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Topic: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices (Read 667 times) previous topic - next topic
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Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
When the original AC unit on our 1999 26' island bed died four years ago I had it replaced with a Dometic BrisK Air II. Well this one also failed. I was never really happy with it due to the high noise level even at low speed. Now looking for a replacement unit. Any input regarding a suitable replacement especially with a lower noise level will be greatly appreciated.
1999 26.5 Island Bed
Re: Roof AC Replacement Choices
Reply #1 –
A fair number of members on the Foretravel Forum have reported good results with the Atwood AC on older FTs.  These older FTs have non-ducted ACs like our LDs.  I've visited with several FT owners by email and they reported the units are noticeable quieter than Dometic, use less amps, and have a higher cooling output.  I also read some favorable reviews on the irv2 Forum.  The Atwood AC fan runs all the time, but is suppose to be quieter and less obnoxious.  There are a couple of Youtube videos by owners regarding the Atwood.

Atwood was designed and manufactured in Australia before Dometic bought them about a year or so ago.  Some RVers have wondered if the quality of the Atwood AC will suffer under Dometic ownership.  To be fair, some Atwood AC owners have also reported some problems.  If our Dometic ever needs replacement, we will certainly consider Atwood especially if the newer Dometic AC continue to receive poor reviews.  Best of luck on this important decision and please let us know what you decide.

August 24, 2018.  While looking for something on my computer, I stumbled upon this Atwood AC doc which I thought the OP might find helpful.
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #2 –
This advance RV AC is getting a lot of attention,  Downside its a little pricey, and has to be installed
at their factory in Cleveland at this point.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs9RdgivzRI
2003 MB
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #3 –
Quote from: hutch42  - 
This advance RV AC is getting a lot of attention,  Downside its a little pricey, and has to be installed
at their factory in Cleveland at this point.

The following is a cut & paste email from Advanced RV.

***********************
The cost of the AC is $2749.  We are scheduling into October.  It takes approximately two days for the AC install.  A deposit of $825 is due before we can set up the service appointment.  If you would like us to ship an AC unit to you,  we need to determine the compatibility of this unit on your motor home.  Please send us the make and model of your chassis, RV manufacturer and model, type of air conditioning unit you currently have, and a photo of your rooftop.

The price to purchase our A/C unit without install is $2,137 plus $150 shipping. Your shipment will include a manual for installation. You will receive a tracking number upon shipment.  Once we determine that the Quiet Air Conditioner is compatible and you confirm that you want to purchase the unit, Jody will send you an invoice. We accept credit cards and checks.  Thank you for your confidence in Advanced RV.
***********************

An interesting option which I hope is helpful.
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #4 –
It would be great if there was a ductless mini-split unit that could be used in RVs. 120V operation would be required, as would a 'bumper mount' compressor unit.  Units usually mount in an upper corner, which is a popular place for stuff in an RV.  But they're pretty inexpensive, quiet, and efficient.  Pipes to outdoors are required, and you'd be left with a hole in the roof, too.
Heat pumps are available with them, that work down to -22 degrees according to these guys: https://www.lennox.com/products/heating-cooling/mini-split-systems

Not something I'll be chasing any time soon, but if my rig was 6" lower I could put it in my garage.  Hmmm...
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 
It would be great if there was a ductless mini-split unit that could be used in RVs.

At least one (1) mini-split AC for an RV. 

A Mini Split is Perfect for an RV or Tiny Home - SoGoodToBuy.com

And a bit of a discussion on this topic.

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28917368.cfm

Notice the LD in the post?

One RV youtube video ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHDT5ZEpKkw

Very interesting with some real possibilities.
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #6 –
I was wondering about the clearance on the back of the outside unit.  If clearance was an issue, mount could swivel 90 degrees, or perhaps slide straight out a few inches from travel position. (Pivot could be hard on coolant lines, though.)

7 amps is good at 120 V. Probably a 9000BTU unit.  I'd go a few more amps for a few more BTUs because there's more volume to cool than his camper. 

I've done some ruggedizing work on electronics and mechanical things before, so I'd probably void the warranty and dive in and secure heavier electronic components on the pc boards for better over-the-road life.  I'd pre-reinforce mechanical bits, too. I'd consider this necessary because it would live out back on the bumper. Interior unit placement would depend on dimensions.

Wouldn't hurt to get all that weight off the roof, too. 

Next project -- inverter-style generator that slides in to existing cavity...
Probably already exists, too.
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 
Next project -- inverter-style generator that slides in to existing cavity...
Probably already exists, too.

If only Honda or Yamaha would get into the smaller RV generator market...
A few days ago, a fellow camper had two Honda 2000s running, linked together, to operate his A/C.
The combination of two generators was still much quieter than our Onan.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #8 –
For a little while, Honda made an RV generator.  Don't remember if it was inverter or standard, and I think it was a larger unit.

I have a EU3000is, and you can have a normal conversation right next to it at full load, it's so quiet.  I've used it for a healthy load of electronics, plus an RV rooftop air, but had to use a UPS on the electronics for stability.  4000W is a minimum. Two 2000s are quiet and portable by one person, but the 3000 is not.  But I'll have to admit I looked at the 3000 and wondered if it would fit if I eliminated the gas tank.  Won't be doing it -- just curiosity.
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Ed & Margee  - 
A fair number of members on the Foretravel Forum have reported good results with the Atwood AC on older FTs.  These older FTs have non-ducted ACs like our LDs.  I've visited with several FT owners by email and they reported the units are noticeable quieter than Dometic, use less amps, and have a higher cooling output.  I also read some favorable reviews on the irv2 Forum.  The Atwood AC fan runs all the time, but is suppose to be quieter and less obnoxious.  There are a couple of Youtube videos by owners regarding the Atwood.

Atwood was designed and manufactured in Australia before Dometic bought them about a year or so ago.  Some RVers have wondered if the quality of the Atwood AC will suffer under Dometic ownership.  To be fair, some Atwood AC owners have also reported some problems.  If our Dometic ever needs replacement, we will certainly consider Atwood especially if the newer Dometic AC continue to receive poor reviews.  Best of luck on this important decision and please let us know what you decide.

August 24, 2018.  While looking for something on my computer, I stumbled upon this Atwood AC doc which I thought the OP might find helpful.
1999 26.5 Island Bed
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #10 –
"If our Dometic ever needs replacement, we will certainly consider Atwood especially if the newer Dometic AC continue to receive poor reviews."

If, as you say, Dometic now owns the Atwood AC where will you look should you want a replacement? IMO that's foggy thinking!   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #13 –
Thank you for the advice on the Atwood replacement ac unit. I am  extremely happy with the quality, efficiency  and low noise level. I would recommend this as a replacement.
1999 26.5 Island Bed
 
Re: Roof Air Conditioner Replacement Choices
Reply #14 –
Quote from: P2NTRPRS  - 
Thank you for the advice on the Atwood replacement ac unit. I am  extremely happy with the quality, efficiency  and low noise level. I would recommend this as a replacement.
Thanks for providing the end of your story. 

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB