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TravelinDog's avatar
TravelinDog
Explorer II
Jul 20, 2018

Replacement a/c

New to this forum so forgive me if this topic has already been covered.
My 1997 travel trailer has a Coleman Mach 3 13.5k btu I believe. The a/c hasn't been used all that much only a few times at rv parks, but it is still 21 years old.
Should I consider replacing it before it fails or just keep using it until it does?
Also would a 15,000 btu a/c be better since I live in the hot southwest. Will it draw more power? Would it simply bolt in with no modification? Mt current a/c is ducted to 3 rooms. I'm quite good at DIY so installation is not a problem.
Thanks for any advice.

7 Replies

  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jul 21, 2018
    if the shrouds are cracked and broken
    they will let leaves and debris into the A/C unit
    replace them if you can find some
    repair if you can't

    if still in one piece, they are still doing the needed job
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 21, 2018
    THere is an old saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

    And when it comes to the A/C.. Only takes most RV tech's a day or two to grab a new one and get to you. and about an hour to slap 'er on.

    Coleman's by the way are nice. easier to clean the condenser (which you need to do often) than other makes. .. WHY. Because they SUCK
    That means they draw air in through the condenser so the "Crud" is on the outside where you only need to remove the outer cover to clear it off.

    Others BLOW do you got to take 'em much more apart and that's not always easy.
  • TravelinDog's avatar
    TravelinDog
    Explorer II
    Jul 21, 2018
    Puttin wrote:
    I'd just use the unit until it quits. I think they're about $500 to $800 now. If you'd like- take the shroud off and clean it up, straighten the fins if necessary, lube the fan shaft with a little bit of T-9 Boeshield, knock off any wasp nests if needed, and put the shroud back on...also don't forget to check and ream out the drain holes at each corner of the pan.


    Thanks guys.
    I will certainly go up and check thinngs as you suggest. I do know I need to replace the shroud.
  • maillemaker's avatar
    maillemaker
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2018
    28 years old here and it still works, so not fiddling with it. Besides the entire roof is gooped so getting to fasteners will be no fun.

    Steve
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Jul 21, 2018
    Ours is 18 yrs old and we won't replace them until they stop working. So far, have had to replace a relay on one of them. We are in the SW right now, over 100 and in the afternoon we have to turn the 2nd one on to stay at 80 or a little below. Only one A/C on it heats up to 85-90 in here. No shade, no choice for what direction we park.
  • Puttin's avatar
    Puttin
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2018
    I'd just use the unit until it quits. I think they're about $500 to $800 now. If you'd like- take the shroud off and clean it up, straighten the fins if necessary, lube the fan shaft with a little bit of T-9 Boeshield, knock off any wasp nests if needed, and put the shroud back on...also don't forget to check and ream out the drain holes at each corner of the pan.

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