Roof A/C Cover July 14, 2023, 01:42:56 pm I'm installing a new roof a/c to replace the original Duo-Therm. That unit has a black after market replacement cover which is fine shape. Here's a couple of photos. I'm in Tucson so if anyone wants it and can come by it's yours. jor 1 Likes
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #1 – July 14, 2023, 05:43:45 pm How did you drop the old A/C and lift the new A/C up to the roof?A folk lift would be handy.Wishing I had a forklift at times.Larry
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #2 – July 14, 2023, 06:14:01 pm QuoteHow did you drop the old A/C and lift the new A/C up to the roof?Same way I always do. Give it a push! I'll install the new one mañana. My youngest doesn't live far from us and he'll pop it up there for me. He's 6'5" and 285 so it's a piece of cake for him! jor
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #3 – July 14, 2023, 07:22:25 pm Are you putting on any sealant when you install it, or butyl, tape, or just going with the gasket that comes attached to the AC unit itself
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #4 – July 14, 2023, 07:29:59 pm Quote from: jor - July 14, 2023, 06:14:01 pm Same way I always do. Give it a push! Works every time.Consider installing a soft start, it makes a big difference in low-voltage starts and running at night.Larry
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #5 – July 15, 2023, 10:03:58 am QuoteAre you putting on any sealant when you install it, or butyl, tapeNo sealant of any kind just like every RV tech in the country does (unless he worked at the LD factory ). Good idea on the SoftStart, Larry. I am going to consider that. Thanks.jor 1 Likes
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #6 – July 15, 2023, 10:43:23 am Quote from: jor - July 15, 2023, 10:03:58 amGood idea on the SoftStart, Larry. I am going to consider that. Thanks.I'm surprised that A/C manufacturers are not adding this feature, it should be included in premium models.Windows A/Cs are now available with them, they are of great help in brownouts.What brand and model of A/C are you installing? Are you retaining the wall-mount control or switching to an A/C with the controls mounted on the ceiling trim piece?Stay cool, the heat dome is supposed to peak today.Larry
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #7 – July 15, 2023, 11:08:42 am QuoteWhat brand and model of A/C are you installing? Are you retaining the wall-mount control or switching to an A/C with the controls mounted on the ceiling trim piece?I'm following in Jason's footsteps and installing a Houghton. (a/c) It uses a remote control and displays the selected temp on the body of the inside ceiling unit. I'll remove the Duo-Therm thermostat. I should have it going today or tomorrow. As you mentioned, the heat is bad so if the work isn't done in the morning hours, it ain't gonna get done!!!'jor
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #8 – July 15, 2023, 12:01:53 pm Hi JOR; I think I found my next roof A/C unit. The lower db while running and the increased flexibility of programming it's operation is a winner to me. The extra cooling capacity certainly won't hurt either when I'm camping in nearby desert areas of southern California. They (RecPro) state that it doesn't normally need a softstart module. I suspect that it has some managed power start up feature already designed in. I would be concerned about voiding the warranty with an immediate install, I would at least consult with RecPro about this addition first. Being able to control the cooling from the rear dinette, which is also our sleeping area, would be great plus also. RonB
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #9 – July 15, 2023, 01:06:32 pm Quote from: jor - July 15, 2023, 11:08:42 amI'm following in Jason's footsteps and installing a Houghton. (a/c) It uses a remote control and displays the selected temp on the body of the inside ceiling unit. I'll remove the Duo-Therm thermostat. I should have it going today or tomorrow. As you mentioned, the heat is bad so if the work isn't done in the morning hours, it ain't gonna get done!!!'jorFYI - I am in the process of installing exactly the same unit on my 26 foot mid bath.I’m trying to get the Plenum to fit up inside the hole for where the AC unit will be installed on the roof. It’s as if the hole is 1/64 too small. It’s driving me nuts and my arms are tired. Taking a break to think this through.
