Forum Discussion

jmartin99's avatar
jmartin99
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015

New A/C in older camping trailer

I have an '83 Jayco 32 Jayflight Camping Trailer. During our last camping trip, our A/C ruptured a line and lost all of the freon out of it. I have read that camper A/C units are sealed from the factory and provide no fittings to refill even if it could be fixed.

Luckily, I have a relative that has a neighbor that had a brand new Coleman camper A/C unit sitting in his garage. I was able to obtain the unit. He said he got it in 2005 brand new but it was never used and has never been installed on anything.

The question I have is if I remove my old original A/C unit, will it have the standard 14" x 14" opening to be able to mount the new unit?

Is there anything else I need to know that will help me in swapping the A/C units out?

Thanks in advance for all responses!!

Jeff

5 Replies

  • CavemanCharlie's avatar
    CavemanCharlie
    Explorer III
    Aug 11, 2015
    Your going to miss the performance of your old unit. The new Coleman's don't work as well.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Aug 11, 2015
    It should fit the hole ok as the 14x14 opening has been standard for many years as far as I know. However there are a couple of other things that you should look for.
    1. Most air conditioner units have both an upper and lower part. When you purchase an air conditioner you have to order both parts separately. I just did this and found that all brands do the same.
    The lower part (fits on the ceiling inside) is not interchangeable between brands. Make sure the air conditioner you are considering has both parts or one can still be purchased.

    2. The thermostat and control module(fits up into the air conditioner itself) is not interchangeable between brands either. Make sure the one you are purchasing has one included or can be purchased. You may/may not be able to use the existing wiring in the wall.

    3. If your exiting unit is a ducted unit, when you remove it, check that the ducts in the ceiling are well sealed so no cold air can get between them and the rest of the ceiling. I had to use some Eternabond tape to seal mine up well before installing my new air conditioner.

    Hope this helps. :)
    Barney
    Edit: Your reply about non ducted was posted while I was uploading my pictures and before I posted. Oh well, maybe the info will be useful for someone else.

    Right side duct.


    Left side duct.
  • jmartin99's avatar
    jmartin99
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2015
    The old system is non-ducted and the new system will be as well. I will have to purchase a new ceiling assembly (non-ducted) as the new unit did not come with one and I am sure what I have will not work with this new unit.

    I am not sure what brand the old unit is.

    Jeff
  • prichardson's avatar
    prichardson
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2015
    If the old unit is a Duo-Therm or Coleman it will be the standard 14 X 14. It is easy enough to measure once you drop the interior plenum. If it is not a ducted system the swap is very easy. I would get a new mounting gasket rather than use the one that may be packed with the 2005 unit. If it is a ducted system be sure to get a thermostat that is compatable with the new unit.

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