Upgrading from a 13.5K BTU to a 15.0K BTU air conditioner

I swapped out the Brisk Air II's in my previous toy hauler with Atwood Air Command units. They are much quieter and provide colder air. I was so impressed with the Atwoods that immediately after upgrading to a new toy hauler I pulled off the (brand new) Dometic Brisk Airs and installed Atwood units on that one as well.

The Atwoods also draw less current. I put a meter on both the Dometic and Atwood while they were both sitting in my garage and the Atwood pulled about three Amps less.

The down side of the ducted style Atwood unit is that it uses an electronic thermostat with a flat cable like used on a phone. I used RJ45 punch down blocks at each end of the old Dometic thermostat wire, shortened the Atwood cable crimping on new connectors, then plugging into that. You can find everything required at Home Depot though.

We had a 2nd ac installed in the bedroom. It's a Coleman Mach, which is a lot quieter than the Dometics.

One thing to be aware of is even with 50 amps, if we run the main ac on high, we are only able to run the bedroom ac on low.

I don't know if installing the micro air easy start kit will allow it to kick over on high.

Thanks for the answers everyone. We are a 50Amp and pre-wired 37' Titanium (that company is out of business). I just wasn't too sure if plug and go or if I had to get new harnesses. Glad I won't have the extra cost as I will be doing the work myself.

They are Dometic Brisk II. The 13.5 is a bit on the noisy side and the wife won't like that in the BR (I've been down that road already). We currently have a rain vent in the BR which is nice and I suggested that we could move the 13.5 into the kitchen.

Thanks again.

donn0128 wrote:
Plug and play. Move the 13.5K to the bedroom if you have 50A and is prewired.

^^^ What Donn said..... IF you are already running 50 amp AND pre-wired for second AC, no brainer !

We upgraded to a 15K upon ordering our '06 Cedar Creek and had the quick cool feature and when we were in warmer climates, it did okay. Was located in middle of coach (kitchen/LR). May have ran a lot, but still ok. No A/C in bedroom. Also used a pedestal fan to help circulate the air and a 16" oscillating fan in BR at night. New coach has 2 A/C's and already love 'em.

After 1 year we swapped out at 13,500 for a 15,000 (35 foot trailer with 3 slides). Yes, it made a big difference!

If you get the right replacement, you can just replace them with no problem. It needs to match the wiring plugs (everything is just plug in, no single splicing wires at all). It needs to match the design of the plenum (the part that you see inside your camper on the ceiling that hold the filter). And it needs to match your air flow, meaning duct work. You will not need to change the thermostat on your wall. If you get the same one you currently have, just the 15,000 btu version, you'll have no problems swapping them

I strongly suggest you check with your original dealer's repair shop service specialists to get the right model that matches your existing air conditioner. You don't necessarily have to purchase through them, but they could give you the model number, their price, and their price to install it. After you get all the information give them a wonderful "Thank-you" and you'll need to think about it and talk to the "wife" first about the cost. (That's your escape out of there making no commitments), but now, you've got the information.

You can then either use their services, or use someone elses, or do the work yourself.

But to answer your original question, if you get the right match, there is nothing special to do. Just pull the old one, drop in the new one, attach the wires and you're good to go.

There is another advantage to two air conditioners. Often when it's not too hot and one will do the job you can avoid some of the noise by running the one further away.

That's only a 1500 btu increase. Don't expect much difference. I wouldn't think it would be worth the price.

B.O.

15 is certainly better than a 13.5 but don’t expect a miracle. If you can, follow Don’s advice.

Plug and play. Move the 13.5K to the bedroom if you have 50A and is prewired.