problem. The newer units are smaller and more efficient. I would look for a 7.5 to 10K unit that you could mount under the cabin entrance steps. WRT the DC run time, realize you are going to probably add at least another 100 pounds of batteries to make that happen. IIWY, I would opt for a Honda 2Kiu T'd into the main fuel feed line. You will not be disappointed.

HTH
 
I know people that live aboard in Florida with only fans. You get used to it.
 
You could probably make aty night with a 3500 but the day time temps would be pretty high. As far as battery power, I would try a portable gen first.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top