A/C Question
Ok all you guru's out there, got a question concerning A/C's. I know with a fridge, you have to be somewhat level to operate it. Does the same go for the A/C?
Forum Discussion
- no… while it has its limits, it also is compressor operated and not dependent on gravity…
- So an incline is ok with it?
- Yes
Look at some fifth wheel campers -the AC is mounted on a steeper slant on the roof than you would ever care to camp. - cool...we are able to plug our camper in to our 20 amp outlet in our garage, but our driveway is on slope. I have a 12 guage drop cord that I can use. This will be great to do things inside the motorhome and not have to pull it to the top of the driveway at the road to do.
- A/Cs are compressor based which means that they are far more tolerant to off-level than absorption fridges. An off-level fridge will end up boiling the sodium chromate out of the fluid, creating solid masses that eventually will clog the pipes.
- Make sure the condensate water is draining properly.
- I would be very leary of using a 12 gauge extension cord to run the a.c on.
- Unless you have a window type AC unit like we do in our class B.
You should be almost level when running it. I know this as we had to replace TWO units before we were advised. - The A/C will operate at any angle between right side up and upside down, Though there can be a few issues.. here is hot to prevent them (Upside down is not recommended by the way read on as to why)
As the air is cooled it gives up excess moisture, the air coming off the evaporator coils (Cold,indoor coils) is always nearly 100% humidity.. believe it or not, The excess water that it can no longer hold drips down into a drip tray under the evaporator coils. then runs back and out onto the roof.
On the Carrier Air V. the drip lip is in the rear.. The Advent Air, it's on the driver's side.
If the A/C is operated so the drip lip is HIGHTER than the front of the drip tray, Bad things happen. (It rains INSIDE your RV)
Upside down eventually water will build up in the cooling chamber, (Why it is not a good idea).
That is why when you see 'em on a 5-er roof at an angle it is usually Front high.
That said, the system operates normally no matter what the angle, it's only the disposal of the condensate that may be an issue and a very quick visual with the cover off will tell you what the danger "unlevel" is...Oh, while you have the cover off expose the condenser coils (hot outdoor coils) and clean them. Makes it work better.
