Best Air Conditioners? Driving myself crazy.

You only have 2 choices. RVP (Coleman) and Dometic, Atwood is a newcomer and there is no history on them. Carrier exited pretty quickly a few years ago after trying for a few years. RVP and Dometic probably have 98% of the RV market between them. When replacing, Either is just as good, I would replace with what you had originally. IMO, Chevy versus Ford argument. BOTH are equally as good. Doug

rtate wrote:

Chris,
What do you think of the new dometic blizzard? Worth looking at?
Thanks

I haven't seen one yet- I'm hoping they will have some along with info at the next training class, though they don'e have any info yet.

I would be a bit hesitant at being a test subject for it- no real reason, but there are often changes made fairly quickly on new products when problems crop up, but usually the changes are minor assembly adjustments.
Other than that, all I know is what is in the video on my blog.

If it's being replaced by insurance can I assume 12 foot bridge and A/C stuck up 12'3" before you removed it?

Do not answer that:

A rooftop A/C consists of 2 or 3 modules Depending on the specifics of the install you choose different modules.

Upper module: This is the part that is ABOVE the roof, consists of all the "Guts" COmpressor, blower, fan, condenser, evaporator, all the plubming and one or two pieces of the electronics (The start condensers).

Lower control unit. as the name implies it contains the controls. (Knobs buttons and such) mounds UNDER the ceiling.

In-Roof unit.. This unit contains the electroincs if not mounted on the lower unit, it also is where the ducts hook up if it's a ducted unit.

Now: all 3 units vary from brand to brand so if you change brands in most cases you need to replace everything.. BUT if you damaged the UPPER unit, but the lower 2 modules are still good.. You can replace the UPPER only for about 2/3 the price of a full replacement. PROVIDED you use the same or compatible brand.

IF your OEM was Carrier Air V Same brand replacment with new is not going to happen.. But Advent Air (Made in China I do not recommend.. And I have one) and I think Coleman, make drop on replacements.

in the case of Advent air I had to change one socket on the control module (middle unit) RV tech did not know how to install the new MOLEX socket.... But I'm an electronics tech by training and hobby and MOlex products are very common where I hang my soldering iron so I showed him.. (it's about a 2 second procedure).

Saved me about 500 dollars doing just the upper unit.

Chris Bryant wrote:
A lot depends on what you are replacing- if you have Dometic right now, replacing will mean running thermostat wiring if you switch. 99.9% of the problems you cite are due to bad system design and installation, not at all the fault of the air conditioner.

Chris,
What do you think of the new dometic blizzard? Worth looking at?
Thanks

If your current is a 13,500 BTU, replace them with 15,000 BTU. In my opinion, pretty much all brands are the same. You're best to replace with the same brand you currently have, just go bigger.

A lot depends on what you are replacing- if you have Dometic right now, replacing will mean running thermostat wiring if you switch. 99.9% of the problems you cite are due to bad system design and installation, not at all the fault of the air conditioner.