2016 Bambi Sport 22' Air Conditioner issues

[JaxBeachbum]

We recently purchased a 2016 22' Bambi Sport and have some issues with the air conditioner. It sort of cools, but does not get what I would consider cold, and it drips condensation all over the floor. I intended on taking it in to the dealer to get it serviced in hopes a shot of Freon would cure the cooling problem. When I called the dealer in Jacksonville, Fl I was told that they don't really 'Service' them and was told that they pretty much either work or they don't. Sounded pretty Wonky to me so thought I would reach out to see if anyone has any words of wisdom. And another thing, it is super loud! Figure I will probably just have to get used to that but again, thought I may as well ask if anyone has had any luck getting the unit to run quieter.

[Piggy Bank]

We used to have a 2016 22 Sport, so I know how loud those are.

Are you getting condensate outside too? Or only inside? I recommend looking up your AC model on YouTube and see about clearing the condensate line, as I think they can clog up. I seem to recall hearing you do this with weed whacker filament line.

You also might take a look up top outside under the cover (it unscrews with 4 screws) and see if there is anything like a wasp or bird nest up there blocking things. This can happen.

Did your dealer say if they can replace it?

[JaxBeachbum]

They would for a fee of about $1,500 just for parts. I can't believe there isn't a dealer that is capable and willing to service the unit and see if it can be repaired. If I do decide to replace I think I will shop around for a quieter, more efficient model than the standard equipment that came with it. But then, who would you get to install it?

[Piggy Bank]

So I know it might sound crazy but if it truly isn't working, I would look at replacing, as it's almost 10 years old. You have a standard RV ac unit, so you will have some options for replacements.

If you want to try and diagnose what may be the issue, here is the parts breakdown on your unit, from the Airstream dot com website.
https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...s-book-419.pdf

[Ken G]

There are no service valves on these units so a dealer can’t just top up the refrigerant. A good hvac tech could install service valves by cutting lines and brazing them in but this would be quite expensive and could result in leaks when subjected to vibration. As others have suggested make sure drain lines and coils are clean. Look for potential air blockages or leaks- - filters.

That being said I had to have our unit replaced in 2022 at our local Ford dealer that also sells RVs for just under $1300.

[debrik3]

I purchased a 2017 Sport a few years ago, and even though the A/C worked fine, I quickly purchased a Houghton A/C because the original was so noisy we had to shout to have a conversation . A friend had purchased 2 Houghton's for his Airstream and I was so impressed with the quiet, even on high speed, that I knew that's what I wanted. They have several models but I recommend getting one with a heat pump. I purchased the low profile model because it is the quietest. Both the A/C and heat pump work great.
Debrik3

[Captn.Ken]

I also have problems with the AC on my 2018 Flying Cloud 26. I can't find anyone to service it until 4 months out. I do know I would never have the dealer in Jacksonville do anything for me again. They blew a battery replacement for me last year. They wired things up wrong and I had to tell their service tech how to do the job. They did give me a discount on the labor since I had to train their employee.

[JaxBeachbum]

Originally Posted by debrik3

I purchased a 2017 Sport a few years ago, and even though the A/C worked fine, I quickly purchased a Houghton A/C because the original was so noisy we had to shout to have a conversation . A friend had purchased 2 Houghton's for his Airstream and I was so impressed with the quiet, even on high speed, that I knew that's what I wanted. They have several models but I recommend getting one with a heat pump. I purchased the low profile model because it is the quietest. Both the A/C and heat pump work great.
Debrik3

I appreciate the feedback from everyone. Sounds like my best move is to just replace the init with a Houghton.

[JaxBeachbum]

One more question. Were you able to buy the unit online and then have a dealer install it, or did you go through a dealer for the purchase and install?

[WDEL]

Southland rv has opened a shop just south on savannah, i have great service from them so give them a call to check your ac replacement options, also i agree your condensat drain line is plugged, i have had that happen to me. good luck

[Ironsinker]

1. Condensation may be the drain clogged up like others have stated. There's YouTube videos of people having that issue.

2. Try keeping your AC fan on high. If I do not run my FAN on HIGH with the AC and HEATPUMP "both", my coils will freeze up and the AC does not cool or heat. This happens quickly too if I do not keep my fan on high. I think that's dumb, but it's what the dealer told me to do and it works. As a matter of fact, I just tried a few weeks ago running the heatpump with the fan on low to reduce noise and I could tell something was happening cause the heatpump got louder. It eventually tripped the breaker and the breaker was hot to the touch. Thinking it froze over like it does with the AC I let the ice melt. I put the fan back on high and the heatpump ran there on with no issues and the breaker remained cool to the touch like normal. I hope it was due to icing and not a real problem fingers crossed!

3. RV AC units are loud. Just the way it is. My friends RPod was unbearable. newer AC units are getting better. There may be some nice options that are quieter. Check out this guys channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRb_rc8564Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut8ODhxaJV0

4. I've also been told RV ACs are not serviceable.

I have a 2018 19cb. Good luck!

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Ironsinker

1. Condensation may be the drain clogged up like others have stated. There's YouTube videos of people having that issue.

2. Try keeping your AC fan on high. If I do not run my FAN on HIGH with the AC and HEATPUMP "both", my coils will freeze up and the AC does not cool or heat. This happens quickly too if I do not keep my fan on high. I think that's dumb, but it's what the dealer told me to do and it works. As a matter of fact, I just tried a few weeks ago running the heatpump with the fan on low to reduce noise and I could tell something was happening cause the heatpump got louder. It eventually tripped the breaker and the breaker was hot to the touch. Thinking it froze over like it does with the AC I let the ice melt. I put the fan back on high and the heatpump ran there on with no issues and the breaker remained cool to the touch like normal. I hope it was due to icing and not a real problem fingers crossed!

3. RV AC units are loud. Just the way it is. My friends RPod was unbearable. newer AC units are getting better. There may be some nice options that are quieter. Check out this guys channel:

4. I've also been told RV ACs are not serviceable.

I have a 2018 19cb. Good luck!

The reason the fan on high helps prevent icing up is that the compressor runs at the same speed the entire time it's running, so with the fan running slower the coils get colder.

[debrik3]

I ordered the Houghton online and installed it myself. The install instructions that come with are very clear and specific. You just need a friend or two to help place it on the roof. Their service techs are very helpful if you have any questions.
I think you will enjoy it as much as we do if you decide to go that way.