We have a 2002 U320 with the original Duo Therms. One of them has a failing blower motor and rather trying to replace the motor, I think it makes sense to replace the whole unit. Does anyone know which Dometic AC units are a replacement for the old Duo Therm's (I think the supply chain issues have been resolved). I think the Penguin II 15K BTU is the correct replacement , but I want to make sure and also get the correct "accessories" (multi zone /ducted) to make the swap as simple as possible. Anyone have experience upgrading to the newer Dometic models? Thanks
If you go to the new one, your old thermostat will not work with it. If you put the thermostat that it needs, then the other ac will not work with it. I would probably just replace the blower motor. It also could just be a bad capacitor.
^ great advice
Plus, the original Penguins were quieter than the newer Penguin II models.
You *can* replace the circuit board in a new Penguin II so that it works with the 5 button thermostat, I believe, but you'd have to check with a Dometic authorized service center on that (Dometic doesn't provide retail customer technical/parts support, in our experience.)
Also - they come in A/C-only and A/C-heat pump models. OEM in a 2002 would be a heat pump model.
Thanks for the responses. I did not realize I would have to change thermostats (using the old controller does not make sense). This really means that I should replace both AC units at the same time and sticking with Dometic does not have significant benefits. I think for now, I will just replace the fan motor and start the planning process for selecting new AC models and replace both sometime in the future.
The older RV air conditioners are tanks and are better built than most new units.
Keith Ricsh, the FT sensei in Nacogdoches strongly suggests maintaining them and running them as long as possible.
Edited to add, we looked at the new Penguins. Ours are 32 years old. They were really loud, if I recall correctly.
Consider ordering the start capacitor at the same time. When fan motor goes out it can take out start capacitor as well.
I had some issues with my AC and replaced the capacitor and PTCR relay as per Mike(Pam & Mike). Easy to install and no issues since.
Got it from FOT while I was there.
So along this topic sort of but...
I have two dometic roof AC units with heat strip 13500 btu model 63215 that i am thinking of replacing with exact closest dometic model as possible. I may, after reading this discussion entertain replacing a bunch of components on the originals. Both AC still work but are ALOT weaker than they should be.
1 suggestions for the the exact replacement? I have a 5 button thermostat and soft starts on each
2 could anyone point me in the right direction to look at parts and what should i be replacing? I only want to do this once....
If they are still working, then pretty hard to guess what parts to replace. The new ac's are not compatible with the 5 button thermostat so you would have to get the new thermostat.
If you buy the newer model you can take the circuit boards out of the old ones and install in the new ones. Plug and play with a couple of screws. Then save the new boards for when you have to upgrade to a newer thermostat. I actually love the new Dometic thermostat as it has timer features for the different zones to come on and go off.
If your old units are just not as cold as they used to be then clean your condenser and evaporator coils. The refrigerant shouldn't leak out on a sealed unit. If they are low on refrigerant it would be time to get the newer units because of cost to weld fill adaptors on the old ones to recharge them is very expensive compared to cost of new ones.
I would start by giving the AC a good cleaning outside to include the fins and ensuring your foam gasket is intact and properly installed.
Then a good cleaning of the inside of the unit including the blower wheel. Mine was pretty dirty.
Some members have also modified the inside to direct the air from the blower to the openings for the vents(sides) as opposed to straight down.
Hard to believe none of the name brands are making inverter rooftop RV a/c units. I wish Midea would step up to the plate. I use their U-shaped inverter window units and they are amazing for $300.