Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Air Conditioners
| [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117293] |
Wed, 02 March 2011 21:56  |
SergeL
Messages: 169
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Ok, I am a long ways from getting new air conditioners but my wife and I
were making up a wish list and cost for the future.
Since we live in hot climate, (NM) I am assuming I will need two roof Air
Cond. To keep cool, what are the preferences for most of you and what size?
Of course price is always a big factor, so please consider that also. I have
one air conditioner on the GMC at the moment but I haven't gotten far enough
to even see if it works, since the PO painted everything out side on the
roof Pink, I don't even know what kind it is, again this is something in the
future so any information would be helpful.
Before we had our diesel pusher MH, we had a Rialta, it came with a small
roof top air unit, it really never cooled the MH down at all even though it
was only 24 feet long. I replaced it with a much larger unit and from that
point on we could have used our Rialta as a meat locker. It only had room
for one unit on the roof as opposed to two that we have on the GMC.
Thanks for any input, it will be added to my wish list info file for later
use.
Serge
1973 GMC HobbyCraft
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117299 is a reply to message #117293] |
Wed, 02 March 2011 22:35  |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
There are several manufacturers of rooftop ACs, and they all have their luses and minuses. If cost is not a factor, the Carrier Low Profile series is very nice if you can find one (Carrier stopped building them last year). Otherwise, use the search function and you can see the choices out there.
Two units should keep you cool down there. Up in Chicago, my 15,000 BTU Carrier does a great job by itself.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117304 is a reply to message #117299] |
Wed, 02 March 2011 23:26 |
bukzin
Messages: 840
Registered: April 2004
Location: North California
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
We live in the northern Sacramento Valley and use our coach
mostly in the summertime.
It is hot. With the limited space (headliner to roof) for insulation and all the glass, the heat gain is a major problem
for us.
105 degrees are standard here. I put a new rooftop unit on
and it seems to deliver about as much air as my original, which
is also on the roof. Neither are very impressive in our situation.
Running both together with the dash air (all 3 at once) makes
it loud and almost cool in our rig.
One option you might look at is a add-on to the dash air
system. One of the guys in our GMC club showed me his
'Vintage Air' set-up. Very cool while engine is running.
I think both Jim Bounds and Jim Kanamoto sell them.
Other owners have said one roof top unit will freeze them out.
Not our experience.
Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.
Bukzin
1977 Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117309 is a reply to message #117293] |
Wed, 02 March 2011 23:53 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I have two carrier Low Profiles. They are in my opinion the best design of them all. The condenser fan has it's own motor, and runs at high speed regardless of the indoor fan speed, so you get max heat transfer with that when the indoor fan is on low. I have the heat pump version. I live in Phoenix. Camp in the desert. Just one unit does really well, but you need two for a GMC.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117312 is a reply to message #117293] |
Thu, 03 March 2011 00:40 |
jtblank
Messages: 237
Registered: June 2007
Location: Tulare, CA
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Well being from central California I can attest to the need for 2 rooftop a/c units as many summer days are in the 100-110 range. If the coach has been sitting in the sun the 2 on full blast cool it down fairly rapidly, then you can throttle them back and sometimes revert to 1 to maintain, but on those hot days 2 is a requirement. One thing to note is the OEM insulation, is meager and I am currently redoing the headliner so I am redoing the insulation down to the beltline. I've read that many say that the thermal gain is really cut down so it should help alot. I prefer not to run the units on full blast all the time so I think having too much capacity is better than under and easier on the equipment. My setup is 15k OEM DuoTherm upfront and just replaced the rear with a 13.5K DuoTherm HP. I think the new one in the back puts out as much volume as the front and is colder. I like the reduced amp requirement of the HP and at night sleeping in the back with the closet door open, shutting off the front and running on low can turn the bedroom into a meat locker..makes for great sleeping and low demand on the generator. My only wish is that the low profile units were cheaper, if money no object then the penguin is it... sure looks good!
John Blankenship
'76 Palm Beach
Tulare, CA
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117332 is a reply to message #117299] |
Thu, 03 March 2011 08:39 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
|
Senior Member |
|
|
There is a Carrier low-profile a/c on eBay.
The seller started with 10 and is down to 1.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: GeorgeRud@aol.com
> Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2011 22:35:33 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners
>
>
>
> There are several manufacturers of rooftop ACs, and they all have their luses and minuses. If cost is not a factor, the Carrier Low Profile series is very nice if you can find one (Carrier stopped building them last year). Otherwise, use the search function and you can see the choices out there.
>
> Two units should keep you cool down there. Up in Chicago, my 15,000 BTU Carrier does a great job by itself.
> --
> George Rudawsky
> Chicago, IL
> 75 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117341 is a reply to message #117293] |
Thu, 03 March 2011 10:05 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Here in AL we have one 15K in the center of the coach with fore and aft fantastic fans. If we can't find shade, the coach gets warm in the summer with high humidity. We re-insulated a good portion of the coach when we re-did the interior, but 90+ degrees with high humidity our one AC 15K AC just doesn't keep up. Driving can get warm as well. Despite the fact that our 15K unit is only 3 years old, I'm already thinking about buying two 13K units. I'd like them in the fore and aft holes with the fantastic fan moved to the middle and bathroom. I'm not sure I want to have the power drain of a 15K and 13K, although I could be convinced. Personally I think we'd only use them both when plugged in, since we don't dry camp, and our troll runs the 15K, fridge, and lights for passengers just fine.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117349 is a reply to message #117341] |
Thu, 03 March 2011 10:51 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
|
Senior Member |
|
|
You might wish to read my message of 8:39 (CST)
from a bit earlier this morning, Jeremy.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
----------------------------------------
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: jtknezek@hotmail.com
> Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2011 10:05:24 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners
>
>
>
> Here in AL we have one 15K in the center of the coach with fore and aft fantastic fans. If we can't find shade, the coach gets warm in the summer with high humidity. We re-insulated a good portion of the coach when we re-did the interior, but 90+ degrees with high humidity our one AC 15K AC just doesn't keep up. Driving can get warm as well. Despite the fact that our 15K unit is only 3 years old, I'm already thinking about buying two 13K units. I'd like them in the fore and aft holes with the fantastic fan moved to the middle and bathroom. I'm not sure I want to have the power drain of a 15K and 13K, although I could be convinced. Personally I think we'd only use them both when plugged in, since we don't dry camp, and our troll runs the 15K, fridge, and lights for passengers just fine.
> --
> Thanks,
> Jeremy Knezek
> 1976 Glenbrook
> Birmingham, AL
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117389 is a reply to message #117334] |
Thu, 03 March 2011 16:38 |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Jim,
I too have an aftermarket A/C unit under the dash. Unfortunately, I am quite confident that it doesn't work correctly. That is one of the things I am going to be looking at this spring and possible at the Bean Station Rally.
Under the 'hood' I have a hose that appears to lead to the back of the A/C distribution box (not sure the correct name) behind the dash. The strange thing is that there is a ball valve in line with this hose that is obviously designed to cut off the flow of fluid. Does a setup like this sound familiar? Once the weather starts to warm up I am going to have to start doing some detective work!
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117395 is a reply to message #117389] |
Thu, 03 March 2011 17:21 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| thorndike wrote on Thu, 03 March 2011 16:38 |
Jim,
I too have an aftermarket A/C unit under the dash. Unfortunately, I am quite confident that it doesn't work correctly. That is one of the things I am going to be looking at this spring and possible at the Bean Station Rally.
Under the 'hood' I have a hose that appears to lead to the back of the A/C distribution box (not sure the correct name) behind the dash. The strange thing is that there is a ball valve in line with this hose that is obviously designed to cut off the flow of fluid. Does a setup like this sound familiar? Once the weather starts to warm up I am going to have to start doing some detective work!
|
Robert
What you are describing sounds like the hose to the heater core. Originally it had a vacuum operated shut off valve -- some owners have replaced with a ball valve or such. I used a replacement vacuum valve....
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=30899&title=gmc-motorhome-009&cat=4620
Dennis
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117414 is a reply to message #117293] |
Thu, 03 March 2011 20:07 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| Serge Leduc wrote on Wed, 02 March 2011 20:56 |
I have
one air conditioner on the GMC at the moment but I haven't gotten far enough
to even see if it works, since the PO painted everything out side on the
roof Pink, I don't even know what kind it is, again this is something in the
future so any information would be helpful.
