Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation
| Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299725] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 11:05  |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
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Hello, what would be the absolute best rear AC in the 13 btu range? I have the Atwood 15K AC/heat pump unit up front and I really like it. I would like to stick with the Atwood for the rear, but their 13k unit is the same dimensions as the 15k unit. So it would take up more space and I would have to modify the roof rack. But it could be done.
I would not really need a low profile unit, unless it would be the best option. Bottom line is im looking for extreme quietness, and quality. Side airflow could also be a good thing I would think. Although I don't know, I've never had a rear AC.
It is going on a 78 Royale center bath/kitchen. Any suggestions? Recommendations? Ideas? Thanks, Scott
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299730 is a reply to message #299725] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 11:46  |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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I think that is the million dollar question. I think the low profile units turned backwards is the answer.... but I do not know myself.
Please post what you find out. and also I am curious if you think that the rear A/C is a requirement or not?? I figured my 15.5 atwood would keep the whole coach cool.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299732 is a reply to message #299730] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 12:13 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
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Jon,
As of now, the rear AC has not been needed. But the hot summers down here in Texas might require it.
We have a lot of trips planned out for the summer, and I just wanted to be ready. And "dual zone" control could be nice.
As far as low profile units goes, I've heard that the outside fan can be very loud.
But the Atwood is soo good that the rear AC might not be needed. Scott.
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
[Updated on: Wed, 27 April 2016 12:15] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299735 is a reply to message #299732] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 13:10 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Rear A/C must be turned around to clear the center rear clearance lights. I don't believe that this mounting allows you to operate the read A/C while driving down the road. I have a Dometic low profile mounted in the rear position and it works well while parked.
I did see one coach at International, with the center clearance lights mounted on top of the A/C cover, and the A/C was mounted in the normal orientation.
I predict that you will need the second A/C in Texas. We appreciate it here in lower Alabama.
Tom,MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299737 is a reply to message #299725] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 13:43 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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the advent one looks a little shorter, but there documentation out there is crap so not positive if it would fit, or how good the unit is at all.
and not sure where you would buy one with confidence, but amazon shows them.
http://www.amazon.com/Advent-Air-Conditioner-Upper-13-5k/dp/B00C0X1T4Q
looks like it is about 6" shorter then the atwood.
Edit- after more review- it looks like Advents are considered junk. poor reviews, and china made??
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
[Updated on: Wed, 27 April 2016 13:47] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299738 is a reply to message #299737] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 14:11 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
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I still have the original AC in the aft. It works, but very noisy when the compressor kicks on.
I can't believe I can't find a direct replacement for that one. Is it possible to rebuild it? Or would that cost me the same as buying 2 new ones! Scott
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299745 is a reply to message #299738] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 15:05 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Scott, My guess, it would be cheaper to replace rather than repair an old RV style A/C. There have been reports of cooling failure after opening the sealed Freon system and installing a port. Newer ones weigh less, draw less power, and might be quieter.
JYMO
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299746 is a reply to message #299745] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 15:40 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Flagged down a GMCer a little over a year ago, that was spotted in my town, that was visiting from Texas.
He claimed he installed a tap into the original duotherm, vacuumed out the old refriderant, and put in duracool.
He claimed his power consumption went way down, the compressor was quiet, and it performed very well.
that is just what he told me when we visited, I don't think he is on the NET, or at least I never have talked or heard from him since.
so who knows... I never looked at mine close enough to see what modifications would need to be done to the rear to install another atwood. I know the front had a aluminum framed in 14 x 14 hole, I am not sure what the rear one is like, and if there is any way to move the hole itself a few inches forward, or how much it would even need to be moved. newer atwood It is a bit longer and skinnier then the original from what i remember.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299747 is a reply to message #299745] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 16:00 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Scott,
Colman and Dometic has one that is smaller that will fit.
On Wed, Apr 27, 2016 at 1:05 PM, Thomas Phipps wrote:
> Scott, My guess, it would be cheaper to replace rather than repair an old
> RV style A/C. There have been reports of cooling failure after opening the
> sealed Freon system and installing a port. Newer ones weigh less, draw
> less power, and might be quieter.
> JYMO
> Tom, MS II
> --
> 1975 GMC Avion
> KA4CSG
>
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
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Applied/GMC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299755 is a reply to message #299746] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 18:20 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
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RV and Home window AC units are designed to use R-22 freon. Duracool make a replacement for R-22 called R-22a and also Acme-cool 424a refrigerant. The R-12 duracool will not work in RV and Home AC units.
JR Wright
> On Apr 27, 2016, at 4:40 PM, Jon Roche wrote:
>
> Flagged down a GMCer a little over a year ago, that was spotted in my town, that was visiting from Texas.
>
> He claimed he installed a tap into the original duo therm, vacuumed out the old refrigerant, and put in duracool.
