I have a 2007 Dutchman travel trailer. The trailer is 30' and came with a 13,500btu unit. Called to have it serviced and the RV dealer said would be more expensive to have it serviced than replace it. He also said the 13500btu unit was to small for the camper. He wants to replace with a 15,000btu unit. Priced it at $600 and 150-$225 labor. 1) has anyone had an RV a/c unit serviced and what was the cost? I have rinsed mine out. I believe its low on Freon or possibly even motor not running proper rpms.2) the units come filled and ready to run as they are a sealed unit from what I was told--does anyone know if that's correct? 3) is swapping from the 13500 unit to the 15000 unit a direct swap?4) any reason not to go with the bigger unit?

Might contact a local AC man and ask about service. I know they can do it. Probably ok for direct swap. 15 vs 13.5.They do come sealed but a service guy told me they can still do it. They install some saddle valves. I've seen it done before.I would not go through a dealer.

1) has anyone had an RV a/c unit serviced and what was the cost? I have rinsed mine out. I believe its low on Freon or possibly even motor not running proper rpms.What is the difference between the intake temp and output temp? Normal is 18-20ºCompressor not running? May only need a start capacitor.Fan either runs or not. If not then it may need a capacitor.2) the units come filled and ready to run as they are a sealed unit from what I was told--does anyone know if that's correct?Yes3) is swapping from the 13500 unit to the 15000 unit a direct swap?Yes If it is a Coleman get a PS model.4) any reason not to go with the bigger unit? NO If you camp in cold/cool weather a 15K heat pump would be my choice.

We have a 31 foot TT with a 15,000 A/C unit and on hot desert days it has a hard time keeping up. Those are 100 degrees plus days, below 100 degrees the unit does very well for cooling. If it were me, I would pay the little extra and get the new bigger A/C unit. The new unit will have no wear, comes with a warranty and will cool faster and better.

Our Outback came factory installed with a 13,500 BTU. Last year we had installed a 15,000. Best thing we could have done, considering our's has only 1 air conditioner and we are 35 feet long. The price quoted by your service team is about right. Not sure what a repair would cost instead of a replacement though. But I don't think I'd fiddle around with a repair, just replace if you are planning on keeping the camper much longer.

Only drawback to me would if your running with a small generator. My 2000 watt Honda will run my 13.5 AC. Just my two cents worth.

Air Conditioner issue---NEED HELP | Good Sam Community

colliehauler
Explorer III
Jun 24, 2016
duck1973 wrote:
Well, I must say I am one happy CAMPER! Got the new 15k unit installed Tuesday evening, finished wiring last night and quick trip to the fairgrounds to try it out on a 30amp service.

Outdoor temps were mid 90's with the sun just beginning to set. In 20-30 minutes the indoor temp was down to about 75. Wife and I ate a sandwich, cleaned up and by then had dropped another 2 degrees to 73. Plenty of air moving to all vents in the bedroom area and bunk area.
Sounds like the upgrade worked out, cool air priceless.
4Powells
Explorer
Jun 24, 2016
They are not designed to be serviced. Install yourself. 4 bolts, a new gasket, wiring connections, and you have it!
duck1973
Explorer
Jun 23, 2016
Well, I must say I am one happy CAMPER! Got the new 15k unit installed Tuesday evening, finished wiring last night and quick trip to the fairgrounds to try it out on a 30amp service.

Outdoor temps were mid 90's with the sun just beginning to set. In 20-30 minutes the indoor temp was down to about 75. Wife and I ate a sandwich, cleaned up and by then had dropped another 2 degrees to 73. Plenty of air moving to all vents in the bedroom area and bunk area.
hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Jun 16, 2016
I think you made the right choice.. summer is too short already to be messing with AC that doesn't cool.
duck1973
Explorer
Jun 16, 2016
Got the 15k unit ordered. Got an uncle in KC that said he would put valves on the old unit and fill it for me. Been trying to find a camper to redo so may just use the old unit for that. Either way I think I'm going to be much happier with the 15k unit than the 13.5k.
dave17352
Explorer
Jun 16, 2016
If you know a ac guy they can service it. There is actually not much to it. They put a valve in and recharge it. Now somewhere that thing leaked, so you could do that and it may just all leak out right away. Or maybe it would take years. I remember 15 plus years ago our AC went out. The mobile guy came over and recharged and it purred like a kitten for years until I traded it in. At that time it was the best 60 bucks I ever spent cause it was hotter than heck
duck1973
Explorer
Jun 16, 2016
Thanks again everyone!

I am going to order the 15,000 btu unit today.

Moondaddy, lets get my list done and then maybe I can send some help your way!!! How is Wilson Lake? I have heard it is really low this year.
Moondaddy
Explorer
Jun 16, 2016
I had tap put in on 13.5 that was on a B van. Turned out to be another problem but it can be done. Is your cover original? That is $120 to replace if it breaks. It is no problem for two people to lift unit off, getting down and new one up on top will take some work. 15K unit is the way to go. Plenty of places to buy new on east 54 and was one on west 235 that had quite a inventory. Good luck, I'd help if my list wasn't so long! See you down the road.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Jun 16, 2016
If you decide to get a new one I recommend yo stay away from the Coleman's. My brother had one and it was a terrible design that worked poorly.
ksg5000
Explorer
Jun 15, 2016
Here's a link which will explain how your AC works and how to maintain it.
http://bryantrv.com/roofac2.html. You need to clean the filters, clean both the condenser and evaporator coils, make sure the fan blades are clean and there are no mud dobber nest etc interfering with operation, and oil the motor if there is a lubrication port. You should also inspect the capacitors - if they are bulging/leaking they should be replaced.

Maintenance of your AC is pretty simple stuff - easy DIY.

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