Air Conditioner issue---NEED HELP

duck1973 wrote:
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?

1..

Not much can be "serviced" on a RV A/C. All that it is designed for is cleaning the fins, "freon" is not designed to be topped off.

They are a factory sealed unit, the only way to check freon pressure or top off is to have ports installed. This is not cheap and requires the unit to be evacuated.

If the unit has lost Freon, it means there IS a leak somewhere, finding and repairing the leak is going to add additional labor..

Paying a A/C tech to do that operation will cost nearly the same as a new unit.

2... SEALED, YES. Factory loads the unit, crimps then welds the tube shut..

3.. 15K will fit the same 14x14 roof vent opening.

4.. Amperage draw.

15K will draw a few amps more than a 13.5K, this can be a problem if you have other high draw items running or only 15A/20A connection or a small generator.

Yes, I would agree that a 13.5K is a bit small with a 30 ft trailer but that is pretty much the standard size on most RVs.

You do have to plan a bit, start it early in the morning and allow it to run all day. Otherwise it may not cool much at all in 90+ temps..