Roof Air Problams - Page 2

thenewkid64 · 06-22-2002, 10:13 PM

Fred,

I do not think that the Coleman’s that are on your MH were the original equipment. Airstream seems to have used Dometic for their AC units forever, at least since the Armstrong units were no longer available. The 20 Amp rating is what most RV AC units draw. , but I understand your concern. 2 units X 20 Amps is a 40 Amp draw thru a 30 Amp cord. Of course that draw would only be if both units were in the compressor start process at the same time..... But still I would look to reduce the overload possibilities if I were in your shoes.

PeterH-79MH · 06-22-2002, 11:54 PM

You lucky guys with two A/C's enlighten this ignorant soul.
Do you have 30 or 50 amp shore power?
If you have a 30 Amp shore power, you can only use both A/C's with generator power?
Isn't there some auto relay to keep you from turning both A/C's on when plugged in?
If that holds true, how do you cool a 34 foot M/H with 1 A/C?
The best I can do is ~80 degrees in my 28' with 1 A/C.

1985air345 · 06-23-2002, 04:23 PM

Peter,

My 345 is a 30 AMP unit.

I cannot run both A/C's on shore power. There is a selector switch above the stove that allows you to run only one applicance at a time. If you want to use the microwave during the day, you have to shut down the one A/C and switch to the microwave.

My thought was to re-wire the second unit to plug into the 20 AMP service to be able to run 1 or 2 A/C's. I have noticed that every spot I've camped at has a 30 AMP and a 20 AMP breaker and plug. When I break camp, I could plug the second A/C back into the generator. The rear is automatically powered by the generator or selected by the switch. Currently, the only way to run both A/C's is to run the generator.

--------------------------------------
Brett,

I have the original paperwork for the Coleman's in my Airstream binder. The units certainly look 17 years old!

PeterH-79MH · 06-23-2002, 04:43 PM

Fred,
thanx for the reply.
I am afraid your 30/20amp idea at the campground will not work, since the 30 amp electric posts are just that-30amps. If you don't blow the breakers, you will underpower und possibly damage your A/C's.

thenewkid64 · 06-23-2002, 06:34 PM

Fred,

17 years on the AC's is Great! I had no idea that Airstream ever equipped rigs with coleman units.

You could rewire your power for a 50 AMP service and break the input into 2 panels. One to feed the original panel and a second to feed the front air. You would still want to keep your 30 AMP service connection so you do not always have to pay for 50 AMP, as well as some parks do not offer 50 AMP.

2 20 AMP units leaves 10 amps for other needs.

1985air345 · 06-23-2002, 09:54 PM

I am not married to Coleman. I have only heard good things about Duo-Therm. I just want to
1) use the existing drain hoses
2) stop the leaking inside the coach
3) have a cool coach

I can dance around the 30 AMP - Selector switch - One unit at a time thing.

I guess I'll have to take it to an Airstream dealer. If they can put a Duo-Therm up there, use the hose, and make it work, I'm all for it. The nice thing about these 345's is the money machine in the back next to the air compressor.

The owners can just keep getting cash for all these repairs. That's why the 345's came standard with a floor safe!

thenewkid64 · 06-24-2002, 04:33 AM

Fred,

Before you spent 1200+ dollars on new AC units you may want to PM Action. He got a used one from colaw with the insdie panels for $350.00??

http://www.airstreamphotos.com/photo...x.pl?photo=287

I think he said he got it from Colaw salvage.

On the list of wants I really agree with #3. I worked on ours this weekend and had the AC on full blast. It was great being able to geat out of the heat and into the cool coach while working.

PeterH-79MH · 06-30-2002, 03:24 PM

I spent the night at a state park and talked to a guy that just purchased a 02 Fleetwood. I asked him about his electrical service, having two A/C and parking at a 30 amp service. He said that his rig has 30amp service only, but the A/c's are controlled by a circuit panels that automatically alternates between the two A/C's according to temperature.
I know Frankr could throw something like that together in a flash.

1985air345 · 01-28-2003, 07:40 PM

I thought I'd revisit this old subject with some new information.

I talked to Walt at Walt's RV while he was fixin' my awnings. He does re-wire the 2 A/C units so that you can run one off the 20 amp service and the other off the 30 amp service. The rear unit is wired directly to the generator. Somehow, he sets it up so you plug into the gen set while traveling and then unplug and plug into the campground's 20 amp service. That way you can have both running at a campground.