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05-27-2016, 04:14 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,364
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A/C not cooling as I think it should
So I have two ACs. A 15K and a 13.5K. The 15K blows ice cold. The 13.5K blows "cool". Definitely not as cold as the big one. Any troubleshooting I can try?
The filters are not clogged.
Set the thermostat down to 60 degrees.
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2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Recliner - WBCCI #4850 - AIR #110821
2018 Nissan Armada SL Tow Vehicle, Equal-i-zer Hitch
Visit Our Flying Cloud blog for my latest adventure!
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05-27-2016, 04:17 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1968 24' Tradewind
Oxford,
, Mississippi
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,564
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Make sure the coils are clean.
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Bruce & Rachel
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68 Trade Wind
2001 Toyota Tundra
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05-27-2016, 04:19 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,364
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Ok, how do I do that?
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2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Recliner - WBCCI #4850 - AIR #110821
2018 Nissan Armada SL Tow Vehicle, Equal-i-zer Hitch
Visit Our Flying Cloud blog for my latest adventure!
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05-27-2016, 04:25 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FCStreamer
So I have two ACs. A 15K and a 13.5K. The 15K blows ice cold. The 13.5K blows "cool". Definitely not as cold as the big one. Any troubleshooting I can try?
The filters are not clogged.
Set the thermostat down to 60 degrees.
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Check the temperature as it goes immediately into the AC, and as it immediately leaves the AC.
After that AC has run about 15 minutes or so, the temperature difference should be a minimum of 15 degrees.
Do this test when the trailer is basically cooled down. That will give you better readings.
If the temperature difference is less, then there had to be a small Freon leak. Recharging that AC is very simple.
Andy
Andy
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05-27-2016, 05:10 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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I did a YouTube search for you,
Search,
RV Living: how to keep your rooftop AC unit clean and functioning
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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05-27-2016, 05:27 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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You have a new trailer with new A/C -- the coils will be clean IMO, as will the return air filters. To find out what's up, you need to get a small battery digital thermometer with a long probe end, like a meat thermometer, which is also the kind that HVAC guys carry around all the time.
Measure the air temperature in the trailer before cooling, the temperature of the air coming out of the A/C, and the outdoor temperature. Only when you have all three will you have some specific data from which to make a diagnosis.
In very general terms, your A/C units should show a drop of about 25 degrees from the intake return air temp, and the discharge cool air. If you don't get this drop, your refrigerant might need changing or charging. I am guessing Colonial tested this, so I would call them ASAP. They are open tomorrow.
As to the outside temp, it will obviously affect how quickly the A/C can cool your trailer. Airstream trailers are not particularly well insulated (thin wall thickness mainly), so any outside temps above 90 F will be challenging unless you leave both A/C units on full time, and are very careful about not opening doors, vents/skylights and and windows much IMO.
Also it you are on the road for a long day, and the inside of the trailer is really hot, it pays to get parked, put the A/C on high, and then go to a nearby bar and restaurant for a couple of hours until the trailer cools off IMO.
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05-27-2016, 05:53 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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To be precise, the 'delta T' or differential between the return air measured at the return air intake and the cool exhaust air measured at the unit's output ( in this case the first available output duct) should be between 18-22 deg. F in any RV air conditioner after the compressor has been operational for a minimum of 15 minutes.
While elevated outside ambient temperature will have an effect on the amperage draw of the compressor, it has little relevance to the delta T measurement as it is a differential between interior air temps.
If your new unit does not measure within this RV standard, there is a good possibility that you have leaked refrigerant.
The definitive test is an amp draw measurement at the compressor, but unless you have a true RMS amp clamp type meter, that is best left to the techs.
In any event, you have a 2 year Dometic warranty, so it will be covered and probably replaced.
Just be sure to take your temp measurements with only the unit in question operating.
Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
ABYC Certified Master Marine Electrician
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center*AMS Lithium Batteries
Lifeline AGM Batteries**Magnum Inverters***Victron Energy Components
541-490-6357
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lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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05-27-2016, 05:56 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2019 30' Classic
Byhalia
, Mississippi
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 821
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I realize this is elementary, but you have a new to you trailer. Make sure both zones are set for A/C. If the rear air is not cold, it may be on fan and recirculating cold air from the front A/C. Ask me how I know this.
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Greg
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05-27-2016, 07:39 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,364
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Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, I made sure it was set to AC. I guess I'll have to investigate my options to have it serviced under warranty. My AS is covered by the original 2 year warranty until October. I have to submit the transfer paperwork, and then figure how to connect a tech with my AC. Sigh....
__________________
2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Recliner - WBCCI #4850 - AIR #110821
2018 Nissan Armada SL Tow Vehicle, Equal-i-zer Hitch
Visit Our Flying Cloud blog for my latest adventure!
