Noisy A/C?

[lewishw]

Hi all,

I have just purchased a 1976 31' sovereign and I will be picking it up in about a week! I have been talking with the current owner, and asked him about what works and what doesn't. He said the A/C unit (which has heat strips in it) works fine but is noisy. I have never repaired one of these units before, but what is likely the cause of it just being unusually loud? Does it maybe just need to be cleaned and have the motor lubricated? Has it sucked dirt, leaves, and pollen into the fan? Is this something I could remedy myself or should I have it done professionally? I know this is a really unfocused question, but any input would be welcomed!

Thanks y'all!

Hunter

[Alumaholic]

Most Airstream air conditioners are loud.
Because of their placement overhead in the center of the coach, they drown out conversation and make sleeping difficult.
So, that kind of noise is to be expected.
If it's screeching, dry bushing noise that spells trouble
As does a clattering, bird-nest-in-my-fan noise.

Just so you know, the '76 AC did not come with heat strips, so you may have a newer, replacement AC.

To my knowledge you cannot lubricate the motors on the original Armstrong AC; not sure about the replacement AC you may have.

The standard repair is replacing the whole unit.

You can quickly invest more $$ than an old unit is worth.

Whatever you do, Have an Airstream tech do your repairs and replacements.
These "white-box" techs can destroy your roof and trash your skin.

[Silver Goose]

Loud air conditioners are not unique to Airstream. I think many who own a travel trailer would say they are loud. The ceiling mounted units transfer a lot of their blower noise directly inside. Worn motor bearings, an out of balance blower or mechanical problems on the compressor may be a source of additional noise. I would find a way to listen to some other similar A/C units in travel trailers since you say you're not familiar with these. Hopefully you may decide this noise is normal and not an A/C unit on its way out.

[GetOutDoors]

Sometimes the fan is pushed up the motor shaft such that the fan rubs against the housing of the AC unit. Might want to check it..

[TBRich]

Agree with Silver Goose here... RV air conditions in general are noisy...not just Airstream's...

[ROBERT CROSS]

Air whoosh loud? or mechanical/vibration loud?

Last Spring ours was shaky rattle loud...mud dauber nest in the mouse wheel fan.

As noted there is a lot of whoosh with most of the RV AC's.

Bob

[SilverRanger]

The loudest noise coming out of mine was a vibration/rattle from the air filter holders. Easy fix.

Duct tape.

[tsunami]

Dose anyone make an A/C unit (with heat pump) that is not loud?