Replace Roof AC units - 1992 WB40

[mbrund]

Well I lost another roof AC unit (cracked copper tubing, again), so
that's it, I am going to replace them now.

How do you get the lower unit cover off (these are the stock units
that came from BlueBird, so they are the vinyl covered lower
covers)?

I can not seem to figure out how they are attached so I can get to the
two rear most bolts through the AC unit.

Still debating between the Dometics or Carrier units. Probably go
with Penguins so I don't have to change a bunch of wires. But I will
be stuck to what I can get this week as we go on our trip starting
next weekend.....

[Pete Masterson]

My inside covers are plastic -- and the screws holding them are
reachable inside after you remove the 'return' screen.

While the Dometic Penguins are low profile (and probably exact
replacements for what you currently have) you might consider the
Dometic Brisk-air "High Efficiency" units. I replaced 2 of my 3
Penguins with these units. They only draw 10 amps (each) instead of
the 15 amps of the Penguins. The Dometic brand will work (usually)
work with the Dometic thermostats (if you have that arrangement) and
simplify the wiring necessary.

The downside is that the Brisk-Air units are several inches taller,
costing you some clearance. On my coach, the King Dome is already
taller -- so the Brisk-Air units didn't really affect my clearance
anyway...

The high efficiency units are slightly more expensive than the
"normal" units -- but you may appreciate being able to run them when
available current is limited -- it just gives you that much more
margin when using a 30 amp connection, etc.

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
currently at Chief Hosa, Colorado



On Jun 10, 2007, at 11:10 PM, mbrund wrote:

> Well I lost another roof AC unit (cracked copper tubing, again), so
> that's it, I am going to replace them now.
>
> How do you get the lower unit cover off (these are the stock units
> that came from BlueBird, so they are the vinyl covered lower
> covers)?
>
> I can not seem to figure out how they are attached so I can get to the
> two rear most bolts through the AC unit.
>
> Still debating between the Dometics or Carrier units. Probably go
> with Penguins so I don't have to change a bunch of wires. But I will
> be stuck to what I can get this week as we go on our trip starting
> next weekend.....

[mbrund]

Well because Dometic Tech Support is so bad, and the fact that I
could not get anyone to really tell me what I had to do with the
Thermostats (could I convert the wiring etc., which I know I can, but
the techs are clueless), I purchased 2 Carrier Heat Pumps which have
the sensors in the lower units and hand operated remote controls.

I will replace both forward AC's and put new lower units in as
well.

My current lower units are plywood wrapped with vinyl and I can not
see how they are attached to the ceiling. I can find the two
forward AC bolts in the return air side, but I thought there are two
that would be located in ducted air side as well. But I can not get
the lower unit off to see or get to them. Yes I can remove the metal
grill that holds the air filter in, but that does not let the lower
unit come down.

Now that I had to purchase new lower units for the Carrier I can man
handle them if I have to because if I destroy them it does not
matter. But I would rather not do that. Guess I will call Jessie at
BB and see if he can tell me how they are attached.

Michael Brundridge
1992 WB40
Georgetown, TX




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
wrote:
>
> My inside covers are plastic -- and the screws holding them are
> reachable inside after you remove the 'return' screen.
>
> While the Dometic Penguins are low profile (and probably exact
> replacements for what you currently have) you might consider the
> Dometic Brisk-air "High Efficiency" units. I replaced 2 of my 3
> Penguins with these units. They only draw 10 amps (each) instead
of
> the 15 amps of the Penguins. The Dometic brand will work (usually)
> work with the Dometic thermostats (if you have that arrangement)
and
> simplify the wiring necessary.
>
> The downside is that the Brisk-Air units are several inches
taller,
> costing you some clearance. On my coach, the King Dome is already
> taller -- so the Brisk-Air units didn't really affect my clearance
> anyway...
>
> The high efficiency units are slightly more expensive than the
> "normal" units -- but you may appreciate being able to run them
when
> available current is limited -- it just gives you that much more
> margin when using a 30 amp connection, etc.
>
> Pete Masterson
> aeonix1@...
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
> currently at Chief Hosa, Colorado
>
>
>
> On Jun 10, 2007, at 11:10 PM, mbrund wrote:
>
> > Well I lost another roof AC unit (cracked copper tubing, again),
so
> > that's it, I am going to replace them now.
> >
> > How do you get the lower unit cover off (these are the stock units
> > that came from BlueBird, so they are the vinyl covered lower
> > covers)?
> >
> > I can not seem to figure out how they are attached so I can get
to the
> > two rear most bolts through the AC unit.
> >
> > Still debating between the Dometics or Carrier units. Probably go
> > with Penguins so I don't have to change a bunch of wires. But I
will
> > be stuck to what I can get this week as we go on our trip starting
> > next weekend.....
>

[Thomas Rembert]

I have been trying to figure out how to get that lower cover off.
Please post your results Thanks, Thomas 93 wlwb

[mbrund]

Well I got them off. I purchased two Carrier AirV 15K BTU Heat Pumps,
I have had some internmittent issue with the Primus, so the heat pumps
give me heat without the need for Propane as long as the outside temp
does not get too low. They also solve the issues of having to replace
the dometic thermostats and get the special adapters to convert the
ribbon cable to RJ11 as they come with remote thermostats and a built
in head in the new lower unit.