>
> He claimed his power consumption went way down, the compressor was quiet, and it performed very well.
>
> That is just what he told me when we visited, I don't think he is on the NET, or at least I never have talked or heard from him since.
>
> So who knows... I never looked at mine close enough to see what modifications would need to be done to the rear to install another Atwood. I know
> the front had an aluminum framed in 14 x 14 hole, I am not sure what the rear one is like, and if there is any way to move the hole itself a few
> Inches forward, or how much it would even need to be moved. Newer Atwood It is a bit longer and skinnier then the original from what I remember.
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299760 is a reply to message #299725] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 19:52 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Noisy start was caused by comp bolts too long hitting pan and defeating the rubber mounts benefit. There was a TSB to fix this. Shorter studs. One way is to reverse the mounting stud so long side is up.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299771 is a reply to message #299738] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 20:56 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Scott Nutter wrote on Wed, 27 April 2016 12:11I still have the original AC in the aft. It works, but very noisy when the compressor kicks on.
I can't believe I can't find a direct replacement for that one. Is it possible to rebuild it? Or would that cost me the same as buying 2 new ones! Scott
My rear 11000 btu duo therm has been noisy on start up for the last 30 years I have owned the coach. It is normal for a piston type compressor to be noisy on start up where the newer schroll or rotary compressors aren't. If it works ok and is only noisy on start up I wouldn't worry about it unless you just want to change it just because.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299790 is a reply to message #299725] |
Thu, 28 April 2016 07:48 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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The noise I'm speaking of was addressed at one of the GMCMI conventions. Louder than the normal startup noise. Caused by the stud hitting and using the roof as a sounding board. I will bet an original 40 year old unit will still be working when the offshore built ones are dead.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299813 is a reply to message #299730] |
Thu, 28 April 2016 12:38 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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lqqkatjon wrote on Wed, 27 April 2016 09:46I think that is the million dollar question. I think the low profile units turned backwards is the answer.... but I do not know myself.
Please post what you find out. and also I am curious if you think that the rear A/C is a requirement or not?? I figured my 15.5 atwood would keep the whole coach cool.
Jon, do you have a vent fan in the rear bedroom? My coach has two original AC units that work well, in spite of minor issues, but I wondered the same thing about just having one larger one. I have had occasion to use both units here in the Southwest, but maybe one 15.5 unit would suffice. The coach will get very warm in the rear bedroom area without the rear AC on, and I wonder if pulling some of that hot air out the roof vent would help the front unit keep the whole coach cool.
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
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299817 is a reply to message #299725] |
Thu, 28 April 2016 13:11 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
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I have a single Coleman Mach 15. Here in the muggy south it is just barely adequate. I'd imagine I will be adding a second AC this summer or next. If we park in the shade, keep the doors closed and windows drawn, the coach is fine up to 100 degrees, about 70 degrees inside. But if we are parked in the sun, you are lucky to get down to 75 degrees inside no matter what you do when the sun pours down. We did re-insulate much of the coach with bubble wrap, especially the ceiling, when we redid the interior, windows are tinted, etc. But if you are in the sun, and it's 90 degrees out, our single 15K is barely adequate.
My biggest problem is I have 3 kids. Going down the road that single 15K is not enough. Dash AC is useless, so we use the overhead, and I'm planning to add a second, both up front. That should help the travel issue. We find the back bedroom gets plenty of cold air flow and the problem for us is forward when driving, or the main body of the coach. The Mach 15 has vents front and back, but not on the sides. So directly under the unit seems very under served.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299820 is a reply to message #299725] |
Thu, 28 April 2016 14:32 |
Jack Ramsey
Messages: 82
Registered: December 2012
Location: Tulare, CA
Karma: 1
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Now the conversation is making me think I should mount my 2 penguin low profile 13.5's toward the front. One in the original location and one where the dining area vent is (Palm Beach). Seems too close together to work properly.
Has anyone who has the low profiles mounted backwards, experienced issues while driving down the road? I would assume it is not a good idea, but exterior air flow on the rear of theses beasts may be above the shroud covers and less of a problem than I think, but common sense tells me "it ain't right"
Am at the office so will have to check tonight, if possible to install in the rear hallway, but to clear doors may be an issue.
Jack Ramsey
Tulare, CA
TZE165V101526
1975 Palm Beach
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| Re: Rear Air Conditioneer recommendation [message #299885 is a reply to message #299820] |
Fri, 29 April 2016 15:43 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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The noise I'm talking about when the compressor kicks on doesn't sound metallic, so I don't know if the oversized bolt problem is my issue.
The noise I hear is the compressor kicking on when it cycles on and off to maintain temp. It is just loud enough to wake a person up while sleeping. The recirc fan runs at all times when the AC unit is on, which is normal. Scott
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
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