Forum Discussion

Pops_R's avatar
Pops_R
Explorer
Jun 13, 2015

Air Conditioners

We have a 2015 Thor Motor Home with two 13,500 Airxcel units. The covers are black. Most RV roof top A/C units seem to be white.
My question is if black has anything to do with performance issues?
We have had a problem in the heat of getting the temperature down below 85 when hot outside
I am wondering if it is due to the black AC covers on the roof?
We bought our Thor Challenger in Nov 2014 and the then go to person was extremely good with customer service and PR, his replacement has fallen extremely way short in addressing issues and upholding good customer service and respect, so as of yet I have no answer from Thor.
  • He didn't say outside was 85.

    He said that inside will not get below 85 when it is HOT outside.
  • We have a 2013 Itasca Sunstar with two of the roof mounted AC units with the black shrouds. We do not have any problems with the ac's not cooling enough. They can kool down to around 70 or say when it is really hot outside in Florida.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    On the roof of the motor home black will transfer heat (Sun to inside in summer or othr way around in winter) faster.. however on the A/C Shroud it makes no difference because the volume of air that passed through when it is running is amazing. (Full air exchange every fraction of a second)
  • A motorhome has a lot of heat gain area i n the front are and BIG windshield.

    You need to start both A/C units and put them on HIGH cool. Set the thermostat(s) for about 10 degF cooler than the room. Using a thermometer and not an infrared heat gun, take the temperature at the air inlet to the unit. Next take a temperature at the air outlet as close to the unit as possible. The leaving air should be 18 to 20 degF lower than the inlet air temperature.

    Any more or less than the 18 to 20 degF spread indicates a problem. I have seen some really horrible installs and unit assemblies that let the outlet bypass air back into the inlet. Pull down the interior grill and see if the baffles are properly sealed.

    How long is your motorhome? 36' to 40' should have two 15,000 BTUH units.

    Ken
  • Never heard of the cover having anything to do with it. It sounds like something isn't working right. 85 is not that hot. If it's under warranty, I think you should bring it back. Our trailer has a 33' box with one 15000 unit and will freeze you out at 85.