If your lower units are like mine, where they match the ceiling
material, they are attached with four plastic push in retainers. I
will send you a picture from the side of the panel. The push pins are
located about 3 1/2" in from each corner.

To remove the grill:

1) Remove the 6 screws attaching the return air grill to the vinyl
covered lower unit

2) Grasp the lower unit with your fingers located on the inside edge of
the covers forward edge, and your thumbs on the outside edge about 4"
from each corner and pull down. This takes a little force as there are
four plastic pins that go from the lower panel up into the coaches
roof. These plastic pins have many small retaining fingers that cause
the panel to stay and place and you must over come their resistance.

3) Once the front comes lose you will be able to grab the back edge and
pull the rear of the unit down in the same fashion.

NOTE: I take no responsibility for these instructions, your mileage may
vary

Michael Brundridge
1992 WB40
Georgetown, TX

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Thomas Rembert"
wrote:
>
> I have been trying to figure out how to get that lower cover off.
> Please post your results Thanks, Thomas 93 wlwb
>

[Dan]

I replaced a dometic with a carrier heat pump in my 1981 FC but i didn't like
it. the carrier moves a lot more air and seemed a lot noisier even on the
lowest setting. i would be interested in your opinion on them after you get
them installed.
Thanks

Dan
81FC33
Jackson, MS

----- Original Message -----
From: mbrund
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 7:00 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Replace Roof AC units - 1992 WB40


Well I got them off. I purchased two Carrier AirV 15K BTU Heat Pumps,
I have had some internmittent issue with the Primus, so the heat pumps
give me heat without the need for Propane as long as the outside temp
does not get too low. They also solve the issues of having to replace
the dometic thermostats and get the special adapters to convert the
ribbon cable to RJ11 as they come with remote thermostats and a built
in head in the new lower unit.

If your lower units are like mine, where they match the ceiling
material, they are attached with four plastic push in retainers. I
will send you a picture from the side of the panel. The push pins are
located about 3 1/2" in from each corner.

To remove the grill:

1) Remove the 6 screws attaching the return air grill to the vinyl
covered lower unit

2) Grasp the lower unit with your fingers located on the inside edge of
the covers forward edge, and your thumbs on the outside edge about 4"
from each corner and pull down. This takes a little force as there are
four plastic pins that go from the lower panel up into the coaches
roof. These plastic pins have many small retaining fingers that cause
the panel to stay and place and you must over come their resistance.

3) Once the front comes lose you will be able to grab the back edge and
pull the rear of the unit down in the same fashion.

NOTE: I take no responsibility for these instructions, your mileage may
vary

Michael Brundridge
1992 WB40
Georgetown, TX

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Thomas Rembert"
wrote:
>
> I have been trying to figure out how to get that lower cover off.
> Please post your results Thanks, Thomas 93 wlwb
>






------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.13/843 - Release Date: 6/10/2007 1:39
PM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[mbrund]

I would say the same thing about the Colemans. We installed the
Coleman Mach 3PS (10AMP units) on our last coach and damn near never
got any sleep as the unit's where so noisy. That is one reason I am
not replacing the one in the bedroom at this time as the Dometic is
nice and quite, especially with the 1/2" thick padded plywood cover
that came with it from BB.

Michael Brundridge
1992 WB40
Georgetown, TX

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan" wrote:
>
> I replaced a dometic with a carrier heat pump in my 1981 FC but i
didn't like it. the carrier moves a lot more air and seemed a lot
noisier even on the lowest setting. i would be interested in your
opinion on them after you get them installed.
> Thanks
>
> Dan
> 81FC33
> Jackson, MS
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: mbrund
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 7:00 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Replace Roof AC units - 1992 WB40
>
>
> Well I got them off. I purchased two Carrier AirV 15K BTU Heat
Pumps,
> I have had some internmittent issue with the Primus, so the heat
pumps
> give me heat without the need for Propane as long as the outside
temp
> does not get too low. They also solve the issues of having to
replace
> the dometic thermostats and get the special adapters to convert
the
> ribbon cable to RJ11 as they come with remote thermostats and a
built
> in head in the new lower unit.
>
> If your lower units are like mine, where they match the ceiling
> material, they are attached with four plastic push in retainers.
I
> will send you a picture from the side of the panel. The push pins
are
> located about 3 1/2" in from each corner.
>
> To remove the grill:
>
> 1) Remove the 6 screws attaching the return air grill to the
vinyl
> covered lower unit
>
> 2) Grasp the lower unit with your fingers located on the inside
edge of
> the covers forward edge, and your thumbs on the outside edge
about 4"
> from each corner and pull down. This takes a little force as
there are
> four plastic pins that go from the lower panel up into the
coaches
> roof. These plastic pins have many small retaining fingers that
cause
> the panel to stay and place and you must over come their
resistance.
>
> 3) Once the front comes lose you will be able to grab the back
edge and
> pull the rear of the unit down in the same fashion.
>
> NOTE: I take no responsibility for these instructions, your
mileage may
> vary
>
> Michael Brundridge
> 1992 WB40
> Georgetown, TX
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Thomas Rembert"
> wrote:
> >
> > I have been trying to figure out how to get that lower cover
off.
> > Please post your results Thanks, Thomas 93 wlwb
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.13/843 - Release Date:
6/10/2007 1:39 PM
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[mbrund]

