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McKenziek's avatar
McKenziek
Explorer
Jul 31, 2018

Air Conditioner Failed and now RV blows the breaker

A couple of 113 degree days in Paso Robles and I'm afraid the bedroom A/C finally gave up. It was working like a champ and then all of a sudden it started blowing hot air. I shut it down and waited 12 hours then tried to fire it back up. The fan blows hard but you can hear the compressor try to start and then stop. I was plugged into 50 amp all week. I come home and plug into a 30 amp plug in the garage and it blows the breaker at the garage panel and A/C is off!. I'm wondering if the two issues are related. #1, Can the A/C be repaired cost effectively or should I bite the bullet and get a new one? #2, How should I troubleshoot what is causing the breaker to blow?
  • If you are going to do it yourself, order online. It's a lot cheaper than getting it from an RV dealer or store. ( New A/C) Neighbors told cost of new from dealer was $800 (not installed) ordered same A/C online for $573. Sons installed. With install dealer wanted $1,500. Their total cost $573.
  • pianotuna wrote:
    Did you monitor voltage? Compressor bad or is it the motor that failed?

    McKenziek wrote:
    Turns out the compressor is bad. Replacing with a new Penguin.


    I was told compressor is locking up and I need a new unit.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Cost of replacement is 1,000 or less. Cost of replacing JUST the compressor is not that much less Easier to do the whole thing.. You might wish to scavage a part or 3 (IE blower, fan, blower motor) I did.

    Story.. I no longer need that scavenge blower as well. Had to replace the OTHER A/C and Carrier don't do RV's any more and I'd not buy one if they did (Multiple reasons some of which are NOT for discussion here).

    Another camper had a problem with HIS Carrier.... Turns out the blower was cracked and making all sorts of noise. Late friday. nearest RV parts place is like 30 miles and closing. Hot weekend he needs that A/C.. Where's he going to find another blower????? My basement of course. Job done.
  • Did you monitor voltage? Compressor bad or is it the motor that failed?

    McKenziek wrote:
    Turns out the compressor is bad. Replacing with a new Penguin.
  • 2005 AC? Time for a new one.

    I’ve replaced both in my 05 Fleetwood.
  • Yes a compressor can be changed out, system evacuated, and recharged on a roof AC just as it is on window AC's. Service valves can be brazed on. Though I have replaced compressors on window AC's which are basically the same as a roof AC (only difference is the cabinet) the cost is not worth it.

    On your AC it could be just the start controls (relay and capacitor) are shot. And that would the cause of your 30 amp CB tripping. It isn't doing it on your 50 amp hookup because the thermal overload of the compressor is shutting it down first.

    You could invest in new start controls or try a hard start kit, though I don't like using hard start kits. The other option is a new AC.
  • Chances are the compressor locked up, that is probably what is blowing the breaker
  • #1 No means of evacuating/recharging lines in order to replace compressor
    #2 Turn ALL Circuit Breakers inside RV OFF then plug into the 30A outlet.
    Breaker trips...power cord/adapter etc probably problem
    Breaker doesn't trip....turn on CBs one at time until garage CB trips

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