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Topic: Air Conditioners (Read 703 times) previous topic - next topic

Air Conditioners

Thought this might be interesting as everyone has his/her own way of cooling down the coach.  So, what settings do you set your air conditioners on with regards to fan speed?
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #1
It varies according to humidity and temperature.  Low speed is better for removing moisture, and high speed reduces temperature faster.  No voting choice for that.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #2
It varies according to humidity and temperature.  Low speed is better for removing moisture, and high speed reduces temperature faster.  No voting choice for that. [/quote
On our Carriers, we run fast and hard to begin with (have learned to hit them a couple of hours BEFORE we think we'll have the need) As our inside temp gets to be stable, we'll back down from high and lower the on/off to comfy.  ^.^d  I don't agree with a low setting getting rid of humidity.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #3
We do like Mike - start out on Auto, and then switch to Low once target temp is reached.  Fan noise is more constant (and lower) on Low speed.

By the way, for those who might be considering the Atwood heat pumps - they are still working perfect.  We have had a string of 100+ days (one recent day was 106), and the coach is staying a comfy 72 degrees inside with both units running.  Coach sits out in the open in our driveway - no cover, and no shade until late afternoon.  Very happy with Atwood performance.  :thumbsup:

Atwood 15,000 BTU Non Ducted AC with Heat Pump
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #4
Chuck,can you use one remote for both units?
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #5
We run the bedroom fan on low at night for air flow and background noise. We switch back to auto in the morning. 
Luke & Sandy (still many work years to go...)
1999 U320 36 Build #5387
2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Previous 1997 Winnebago Vectra Grand Tour 35WQ major interior remodel
Previous several SOB trailers, Class C, fifth wheels.

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #6
In our last coach, a 37' SOB, we would run the front unit on turbo until it got comfortable, and then switch the fan to low....rear unit as required. In the FT, it seems we have to run both on turbo for outside temps above 90. I'm hoping, after I pull, clean, and do whatever else they need, that we'll be able to run the front, only, on low after cool down. ...might be nice to hear meself think...then again... ::)

Regarding Jerrys comment of running on low to remove humidity, that's true, so long as running on low gets the air below the dew point as it passes through the evaporator. I do this with our home A/C (high desert) ...switch the air handler to a lower speed during the monsoon. It does help. ...never tried it in the coach,

Greg   
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #7
If it isn't cooling start looking for air leaks into the coach. Air leaks especially in humid conditions can drag a ac units too there knees. Physics dictate that any ac coil cannot start  to meet normal sensible heat load capacity until the moisture is removed first.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #8
Chuck,can you use one remote for both units?
No.  Each Atwood unit has its own discrete remote control.

We actually haven't got much use out of the remotes, at least so far.  The digital controls on the ceiling panels are so easy to use that the remotes seem kinda superfluous, at least to me.  Guess I haven't (yet) gotten so lazy that I can't stand up and walk 5 steps to adjust the A/C.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #9
@ phred
Thanks for the advice. The coach is tight... no unusual air infiltration that I'm aware of. I suspect the condenser coils are filthy and fan seals are shot. The rear evap coil was partially clogged with mildew ... gave that a quick cleaning while en-route home from purchase. Will be getting to the roof items next week, after more pressing issues have been completed.
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #10
@ phred
Thanks for the advice. The coach is tight... no unusual air infiltration that I'm aware of. I suspect the condenser coils are filthy and fan seals are shot. The rear evap coil was partially clogged with mildew ... gave that a quick cleaning while en-route home from purchase. Will be getting to the roof items next week, after more pressing issues have been completed.

You will be surprised on how dirty they are... thinking and wondering how they still work with all that gunk up their.. work from the top down and you can get 99% of the gunk.

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #11
Thanks David. If they look anything like the roof, filthy will not be much of a surprise. They both need new roof gaskets and blocks, so I'm going to take them to ground level for cleaning/repairs.

Greg
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #12
There are three settings:

- Annoying
- Freight train
- Dual freight trains

Seriously though, I would love to replace the twin overhead noisemakers with a mini-split system. In the heat mode, these new mini-split systems can make rated BTUs down to 15 degrees F.

See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ancLHACUqoI
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

 

Re: Air Conditioners

Reply #13
Love your 3 settings  Tim!  With your dual, we have 3!  We have tried several settings and find that setting the air at the temps we wish and running the fan on low works!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus