Rain-water LEAK vs Dometic Penguin A/C roof unit..??

djedgar wrote:
We changed out one of ours in 2013. The kit for the gaskets from Newmar is part #017841
I have a PDF of the Newmar instructions but can't attach :(
PM me with an email and I can send it to you if you haven't found it on the Newmar site.

we had a question on the install instructions and received this response from Newmar (that may be helpful for you - copied below).

Hello,

Thank you for your email, and I would be glad to answer your question. When we factory install the heat pumps we will put a thin layer of clear silicone under the pad to ensure proper seal, then we would lag the heat pump unit down to compress the pads and the gasket to 50%. After the fastening down of the unit is complete we then will apply silicone on top of the lag bolt and let it run down around the lag to again ensure proper sealing. I’m not sure where you purchased your heat pump from or if they let you know it is essential that the dip switches be set to match the unit you are replacing. If you have any more questions please let me know.

Thanks,

Craig Garl
Owner Relations
Newmar Corporation

AS someone (former Newmar dealer tech (1994 to 2009), who has replaced at least 100 Newmar AC units over the years, I have NEVER seen silicone on the seal between the roof gasket and the roof. NOT NEEDED. Yes, you install silicone IN the lag bolt holes before you install the lag bolts and then just ooze a little over the top of the bolt. But if the roof surface is clean, you do NOT silicone the gasket to the roof. If you have EPDM (rubber) no big deal, but if you have metal (older Newmars) or fiberglas, the silicone from the pressure will adhere to metal and fiberglass and make it a real bear to remove the AC if you ever need to and sometimes it will tear the metal roof or chip the fiberglass. If the AC is installed correctly, you do not need to silicone the gasket to the roof. If you do not have a smooth surface for the gasket to mount too, then silicone would be the only option. Doug

We changed out one of ours in 2013. The kit for the gaskets from Newmar is part #017841
I have a PDF of the Newmar instructions but can't attach :(
PM me with an email and I can send it to you if you haven't found it on the Newmar site.

we had a question on the install instructions and received this response from Newmar (that may be helpful for you - copied below).

Hello,

Thank you for your email, and I would be glad to answer your question. When we factory install the heat pumps we will put a thin layer of clear silicone under the pad to ensure proper seal, then we would lag the heat pump unit down to compress the pads and the gasket to 50%. After the fastening down of the unit is complete we then will apply silicone on top of the lag bolt and let it run down around the lag to again ensure proper sealing. I’m not sure where you purchased your heat pump from or if they let you know it is essential that the dip switches be set to match the unit you are replacing. If you have any more questions please let me know.

Thanks,

Craig Garl
Owner Relations
Newmar Corporation

Newmar requires 2(two) gaskets for each AC unit. The 2nd gasket, you only use 1-- 14 inch side section. This is the piece that blocks off intake from exhaust. You will see it when you remove the AC unit. Some Newmar Penguins used a 4 inch square gasket around the cold air exhaust port. Either way you will see it when you pull the unit. Doug

That's a Camco aftermarket gasket, but it should work fine. Note that some models do use odd sized gaskets.

All roof AC's are over a 14"x14" hole.

Jim