Dometic air conditioner

[nextlevel]

I recently purchased a Puma 38PFSKB travel trailer. I bought it last July. This large trailer came with just the one Dometic unit. The previous owner installed a window unit in the rear of the trailer where the bedroom is. Between the two it kept the trailer cool in Alabama's heat last year.

We are having a May record breaking heat wave right now and it got to 92 today. The ceiling unit is just not cooling like it should. It got 86 inside today. I have checked everything I know to check. Would the unit possibly need replacing?

[jwandvassie]

Measure the air temperature at the filter and at the nearest outlet. There should be a 20 degree difference. If not, something wrong with AC. If so, you need more AC.

[folivier]

Look at the inside unit where the filter is. There is probably a grille that can be slid open to direct the entire air flow down into the camper. Called a quick cool down feature. That could also show if there is a problem with the ductwork.

[Samsonsworld]

High humidity will kill its ability to cool and is a lot more likely to freeze up. Removing the filter will help, as can opening the bottom of the main unit (what I call dumping the air). It takes away from the vents, but it cools better. I use a small fan to circulate air when I do this (when stuck with a 30 amp site...I have two units).

[Jay_Pat]

Another how to clean a a/c.
It is a different brand.
Video
Hope this is helpful.
Pat

[nextlevel]

Thanks for all of the advice. I will do some cleaning and see what happens.

[nextlevel]

It is parked in the same place. I wish it was in the shade. I don't see any styrofoam insulation with the inside cover off. It appears to be metal ductwork.

[kerrlakeRoo]

Is the trailer still parked in the same place? If you are in full sun now, but shade, even partial before, that could make a huge difference in the interior temp.
Also check the volume of air being moved, sometimes the styrofoam insulation that the duct is cut into will collapse.

[nextlevel]

I watched the cleaning video. I will check the coils again. My concerned is generated by the fact that the trailer stayed in the 70's last year even with the hot weather as long as I ran the rear window unit.

This is a ducted unit. Would that have any bearing on the cooling situation? Should I seal off the ductwork from the blower? Ductwork does not seem to work well anyway.

[ScottG]

I don't think there's anything serious wrong with your existing AC. It's just too big of space for one unit.

[nextlevel]

Sorry. It is a 2011 model and the AC is original. I have cleaned under the shroud and I keep the filter clean. I pulled the shroud off this afternoon and felt the low pressure side of the compressor. It wasn't very cold. It is cooling down now but the sun has gone down. Still 77 inside.

[bobndot]

Yes, clean it, the below link shows 'how to' pics in part 2 Maintenance.

https://axleaddict.com/rvs/How-To-Service-And-Repair-A-Motorhome-Air-Conditioner-AC

[Lwiddis]

Have you cleaned the coils? Completed filter maintenance?

[MFL]

You aren't giving any info as to the age of RV or AC, but if more than a few years old, it may need a thorough cleaning. The filter is easy, but lots more under the shroud to clean. If after cleaning, still not doing the job, it may need replacing.

Jerry