What's New and Great in AC's

[Re-Pete]

We're looking for advice on a replacement unit for our old, probably, 1992 Dometic Duo-Therm Roof top AC unit with a heat coil. We have a 29' 1992 Excella, we rarely use our AC as we try and stay in moderate temperatures. That said, we did stay in Palm Springs a few years ago for the entire month of June and we did run the AC as much as not. We did not have much shade until mid afternoon and we did experience days of 100+ temps. Even then we were usually comfortable.

We'd like your advice and educated opinions on what Brands, Models, seem to work best with a high frequency of Dependability.



Here is what we are interested in.

1. We would like a high efficiency unit.
2. We are considering a Heat Pump.
3. Dependability is a big Factor

Here is what we are not interested in.

1. Converting to 50 AMP.
2. Adding Two AC's.

Thanks All!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Well, with a 30A system as a "given" you are pretty much looking at 13,500 to 15,000 BTU units. You have the Borg ... errr.... Dometic and Coleman as sources. I'm not sure there are very many others that have not (yet) been "assimilated". (or was that the Daleks .. ).

Bob

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Well, with a 30A system as a "given" you are pretty much looking at 13,500 to 15,000 BTU units. You have the Borg ... errr.... Dometic and Coleman as sources. I'm not sure there are very many others that have not (yet) been "assimilated". (or was that the Daleks .. ).

Bob

Daleks: Exterminate
Borg: Assimilate

[DKB_SATX]

I don't know if you're going to find one more reliable than another... no one seems to have anything good to say about the longevity of current RV air conditioners.

You should make a point to buy models that have condensate recovery systems. Often what's more or less the same internals will be packaged a little differently and have either cups or a pan or a pump to collect condensate and direct it down the drain tube, so you don't get water draining down the outside of the Airstream and drying into streaks.

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

I don't know if you're going to find one more reliable than another... no one seems to have anything good to say about the longevity of current RV air conditioners.

You should make a point to buy models that have condensate recovery systems. Often what's more or less the same internals will be packaged a little differently and have either cups or a pan or a pump to collect condensate and direct it down the drain tube, so you don't get water draining down the outside of the Airstream and drying into streaks.

Good point. I guess I assumed that condensate recovery was a given. I know the Dometic Duo-Therm model installed on this AS has a drain hose. That part has always worked well. Last summer we only used the AC a few times, however a couple of times that I know of we had trouble with the coils freezing, that was something that had not occurred before.

Thanks

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Well, with a 30A system as a "given" you are pretty much looking at 13,500 to 15,000 BTU units. You have the Borg ... errr.... Dometic and Coleman as sources. I'm not sure there are very many others that have not (yet) been "assimilated". (or was that the Daleks .. ).

Bob

Thank you Bob. Yeah, based on my research those are the two Brand choices. I believe the two Pop Ups we owned had Coleman's and then our Excella has the Dometic. I guess thems am da choices. I am Borg.

[Acheron2010]

Just anecdotally, I was discussing RV component reliability with a mobile RV tech, and he said his highest call rate was the older Dometic AC units - the tall ones. He said he has not had one call on their newer low profile units, and they are heat pumps too. Sorry I do not know the model numbers.

[Isuzusweet]

I'm liking these units. Dual fan so they run quieter, seem to have higher reviews than others but are reasonably priced, and all the extra bits and pieces that cost you more with others, are included.

Different styles and functions are available, ducted, non-ducted, etc.

http://www.my12voltstore.com/Atwood_...5021-15026.htm

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by Acheron2010

Just anecdotally, I was discussing RV component reliability with a mobile RV tech, and he said his highest call rate was the older Dometic AC units - the tall ones. He said he has not had one call on their newer low profile units, and they are heat pumps too. Sorry I do not know the model numbers.

Hello Acheron, Thanks for this info. Anecdotal, maybe, but comforting all the same.
Pete

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

I'm liking these units. Dual fan so they run quieter, seem to have higher reviews than others but are reasonably priced, and all the extra bits and pieces that cost you more with others, are included.

Different styles and functions are available, ducted, non-ducted, etc.

http://www.my12voltstore.com/Atwood_...5021-15026.htm

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

Greetings Tony, That certainly looks like a lot of bang for the buck. I'm just not that familiar with Atwood AC / Heat Pumps. Sounds pretty nice though, doesn't it? I'll have to take a harder look at it.

[TouringDan]

Re-Pete

I am with you regarding camping where you don’t need ac. We have not used our portable unit that rides on the floor of the closet in 2 years, but it is available when we need it.

I have heard good things about the Coleman Mac 8. I have sent you an email regarding it.

Dan

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Ummm ..... errrr ..... I believe you will find that Atwood = Dometic these days ....

Bob

[GMFL]

We just installed a Dometic Penguin II high output =15K unit with heat pump and are very pleased with it. We replaced a 13K Penguin II that was just not sufficiently sized for our unit and camping style (hotter temp camping). The new unit does very well cooling down our 23D. The difference in the 13 and 15 K units is the 15 has a extra layer of coils (3 versus the 2 of the 13K).
We just spent a week in south Alabama and Louisiana and the condensation hose poured water all week but inside the trailer was nice cold dry air.
Good luck in your search, hope this helps.

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

Re-Pete

I am with you regarding camping where you don’t need ac. We have not used our portable unit that rides on the floor of the closet in 2 years, but it is available when we need it.

I have heard good things about the Coleman Mac 8. I have sent you an email regarding it.

Dan

Hey everybody it's Dan the MAN! Greetings Dan, I'll look for your email.
Thanks,

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Ummm ..... errrr ..... I believe you will find that Atwood = Dometic these days ....

Bob

Hello Bob, Uh Yeaah, That's what I was thinking. Doesn't Dometic own just about everybody now? hahaha

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by GMFL

We just installed a Dometic Penguin II high output =15K unit with heat pump and are very pleased with it. We replaced a 13K Penguin II that was just not sufficiently sized for our unit and camping style (hotter temp camping). The new unit does very well cooling down our 23D. The difference in the 13 and 15 K units is the 15 has a extra layer of coils (3 versus the 2 of the 13K).
We just spent a week in south Alabama and Louisiana and the condensation hose poured water all week but inside the trailer was nice cold dry air.
Good luck in your search, hope this helps.

Greetings GMFL, We are actually taking a hard look at this unit. Lot's of good reviews.
Thanks

[guskmg]

Although it increases your cost, I would recommend a SoftStart by MicroAir on which ever A/C you choose. It will make the unit last a lot longer and require much less generator to support it if you have one. The circuitry causes the start up to use less power and conditions the line power to prolong your motor life. I really like my two. No more hard starts or clunking when shutting dow. Most new A/Cs come with what is called hard start, but it is not the same thing and will do nothing to improve motor life.
guskmg

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by guskmg

Although it increases your cost, I would recommend a SoftStart by MicroAir on which ever A/C you choose. It will make the unit last a lot longer and require much less generator to support it if you have one. The circuitry causes the start up to use less power and conditions the line power to prolong your motor life. I really like my two. No more hard starts or clunking when shutting dow. Most new A/Cs come with what is called hard start, but it is not the same thing and will do nothing to improve motor life.
guskmg

guskmg Thanks for this. It is definitely something I've intended to do, but had not researched yet.

[GO Bob]

I have been looking at the Coleman Mach 3 power saver. It says it only uses 10 amps with the full 13500 BTUH.

[Glenn T]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

I'm liking these units. Dual fan so they run quieter, seem to have higher reviews than others but are reasonably priced, and all the extra bits and pieces that cost you more with others, are included.

Different styles and functions are available, ducted, non-ducted, etc.

http://www.my12voltstore.com/Atwood_...5021-15026.htm

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

I've had one for 2 years on my 20FC and I love it! I got the smaller unit without the heat pump. It's much quieter than the stock AC, and it pumps out much more cold air. There's also a "dehumidifier mode" that really dries out the camper quickly, and a remote control so you can adjust the temperature without getting out of bed!

As advertised, it can be run with a single Honda 2000eu, but it took an Easy Start to get it to run in ECO mode - a big difference. No matter which AC you buy, be sure to add the Easy Start, if for no other reason than to be able to run AC on a 15 amp circuit.

Given the size of your trailer, I'd recommend the larger unit with the heat pump. Contact me directly if you want more info / install advice.

One last thing - the fan runs continuously whether or not the compressor is on. For me, that's a good thing as I would wake up at night every time the old AC turned on. Some people may not like this.

Glenn