I have a 2002 Winnebago Journey with the Coleman basement air. It has worked flawlessly since I bought it used in 2008. Now I'm having a problem with one of the two compressors and the unit will have to be removed to be repaired. So far, I've spent $340.00 on diagnosis and replacement of a capacitor.Should I go ahead and have the unit fixed or should I buy a new one? They are available for under $3000.00 on line plus shipping.Thanks, Paul

What is the warrantee on the new one?Can you do the removal and replacement yourself?what is the cost to repair the one you have?I "think" I'd consider a thousand dollars the breaking point. That is, if you could get your existing unit fixed for a grand, I'd go for that. And I'm talking total out of pocket, including R&R in either case.

I would replace. You already have the labor. Being 12 years + old.

Probably much cheaper to repair. They are really pretty simple. Couple of compressors, two fans, and some circuitry.Figure 800.00 to R&R regardless. Once it's out any good AC shop can do the repairs.

Here is a very interesting story on a guy in a much similar situation: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/basement-a-c-no-parts-available-anymore-248824.html. Be certain what they say are replacements will actually fit.

Basement air--Repair or Replace | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

Kidoo
Explorer
Jul 01, 2015
Maybe you can check a shop where they repair truck trailer refrigirated unit, they have everything to test and repair AC.
RayChez
Explorer
Jun 30, 2015
You can get a compressor from PPL for around $550.00. I called them because a friend of mine needed help getting one. They did not have one in stock. But they said they could get one. Fact he said there was only 4 in the country.
MaverickBBD
Explorer
Jun 30, 2015
If you are going to remove it yourself, I have a good slide presentation on how to do it. Send me a p.m. and I will send it to your e mail.
bluwtr49
Explorer II
Jun 29, 2015
the silverback wrote:
I winter next to you at Crystal River. I would recommend you check out Lazy Days near Tampa for repair.

A basement air is more akin to a residential unit. If you can do the R&R, much better to go to a commercial AC repair facility. The compressor should not be tough to source...look at the link from Grainger for example.

Grainger Compressors

A good shop will take the specs and find a new one while an RV facility will scratch their heads and probably send it out to an AC shop.
the_silverback
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015
I winter next to you at Crystal River. I would recommend you check out Lazy Days near Tampa for repair.
TEO
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015
Thanks to all for the information. I had a tech look at it and he determined that it was definitely a bad compressor. It seems that I can take it out and deliver it to a residential A/C company and it can be repaired there. My next step is to contact such a repair company and get an estimate on the cost of a new compressor and labor.

Paul
MaverickBBD
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015
Here is a very interesting story on a guy in a much similar situation: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/basement-a-c-no-parts-available-anymore-248824.html. Be certain what they say are replacements will actually fit.
bluwtr49
Explorer II
Jun 26, 2015
Probably much cheaper to repair. They are really pretty simple. Couple of compressors, two fans, and some circuitry.

Figure 800.00 to R&R regardless. Once it's out any good AC shop can do the repairs.
Pop-Pop_C
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015
I would replace. You already have the labor. Being 12 years + old.
JimM68
Explorer
Jun 25, 2015
What is the warrantee on the new one?
Can you do the removal and replacement yourself?
what is the cost to repair the one you have?

I "think" I'd consider a thousand dollars the breaking point. That is, if you could get your existing unit fixed for a grand, I'd go for that. And I'm talking total out of pocket, including R&R in either case.