Replacing Air Conditioner

[Mr Gilroy]

Planning to replace my original Air Conditioner. Are there any very good replacement Dometic models to look for ? I am the 2nd owner of my 2002 International CCD 22’. Unfortunately, I don’t have any info on the current A/C unit. If there’s anybody that could steer me towards a good option, I would really appreciate that. Thanks

- Mark

[CBWELL]

What is the reason for replacement? Many things can be repaired for considerable less cost and inconvience. What are the symptoms?

[Mr Gilroy]

Thanks ... you got me thinking !! I just assumed,because it’s 20yrs old,it must be worn out !! But,I’ve really not had a chance to use it yet. Maybe it’s working ok ? I did turn it on once recently,and the fan was clicking (but running). So,maybe it’s worth looking at keeping first.

- Mark

[Glenritas]

If your a/c is centrally located make sure it blows equally to the front and rear , and can reduce volume via an adjustable flap in each outlet to the front and rear .

I replaced the Dometic unit that blows to rear , sides and down but barely to the front . Plus it was quite loud inside and whisper quiet outside .

I installed a Coleman Mach 8 that is quieter and blows front to rear equally with adjustable flaps .

[10Smiles]

Our 2005 trailer has the original Dometic Penguin unit. We rarely use the air conditioner being from NW Washington. That being said, we just got back from a trip to Oregon about 30 miles south of Portland. When we arrived on Sunday the 26th, it was 104° outside!! Cooking for us. Inside the trailer it was 89°. So, on goes the AC. It took hours to cool the trailer much below 85°. We were wondering if our AC unit is needing replacement. Another data point, yesterday it was heading to be a pretty warm day, in the mid 80's, so we turned on the AC just as the internal temperature hit about 77°. I set the temperature at 69° and had to turn it up to 71° to keep it from being too cold in the trailer. I think the outside temperature peaked at about 88°, but the inside stayed nice and cool, with the AC unit cycling on and off to maintain temperature (mostly running). Not sure how the 100°+ day would have been if we were able to get an early start on cooling.

[Glenritas]

My experience has been if it’s over 100* the best you can get is about a 20* drop .

[CBWELL]

Mine is 28 years old and I just replaced the start capacitor! Cost less than $50. Replaced the control board about 6 years ago, cost about $250. New A/C unit installed about $2+K, spending a few $$ makes sense to me. The repair shops all will tell you that the unit is "toast" and want to sell you a new one. If you can't do the repair your self, try and find an A/C guy that works for cash locally.