Forum Discussion

srx-6's avatar
srx-6
Explorer
May 24, 2020

Time for air conditioner replacement

We have a 2009 Monaco Camelot, the bedroom ac died over a year ago, the middle one is starting to whine so, this leaves the front getting a real workout. We have Dometic units now and I think I would like to stay with Dometic as install should be straight forward. While doing my research I have discovered that many folks are not pleased with Dometic’s quality and the Brisk units fail quite often. I am looking at cooling units only as we don’t need a heat pump. Airxcel/Coleman and Atwood seem to be decent units.
Looking for pros and cons from those who have replaced units in the past few years. I don’t think we will make a Florida summer with just the one ac so, I need to make a decision soon.
Thanks for any input
Class A
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    May 24, 2020
    Do you have room in a basement storage bay that you might be able to get a split system installed?

    They have dual and even triple zone systems that use one condenser/compressor unit.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    May 25, 2020
    You see more complaints about Dometic because they are the largest supplier. Since they make MORE, they will have more statistical failures. Your tstat and Communication cables and roof top controls are specific to Dometic. If you go to another Brand, you will have to run new Tstat Cables from the wall to the roof and change out the wall tstat and the upper control boards, which adds cost. Since your RV is almost 12 years old, I would purchase 2 Dometic Penguin AC only units and a new 10 Button wall CCC programmable wall Tstat(about $95). This is all plug and play. The wall tstat will control both roof AC's and is programmable. The Dometic Penguins come with the new 10 button control boards already installed. Doug
  • 1320Fastback's avatar
    1320Fastback
    Explorer
    May 25, 2020
    I absolutely love out Atwood Air Command. It is so much quieter than the Dometic we had before and much more electrically efficient. I hear they are owned by Dometic now but do not think they have changed the design in any way.
  • steveh27's avatar
    steveh27
    Explorer
    May 25, 2020
    I bought Dometic's high efficiency unit which draws less power. That allows it to run on a Honda 2000.
  • mike_brez's avatar
    mike_brez
    Explorer
    May 25, 2020
    I changed both of mine last year. Had original (1998) Dometic heat pump units. Replaced with Dometic Penguin heat pump units and the 10 button thermostat. Very simple plug and play install.
  • srx-6's avatar
    srx-6
    Explorer
    May 25, 2020
    Thanks everyone for the replies. My thoughts were that the Dometic would be the simplest to replace. I will be looking for sales as I will replace all three units . A question about the 10 button thermostat, I assume it will also be able to control the Aqua hot as the 5 button does now.
    Thanks again everyone and happy Memorial Day.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    May 25, 2020
    srx-6 wrote:
    Thanks everyone for the replies. My thoughts were that the Dometic would be the simplest to replace. I will be looking for sales as I will replace all three units . A question about the 10 button thermostat, I assume it will also be able to control the Aqua hot as the 5 button does now.
    Thanks again everyone and happy Memorial Day.


    Yes, the 10 button controls all types RV furnace systems, including Aqua Hot.
  • mike_brez's avatar
    mike_brez
    Explorer
    May 25, 2020
    When I purchased mine This place was the least expensive at the time. Units arrived real quick and no damage.
    The 10 button thermostat I got from PPL

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