Broken copper tube on AC, thanks to Dempster Hwy
We just recently discovered that our Coleman Mach 8 Cub AC wasn't working, when we needed it most in Tucson, AZ in 100+ heat. It is 2 years old and was very rarely used, maybe twice as we had only traveled to cooler places.
Of course it is out of warranty by about 2 1/2 weeks! After a $75 diagnosis, the guy told us the copper freon tube had a crack which usually happens because of vibrations. Well, we did travel to Alaska and Canada last summer, including 1000 or so miles on the Dempster Hwy and other gravel roads. So, my guess is that it broke sometime on that trip. We pretty much never plug into shore power, so didn't have a clue.
As we were getting our house ready for sale and a major move, we didn't use our TC again until it was time to head cross-country on a dity move this month. Lesson learned: when your warranties are close to expiring, check all you systems.
The tube is not repairable and we now have a 100lb or so doorstop.
I called Airxcel just in case and they will be shipping me a free refurbished unit (not warrantied) from Kansas that I will have to install (or pay someone). I was very happy that they offered to do that as the local shop quoted $1500 for the unit plus labor.
Anyway, my questions are:
Why can't they design these things better and make more parts repairable? They cost an arm and a leg and can't take a bit of off-roading?
I also question using these models in any TC or overland vehicle specifically designed to be taken off the beaten path. Is there really nothing better? Does anyone know of a brand/model that is "rated" to handle rougher terrain?
Has anyone else's AC fallen victim to rough roads?
Of course it is out of warranty by about 2 1/2 weeks! After a $75 diagnosis, the guy told us the copper freon tube had a crack which usually happens because of vibrations. Well, we did travel to Alaska and Canada last summer, including 1000 or so miles on the Dempster Hwy and other gravel roads. So, my guess is that it broke sometime on that trip. We pretty much never plug into shore power, so didn't have a clue.
As we were getting our house ready for sale and a major move, we didn't use our TC again until it was time to head cross-country on a dity move this month. Lesson learned: when your warranties are close to expiring, check all you systems.
The tube is not repairable and we now have a 100lb or so doorstop.
I called Airxcel just in case and they will be shipping me a free refurbished unit (not warrantied) from Kansas that I will have to install (or pay someone). I was very happy that they offered to do that as the local shop quoted $1500 for the unit plus labor.
Anyway, my questions are:
Why can't they design these things better and make more parts repairable? They cost an arm and a leg and can't take a bit of off-roading?
I also question using these models in any TC or overland vehicle specifically designed to be taken off the beaten path. Is there really nothing better? Does anyone know of a brand/model that is "rated" to handle rougher terrain?
Has anyone else's AC fallen victim to rough roads?
