I've got a RVP Coleman rooftop unit on my 2007 jayco 25z featherlite the model number on the unit is 8333D8764. The compressor is bad. And I'm trying to decide whether to replace the compressor (I can install myself) if I can find the part or replace the whole system. Suggestions?

I would probably be just as cheap to replace the unit, by the time you remove the unit from the roof, buy a new compressor uninstall the old one and install the new one, pump the unit down a couple of times, buy new oil and refrigerant (which is not cheap) you could remove the old one and set it aside for spare parts, install the new one and be on your way. (my opinion)

Most a/c units are pretty puny as far as material. Replacing the compressor may only buy you some time before another failure. Then there is the ability to evacuate the charge then recharge the system as most of these RV a/c systems are usually sealed and not field rechargeable. Being a 2007, that a/c may have R22 which is becoming scarce(expensive too) as R410a began replacing it in ~2009/2010

It's almost 10 years old, go for new.

Good points everyone thanks! Would it be wise to go back with same brand which is a off brand of Coleman I think.if not what brand is best?

Tyandkate wrote:Good points everyone thanks! Would it be wise to go back with same brand which is a off brand of Coleman I think.if not what brand is best?I just put a second a/c on our 5er - a Dometic Penguin. So far it has been a very good product. Regardless of whether you go with a replacement Coleman or a Dometic, you may need a new ceiling control unit and thermostat as well due to the age. Additionally, you need to know if the existing junker is ducted or not. You need to spend some time on the 'net and do your research as some of the info is not intuitive. Advent is another current brand - and I have heard of some very early failures tho have no experience personally with the product

Repair or replace? | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

bagomike
Explorer
Sep 10, 2016
Not a one of these were bad, these was removed from units, some new units, that had leaks in the evaperator, they will not supply any sealed system parts. I could have sent one to you, I got $1.25 per pound.
bagomike
Explorer
Jul 20, 2016
Tyandkate wrote:
bagomike wrote:
I'm sorry if that sounded a bit bold, Today, I pitched a good compressor off a 15,000btu dometic that was good, I couldn't find the slow leak in the system, so I scrapped it.I have two coleman 13,500 to check tomorrow, they are 410A. If an easy repair, I will repair, if not I will scrap them, but shipping on a compressor from Ill. to Tx. would be the killer
btw, most of dometic are made of plastic and styrofoam unlike Coleman.

I did, I'm a licensed Hvac contractor. It is pulling locked rotor amps.

the old locked rotor snap trick, with your back ground, I would not tell this to just anybody. while the compressor is trying to start (humming) with a old screw driver, short across the Herm and com connections on the capacitor, just a quick snap, and watch the compressor move, with a little luck, it will start. This puts the compressor in and out of phase, and sometimes free them up. Don't try this at home.
bagomike
Explorer
Jul 19, 2016
plastic and foam isn't all bad.
hohenwald48
Explorer
Jul 19, 2016
Irelands child wrote:
Please! Where is all that plastic and Styrofoam? I've had the cover off the OEM 15K Dometic Brisk Air to clean it and the cover off the new 100 pound Penguin 13.5K just to see what's inside - and the only 'plastic' is the cover. Would I prefer another brand? Maybe, but Carrier no longer makes them for an RV.

My 15K Dometic Brisk Air (I think 59516 model but not sure) is in fact mostly plastic and foam. Covers are all plastic and all the liners inside and out are made of cast foam. Only the frame is metal. I actually think it's a good design. The foam is an excellent insulator and the plastic/foam combination makes the unit light and strong at the same time.

To the OP, I think I would just replace the unit. I've seen them for under $500. I have no idea what it would cost to replace just the compressor but I bet it would not be cheap even with you doing all the work yourself. I think your unit is a 13.5K and I'd probably go ahead and put in a 15K for a few extra bucks.

I assume you have tested the start capacitor as they do fail often.
Irelands_child
Explorer
Jul 19, 2016
Please! Where is all that plastic and Styrofoam? I've had the cover off the OEM 15K Dometic Brisk Air to clean it and the cover off the new 100 pound Penguin 13.5K just to see what's inside - and the only 'plastic' is the cover. Would I prefer another brand? Maybe, but Carrier no longer makes them for an RV.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Jul 19, 2016
Replacement is indicated
Tyandkate
Explorer
Jul 19, 2016
bagomike wrote:
I'm sorry if that sounded a bit bold, Today, I pitched a good compressor off a 15,000btu dometic that was good, I couldn't find the slow leak in the system, so I scrapped it.I have two coleman 13,500 to check tomorrow, they are 410A. If an easy repair, I will repair, if not I will scrap them, but shipping on a compressor from Ill. to Tx. would be the killer
btw, most of dometic are made of plastic and styrofoam unlike Coleman.

I did, I'm a licensed Hvac contractor. It is pulling locked rotor amps.
bagomike
Explorer
Jul 19, 2016
I'm sorry if that sounded a bit bold, Today, I pitched a good compressor off a 15,000btu dometic that was good, I couldn't find the slow leak in the system, so I scrapped it.I have two coleman 13,500 to check tomorrow, they are 410A. If an easy repair, I will repair, if not I will scrap them, but shipping on a compressor from Ill. to Tx. would be the killer
btw, most of dometic are made of plastic and styrofoam unlike Coleman.
bagomike
Explorer
Jul 19, 2016
Who said it was a bad compressor? how did they determine this?
Irelands_child
Explorer
Jul 19, 2016
Tyandkate wrote:
Good points everyone thanks! Would it be wise to go back with same brand which is a off brand of Coleman I think.if not what brand is best?

I just put a second a/c on our 5er - a Dometic Penguin. So far it has been a very good product. Regardless of whether you go with a replacement Coleman or a Dometic, you may need a new ceiling control unit and thermostat as well due to the age. Additionally, you need to know if the existing junker is ducted or not. You need to spend some time on the 'net and do your research as some of the info is not intuitive.

Advent is another current brand - and I have heard of some very early failures tho have no experience personally with the product