Performance of the non ducted AC on a 2015 23D

[Justin J]

My wife and I are in the market for either a 23 CB of a 23D. Being the “D” is an older version it does not have a ducted AC. My concern is does it cool the trailer evenly being just a centralized unit. Is it worth paying up for a newer CB type to have a ducted AC?

[lsbrodsky]

I have trouble understanding how any new feature or enhancement could justify the cost of a new Airstream. Yet, I know of at least one couple who traded in a one year-old 25 to buy a new 25, at the time, just for the ducted-air.
I am sure Airstream would love for you to buy a new trailer every time they add new features. Only your bank account can answer your question.
Larry

[GMFL]

Justin,
I own a 2014 23D (non ducted) and have spend much time in both type units. (Ducted vs Non ducted)
Here’s my best advice
Major difference between the two units is dB heard with unit fan running.
The ducted system is quieter based on the fact the you do not have the sound of the air rushing through the nonducted units air distribution box.
Upside to the non-ducted unit is there is no radiant loss in temp due to the duct work of the ducted unit being more exposed to the roof.
Downside to the 23D/CB factory 13.5K unit in general...
We found that the 13.5K units BTU rating was not high enough for cooling the 23’ unit in the southern summer heat. I see you are in TX.
We upgraded our Trailer to a 15K units. Still nonducted and it has made a night and day difference in our ability to keep our trailer comfortable in the summer heat.
Here is a blog post on the upgrade
http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...all-done-2974/
Feel free to reach out if you have further questions.

[uraljohn]

Originally Posted by Justin J

My wife and I are in the market for either a 23 CB of a 23D. Being the “D” is an older version it does not have a ducted AC. My concern is does it cool the trailer evenly being just a centralized unit. Is it worth paying up for a newer CB type to have a ducted AC?

I believe the 23D had ducted HVAC from 2016 and up. I had a 2017 23D and it had ducted HVAC. Airstream changed the designation from 23D (dinette) to 23CB (corner bedroom) for the 2018 model year and up. The floorplan did not change. The ducted HVAC worked very well and was much quieter than a central unit we looked at (2014 model) prior to purchasing our 2017 23D as a new unit.

Having said that, we recently sold our 23D and upgraded to a 2019 FC25 RBT. It has a single 15,000 BTU HVAC unit and it is way quieter than the 2017 23D. I can not explain why but there is a major difference in sound level and smoothness when using the A/C or Heat Pump. Go figure.

[PKI]

It is the whole feature package to consider. Many upgrades tires, brakes, converter....) between 2015 and 2019/20. Since you are considering a 23D/CB, post on the 23D thread. One fellow installed the 15000BTU unit to improve his AC performance and his info may help. Note, folks feel that the awning package helps keep the coach cooler and is worth having if you travel in hot areas. Pat

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by PKI

It is the whole feature package to consider. Many upgrades tires, brakes, converter....) between 2015 and 2019/20. Since you are considering a 23D/CB, post on the 23D thread. One fellow installed the 15000BTU unit to improve his AC performance and his info may help. Note, folks feel that the awning package helps keep the coach cooler and is worth having if you travel in hot areas. Pat

That was me who installed the 15K AC in my 2014 23D