Have you replaced your AC before?

Question

I have a new AC unit coming today. 110F+ outside and the old one has a locked compressor. Coach has 3 AC units but it is amazing how I lose one and it is 90F+ inside.

The old AC is a RV Products model 9024. The new one is their "replacement" 47024. Has anyone swapped AC units before? First I need to figure out how to get this 90lb unit on the roof. Any advice on how you got it up there is helpful

I will read the install guide when it shows up but it is scorching hot so I want to minimize time spent on roof and appreciate any tips or tricks to make it a quick swap.

1. Do I need to do any sealing of the new unit?
2. How do these install? I was on the roof troubleshooting the locked rotor but I didnt see any (obvious) bolt or screws on the roof itself. Maybe they are bolted from the inside?
3. How did you manage to get the unit on the roof? 90 lbs is one thing but 90lbs in a big package is another!

westend · Answer

Leave it in the shipping container. Get sufficient lifting help. Tie rope on it and angle a long ladder to the RV roof. Two men pull on ropes simultaneously to skid AC unit on top of ladder rails to roof.
Tip: you will find that this works well until you reach the roof level and then someone has to lower it off the ladder to the roof if your ladder setup is not perfect. You can position a wooden box or some other "landing deck" at the top of the ladder. This will allow the AC box to come off the ladder and down onto that "landing deck".

Most RV roof-top AC units are held onto the RV roof by four bolts that are secured by nuts on the inside of the RV. Loosen the nuts inside and lift off the roof-top gasket.

greenrvgreen · Answer

I've removed one. I laid 2X6's on the roof and a couple more leaned at an angle against the roof. Once I'd removed the retaining bolts I pushed the unit up and onto the 2x6's, tied two ropes to it (a puller and a keeper), and carefully dragged it across the boards and down the ramp. I did this by myself but I recommend two strong men for this job.

To remove the AC, first remove the vent and control unit on the ceiling. Once removed, you'll see four long bolts that clamp the AC down against the roof. Remove all four and push up against the AC.

There is a half-inch hard foam gasket that the AC sits on. On mine this gasket was stuck against the metal roof and it really took some force to loosen it. Once loose, you're "only" dealing with 90 lbs of dead weight and it's much easier to handle.

azrving · Answer

I backed my pickup close to the pin box area then used a couple long 2x6 to slide the box up. I tied a rope to the box and one person pulled it up while other helped slide it up the boards.

bgum · Answer

Be sure to change gasket.  Westend has best way.

ksg5000 · Answer

Haven't change the air conditioner unit but I have removed it to replace the gasket - close to the same thing.  The air conditioner is held in place with four bolts accessed from the inside - so are the electrical connections - takes two people to comfortably lift the unit and having some plywood on the roof is a good idea to prevent damage.  Lots of threads on how to raise/lower air conditioners to/from the roof - pick the one that suits you.  Make sure you apply a new gasket and having someone inside when you put the new air conditioner on will help with alignment issues.

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Have you replaced your AC before?

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