Forum Discussion

tomthyme's avatar
tomthyme
Explorer
Mar 19, 2017

New Roof AC's for 5th Wheel

Hello Again fellow Voyagers!
We spend a few nights in our rig this weekend and think it is time to replace our roof AC units. We had some trouble with the main unit at the end of last year, now the front unit seems to be finicky. We currently have the Coleman Mach series, a 15k main and 13,5k front. I would like to go in with two 15k units. Our rig is ducted and 37' long.

We don't think we need heat pumps, but if it makes sense I would opt for them. The most important thing to us is quick and consistent cooling.

We are looking at the new Dometic Blizzard NXT, or the Brisk II. Unless I find something wonderful from Coleman, we would like to change manufacturers to see if we have any better luck. Our rig is a 2011 model and we have already replaced the main unit once.

Any thoughts / ideas / experiences with these units? Are there other models we should consider?

Thanks again!

Save travels!
  • djousma's avatar
    djousma
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2017
    You dont say what your symptoms are, but Could it be that the cooling fins just need to be cleaned? If those get plugged with dust/dirt, the AC has to work twice as hard....
  • allen8106's avatar
    allen8106
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2017
    tomthyme wrote:
    Hello Again fellow Voyagers!
    We spend a few nights in our rig this weekend and think it is time to replace our roof AC units. We had some trouble with the main unit at the end of last year, now the front unit seems to be finicky. We currently have the Coleman Mach series, a 15k main and 13,5k front. I would like to go in with two 15k units. Our rig is ducted and 37' long.

    We don't think we need heat pumps, but if it makes sense I would opt for them. The most important thing to us is quick and consistent cooling.

    We are looking at the new Dometic Blizzard NXT, or the Brisk II. Unless I find something wonderful from Coleman, we would like to change manufacturers to see if we have any better luck. Our rig is a 2011 model and we have already replaced the main unit once.

    Any thoughts / ideas / experiences with these units? Are there other models we should consider?

    Thanks again!

    Save travels!


    tom,

    What are the symptoms? I have a 2010 and the AC's are no where near needing replacement. I did some a problem with one of them a few weeks ago but it just needed a new run capacitor on the compressor. Cost me a whole $109 to have my local AC guy come diagnose out and fix it.
  • bswan's avatar
    bswan
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2017
    I just sent you a private message related to your Cameo and the AC post you listed in March.

    Thanks,
    Bryan
  • crasster's avatar
    crasster
    Explorer II
    Mar 21, 2017
    JW of Opechee Shores wrote:
    Replaced a carrier with the Brisk II and took less than 45 minutes with the conversion wire harness. Hardest part is getting the new one up on the roof. Used it all winter here in Florida and it has been great.


    Remember this folks when you do an A/C job. It's not the install that is so bad, it's getting a very heavy A/C unit way up to the roof. When we did ours, the best part was taking the old unit off and tossing it to the ground. My sons loved it. (Edit, it had no 134a left, all leaked previously)
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Mar 21, 2017
    tomthyme wrote:
    Wild Card wrote:
    Could just need hard start kits or simple service. Your money though


    Thanks! So what is a hard start kit?


    It's a capacitor that stores up an electric charge to help kick-start the A/C's compressor. Reduces the load on the coach's electrical system, as well as the pedestal which, as well all know, can be suspect, especially in older CGs.

    Lyle
  • JW_of_Opechee_S's avatar
    JW_of_Opechee_S
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2017
    Replaced a carrier with the Brisk II and took less than 45 minutes with the conversion wire harness. Hardest part is getting the new one up on the roof. Used it all winter here in Florida and it has been great.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Mar 20, 2017
    tomthyme wrote:
    Wild Card wrote:
    Could just need hard start kits or simple service. Your money though


    Thanks! So what is a hard start kit?

    Video of installation of the Supco SPP6E in a RV air conditioner.
    YouTube video

    I put one of these on my previous air conditioner and the install was simple and easy. Hardest part was getting up the ladder to the roof.
    Barney
  • tomthyme's avatar
    tomthyme
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2017
    Wild Card wrote:
    Could just need hard start kits or simple service. Your money though


    Thanks! So what is a hard start kit?
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Mar 20, 2017
    We replaced our 13 year old Dometic 15,000btu air conditioner last year with an Atwood "Air Command" 15000btu ducted unit". It has a heat pump built in and is quite a bit quieter than our old unit and puts out a lot more air volume.

    We have been extremely pleased with our choice. Time will tell if it is as reliable as the Dometic unit was.
    Barney
  • Wild_Card's avatar
    Wild_Card
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2017
    Could just need hard start kits or simple service. Your money though

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