Forum Discussion

Grit_dog's avatar
Grit_dog
Navigator II
Dec 24, 2016

Worth replacing AC unit on Arctic Fox or not?

Well, for offseason discussion, here's one...
Our old camper in my sig had a short unfortunate encounter with something that smashed the AC unit beyond repair.
Think I told the story on here, but, anyway, in 4 years of owning 2 different TCs, the only time We've needed the AC and planned to use it, was exactly the day after it got smushed in the middle of a 3 week trip.
Haven't fixed it yet but need to. Was planning to replace with one of the low profile, low amp draw ones. Not terribly expensive, $8-900, cost isn't the issue, but being in the PNW and knowing most of our trips have and will be no AC needed,should I replace it, or drop another fan or skylight in it and call it good?

I'm thinking as much for resale as for usefulness. I might sell it next week, or might have it for 5 more years. Just depends. TCs are a plentiful commodity up here and not of sentimental value.

Knowing the potential for leaks, I guess, added height, more to repair, etc, do y'all think having a new AC on it would bring more value to the camper than the difference between replacing it vs a fan or skylight?

23 Replies

  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    I know when my AC on my off-road popup camper quits working I will not replace it...

    Most of our outings is off grid and never use the A/C much anymore...

    It also is very heavy for my POPUP roof crank-up DC Motor...

    I'm wanting to add some solar panels to the roof area and with the heavy 13,200BTU A/C up there I know the additional weight of the panels I want to install will be too much...

    We was never too much for air conditioning anyway haha... Always around alot of shade off-road along side of creek bed somewhere...

    Just my thoughts...

    Roy Ken
  • For resale I don'r know if you can ask more for it because it has AC but you might have to take less because it doesn't have it.
    The AC increases the curb appeal to potential buyers.
  • Hard call....we now mostly camp in the Northwest on the WA and OR coast. We rarely use or need to use our air conditioner. I run it mostly just to "exercise" it and to see if it works.

    Needing an A/C mostly depends on where you camp. Replacing it would be expensive. If you are selling your rig...that might be a different story. If you don't replace it, just make sure that it is still sealed and doesn't leak in the rain.