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Topic: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound (Read 348 times) previous topic - next topic
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RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
I am thinking of upgrading to the RecPro RV Air Conditioner Low Profile 13.5K Quiet AC Unit with Heat Pump, Remote, Non-Ducted sku RP-AC3400. 
They have an option for "Extending Bolts for Thick Roofs (>3-3/8")".  I don't think I need that.

I am thinking of getting the soft start, we currently do not have a generator for the RV, we may never have one, if so it would be a small quiet one.  Maybe I can wait and add the soft start later if I do get a small generator.

Our current AC is original from 1999 and the fan lately needs a push start to get going. I probably could fix it with a new start capacitor, but I would love to get a quieter one and now is probably the time.

I noticed that the 13.5 with heat pump is quieter than the 13.5 without heat pump and the 15K is close, also they both draw the same amperage.
13.5 non heat pump.
   Houghton   
  Power Demand           
  Approx. Full-Load Amps/Cooling   14A   
  Cubic Feet Per Minute   341   320   387
  Sound           
  dB Indoor High Speed   59.7 db   
  dB Indoor Low Speed   55.4 db   

13.5 with heat pump
   Houghton   
Power Demand           
Approx. Full-Load Amps/Cooling   14A   
Approx. Full-Load Amps/Heating   10A   
Cubic Feet Per Minute   318   320   300
Sound           
dB Indoor High Speed   56 dB   
dB Indoor Low Speed   47 dB   

15K with heat pump
   Houghton   
  Power Demand           
  Approx. Full-Load Amps/Cooling   14A   
  Approx. Full-Load Amps/Heating   12A   
  Cubic Feet Per Minute   341   320   300
  Sound           
  dB Indoor High Speed   59.1 db   
  dB Indoor Low Speed   55.4 db   

Quite interesting.  Add the heat pump to the 13.5 and it is quieter. The 15K is a bit quieter on high.










Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #1 –

The thick roof option is not needed.
With a MB, I would get the 15k version, it's what I plan on getting if and when the A/C finally dies in our 24' Front Lounge.

Since these A/Cs do not have inverter drives, I would install a soft-start when the A/C is installed. This should allow running the A/C on a small generator, such as a quiet Honda 2200.
A small generator may not be adequate if camping at high altitudes,  probably not much of a problem in Florida.
Please report back after the new A/C is installed.

If the fan doesn't want to start easily, remove the roof cover and oil the motor bearings, they are exposed and not hard to get to.
Amazon.com: 3-IN-ONE Motor Oil, 3 oz. : Automotive

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #2 –
Hi Steve;  I also have an original A/C unit, also a '99 and I've been watching it's performance degrade slowly over the last year. Probably also the starting or run capacitor.  Without the dual thermal pane windows, the 13.5k btuh can be marginal in high temperatures, say over 105 degrees outside.  I've been watching the owners of the Houghton unit for comments, and the 15k btuh unit is likely the 'heir apparent' since a lot of my camping is in the south western states.
    The Decibel scale is logarithmic, so a little difference in number can represent quite a difference in perceived loudness.   Houghton has an option for a soft start capacitor. I would definitely get that.  RV Air Conditioner 15K Quiet AC Unit with Heat Pump, Remote Control - RecPro
    Thanks for the comparison numbers.  I'm probably going to go for the 15k btuh Rec Air (Houghton) unit. The remote would be helpful allowing me to control it from our rear dinette. I would prefer the lower profile, like the A/C unit Brisk Air Dometic that I've had.  That taller 15k unit will raise my 'safe' bridge level a few inches.
     My hearing loss from a career working in 85 db+ environments without hearing protection means that the A/C running won't bother me much.  My wife and cats would prefer a quieter unit. Possibly I can run the higher capacity unit on the low setting more often.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #3 –
I heard back from REC pro.
The compressor size between the 13.5K and 15K are close in size, that is why there is little to no amperage difference.
As far as noise, the 13.5 with heat pump is lower to ceiling and the 15K's compressor is behind some components.

Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #4 –
The 15K I listed has a condensation pump for a drain, probably not the model I wanted.
RP-AC3800 is the one.

   Houghton   
  Power Demand           
  Approx. Full-Load Amps/Cooling   14A   
  Approx. Full-Load Amps/Heating   12A   
  Cubic Feet Per Minute   341   
  Sound           
  dB Indoor High Speed   59.1 db   
  dB Indoor Low Speed   55.4 db   

I see amperage and db are the same as the other one.

This is a tough decision being things vary a bit from what is expected.  IE, seeking mostly less noise as our original 13.5 cooled well enough for us.  Wasn't seeking a heat pump because if we have 120VAC we find an electric tower heater on low maintains. But the heat pump ones are quietest. The 13.5 with heat pump is the quietest, low profile (doesn't matter to us) and it is $100 more than the 15K. It is 3 to 7 db less than the 15K.   The 15K oddly is 80.3 lbs vs the 13.5k at 99 lbs. Weird.
Lighter could be easier for me to handle.  So 15K for being lighter and having more btu's at 100 dollars less, or the heavier 13.5K for 100 dollars more and a bit less noise.
I wish it was simpler, IE, less btu one being quieter, less amperage, less weight and less price, larger btu one being noisier, more amperage, heavier and more money.. I think they did this on purpose.    
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #5 –
Few things in life are simple. I would get the 15 K because our summers can get toasty, and the Factory 13K A/'C has trouble keeping the interior cool in 100+ temps..
My experience with Florida's summer heat and humidity would encourage buying as big an A/C as possible.YMMV

If we lived in Europe, Dometic sells inverter A/Cs there but they do not seem to be available in the US.
RV Air Conditioners | Dometic International
Inverter drives can allow variable speed or output. Our home heat pump has a variable output of heat or cold depending on where the thermostat is set.  This would be a nice feature in an RV A/C.

Edit: Houghton's Europe operation sells an inverter A/C, wired for Europe's 240-volt/50-cycle power.
240V AC / 50 Hz | Houghton Leisure Products Pty Ltd

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: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #6 –
I made a decision. I ordered the 15K with heat pump, white and with the soft start installed.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #7 –
Quote from: StevenJill  - 
I made a decision. I ordered the 15K with heat pump, white and with the soft start installed.

Please consider a cooling and dB review at some point.   Many of us would be interested and grateful.

Updated Question.   Some owners of this A/C have reported that the unit doesn’t remove humidity and may actually introduce humidity into the RV.   I’m very interested in feedback on this observation.
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #8 –
Has anyone tried cutting the gasket from the inside with a vibratory tool?

Or from the top with a something like a PVC pipe cable saw? 

I'll probably have to do this in the next few years, so I'm looking for tips....

Rich

2003 MB
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #9 –
Quote from: rich  - 
Has anyone tried cutting the gasket from the inside with a vibratory tool?

Or from the top with a something like a PVC pipe cable saw? 

The A/C gasket is about 1-1/2" wide, so cutting it in half from the inside would require a long blade. However, it should work.
A coarse hacksaw blade may also be useful when held with a blade holder.
Viganoc Hacksaw, Aluminum Frame Compact Hand Operating Hand Saw with 12 Inch...

A PVC cable saw would require drilling a hole through the gasket, threading the cable through the gasket, and then requiring two people, one inside and another on the roof, to attempt to coordinate the push and pull of the saw.
I would try the vibratory tool or a hacksaw first.

Lifting the A/C first and blocking it would put the gasket in tension. This may help in cutting it free from the inside.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #10 –
Here is the db of the 1999 AC.
The new unit should be in next week.

I edited to add a screenshot of the db right under the unit while on high fan with compressor on.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath