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64Lincoln · 08-15-2015, 11:47 AM

I have a '64 Safari 22'. It has a very old Coleman AC, probably from the seventies, that just quit. The compressor is now refusing to start. I suspect it probably doesn't make a lot of sense to spend money on this old unit that isn't the "correct original" AC for my Airstream anyway. Therefore, I am now in the market for a new AC and I am totally bewildered. Please help.

Which brands are best? Which is most reliable, quiet, energy efficient, etc.? Are the low profile ACs just as good as the regular ones? What size do I need for a 22' aluminum can in the California and sometimes Nevada desert heat? Do I get an AC or a heat pump? Do you recommend getting an AC with a heat strip? Which ones can be run off a portable generator, which I don't own yet. Just for curiosity's sake, any idea how many BTU's my old Coleman from the seventies was? It always worked amazingly well even though you could hear it in the next county. Please help me with this. Any advice will be immensely appreciated.

Inland RV Center, In · 08-15-2015, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64Lincoln

I have a '64 Safari 22'. It has a very old Coleman AC, probably from the seventies, that just quit. The compressor is now refusing to start. I suspect it probably doesn't make a lot of sense to spend money on this old unit that isn't the "correct original" AC for my Airstream anyway. Therefore, I am now in the market for a new AC and I am totally bewildered. Please help.

Which brands are best? Which is most reliable, quiet, energy efficient, etc.? Are the low profile ACs just as good as the regular ones? What size do I need for a 22' aluminum can in the California and sometimes Nevada desert heat? Do I get an AC or a heat pump? Do you recommend getting an AC with a heat strip? Which ones can be run off a portable generator, which I don't own yet. Just for curiosity's sake, any idea how many BTU's my old Coleman from the seventies was? It always worked amazingly well even though you could hear it in the next county. Please help me with this. Any advice will be immensely appreciated.

Check out the starting relay, and capacitors.

They are very cheap.

When one of them fails, then the AC will not start.

Your AC is a very good unit, but, stuff happens.

If the AC in the past has made you happy and comfortable, then for just a few dollars, you can most likely have that again.

AC compressors can and do "wear out", but very seldom do they fail.

Andy

batman · 08-15-2015, 01:24 PM

Hi 64Lincoln,
I change our64 Safari to a 13,500 BTU Dometic brand AC unit with a heat strip. It is fine for us. Heat pumps are not good in very cold conditions because is is a heat exchange type system. However we do not use the heat strip either. I also converted the Heater and water heater to a Precision Temp, Twin temp JR. system that does heating for the trailer plus instant and continuous hot water. That was the best conversion ever.
Sorry, I digress from the subject.
You could be surprised that it may not cost much to repair you old unit.
It could be as simple as replacing the start up capacitor.
Either way, here are a couple of things to look at.
Camping World has an internet sale on a low profile AC unit with heat strip.
Dometic Air Conditioners - Air Conditioners - Camping World
Here is a video on changing you start up capacitor.