AC Repair Camping World or Lazydays

[sgt77]

I need some opinions to digest. The basement AC on my 02 Winnebago Adventurer is losing coolness. The fan and compressors are kicking in so I figure I have a leak and the freon is going. I have found only two places here in the Tampa Bay area that will work on it and they are Lazydays and Camping World.

I have had work done at LD and their labor is high, but their work is good. I am not sure about the quality of work from CW.

What do you think or have experienced?

[sgt77]

Just a quick update. The problem was not the generator but a leak in my AC unit. I called a couple of different places and after getting lukewarm responses I dropped her off at Lazy Days last week and they are working it. Thanks for all your suggestions.

[johnhicks]

Also I suggest Creative Coach just west of Polk City, north side of I-4 near Lakeland.

[wa8yxm]

Basement air can usually be serviced by Joe's heating and air conditioning, if that is it can be serviced at all.

HOWEVER there are two things you can do BEFORE you throw money at it.

1: CLEAN... Recently one of my rooftop units started popping it's 20 amp breaker, This is bad for a unit rated 13.5 amps.. And another RVer had the very same expierence even more recently....

Well, after a couple of tests run here inside, I went topside and checked to see if it needed cleaning.... it did.. Fixed both mine and his by simply cleaning (He cleaned his) If the concenser coils (Outside) are clogged, air can not flow properly and temps increase, so does current demand.

The second is measure (inlet and outlet temps) for the evaporator (inside) coils.. it may be that your A/C is working as designed but temps where I am are due to hit 100+ tomorrow and there is NO SHADE PERIOD save what my awning provides. SO tomorrow, I'm going to Siesta.

THEN throw money at it, if needed.

[smlranger]

Had the duct leak issue on my 2002 Journey. I was able to reach it from below and by removing a side panel in the engine bay. Use the good foil duct tape if you find a leak and decide to repair it yourself.

Suggest you get an infrared thermometer (Lowe's has them in the electrical tools) and shine it behind the rear cap from below while the AC is running on max. If you have a leak, you will get cool air readings.

I also agree with the others... if my only choices were CW and LD, I would take it to LD. IMO and from personal experience, most CW's can't be trusted to change a spark plug in a lawn mower.

[sgt77]

That may be the problem. I went ahead and set the appointment for LD and the earliest they could get me in is 9/10. So I will do some checking and check for leaks.

[DSDP_Don]

Sgt77...."imgoin4it"... beat me to the response. Models around your year had the issue with the ducting. You say the condensers are still coming on which is an indicator it might be the ducts. If you're low on Freon, often the condensers will not start up.

Do some searches on this forum and here.... IRV2.com (Winnebago Forum)

[J-Rooster]

Keep us posted or send me a PM on the outcome Sgt. 77. I have a 04 Winnebago with basement air and I'm interested in your outcome. Good Luck

[Big_Katuna]

I would usually say neither but in this case LD has the most experience with Winnie's as they have sold thousands of them.

[imgoin4it]

Winnebago basement airconditioners are famous for developing duct leaks in the area that goes up under the rear cap. It is very easy to tell if it is leaking as you can stick you hand up, at least part way, along the duct and if leaking you will feel the cold air. It does not take much of a leak to loose lots of cooling. I had the problem on a Winnebago and while at the factory and they had to take off the bottom portion of the rear cap to reseal the duct. I later had a smaller leak down low and sealed it from below and reaching up. If the leak is at the top, the rear cap would have to be removed to repair/ reseal.

[midnightsadie]

I know roof units can not be recharged, but a lower unit might be able to be charged.

[rgatijnet1]

If you don't mind going across the bridge, give Doug a call at PMS truck and RV service in Pinellas. (727) 573-7774

[enblethen]

I would not use either. Call around to local heating and cooling shops. Many of them will do RV units.
Check with your AC units manufacturer. They may even know of someone local other then RV shops.