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05-27-2016, 08:12 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FCStreamer
Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, I made sure it was set to AC. I guess I'll have to investigate my options to have it serviced under warranty. My AS is covered by the original 2 year warranty until October. I have to submit the transfer paperwork, and then figure how to connect a tech with my AC. Sigh....
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I would still recommend measuring the temperatures suggested earlier, as your expectations for the performance of the A/C may be based on a good strong residential system, which RV's cannot measure up to. If the two units are producing the Delta T drop suggested by lewster in the range of 20 F, then they may be functioning correctly.
If only one of the units is working correctly, at least you will have identified the weak link in the chain for repair, and you will be wiser for knowing about the Delta T etc.. Better get used to this process, as the challenges of owning an Airstream are many and varied.
As are the joys!
Have a great trip home, and a good long weekend!
Peter
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05-27-2016, 11:52 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
Tavares
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,051
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FWIW the 13.5k front AC on our 2016 dual AC 27' FC failed in Mesa AZ. Very similar symptoms as you describe.
Apparently there are no serviceable parts or ability to recharge the unit. It was replaced under warranty by Dometic. We had to wait five days for it to be delivered from California. Took Desert Autoplex in Mesa about 3 hours to swap it out.
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“Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught.” - J.C. Watts Jr.
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05-28-2016, 08:34 AM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Overland Park
, Kansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 365
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Llando88
FWIW the 13.5k front AC on our 2016 dual AC 27' FC failed in Mesa AZ. Very similar symptoms as you describe.
Apparently there are no serviceable parts or ability to recharge the unit. It was replaced under warranty by Dometic. We had to wait five days for it to be delivered from California. Took Desert Autoplex in Mesa about 3 hours to swap it out.
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I'm having the same problem with my 2016 FC 27' with dual AC, it also may need to be replaced. Hopefully I won't have to wait for the replacement to be delivered since we are going to JC for repairs. Sounds like there may be a number of domestic 13.5 AC failures on newer units?
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05-28-2016, 09:12 AM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member
2016 30' Flying Cloud
Oviedo
, Florida
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 264
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Same with mine - almost every 2015/2016 owner I have run across have lost the smaller unit shortly after delivery
Keith
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
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Keith & Barb
2016 30' Flying Cloud
2016 Ram 2500 diesel
Southeastern Camping Unit, WBCCI #1675
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05-28-2016, 02:16 PM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member
2018 33' Classic
Montgomery
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 66
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Yes Domstic 13.5 units low profile have a problem, have to replace as sealed units, **** made in china my be low price but we are paying the price by having to wait.
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05-28-2016, 03:18 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,364
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Well, I will try to submit a warranty claim and see how that goes.
__________________
2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Recliner - WBCCI #4850 - AIR #110821
2018 Nissan Armada SL Tow Vehicle, Equal-i-zer Hitch
Visit Our Flying Cloud blog for my latest adventure!
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05-28-2016, 07:18 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,364
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Oh, and I also noticed that the fan only works on hi when the AC is in cool mode. Setting the fan speed to med or lo has no effect. If I change from cool mode to fan mode, the fan settings work as expected.
There's definitely something not right with that AC.
__________________
2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Recliner - WBCCI #4850 - AIR #110821
2018 Nissan Armada SL Tow Vehicle, Equal-i-zer Hitch
Visit Our Flying Cloud blog for my latest adventure!
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05-28-2016, 09:24 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
Tavares
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,051
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grateful2
Yes Domstic 13.5 units low profile have a problem, have to replace as sealed units, **** made in china my be low price but we are paying the price by having to wait.
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Yeah, before it got removed, pretty sure I saw "Goodyear Marathon" stenciled on the side...
*ducks and runs*
__________________
“Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught.” - J.C. Watts Jr.
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05-29-2016, 06:41 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Llando88
Yeah, before it got removed, pretty sure I saw "Goodyear Marathon" stenciled on the side...
*ducks and runs*
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Trolling post if I ever read one.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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05-29-2016, 04:26 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
Tavares
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,051
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FCStreamer
So I have two ACs. A 15K and a 13.5K. The 15K blows ice cold. The 13.5K blows "cool". Definitely not as cold as the big one. Any troubleshooting I can try?
The filters are not clogged.
Set the thermostat down to 60 degrees.
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FYI:
2016 Second Air Conditioner not cooling:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149434
Just a question on ducted air units: does anyone have info on how to clean the filter on these?
The manual doesn't really say.
Or do I just vacuum the inlets and call it a day?
__________________
“Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught.” - J.C. Watts Jr.
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05-30-2016, 04:28 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Llando88
. . .
Just a question on ducted air units: does anyone have info on how to clean the filter on these?
The manual doesn't really say.
Or do I just vacuum the inlets and call it a day?
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Isn't there an A/C mfg. instruction book in your AS briefcase with all the other little pamphlets? There should be something on the intake air filter(s) IMO.
Peter
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