Where to Get Roof Air Conditioner Repaired?

[Nomads_2]

We are on our way back to the lower 48 from Alaska and will probably cross the border in Montana. One of our roof air conditioners (Coleman model 9024879) is in need of repair. We are looking for suggestions for a reliable repair facility before we get too far south.

Max and Anne
Nomads_2
Alaska2014.blogspot.com

[j-d]

OP - I looked at your wonderful blog and found you're in a Class A. I took that as ducted A/C with wall thermostat and somewhat complex controls in the "ceiling assembly." I was hoping for a travel trailer with non-ducted units. Oh well... RVP (Coleman) has your model as 902-4879 15,000 Heat Pump, right? They list the current replacement unit as 47024A879.
I was disappointed that RVP didn't post the Parts List, but the Wiring Diagram was there and I downloaded it. Diagram covers only the Rooftop Portion. We'd need the diagram for the Ceiling Assembly or maybe another Model Number to look that up.
Let us know if you want to try to tinker. We might be able to provide some tips.

[j-d]

Hey OP!!!

Are you able to get up and look at and do a little light duty checking and work on the A/C?

If so, what are your Symptoms? Just maybe we can help you settle it yourself.

[rockhillmanor]

estimate from the only mobile repair guy they (i.e. CG) would let in.

THIS should have been your first red flag.

In 7 years of traveling full time I have NEVER been at a CG that 'restricted' which RV mobile repair was 'allowed' in.

Sounds like this was a case of a crooked CG owner.

[B_O__Plenty]

rockhillmanor wrote:
THE best way I have found to get repairs done when traveling in an area I don't know is to call local CG's. They ALL have a mobile repair guy on call they know and trust.

I then head for that CG and have the mobile RV repair come out and fix the MH right at my site.

It is SO much easier than trying to leave it a RV dealership and having to get a motel. And HOPE you can get it back within a week. And more importantly no have to pay $100 an hour to a service tech who promptly punches out at 4:00 whether your RV is finished or not.

These mobile RV guys have all the common parts that break on an RV right on the truck, and if not they get them in 'one day'.

I now do ALL my repairs and maintenance on my MH while I am AT a CG.

I'm not so sure about the "trust" part. I was at a seasonal site for years and left soon after getting an "estimate" from the only mobile repair guy they would let in. His estimate was so off it was sinful. When I rejected his offer I was harassed for a couple months from him, looking for an estimate fee for an estimate I never authorized. The owner of the campground was getting a kickback and they were working together to rip people off. I had mentioned to the owner once about looking for someone to fix a leak. The next thing I knew he had let the guy into my trailer and I was getting phone calls pressuring me to do the work. In the end he wanted $3200. to replace the small roof on a slide-out. I did it myself for around $600.00 and finished it in one day. Part of his "estimate" was $280.00 for a dumpster. I hauled the trash away myself in two garbage bags...Plenty of crooks out there. In this State MN. there is no licensing requirement to repair RVs. All contractors are required to be licensed but it is not needed to work on an RV. Be careful who you chose.

B.O.

[rockhillmanor]

THE best way I have found to get repairs done when traveling in an area I don't know is to call local CG's. They ALL have a mobile repair guy on call they know and trust.

I then head for that CG and have the mobile RV repair come out and fix the MH right at my site.

It is SO much easier than trying to leave it a RV dealership and having to get a motel. And HOPE you can get it back within a week. And more importantly no have to pay $100 an hour to a service tech who promptly punches out at 4:00 whether your RV is finished or not.

These mobile RV guys have all the common parts that break on an RV right on the truck, and if not they get them in 'one day'.

I now do ALL my repairs and maintenance on my MH while I am AT a CG.

[WyoTraveler]

If going through Billings check out Pierce RV. They have several locations in Montana.

[Golden_HVAC]

There is a point where spending more than $450 to repair a air conditioner is not reasonable. But if it is only a replacement capacitor, or something easy, then it might only cost about $100 in shop fees to find out what is wrong with it. Still a new unit that might cost $650 - $750 is looking reasonable and will come with a warranty.

If your unit is under warranty, then you should be calling Coleman, and ask for a factory authorized repair facility.

I repaired a leak on a friend's A/C unit, and it took about 4 hours. I was able to find the leak quickly, a leaking cap tube, and then cut that open, put in a 1/4" tubing splice, and then evacuate, recharge with new R-22, and test it. That was back when R-22 was only $60 a 30 pound jug, while now wholesale cost is well over $400. Still it would have been a $600 repair at a RV repair store, because they want their mechanics working at around $100 per hour (or more in some cities) and also mark up the prices a lot.

Fred.

[robatthelake]

Depending on what is really wrong You might be looking to replace rather than repair that A/C unit!

[Golden_HVAC]

My guess you are going south on I15. It would help to give us a little more details of your planned route, and perhaps someone who lives in the area will suggest a location that repairs A/C units. Billings Mt is a large city, and you should find a location there.


Good luck!

Fred.