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #10 – July 15, 2023, 01:27:36 pm Quote from: RonB - July 15, 2023, 12:01:53 pmHi JOR; I think I found my next roof A/C unit. The lower db while running…..They (RecPro) state that it doesn't normally need a softstart module…….Being able to control the cooling from the rear dinette, which is also our sleeping area, would be great plus also. RonBHi Ron, we have not found a need for a soft start type device on ours, it starts fine on the inverter plus the sound/vibration emitted when the compressor kicks on is negligible compared to our former Dometic. The remote has to be very close and pointed up at the display on the A/C to register the commands. When making changes to the settings, I make sure to have the display on the unit turned on to ensure that the command was received. We continue to be extremely happy with the upgrade (it’s only been a couple of months — totaling 3 weeks of camping) I just hope it lives longer than the Dometic that only lasted 6 years…but even if it’s close (and the choices remain the same) — it would likely be replaced with another Houghton due to the overall performance. Jason
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #11 – July 15, 2023, 01:31:26 pm Quote from: Jackhiett - July 15, 2023, 01:06:32 pmI’m trying to get the Plenum to fit up inside the hole for where the AC unit will be installed on the roof. It’s as if the hole is 1/64 too small.Jack, I checked with our installer (I couldn’t — just had knee surgery) who said that he did have to carefully shave the surface of one side of the framing to make it fit. I hope that makes sense. Jason 1 Likes
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #12 – July 15, 2023, 02:16:29 pm Quote from: SRQG8 - July 15, 2023, 01:31:26 pmJack, I checked with our installer (I couldn’t — just had knee surgery) who said that he did have to carefully shave the surface of one side of the framing to make it fit. I hope that makes sense. JasonI was thinking I might have to do some such thing. At least I know I’m not the only one.
Houghton A/C Installation Reply #13 – July 16, 2023, 02:19:12 pm OK, I got the Houghton in and running. That baby is quiet. What a difference. I set up a ladder midpoint and my son hoisted it up there. I ran into the same issue that Jason and Jack had with the plastic plenum. Just a teeeeeny bit too large. I shaved a little off the plenum but ended up doing as Jason's installer did and removed maybe a sixteenth for the front of the wood frame. In addition I trimmed the plenum bracket so it would clear the 120v wire race and the 12v wires (last photo). I trimmed the ceiling plastic inserts so the unit would lay flat against the ceiling. Always bothered me that LD installed the original right over those protrusions. I also had to put plugs in two of the original mounting holes as the new unit didn't cover them. I have to really complement RecPro for their packing job. It was excellent. Very little chance of the unit being damaged in transit (one time it took me three units to get one that was undamaged). Anyhow, the Houghton looks to be of excellent quality. jorForgot to mention that I torqued the mounting bolts to 7 NM which is around 60 inch pounds. That compresses the roof gasket about 50%. Added photol 5 Likes
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #15 – July 16, 2023, 04:23:20 pm I like it.Rec Pro shows an optional soft start for their A/Cs, including the 3800 series.https://www.recpro.com/rv-air-conditioner-soft-start/yLarry
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #16 – July 16, 2023, 04:24:10 pm Quick question if you remember. Does the longer part of the Plenum go towards the back or to the front?
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #17 – July 16, 2023, 04:37:29 pm QuoteQuoteDoes the longer part of the Plenum go towards the back or to the front? Do you mean the plenum mounting bracket? It can only go one way so it fits onto the outlet air duct. Re the plenum itself, I think you can mount it either way. You'll be blasting cold air before you know it!!!jor 1 Likes
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #18 – July 16, 2023, 06:50:59 pm Hi Jor; I noticed that the mounting screws were metric on the RecPro. I know that Lazy Daze had the A/C vent like all the others at 14" square exactly. Translated to metric it is 35.56 cm. If rounded off to 35.5 cm. for the European market, that .06 cm. would account for about .024" or a little more than 1/64th inch. (.0156"). So maybe that is why the holes for the Houghton A/C are always a little off. Glad to hear it went smoothly. RonB
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #19 – July 17, 2023, 09:41:45 am QuoteTranslated to metric it is 35.56 cm. If rounded off to 35.5 cm. for the European marketI think you hit the nail on the head, Ron. I checked out some youtube videos and noted that others had the same issue. One other thing. In my post describing the installation I neglected to mention an important step. The plenum bracket must be trimmed a bit to clear the the little pipe race for the 120v wires and for the 12 volt wires. I am modifying that post now and will include a photo.jor
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #20 – July 17, 2023, 01:39:04 pm Hi JOR; I'll include my picture for grinding off the EMT pipe flush with the wood. Before and after. RonB
Re: Roof A/C Cover Reply #21 – July 17, 2023, 01:54:45 pm Quotegrinding off the EMT pipeGood idea. My tunnel vision prevented me from considering it! jor
Topic: Roof A/C Cover (Read 618 times)
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Topic: Roof A/C Cover (Read 618 times)
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