Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Coleman Rooftop AC
Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152569] |
Sun, 11 December 2011 19:43 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020 Registered: November 2010 Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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I have a Coleman Rooftop AC thats showing its age. I have never purchased a AC unit, but feel this unit isn't working correctly. (the air blows semi cool at best) The local RV place said they can't be refilled with gas. One of the controls is broken since the plastic is brittle. No big deal on the control I'm sure I can replace it myself with no problem.
Can anyone suggest a cost effective new AC with a heat strip? I have never shopped for one. I only have one AC with a Onan 4000KW working generator. I use propane for the frig. Not even sure where to start looking or how to pick. In AZ I know I really would like a unit that blew Ice Cubes!
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152581 is a reply to message #152569] |
Sun, 11 December 2011 20:37 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912 Registered: July 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Michael,
Here's where I bought two Dometic 13,500 BTU Brisk Roof Air Conditioning units last year for my 26' Avion. I added the heat strip in
both units. I don't think you would need or want two units in a 23 foot unit. One 15,000 should be OK.
http://www.adventurerv.net/major-appliances-air-conditioners-c-24_40.html
Unfortunately they are made in China and control knobs that are attached to the roof unit do not align very well with the internal
panel.
They are called hi-effiency units and I have had both of these units running off my 6000 watt Onan in the A/C mode.
If you buy an A/C unit and it is shipped to you I highly recommend that you take it out of the box, take the plastic cover off and
inspect it carefully before you install it!
One of the units I bought from Adventure RV was damaged by FedEx in shipment. When John Sharpe and I examined it carefully we
determined that it had been dropped on the back side (faces rear of GMC as installed). It hit so hard that the compressor bent the
pan to which it was mounted. John and I were able to detach the guts from the pan without damaging anything and straightening out
the pan. When we got done we mounted and fired it up. It vibrated like crazy and sounded like a 747 taking off! I took it to the
local Dometic dealer and he wound up changing the fan. I got lucky and the repair was done under warranty, I didn' tell them it was
shipping damage!
The down side is that they as high as the original units. They are cheaper than the low profile units and don't look as nice. Also
it has been stated here that the height effects gas mileage.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael
I have a Coleman Rooftop AC thats showing its age. I have never purchased a AC unit, but feel this unit isn't working correctly.
(the air blows semi cool at best) The local RV place said they can't be refilled with gas. One of the controls is broken since the
plastic is brittle. No big deal on the control I'm sure I can replace it myself with no problem.
Can anyone suggest a cost effective new AC with a heat strip? I have never shopped for one. I only have one AC with a Onan 4000KW
working generator. I use propane for the frig. Not even sure where to start looking or how to pick. In AZ I know I really would like
a unit that blew Ice Cubes!
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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Re: Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152596 is a reply to message #152569] |
Sun, 11 December 2011 21:35 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020 Registered: November 2010 Location: Hot AZ desert
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I will look at that website in better detail. But the prices didn't make me fall off my chair. Do most roof top units have the same size roof cut out for the controls? Maybe I'll have to call them with the model # of my Coleman and see what they have available for my Coach. I never saw that site before so thank you greatly!!!!
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152605 is a reply to message #152602] |
Sun, 11 December 2011 23:08 |
Greg and April
Messages: 263 Registered: December 2011
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Mind if I ask a question from someone new to the world of RV's?
Why 2 AC's?
Greg H.
"Your health is bound to be affected if, day after day, you say the opposite
of what you feel, if you grovel before what you dislike... Our nervous
system isn't just fiction, it's part of our physical body, and it can't be
forever violated with impunity."
Doctor Zhivago
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Mueller" <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, December 11, 2011 21:44
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC
>
> I have two 13,500 BTU units on Double Trouble in the USA and I can turn it
> into a meat locker even on the hottest days!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152607 is a reply to message #152605] |
Sun, 11 December 2011 23:33 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912 Registered: July 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Greg,
1) The max you can get in a single roof air is 15,000 BTU of cooling.
2) With two 13,500 BTU roof air units you can get 27,000 BTU of cooling.
3) On a hot humid day in the middle of summer one single 15,000 BTU unit can have problems keeping a GMC cool.
4) Two units can pull down the temp inside a GMC faster than one.
5) If you have two units you have a spare in case one dies.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Greg and April
Mind if I ask a question from someone new to the world of RV's?
