Keystone Bullet - AC Question

[C_]

Hello!
We have a 2011 Keystone Bullet 31BHPR. Just recently the AC started acting up. It still cools without any issue, but when it cycles it sounds like it struggles at first to get going. Almost like its bogged down. It is connected to a dedicated 30 amp circuit at our home.

Any thoughts or suggestions on how to remedy this would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Mac

[j-d]

Agree with Fred, Capacitor... The Compressor and the Fan, each need their own RUN capacitor. Sometimes they're individual capacitors with their common terminals connected with a jumper. Sometimes they're a combined capacitor. Your Compressor uses the higher value of the two. Say 35mfd and Fan 5mfd. If it's a combined capacitor, the Compressor side might be marked HERM (for the hermetically sealed compressor and coils) and the Fan marked FAN.

I just wonder if your AC unit also has a Start Assist Device. That's a third capacitor, usually plastic, 88-100mfd, and a device to take it out of circuit once the compressor has started. Some feature of the Start Kit may have failed.

Are you running your AC off a campground-type 30-amp circuit, heavy cord, or say a generator? Campground with proper RV cabling should give you a good start.

Please try what Fred suggests, and post a pic of the capacitor area of your AC unit. Then we can see if it's got a start kit also. You might see a wiring diagram pasted on the unit, photo that too, and get the Make/Model info. All that'll help us help you if the quick capacitor swap doesn't get it.

[MrWizard]

moved from technology

[2oldman]

Check the easy stuff first, like low voltage. Is anything else on, like the converter or water heater? Mine struggles sometimes when the generators are trying to spool up to the startup surge.

[C_]

Thanks for the quick reply Fred! Once i get a chance to get up there and take a look I will post the results.

Thanks again!

Mac

[Golden_HVAC]

It sounds like the run capacitor is going bad. They are cheap enough that if you do not own a $50 amp meter to test it, you can buy a new capacitor for about $15, and just replace it.

Also check your voltage. I bought a Kill-A-Watt at Amazon.com and it will monitor the voltage. If it goes below 110 while running the A/C unit, it would explain the slow starting. It is not un-common for the voltage to drop a bit will a large load is on the line, but to much is not good. Many RV parks with only 30 amp receptacles - the receptacle gets overheated, and can be the cause of voltage drop, see if the plug is cool when not on, and if it gets warm when running the A/C. Mine was hot like a toaster at one RV campsite. I changed to the 50 amp receptacle with my 50-30 amp reducer, and everything returned to normal voltage, and I put away my voltage booster.

You might also try a super booter kit. IT is a start capacitor with a resister built in that heats up when to many amps are going through it, so it takes the start capacitor out of the circuit. They make them for 110 and 220 volts, get the 110 volt model.

Good luck,
Fred.