AC unit making loud noise

[Jason P M]

Hi - the main unit (zone 2) on my 2021 GT 25FBT sounds like a tractor. There is a what sounds like a grinding noise. I’m only in my second season with this trailer. Any thoughts?

[WhereStream]

Here's my recent air-conditioner adventure, with a noisy fan.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...an-232661.html

The fix was easy, after getting on top of our 19 and removing the AC cover.

Did require a run to the hardware store to get a replacement for a missing bolt.

[Rich Jenkins]

Same.

We turned on the A/C after a bumpy trip from Mackinaw City to Petoskey MI. Loud thumping noise. It was a hot day, and an unpleasant night without AC.

Next day we drove to Traverse City MI and made an emergency appointment at Airstream of Northern Michigan. They were kind enough to work us in for a look see.

Tech climbed on top using a 12' ladder, removed the cover. Came back down and said one bolt was missing the nut and one was loose on the main fan motor. He went back up with new hardware and loctite, reattached both bolts and put the cover. Took about 10 minutes. No problems since.

[Jason P M]

Thanks! I will check for that when I get home in a few days. Luckily I opted for the second AC unit. So we have air on this trip.

[Wazbro]

Check the second A/C and add loctite to it also while your up there.

[bfdowling]

My 2021 25FBT Globetrotter was making the same noise. The answer was as noted - a missing bolt. My luck was the bolt was found in the lower shroud after searching about. It seems a common problem and a yearly check item.

[The Colonel]

Another thing to check once you open the cowling is that the fan cages don't hit the shroud. There is a set screw on each end and they have been known to get loose and allow the cage to slip one way or another and contact the shroud, making a very unpleasant noise. Easy to check, just spin the cage and listen for contact.

[Pimms]

Our first summer we had a mud dauber nest in the fan cage; sounded like a freight train on the coach roof. I think it's quite common.

[guskmg]

It depends on the source. I have had success with using a large flat blade screwdriver to pry the squirrel cage away from the housing. Access is easy from below inside of the trailer. Loose screws on top need locktite.
guskmg

[Jason P M]

OP here. It was the fan bolt that came loose and fell out. The second bolt was also half way out. I reinstalled them both with Loctite. Did the same for second AC unit. Thanks!

[bfdowling]

Considering this seems to be a common problem you’d think Airstream would consider a more robust solution given the continuous vibration load…

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by bfdowling

Considering this seems to be a common problem you’d think Airstream would consider a more robust solution given the continuous vibration load…

Airstream doesn't make air conditioners (=might void manufacturer warranty if Airstream fixed it). Airstream and all other RV manufacturers should demand the AC manufacturer fix this design flaw.

[bfdowling]

Disagree. If it is a part of an Airstream then Airstream should make certain it works properly. After all I’m not buying the AC, I’m buying the Airstream.