Why 2 AC's?
Greg H.
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152610 is a reply to message #152607] |
Mon, 12 December 2011 00:37 |
Greg and April
Messages: 263 Registered: December 2011
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Thank you, each of those makes sense ( to a degree, if you will pardon the
pun ).
If someone was to live and spend most of their time in a dry climate ( say
mostly back and forth Colorado, where summers mostly top out in the upper
80's ), would 2 units be needed ( or even units that large )? As long as
I can get below 75* ( or even just get to a small area to cool off ) during
the hottest part of the day I'm happy. As for night, as long as the
temperature drops, I'm fine with open windows and a fan ( it's what I
normally do at home during the summer ).
I guess what I'm asking, is how does one calculate just how much cooling a
GMC needs?
.
Greg H.
"Your health is bound to be affected if, day after day, you say the opposite
of what you feel, if you grovel before what you dislike... Our nervous
system isn't just fiction, it's part of our physical body, and it can't be
forever violated with impunity."
Doctor Zhivago
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Mueller" <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, December 11, 2011 22:33
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC
Greg,
1) The max you can get in a single roof air is 15,000 BTU of cooling.
2) With two 13,500 BTU roof air units you can get 27,000 BTU of cooling.
3) On a hot humid day in the middle of summer one single 15,000 BTU unit can
have problems keeping a GMC cool.
4) Two units can pull down the temp inside a GMC faster than one.
5) If you have two units you have a spare in case one dies.
Regards,
Rob M.
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152615 is a reply to message #152610] |
Mon, 12 December 2011 01:24 |
Don A
Messages: 895 Registered: October 2008 Location: Dallas, TX
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<<<<<how does one calculate just how much cooling a
GMC needs?>>>>
depends on several things things: how well your coach is insulated, how maintained theu unit/s are, where the coach spends it's summers, color of your roof, etc.
Best advice is to follow the experience of others with a similar coach in similar locale.
Don Adams Dallas, TX
'76 26' Glenbrook, '90 Sidekick
rebuilt by R Archer, powered by J Bounds, Koba [IMG]http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6109/G2.jpg[/IMG]
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152618 is a reply to message #152610] |
Mon, 12 December 2011 07:19 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912 Registered: July 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Greg,
The amount of cooling required in a GMC is inversely proportionate to the amount of its insulation and directly propionate to the
amount of biological insulating material between your body's muscular system and subcutaneous layer. ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
PS - a 23 ft GMC will be fine with one 15,000 BTU unit
-----Original Message-----
From: Greg and April
Thank you, each of those makes sense (to a degree, if you will pardon the pun).
If someone was to live and spend most of their time in a dry climate ( say
mostly back and forth Colorado, where summers mostly top out in the upper
80's ), would 2 units be needed ( or even units that large )? As long as
I can get below 75* ( or even just get to a small area to cool off ) during
the hottest part of the day I'm happy. As for night, as long as the
temperature drops, I'm fine with open windows and a fan ( it's what I
normally do at home during the summer ).
I guess what I'm asking, is how does one calculate just how much cooling a
GMC needs?
.
Greg H.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152626 is a reply to message #152605] |
Mon, 12 December 2011 08:35 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260 Registered: January 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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""Mind if I ask a question from someone new to the world of RV's?
Why 2 AC's?
""
When you have a 26 ft in Arizona and it's 115 outside.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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Re: Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152630 is a reply to message #152569] |
Mon, 12 December 2011 08:47 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020 Registered: November 2010 Location: Hot AZ desert
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Or hotter! lol This summer here in AZ was brutal!
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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Re: Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152656 is a reply to message #152630] |
Mon, 12 December 2011 12:25 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576 Registered: February 2004 Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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Mr.RadioActive wrote on Mon, 12 December 2011 06:47 | Or hotter! lol This summer here in AZ was brutal!
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Tell me about it. I timed a trip south to PHX to be after the heat of the year... October.
It was 105 degrees.
I found the circuit breaker for the AC unit had gotten to old and tripped to easily. I could not find a replacement. (It was one of those thin doubled up ones.) 105 with no roof AC, just the dash AC, did not make the wife happy at ALL! (Not to mention how miserable the little fuzzy Pomeranian dog was.)
I swapped the wires so the AC used the other side of the double CB. No problem!
