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RKW's avatar
RKW
Explorer
Jul 01, 2014

How much reliability would I gain replacing an old AC?

We have an older fifth wheel. Recently the wife and I were discussing getting a new RV, but we like the floor plan and size of the one we have now. I've also done many mods. In the end we decided to keep using the old 5th, but my wife's number one concern is the reliability of the old AC. When we camp we often leave our dogs at a full hook up site and go hiking for 3-4 hours. In her circle of dog folks there was an incident where the RV AC failed while the owners were away and all the dogs died, hence her concern for AC reliability.
Our AC is 20 years old. It works like a champ. Never a bit of trouble. I'm inclined to keep using the AC we have and start being more vigilant with the dog's safety. I hate replacing things that work, especially on a 20 year old RV. I don't know though. I've not kept up with AC's for RV's. Perhaps there's a boatload of reliability to be gained by throwing a new AC on the ol' trailer.

Give me your thoughts on this. Thanks.
  • Thanks for the replies so far.

    I would consider my AC to have been lightly used over the years, pushing me towards just leaving well enough alone.
  • Better material in the old one less alum and more copper. new ones could fail just as easily as the old one . I would think it would take more than 3/4 hours to overheat most campers/ motorhomes. A breaker could fail. a transformer in the campground could fail. Lots of stuff. Don"t sweat the small stuff.
  • Just because its new don't mean it wont breakdown. Odds are a little better on a new one. I always leave a independent fan on.
  • It's been my experience that the old ones cooled better than the new ones and are more reliable too. I would keep it unless it has tons of hours on it.

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