Shroud Necessary??

[The Flintstones]

I have a Carrier AC unit that is about two years old. Is a shroud necessary, or is the plastic covering the unit called a shroud? Should I buy a shroud to go over the existing AC unit to "seal it from the elements" or is a vinyl cover adequate? What is the purpose of an after market shroud? It looks like the older units needed these "shrouds" to protect the AC unit as if they were bear underneath?
thanks in advance
James

[Jim Clark]

A picture would help in clarifying your question. If you are speaking of the cover which the roof mounted unit has installed from the factory it is absolutely necessary. The cover/shroud protects the unit from damage from UV light, debris, varmints, and weather. The shroud plays a part in proper air ducting and circulation to keep the unit working efficiently.

I you are speaking of a light plastic cover of the type which you cover you bar-b-q pit, which is what I think you are speaking of, then not so much.

Of course anything you do to limit UV exposer to your trailer will help it last longer and stay nice looking. Sun eats up PVC plastic if you investigate you will find PVC is normally not UV rated and many items manufactured are not rated for UV exposer. My vents on my trailer would barley last a year, I started painting them with marine paint to extend their life span.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by The Flintstones

I have a Carrier AC unit that is about two years old. Is a shroud necessary, or is the plastic covering the unit called a shroud? Should I buy a shroud to go over the existing AC unit to "seal it from the elements" or is a vinyl cover adequate? What is the purpose of an after market shroud? It looks like the older units needed these "shrouds" to protect the AC unit as if they were bear underneath?
thanks in advance
James

All RV AC shrouds, are for cosmetic purposes.

However, in their absence, UV could have an ill effect on some other parts, that the shroud normally shields.

Andy

[jcanavera]

From my experience with my Penguin A/C, its shroud is not entirely cosmetic. When my original cracked from UV, I found that the replacement shroud came with sticky backed foam which is used to seal the shroud against the metal frame of the AC unit. In the Penguin this creates specific air flow that does affect the performance of the AC unit.

This is the first AC unit I've ever encountered where the shroud plays an important function other than just being a cover.

Jack

[The Flintstones]

Here is what I have mounted on top of our AS as is no shroud. Should we get one?
thanks
James

[The Flintstones]

Originally Posted by The Flintstones

Here is what I have mounted on top of our AS as is no shroud. Should we get one?
thanks
James

Now with the picture.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by The Flintstones

Now with the picture.

That photo shows a shroud. The white cover is it.

Andy

[Jim Clark]

I think he may be asking about a cover to go over the existing unit, a shroud for the shroud. If that is the case it will protect the installed shroud but I would think the that they are UV restraint form the factory, An additional shroud wold protector the condenser fins from damage to a minor extent.

In some models the shroud will influence the airflow, but more importantly it keeps moisture and UV from the wiring and controls it may also help with insect control, limiting the size of the nest the wasp can build which is a good reason for a shroud for the shroud.

[wahoonc]

If you are looking for a cover to protect the unit in the off season when it is stored, yes you can get a soft cover for it. I see a lot of Coleman shrouds scattered along the highways, but seldom see the Carrier ones, replacement shrouds are available. Yes you should have a shroud for the unit to operate correctly, but you don't have to have a cover to protect the shroud itself.

Aaron

[The Flintstones]

Thanks for clearing that up, I thought I needed a shroud for the existing unit. It looked to me like the shrouds on other AS "sealed" the existing AC units in from elements because they had only an opening for the intake and exit of air where mine is vented all the way around. I have a soft cover to go over it when stored and that should do it.
James

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by The Flintstones

Thanks for clearing that up, I thought I needed a shroud for the existing unit. It looked to me like the shrouds on other AS "sealed" the existing AC units in from elements because they had only an opening for the intake and exit of air where mine is vented all the way around. I have a soft cover to go over it when stored and that should do it.
James

James,
That is probably some of the older units or a different brand ie: Coleman. I have a Coleman Mach on my popup and it likes to shed covers at highway speeds My buddy with a carrier hasn't lost one yet!

Aaron

[AIR-Quarius]

For a minute there, we were all shrouded in mystery !