---
Back to buying Air Conditioners:
If you have a 26 foot coach install two. One in the "front hole" so you can use it to cool the cockpit area if you have to. The other should be all the way to the rear. Install a powered vent over the kitchen amidships. (Fantastic Fan?)
Keep in mind that the coach MOVES and you could "have to" make a trip somewhere HOT. Besides, it is always easier to not use something you have than to use something you do NOT have.
That being said, it is hard to justify two AC units on a 23 foot... especially a rear bath. (The only two "holes" are a few feet apart.)
Go with low profile units if you can fit them on your roof. (Around your Pods and stuff.) You might have to install the rear one "backwards." Some say this will effect the unit's airflow.... but most low profile units intake the sides and rear and "exhaust" out the top anyway. Also there isn't much call for running the rear AC while underway.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152664 is a reply to message #152615] |
Mon, 12 December 2011 13:12 |
Greg and April
Messages: 263 Registered: December 2011
Karma: 0
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Admittedly, I have been contemplating the use of heat reflecting paint, with
a normal coat of paint on top.
As for locating someone in my local with my model coach, that might be a bit
on the difficult side as I don't have a coach yet - I'm trying to learn all
I can before I make a purchase.
.
Greg H.
"Your health is bound to be affected if, day after day, you say the opposite
of what you feel, if you grovel before what you dislike... Our nervous
system isn't just fiction, it's part of our physical body, and it can't be
forever violated with impunity."
Doctor Zhivago
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Adams" <dj.adams@att.net>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 0:24
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC
>
> depends on several things things: how well your coach is insulated, how
> maintained theu unit/s are, where the coach spends it's summers, color of
> your roof, etc.
>
> Best advice is to follow the experience of others with a similar coach in
> similar locale.
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152728 is a reply to message #152664] |
Mon, 12 December 2011 19:29 |
rickmike
Messages: 252 Registered: September 2011 Location: United States
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Heat reflecting paint doesn't work anymore when you put another paint on top of it.
Rick M.
Greg and April wrote on Mon, 12 December 2011 14:12 | Admittedly, I have been contemplating the use of heat reflecting paint, with
a normal coat of paint on top.
As for locating someone in my local with my model coach, that might be a bit
on the difficult side as I don't have a coach yet - I'm trying to learn all
I can before I make a purchase.
.
Greg H.
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1974 26' Canyonlands
aka "The General"
Clinton, TN
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #152741 is a reply to message #152728] |
Mon, 12 December 2011 20:35 |
Greg and April
Messages: 263 Registered: December 2011
Karma: 0
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Good to know - I was assured on another forum that it would work.
.
Greg H.
"Your health is bound to be affected if, day after day, you say the opposite
of what you feel, if you grovel before what you dislike... Our nervous
system isn't just fiction, it's part of our physical body, and it can't be
forever violated with impunity."
Doctor Zhivago
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Michelhaugh" <rick.michelhaugh@frontiernet.net>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 18:29
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC
>
>
> Heat reflecting paint doesn't work anymore when you put another paint on
> top of it.
>
> Rick M.
>
> Greg and April wrote on Mon, 12 December 2011 14:12
>> Admittedly, I have been contemplating the use of heat reflecting paint,
>> with
>> a normal coat of paint on top.
>>
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #153053 is a reply to message #152581] |
Thu, 15 December 2011 11:54 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412 Registered: May 2011 Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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In Atlanta August on a blacktop parking lot, one unit in a 23' was marginal. It would hold 80 at the peak if I let it pull the coach down to about 60 in the morning. I suspect in Arizona, two would be the move.
johnny
'76 23' transmode Norris
'76 palm beach
________________________________
From: Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sunday, December 11, 2011 9:37 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC
Michael,
Here's where I bought two Dometic 13,500 BTU Brisk Roof Air Conditioning units last year for my 26' Avion. I added the heat strip in
both units. I don't think you would need or want two units in a 23 foot unit. One 15,000 should be OK.
http://www.adventurerv.net/major-appliances-air-conditioners-c-24_40.html
Unfortunately they are made in China and control knobs that are attached to the roof unit do not align very well with the internal
panel.
They are called hi-effiency units and I have had both of these units running off my 6000 watt Onan in the A/C mode.
If you buy an A/C unit and it is shipped to you I highly recommend that you take it out of the box, take the plastic cover off and
inspect it carefully before you install it!
