Replacing Air conditioner shroud

[JD85EXCELLA32]

Morning everyone!


I recently experienced storm damage to my Coleman TSR Mack-3 air conditioner even though the unit functions fine the shroud is shot. I have ordered a replacement shroud and now for help question. Is it recommended to put weight or stand on the roof of a 1985 32ft excella when replacing this shroud?

This is only my 2nd post but everything I’ve read on different situations here on the forum has been either helpful or maybe future need to remember info. Thanks in advance for any help.

[thenewkid64]

Standing on the roo is not a problem, BUT you need to keep your weight off the end caps and on the rivet lines. The rivet lines mark the ribs. These will support your weight. If you want to spread the stress on the roof out you could place a small sheet of plywood on the roof bridging multiple ribs and give you a larger workspace.

Replacing a shroud is normally a 4 bolt/screw job and may be able to be done whitout getting on the roof. It depends on your ladder, and how long your arms are though.

[j54mark]

The Max Air people make a replacement shroud for the Coleman unit that is a) less expensive than the Coleman, and b) guaranteed for life.

I don't know if it is possible to remove and replace from a ladder by yourself; I suspect not as the cover must come up high enough to clear the ac unit. Just make sure not to place any weight anywhere except the ribs.

Mark

[JD85EXCELLA32]

The 4 bolts are reachable from a ladder but I'm concerned with getting the new shroud fitted down over the system as this might be a little awkward from a ladder.

As for the Max Air replacement I have already committed to a local RV dealer that has promised a Friday delivery but if this does't pan out I will keep Max Air in mind.
Thanks!

[Tinsel Loaf]

Dont' lean from a ladder because you will tire and invaiably slip and dent your AS, trust me, or their is a chance your ladder will scratch your unit. Get on top so you can do it correctly. Also remember the guaranteed for life shroud is for the life of the plastic, not you.

[87MH]

Even though there are those who have posted top access by ladder, not for me, overweight, over 50, and agility impaired.

Two sections of standard scaffolding (4 side pieces and 4 cross braces) afford a perfect solution. These can be rented quite reasonably from almost any well stocked rental company.

Build the scaffolding next to the AS, and place a couple of 2 by's (2 X 10's work great) from the appropriate rung of the scaffolding to the top of the AS (use a carpet and lightweight plywood to protect the finish and distribute the weight over the rib section).

Don't forget some light weight soft wood to place on top for use as a walkway.....3/4" X 6" X 6' Cedar fence panels work great, about 2 bucks each.....Put weight only on the rib sections!!!