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Tomzstream · 03-27-2018, 05:08 PM

Hi Folks,

We have a 2016 23 ft FB Serenity with ducted air and have used it probably half a dozen times. Recently, it has begun generating fine white, almost metallic looking snow out of the ducts whenever we start up the fan, heat, or AC. It only lasts a few minutes, but it gets all over everything, esp the dinette. Can't tell if the dust is toxic or not.

We had the AC unit replaced a year ago under warranty, and I am wondering if it has something to do with that. It had failed when in the Auto position, a common malady for this vintage trailer.

I would like to look at the interior of the duct-work, but am not sure how to remove the grills. Is there actual duct-work there or is it an open space above the ceiling.

Any idea what might be causing it to snow inside my trailer?

Thanks!

vintagemotor · 03-27-2018, 05:24 PM

Use your fingers to "pull" the inlet screens out of the ceiling, they have spring tabs on the short sides. The filter needs to be cleaned often, if you have not done this, it may be where the dust is coming from?????
Yes there is actual ducting installed in the raised roof, this allows full trailer air delivery even with only 1 of the AC units running (on models with dual AC).

Tomzstream · 03-27-2018, 05:30 PM

Thanks for the reply. I will try to remove the covers the next time out. I have cleaned the inlet filters (foam pads), but this stuff is almost pure white. It looks like it could be the actual duct material (vinyl or plastic), but I won't know for sure until I can see inside. Does anyone know of an issue with the duct-work disentigrating? Its hot here in the summer, but the trailer is in covered storage.

BAB · 03-27-2018, 06:12 PM

The ducts are a heavy fiberboard covered with a heavy aluminum foil. I’m wondering if you’re seeing some disintegration from the styrofoam like insulation that covers much of the about half of the rooftop unit. If you remove the shroud you might see if this is the cause.

uraljohn · 03-27-2018, 06:45 PM

We have a 2017 Int. Serenity 23D. The a/c ducts are made of a Foamboard type of material with a heavy foil paper liner. In our unit the foil has delaminated from the foamboard in a 3 foot section forward of the a/c unit. We have not experienced the fine dust coming out of air vents. YET. Appointment at JC on 11 June to get the verdict on fix. Maybe your formboard is degrading somewhere in your ductwork where you can't see it. I pulled a ceiling vent out and found the foil liner all rolled up and flapping when A/C blower is on. Makes a heck of a racket. Hope yours is easy fix.

PKI · 03-27-2018, 08:20 PM

When you get an answer, please post to the 23FB and D/CB threads. Disapointed to hear the ducted air system has an issue. It seems like such a fantastic upgrade. Pat

wave man · 03-27-2018, 10:30 PM

I’ve seen a bit of small white particulate blown out of the ducts of my FC, I wrote it off as leftovers from assembly and so on. It wasn’t much though and it stopped for the most part quickly that I noticed anyway. Looked like plastic or styrofoam but small pieces .

Tomzstream · 03-28-2018, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wave man

I’ve seen a bit of small white particulate blown out of the ducts of my FC, I wrote it off as leftovers from assembly and so on. It wasn’t much though and it stopped for the most part quickly that I noticed anyway. Looked like plastic or styrofoam but small pieces .

Yes, I thought the same, but in my case, it was following the installation of the replacement AC unit. Perhaps they roughed up the duct-work. At any rate, it seems more of an annoyance. It settles out of the air quickly, but does require dusting and mopping.

For the near term, I am thinking about placing a filter material on the topside of the vents. It may cut down on the flow a tad, but its plenty brisk anyway. And we run a small HEPA-filter fan in the galley all the time to eliminate grease and outside campfire smoke. It should take care of the harmful particles.

Thanks all for your input.

wave man · 03-28-2018, 03:09 PM

Kinda would like to know what it is... you’ve made me wonder again..

kendrick.l.j · 03-28-2018, 03:23 PM

I have been essentially full timing in my 2017 Classic that has the ducted air. The first month there seemed to be an unusual amount of dust but I just chocked it up to being new and going 65 mph. After a month I haven’t noticed any thing unusual. Don’t know if this is particularly helpful or not.