One of the units I bought from Adventure RV was damaged by FedEx in shipment. When John Sharpe and I examined it carefully we
determined that it had been dropped on the back side (faces rear of GMC as installed). It hit so hard that the compressor bent the
pan to which it was mounted. John and I were able to detach the guts from the pan without damaging anything and straightening out
the pan. When we got done we mounted and fired it up. It vibrated like crazy and sounded like a 747 taking off! I took it to the
local Dometic dealer and he wound up changing the fan. I got lucky and the repair was done under warranty, I didn' tell them it was
shipping damage!
The down side is that they as high as the original units. They are cheaper than the low profile units and don't look as nice. Also
it has been stated here that the height effects gas mileage.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael
I have a Coleman Rooftop AC thats showing its age. I have never purchased a AC unit, but feel this unit isn't working correctly.
(the air blows semi cool at best) The local RV place said they can't be refilled with gas. One of the controls is broken since the
plastic is brittle. No big deal on the control I'm sure I can replace it myself with no problem.
Can anyone suggest a cost effective new AC with a heat strip? I have never shopped for one. I only have one AC with a Onan 4000KW
working generator. I use propane for the frig. Not even sure where to start looking or how to pick. In AZ I know I really would like
a unit that blew Ice Cubes!
--
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC [message #153058 is a reply to message #153053] |
Thu, 15 December 2011 13:09 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912 Registered: July 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Johnny,
How many BTU is the unit and how old is it?
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Johnny Bridges
Sent: Friday, 16 December 2011 4:55 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC
In Atlanta August on a blacktop parking lot, one unit in a 23' was marginal. It would hold 80 at the peak if I let it pull the
coach down to about 60 in the morning. I suspect in Arizona, two would be the move.
johnny
'76 23' transmode Norris
'76 palm beach
________________________________
From: Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sunday, December 11, 2011 9:37 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Coleman Rooftop AC
Michael,
Here's where I bought two Dometic 13,500 BTU Brisk Roof Air Conditioning units last year for my 26' Avion. I added the heat strip in
both units. I don't think you would need or want two units in a 23 foot unit. One 15,000 should be OK.
http://www.adventurerv.net/major-appliances-air-conditioners-c-24_40.html
Unfortunately they are made in China and control knobs that are attached to the roof unit do not align very well with the internal
panel.
They are called hi-effiency units and I have had both of these units running off my 6000 watt Onan in the A/C mode.
If you buy an A/C unit and it is shipped to you I highly recommend that you take it out of the box, take the plastic cover off and
inspect it carefully before you install it!
One of the units I bought from Adventure RV was damaged by FedEx in shipment. When John Sharpe and I examined it carefully we
determined that it had been dropped on the back side (faces rear of GMC as installed). It hit so hard that the compressor bent the
pan to which it was mounted. John and I were able to detach the guts from the pan without damaging anything and straightening out
the pan. When we got done we mounted and fired it up. It vibrated like crazy and sounded like a 747 taking off! I took it to the
local Dometic dealer and he wound up changing the fan. I got lucky and the repair was done under warranty, I didn' tell them it was
shipping damage!
The down side is that they as high as the original units. They are cheaper than the low profile units and don't look as nice. Also
it has been stated here that the height effects gas mileage.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael
I have a Coleman Rooftop AC thats showing its age. I have never purchased a AC unit, but feel this unit isn't working correctly.
(the air blows semi cool at best) The local RV place said they can't be refilled with gas. One of the controls is broken since the
plastic is brittle. No big deal on the control I'm sure I can replace it myself with no problem.
Can anyone suggest a cost effective new AC with a heat strip? I have never shopped for one. I only have one AC with a Onan 4000KW
working generator. I use propane for the frig. Not even sure where to start looking or how to pick. In AZ I know I really would like
a unit that blew Ice Cubes!
--
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GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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GMCnet mailing list
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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Re: Coleman Rooftop AC [message #153067 is a reply to message #152569] |
Thu, 15 December 2011 13:52 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447 Registered: October 2006 Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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You can do all the insulation you want, but with our glass area it's still a greenhouse on wheels. Most of the gain is solar and both units are needed on a 26 in the sun. The good thing about 2 is you can run the front at night if you sleep in back and not have all the wind and noise directly above you. Once the sun is down that is.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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