Serge
1973 GMC HobbyCraft
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
Serge,
I have been told by someone who's opinion I trust, that the original Duo-Therm units cool as well, or better than the newer units. I have two on my coach and both work, although they both have problems. The front one has a worn bearing in the motor and rattles at low and medium speed, and the rear one has a weak motor and will not keep running on low speed. I have put up with this because they DO cool quite well. I will eventually replace them with something a little quieter (hopefully) and more efficient but, for now, I have other priorities for my Motorhome budget.
My suggestion would be that you get power to your rooftop unit, even if it is from the Onan, and try it out. This might end up being an upgrade you can put off for a while. If the capacity of the single unit is not enough (and in the desert Southwest, it probably won't be), you can always add a second unit in the rear, and upgrade the front one later.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117417 is a reply to message #117414] |
Thu, 03 March 2011 20:28 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Sorry, Carl. I have to disagree with that. There have been many
improvements in the design. Newer units pull less power and operate
more efficienrly. The airflow is better, they start better and are
quieter.
Emery Stora
On Mar 3, 2011, at 7:07 PM, Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Serge Leduc wrote on Wed, 02 March 2011 20:56
>> I have
>> one air conditioner on the GMC at the moment but I haven't gotten
>> far enough
>> to even see if it works, since the PO painted everything out side
>> on the
>> roof Pink, I don't even know what kind it is, again this is
>> something in the
>> future so any information would be helpful.
>>
>>
>> Serge
>> 1973 GMC HobbyCraft
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
> Serge,
>
> I have been told by someone who's opinion I trust, that the original
> Duo-Therm units cool as well, or better than the newer units. I
> have two on my coach and both work, although they both have
> problems. The front one has a worn bearing in the motor and rattles
> at low and medium speed, and the rear one has a weak motor and will
> not keep running on low speed. I have put up with this because they
> DO cool quite well. I will eventually replace them with something a
> little quieter (hopefully) and more efficient but, for now, I have
> other priorities for my Motorhome budget.
>
> My suggestion would be that you get power to your rooftop unit, even
> if it is from the Onan, and try it out. This might end up being an
> upgrade you can put off for a while. If the capacity of the single
> unit is not enough (and in the desert Southwest, it probably won't
> be), you can always add a second unit in the rear, and upgrade the
> front one later.
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117419 is a reply to message #117417] |
Thu, 03 March 2011 20:49 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
""I have been told by someone who's opinion I trust, that the original
> Duo-Therm units cool as well, or better than the newer units. I
> have two on my coach and both work, although they both have
> problems. The front one has a worn bearing in the motor and rattles
> at low and medium speed, and the rear one has a weak motor and will
> not keep running on low speed. I have put up with this because they
> DO cool quite well. I will eventually replace them with something a
> little quieter (hopefully) and more efficient but, for now, I have
> other priorities for my Motorhome budget.
"' I have two friends with the original units and although they are amazing as far as longevity, they don't hold a candle to the newer Duotherm units when it comes to cooling capabilty and noise..
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
[Updated on: Thu, 03 March 2011 20:49] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioners [message #117426 is a reply to message #117419] |
Thu, 03 March 2011 21:30 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
"Sorry, Carl. I have to disagree with that. There have been many
improvements in the design. Newer units pull less power and operate
more efficienrly. The airflow is better, they start better and are
quieter."
Emery Stora
"' I have two friends with the original units and although they are amazing as far as longevity, they don't hold a candle to the newer Duotherm units when it comes to cooling capabilty and noise.."
Emery and Bob,
I can't argue with either of you on those points but I still have set a low priority on replacing my original AC units. I'm sure I will wonder why it took me so long when I finally go for it. I guess my trusted source was mistaken on this issue.
My point remains, that for those of us on a budget (and aren't we all?) the old unit may get us by for a while. It is NOT one of those things that will kill us or leave us stranded by the side of the road. Just a bit uncomfortable! 
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Sat Oct 05 02:31:44 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.00877 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
