New roof a/c unit

[fuzzbutt]

I searched the forums and couldn't find what I was looking for. I'm looking to replace the front AC in my 94 Winnebago. It's non ducted. I can get a new Coleman 15000 btu for $650.00 from Redneck. Its the top unit, the inside ceiling assembly, and the heat strip.

My question is, should it come with a new gasket to seal the 14 x 14 opening, and has anyone done this themselves?

I'm very handy, and also can pass the new unit out my daughters bedroom window right on the the roof of the RV.

I've cleaned the coils in the old one and it just doesn't put out enough cold air. It's 20 years old and it's time has come.

Thanks in advance for the help folks.

[fuzzbutt]

Now I have a dumb question.....or maybe not so dumb.
I now have the old AC unit sitting in my garage. Since it has freon in it, how do I dispose of it? I think I may need to take it to a recycling place and have the freon removed and then i can acrap it. If I put it out early for the trash pickup, one of the scrappers that drive around at night will surely grab it. It's about 80 lbs of metal.
Any ideers?

[mchero]

CONGRATS!

[fuzzbutt]

I did the new AC install yesterday. Went off without a hitch. I flung the old unit off the roof and passed the new one out a bedroom window onto the roof. Instructions were easy to follow and well written. The you tube video above was helpfull also.
The new unit must draw less amperage than the 20 year old one it replaced. I seem to be able to run it without tripping my breaker in the garage. That would be a nice bonus. The heat strip is a nice addition.
THANKS GUYS!

[fuzzbutt]

hedge wrote:
When I was trying to decide if I was going to do it myself I came across this video, maybe it will help. Looks pretty straight forward.

Coleman A/C install video

Awesome. Thats similar to the unit I just bought. The inside part looks the same. My winnebago has the fiberglass roof so I should be good. He used no sealer in between the gasket and the roof. Looks like a piece of cake. THANKS!!!

[hedge]

When I was trying to decide if I was going to do it myself I came across this video, maybe it will help. Looks pretty straight forward.

Coleman A/C install video

[fuzzbutt]

The plan is to do this install this Saturday if it's not raining. The gasket is already attached to the bottom of the new Coleman unit. Wondering if I should put down any sealer between the new gasket and the roof top?

[MEXICOWANDERER]

IMO the roof air has got to rank among the most awkward, heavy RV devices to install. I ended up buckling on a support belt as did my helper. I also used strips of junk plywood to help protect the roofs from "Oh gee whiz, whoops".

[dougrainer]

Bob Landry wrote:
Yes, it should come with a new gasket. If I remember correctly, there is adhesive on one side to keep it in place while you work. You pull the paper backing off and set it down around the opening.

The NEW AC unit comes with the gaskt installed. The "adhesive" you mention is only used when replacing a defective seal. The adhesive is used to secure it to the AC unit NOT the hole in the roof. Doug

[fuzzbutt]

Thanks Old Bisquit. Sounds just like I expected. I just didn't want to find a gotcha after I got into the job. The hardest part will be getting the new unit on the roof and the old unit off. I will actually be able to pass it out a bedroom window and right on to the roof. I will be ordering the new AC unit as soon as I get my tax refund.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Need to remove ceiling grill cover
Disconnect electrical wiring
Remove the 4 hold down bolts in the corners
Lift old unit up and out of roof opening...best done by 2 people

Remove old roof gasket
Clean up roof area
Install new gasket on unit
Set unit in roof opening......best done by 2 people (make sure gasket is properly positioned)
Install the 4 hold down bolts in corners----tighten evenly in 'X' pattern until new gasket has been compressed by half (new gasket 1" thick....tighten until it's 1/2" which is roughly 40 inch pounds of torque----that's INCH Pounds not FOOT pounds. Bolts should be 'snug')
Connect electrical wiring

[Old-Biscuit]

Need to remove ceiling grill cover
Disconnect electrical wiring
Remove the 4 hold down bolts in the corners
Lift old unit up and out of roof opening...best done by 2 people

Remove old roof gasket
Clean up roof area
Install new gasket on unit
Set unit in roof opening......best done by 2 people (make sure gasket is properly positioned)
Install the 4 hold down bolts in corners----tighten evenly in 'X' pattern until new gasket has been compressed by half (new gasket 1" thick....tighten until it's 1/2" which is roughly 40 inch pounds of torque----that's INCH Pounds not FOOT pounds. Bolts should be 'snug')
Connect electrical wiring

[otrfun]

fuzzbutt wrote:
Thanks guys. What about the swap. Looks pretty easy. I'm figuring that getting the A/C's on and off of the roof is going to be my hardest part of the job.

Will the roof on your Winnebago safely support you and the a/c's weight at the same time? If you're not sure, might want to protect the roof with some plywood while you're walking around up there.

[ScottG]

Ya, the worst part is lifting its 100# weight up on top of the roof.

[the_bear_II]

Swap is easy but I suggest at least two strong folks to do it just for safety.

Make sure when you tighten down the hold down bolts you crush the gasket for a good seal. I tightened mine down to where the A/C unit felt secure (wouldn't move). First rain I had leaks...retightened to where I could see the gasket crush and leaks went away.

[fuzzbutt]

Thanks guys. What about the swap. Looks pretty easy. I'm figuring that getting the A/C's on and off of the roof is going to be my hardest part of the job.