AC shroud removal

[Pat66TW]

I’m in the process of resealing around all of the solar domes , air conditioner and windows on my 1974 31 ft. International. I have removed most of the old silicon that the PO had globed all over the original factory calking (velum I assume). My question is how do remove the outside shroud on my Armstrong AC unit? I need to replace the metal fan cover that is almost rusted away and I’d like to remove and inspect w/o damaging the shroud. The shroud is intact but seems very fragile. I can see 4 screws on the top but there seems to be something else holding it on. Is the shroud a 2 piece unit that separates at the blue seam.?

Pat

[thenewkid64]

Pat,

The shroud is one piece. The trim and blue insert add strength, but does not make it into a clam shell style. The 4 bolts are all that physically holds it to the roof, actually they hold the shroud to the AC unit. On install there may have been Vulcem that the shroud sat in or other sealant that is adhering it to the roof sheet. I would take a wide thin putty knife and slide it between the shroud and the roof. The putty knife should cut the sealant so you can remove the shroud.

[roadeo]

thenewkid64,
Is your description of removal the same with all the Armstrong shrouds?
I believe there are 3 or 4 different shrouds.

it is amazing that there is no shoe or flashing that the shrouds mount into at the roof line. Looks like without such that wind turbulance would definately stress the hell out of the things. Maybe why so many are seen along roadsides.

Did the factory lay a bed of Vulkem and imbed the shroud bottom in it?
You mention clamshell type shrouds. Were some of those Armstrong?

What about other makes? are most of those clamshell? and do they have shoes?

[montanaandy]

I removed the shroud around my 79-31' last week to patch it up (stress cracks along the side - have a new shroud that I will paint first and then replace). The shroud is fragile but is securely fastened to the AC unit. The shroud is held in place by 4 bolts that were easily removed. I slid the shroud (1 piece) top side down along an angled ladder to my wife. Sealed the cracks with parbond and put it back on with new bolts & washers. I Do not have any leaks so left the vulkem surrounding the AC unit alone. The new/replacement shroud is a 2 piece that I will need to seal and add mesh to the intake holes prior to installation. Montanaandy

[thenewkid64]

The Armstrong shrouds all mount the same way. There are some different configurations, but there is always 4 bolts up top holding it on.

If the factory installed it, I would doubt that there is vulcem holding it to the roof. Based on the description of the other sealant that was removed from the rest of the coach the PO likely sealed the shroud to the roof.

Most of the other brands use a one piece shroud too, other than Dometic and Carrier. On the Penguin unit the shroud is a 2 piece affair. The bottom is under the unit and the top bolts on to the top of it, so when you service the unit you are not disturbing the whole thing. Carrier has a lower mounting plate from what I have seen.

I am not an aeronautical engineer, but I would bet the down force created by the top half of the shroud is greater than the lift created on the lower half since the lower air is disturbed by the roof vents, antenna, etc. The shrouds that blow off seem to have failed to to becoming brittle from UV exposure and ripping at the mounting points.

[87MH]

Originally Posted by thenewkid64

....... The shrouds that blow off seem to have failed to becoming brittle from UV exposure .........

I can attest to that......

When I replaced the original Coleman AC on the '87 last year I tried to be as careful as possible with the removal..........but not nearly careful enough.

The old plastic gave new meaning to the term "eggshell".

As expensive as these are just for a shroud (factory) replacement, and the inability to repair the old shrouds (at least the Coleman's), I would suggest an aluminum fabricated shroud for a replacement.

[thenewkid64]

From the CW site:

Fits Coleman 11,000 BTU, 13,500 BTU and 15,000 BTU models. Built-in protective rear intake grill guards air conditioner's fins. Tough high density polyethylene with UV inhibitors provide long life in the sun. Unique front bumper design deflects branches and prevents wind lift. Mounts like original and includes stainless steel mounting hardware and instructions.In Polar White.

[Over59]

Pulled the cover off mine this weekend. Had a hell of a time getting the edges clear of the AC. Had to work each corner up, put a stick in to keep it from going back down when lifting opposite corner. Finally broke away. Mine only worked lifting the back first and pushing it forward to get the front free. Damn if I could see what held it. Also having a time getting it to line up with all four bolts to put it on. Should be alot easier with two people up top on ladders.
Good luck