Roof AC Units

[Pete Masterson]

Unfortunately, so far as I can tell, there's no reliable statistics
on repair rates for RV rooftop AC units -- so it's a bit of a gamble
no matter what you choose.

One difference to consider is that some ACs are low-power units. For
example, I replaced 2 of my Dometic Penguin units with Dometic Brisk
Air High Efficiency units. (One original was damaged by a tree branch
and the other (bedroom) unit was simply not running well with a very
oily smell.)

The main reason I picked the Dometic units was that the thermostats
did not require changing. And, they were "drop in" compatible with
the ducted system I have in place. (The interior grill from the old
units was retained.) I selected the slightly more expensive high-
efficiency units because they draw only 10 amps vs. 14.5 amps for the
same BTU -- and this gives a little more flexibility when managing
power usage.

Note: the Penguin units are low profile, so the Brisk Air models are
taller -- but my King Dome sticks up higher than either, so it didn't
change my effective overall height.

So, I'd compare on price, BTU capacity, and power use ... so long as
there isn't something particular to your coach that mandates one
brand over another.

It's all a gamble as I've had a 50% failure rate. One of the two
(new) units 'froze up' and after taking it back to the dealer, their
test showed that it was low on freon. (Freezing up is the common
symptom of this.) Under warranty, they replace the whole unit rather
than simply charging it up -- and I've been backordered since the
beginning of July with my service date twice delayed...

However, I can't say that the Dometic units are unreliable as the
center unit (Dometic Penguin) still works just fine on my 12 year old
coach.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
El Sobrante CA
aeonix1@...



On Aug 12, 2007, at 10:55 AM, bi222444 wrote:

> Have to replace roof AC unit, the original Frigiking has given up
> the ghost. Is there any big difference between Carrier, Coleman or
> Dometic units or are they all basically the same? I am leaning towards
> the Carrier only bacause on EBAY there is a listing with a price of $
> 399 and $ 85 shipping, it sounds reasonable, when compared to the
> other listings I see.
>
> Fred Wells
> 1980 FC NY



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