Hot Deal on 15k A/C Upgrade

[pteck]

I've been planning to upgrade my A/C system for awhile now for my 2007 27FB. It's fitted from the factory with a single Penguin 13.5k unit that is just not up to snuff for the size of trailer, for the southwest summers.

I suspected there would be sales at the end of summer, and indeed, I've never seen prices better. Not even close. If anyone is looking for a deal, or has been on the fence, here you go:

Going for the top of the line Dometic Blizzard NXT 15k, which should prove to have the best chance of a single A/C unit to cool my 27' trailer.



One could save another ~$70 without the heatstrip option that I added, which requires a different part number on the thermostat. Also, replacing the interior shroud/distribution box ($90) was not a requirement as the existing one on my 2007 is compatible. I wanted to change it as my old one is due. A newer AS with updated thermostat may not need that upgraded either.

On the flip side, one may add the heat pump option, which I didn't feel was necessary for my use.

Pretty excited as this will set me up nicely for those 100+ degree summer destinations! Or at least that is my hope.

This sale will end quick. If you're interested, call Christina at 800-755-4775 extension 161 as she was great to help untangle all the options.

[Dremel]

Wondering if you have used this company before. I need a number of appliances and looking for someone i can trust as a real store.

With Amazon, i know i'll get the product and be able to return if needed.

But hoping to find better option

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by Dremel

Wondering if you have used this company before. I need a number of appliances and looking for someone i can trust as a real store.

With Amazon, i know i'll get the product and be able to return if needed.

But hoping to find better option

PPL is ok.
I've bought a water heater and other misc. parts from them.
I have not had any problems.

[rowiebowie]

PPL is the real deal. Bought my a/c from them earlier this year.

[vswingfield]

I've had great dealings with PPL.

Bought my 15k Coleman low profile heat pump, with heat strip added, from them. Also added a Coleman wall thermostat at the same time. Confusing bunch of options, they helped get everything right.

I also bought a Norcold N841fridge with Ice Maker and a new Sealand toilet from them.

Great prices and service every time. They are now the first place I look for anything that's not Airstream specific.

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by pteck

I've been planning to upgrade my A/C system for awhile now for my 2007 27FB. It's fitted from the factory with a single Penguin 13.5k unit that is just not up to snuff for the size of trailer, for the southwest summers.

I suspected there would be sales at the end of summer, and indeed, I've never seen prices better. Not even close. If anyone is looking for a deal, or has been on the fence, here you go:

Going for the top of the line Dometic Blizzard NXT 15k, which should prove to have the best chance of a single A/C unit to cool my 27' trailer.

Attachment 326920

One could save another ~$70 without the heatstrip option that I added, which requires a different part number on the thermostat. Also, replacing the interior shroud/distribution box ($90) was not a requirement as the existing one on my 2007 is compatible. I wanted to change it as my old one is due. A newer AS with updated thermostat may not need that upgraded either.

On the flip side, one may add the heat pump option, which I didn't feel was necessary for my use.

Pretty excited as this will set me up nicely for those 100+ degree summer destinations! Or at least that is my hope.

This sale will end quick. If you're interested, call Christina at 800-755-4775 extension 161 as she was great to help untangle all the options.

.........add the heat pump option...you will never regret it...both of our ac’s are equipped with the heat pump...we use it very often in Calif in early spring

[guskmg]

I have two 13,500 btu units w/heat pumps. They do a great job of cooling the trailer. The only difference in the heat pump models is the reversing switch. Otherwise, the are the same unit. If you don't have 50 amp service just add a 20 amp with a second 12ga. extension cord. I also, have EasyStarts and they really make those units start and run smooth. No clunking during start and stop.
guskmg

[pteck]

Heat pump would be an good option if I were to full time. But since I only use the trailer for short vacations, efficiency is not much of a concern. A heat strip is functioning the same, but uses 2x the energy that a heat pump would use. The heat strip does have an advantage in that it can be used in any outdoor temperature. Plus it's a cheap add on..

[Ridgerunner3]

I bought a number of items from ppl over the years. They are a good company. I never had a problem with them.


I upgraded the 2002 Dometic Penguin 11,500 BTU AC on our Safari 25 to a Dometic Penguin 15,000 BTU heat pump. We did this because the old unit could not adequately cool down the trailer after a sunny hot day of travel. We thought the 15,000 BTU heat pump would cool the trailer down much quicker. The work was performed at the Airstream factory in 2012. The cooling performance of the new heat pump on hot travel days did not meet expectations. The new heat pump is a very minor improvement in cooling the trailer. The blower on the new heat pump is very loud as compared to the old 11,500 Penguin AC. In hindsight I spent too much money on a very minor improvement in trailer cooling.

[Bgibbs]

FWIW, our 26u has 2 a/c units and as luck would have it, we have replaced both units twice under warranty. Neither unit will cool the AS adequately by itself in warm weather. If you want to be cool, you need 2 units.

[pteck]

Thanks for the comments. I hope I've done my homework here and anecdotal information suggests I'll be okay with the upgrade.

My current 13.5k Penguin (circa 2007) is only able to achieve temps in the 80s under the full CA sun and 100 degree whether. The hope is that an advanced 15k unit will make a difference. The Blizzard NXT is marketed as a useful tool for those straddling between 1-2 units. The increased output (15k), added efficiency from the design with vertically oriented compressor, plus technology to increase airflow (350 CFM) while lowering noise should prove to be effective to reach 70 degree temps.

Of course I'll have to report back on actual performance once all said and done. Going to transfer my easystart from the current to this new unit.

I won't go to 2x A/C units, as I utilize the fantastic fans much much more. The A/C is really only for that 1-2 trips out of the year that brings us to more extreme desert locals in the middle of summer. Whereas I use the fantastic fans year round.

[pteck]

With any upgrade like this, I always do my due diligence to make sure it will all work. Thankfully I checked in with Dometic support directly, which helped me learn a few things.

Evidently the Blizzard NXT is not compatible with a heat strip. Without a heat strip, it also calls for a different thermostat model number.

So revised parts list is:
1 H541916W *BLIZZARD NXT AC PW SZLCD
1 3314850.000 NON DUCTED ADB KIT BRISK
1 3316250.000 CTRL KIT,SZ LCD COOL/FURN

Saved ~$100. The heatstrip function can easily to substituted by a standard $20 120V ceramic heater. Might actually be better as I can have one in the bedroom, and one in the living area. This will give better heat balance with heat coming from the floor and partitions closed.

[Ted S.]

Many good experiences with PPL

[brick1]

I have a 2018 28 Serenity with dual A/C’s. When on a 30 amp site I can only use one AC, and it is not sufficient. You may be disappointed.
brick

[pteck]

No worries. I'll reserve judgement when I get it swapped. There's some good anecdotal information that it'll at a minimum, be a tangible upgrade. Sure, it might not cool a trailer down instantly as 2x units would. I can live with that. As it is, I still value having 2x fantastic fans more for the type of camping and travel I do.