Forum Discussion

partsman01's avatar
partsman01
Explorer
Jun 24, 2017

Updated now, How to tell what A/C has for starting

In other words before I try to get up on the top of fifth wheel, how do I tell if I have a hard start or an easy start set up, I know with a cord from the house it does seem to be slow to start, but that maybe due to an extension cord too.
Anyway short of climbing on a ladder to get on the roof which is almost I think 13' up, and taking apart the A/C unit?

Thanks
Bill
  • So manual for a/C says RV products, I gather mine is an 8000 series in this 2004 fleetwood wilderness lite fifth wheel, model number is 8333B671 serial number is 120213337, so I gather that means mine has no hard start kit, and what make would this a/c be?
    And would I be able to buy a hard start kit now to install, as I believe that makes it easier starting up, especially if I use a generator.
  • Okay, thanks, I will start by looking through the paperwork from when we bought it used, otherwise i guess I have to get on top to look for serial numbers or model numbers.
  • Dometic will NOT have a Hard Start. RVP(Coleman) MAY have a Hard Start. RVP Hard Starts are only spec'd out on Towables, if the OEM requests them. Below is how you tell if RVP has the Hard Start. Doug

    2ND NUMBER AFTER THE LETTER IN MODEL NUMBER TELLS THE TALE

    IF 5 O6 THEN NO HARD START KIT

    IF 7 -8- OR 9 HAS HARD START KIT
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    If you provide Make and complete Model Number, and you know nobody had repaired or modified it, one of our tech members may be able to tell you.

    In my case, Chris Bryant was able to tell me that of the three possibilities

    1. No Start Assist
    2. Start Cap with PTCR
    3. Start Cap with Potential Relay

    that our Coleman Mach 15 had Start Cap with Potential Relay.

    If you're trying to start A/C with anything less than a legitimate RV extension cord, that's likely to be your problem.