Looking for LOWEST BTU Roof A/C available-
I am looking for a power-miser roof A/C to replace my 13,500 BTU roof air the PO of my well-insulated BigFoot truck camper installed (throwing out the perfectly good OEM 7700 BTU unit). He did it f...
Forum Discussion
I have learned that Coleman once made a "Mini-Mach" 7100 BTU A/C, but they are discontinued.
You are correct the LRA is the operative number to be concerned about, but most (not all) compressors LRA are somewhat proportional to their BTU rating, though as pointed out, some newer models have high BTU with lower LRA.
The newer Colemans are the subject to much discontent due to their extremely high noise levels (per the Casita Forum, as the new Casitas are equipped with the 9200BTU models that scream).
The 13.5 (Duo Therm) in my 2008 5th wheel will easily trip a 15a breaker while running on a hot day. The running current (after being successfully started) runs 14-16a until the interior temperature of the coach reaches 95 deg or under.
In AZ on a hot day (116deg ambient w/ 145deg temps parked on asphalt)I have to remove the CB panel and blow air on it to keep the breaker from tripping until the interior temp has decreased considerably.
I realize it's probably NOT a "high efficiency" unit, but it strikes me the lower the BTU output, the smaller the compressor, and all else being equal, smaller is easier to start, and it will cycle less frequently (fewer start cycles).
My search for a NIB or even used MiniMach has netted no results. I have an 8000BTU portable (on wheels w/ hose to discharge hot air outside) and the Honda doesn't even notice when the compressor cycles. I'd love that response from my genny.
My Casita has a Coleman 8300 BTU Mach that is OK, but the genny strains starting.
I wish the PO hadn't trashed the working unit my BigFoot came with (and whicfh is no longer manufactured). :(
You are correct the LRA is the operative number to be concerned about, but most (not all) compressors LRA are somewhat proportional to their BTU rating, though as pointed out, some newer models have high BTU with lower LRA.
The newer Colemans are the subject to much discontent due to their extremely high noise levels (per the Casita Forum, as the new Casitas are equipped with the 9200BTU models that scream).
The 13.5 (Duo Therm) in my 2008 5th wheel will easily trip a 15a breaker while running on a hot day. The running current (after being successfully started) runs 14-16a until the interior temperature of the coach reaches 95 deg or under.
In AZ on a hot day (116deg ambient w/ 145deg temps parked on asphalt)I have to remove the CB panel and blow air on it to keep the breaker from tripping until the interior temp has decreased considerably.
I realize it's probably NOT a "high efficiency" unit, but it strikes me the lower the BTU output, the smaller the compressor, and all else being equal, smaller is easier to start, and it will cycle less frequently (fewer start cycles).
My search for a NIB or even used MiniMach has netted no results. I have an 8000BTU portable (on wheels w/ hose to discharge hot air outside) and the Honda doesn't even notice when the compressor cycles. I'd love that response from my genny.
My Casita has a Coleman 8300 BTU Mach that is OK, but the genny strains starting.
I wish the PO hadn't trashed the working unit my BigFoot came with (and whicfh is no longer manufactured). :(