Picture of unit posted here:

http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/W...os/view/d7
f3?b=1


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbrund" <mbrund@...> wrote:
>
> Well I got them off. I purchased two Carrier AirV 15K BTU Heat
Pumps,
> I have had some internmittent issue with the Primus, so the heat
pumps
> give me heat without the need for Propane as long as the outside
temp
> does not get too low. They also solve the issues of having to
replace
> the dometic thermostats and get the special adapters to convert the
> ribbon cable to RJ11 as they come with remote thermostats and a
built
> in head in the new lower unit.
>
> If your lower units are like mine, where they match the ceiling
> material, they are attached with four plastic push in retainers. I
> will send you a picture from the side of the panel. The push pins
are
> located about 3 1/2" in from each corner.
>
> To remove the grill:
>
> 1) Remove the 6 screws attaching the return air grill to the vinyl
> covered lower unit
>
> 2) Grasp the lower unit with your fingers located on the inside
edge of
> the covers forward edge, and your thumbs on the outside edge about
4"
> from each corner and pull down. This takes a little force as there
are
> four plastic pins that go from the lower panel up into the coaches
> roof. These plastic pins have many small retaining fingers that
cause
> the panel to stay and place and you must over come their resistance.
>
> 3) Once the front comes lose you will be able to grab the back edge
and
> pull the rear of the unit down in the same fashion.
>
> NOTE: I take no responsibility for these instructions, your mileage
may
> vary
>
> Michael Brundridge
> 1992 WB40
> Georgetown, TX
>

[Stephen Birtles]

One thing we found with the Brisk air is to regularly exercise the fan
or it will seize on the bearing and there is no way to free them up
without replacing the fan motor
We replaced 2 that were only 2 years old they were covered under
warranty but it is a pain in the butt
Stephen 77fc35 dometic service parts and appliances available




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbrund" <mbrund@...> wrote:
>
> Picture of unit posted here:
>
> http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/W...os/view/d7
> f3?b=1
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbrund" <mbrund@> wrote:
> >
> > Well I got them off. I purchased two Carrier AirV 15K BTU Heat
> Pumps,
> > I have had some internmittent issue with the Primus, so the heat
> pumps
> > give me heat without the need for Propane as long as the outside
> temp
> > does not get too low. They also solve the issues of having to
> replace
> > the dometic thermostats and get the special adapters to convert the
> > ribbon cable to RJ11 as they come with remote thermostats and a
> built
> > in head in the new lower unit.
> >
> > If your lower units are like mine, where they match the ceiling
> > material, they are attached with four plastic push in retainers. I
> > will send you a picture from the side of the panel. The push pins
> are
> > located about 3 1/2" in from each corner.
> >
> > To remove the grill:
> >
> > 1) Remove the 6 screws attaching the return air grill to the vinyl
> > covered lower unit
> >
> > 2) Grasp the lower unit with your fingers located on the inside
> edge of
> > the covers forward edge, and your thumbs on the outside edge about
> 4"
> > from each corner and pull down. This takes a little force as there
> are
> > four plastic pins that go from the lower panel up into the coaches
> > roof. These plastic pins have many small retaining fingers that
> cause
> > the panel to stay and place and you must over come their resistance.
> >
> > 3) Once the front comes lose you will be able to grab the back edge
> and
> > pull the rear of the unit down in the same fashion.
> >
> > NOTE: I take no responsibility for these instructions, your mileage
> may
> > vary
> >
> > Michael Brundridge
> > 1992 WB40
> > Georgetown, TX
> >
>

[Pete Masterson]

Isn't your system ducted? I run the front or center unit at night and
it keeps the bedroom reasonably cool (having cooled the bedroom down
with the rear unit first) with little noise.

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




On Jun 11, 2007, at 6:21 PM, mbrund wrote:

> I would say the same thing about the Colemans. We installed the
> Coleman Mach 3PS (10AMP units) on our last coach and damn near never
> got any sleep as the unit's where so noisy. That is one reason I am
> not replacing the one in the bedroom at this time as the Dometic is
> nice and quite, especially with the 1/2" thick padded plywood cover
> that came with it from BB.
>
> Michael Brundridge
> 1992 WB40
> Georgetown, TX
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan" wrote:
>>
>> I replaced a dometic with a carrier heat pump in my 1981 FC but i
> didn't like it. the carrier moves a lot more air and seemed a lot
> noisier even on the lowest setting. i would be interested in your
> opinion on them after you get them installed.
>> Thanks
<snip>