Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Topic: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe) (Read 1014 times) previous topic - next topic

Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

February 20, 2013, 11:45:37 am

Ducted or Non-ducted?

Having zero RV experience, this subject has me wondering. Newer Foretravel coaches (1997 and on) seem to mostly have ducted A/C. Prior to that, most seem to be non-ducted. I have read the main advantage to ducted air is better air distribution, more uniform cooling, etc. When sleeping at night, you can (I have read) run the front A/C unit and send the air back to the bedroom, thus lowering noise level in bedroom. This sounds like a good thing.

HOWEVER, the forum members owning the older coaches do not seem too unhappy with their setup, or at least they don't say much about it. Is it really such a hardship having to live with non-ducted A/C? It looks like the front A/C unit in non-ducted setups is usually placed further foreword (closer to the driver and passenger seats) on the coach roof. Would this be a advantage when driving down the highway with generator and roof air running (as I am told many do)? Does it help keep the front of the coach cooler in that situation? I've read where some people (with the older model ducted coaches) had the A/C duct system modified to extend further toward the front of the coach, more like the newer current design. Is the early ducted design inadequate or poorly arranged?

We will welcome any input, especially from those of you having experience with both type systems. Since we will be shopping for coaches built during the period where they were changing over from one design to the other, your comments may have a great bearing on our final choice.

Thanks, Chuck and Jeannie Avery

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #1 – February 20, 2013, 12:35:35 pm

We have non-ducted, and have no problem at all with it. I actually like the "white noise" of the unit, maybe because that's what I've always had in prior RVs. We weren't really looking for one or the other, but the particular coach we found had non-ducted and we were fine with that.

I also remember a salesman at MOT telling me that the first ducted Foretravels, in his opinion, didn't do a good job of sending enough air to the front of the coach. I think maybe there were not enough vents, or not placed far enough forward but I'm not sure.

Also, he mentioned that the lower ceiling height in the ducted coaches could be a consideration. Maybe he was just trying to sell me a non-ducted coach, but I can appreciate the reasoning now.

However, I don't think I'd let any of that scare me away from ducted...obviously, that's the standard now and works well. I'd just reiterate that we have no problem at all with the non-ducted model.

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #2 – February 20, 2013, 01:06:04 pm

Chris,

Thanks for the prompt reply! This is the stuff we need to know. I laughed at your comment about the "white noise" factor. My wife has trouble sleeping, and likes to have one of those "sounds of nature restful rain" CDs playing in the bedroom all night while we sleep. I'm so used to it I don't even hear it anymore (or perhaps my hearing is worse than I thought?). Anyway, the (night time) A/C noise probably wouldn't bother us a bit, and might save us the expense of buying more "rain" CDs!

As for the lower ceiling height in ducted units, we're both under 5'10", (and I'm shrinking more every year) so that would not be a problem.

I feel like the type A/C will not be a deal breaker either way.

Thanks again, Chuck and Jeannie Avery

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #3 – February 20, 2013, 05:57:07 pm

I am 6 foot and prefer the non ducted A/C for height.

Another factor for me, because I so seldom run the A/C (last time - 2012 April) while spending summers in cool Canada, with non ducted A/C it is easy to replace the A/C with a Fantastic Fan or Maxair fan. Replacing A/C with fan provides much more light and additional ceiling height. This replacement cannot be done with ducted A/C. I did this replacement on my former SOB and enjoyed the benefits.

I am considering replacing the front A/C (getting weak) in my 1996 U320 with a fan and replacing the four-button Dometic controller with seperate controls on A/C and heaters. I find the four-button controller is difficult to program. If anyone has already replaced the four-button controller I am most interested in how it was done.

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #4 – February 20, 2013, 06:17:19 pm

Quote from: bogeygolfer – February 20, 2013, 12:35:35 pm

We have non-ducted, and have no problem at all with it.
I also remember a salesman at MOT telling me that the first ducted Foretravels, in his opinion, didn't do a good job of sending enough air to the front of the coach. I think maybe there were not enough vents, or not placed far enough forward but I'm not sure.

You can always extend the ceiling ducting and add additional vents to the front like one of our members (Phil Bostrom) did. After seeing this modification I thought all the older coaches should have this modification. What a difference in the front of coach cooling.

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #5 – February 20, 2013, 06:31:44 pm

I have had none ducted in a SOB coach and ducted air in the 99 2000 and 2001.. In my 01 the ducts go all the way forward. Huge difference in allowing the front of the coach to be cooled. I have a friend who also did the extension on his ducting to the front on his 2000. It was a big help in the really hot weather. I think it is a benefit but it is not a deal killer but if you add in dual pane windows too then it starts to make a difference. If you can afford the ducted and dual pane then you might consider it.

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #6 – February 20, 2013, 10:26:53 pm

We have a non-ducted, two unit, and in August in Port Aransas, we are always comfortable with a single unit on low, running at the "other" end of the coach. We run the rear during the day, and switch to the front for sleeping. With the offset units aimed down the isles, either unit delivers to the other end of the coach just fine.

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #7 – February 20, 2013, 11:15:31 pm

I have never had ducted air, however, I always just THOUGHT it would be quiter and as a result better. I like my non ducted units. I run both units to get the coach cool, then usually run the front at night and the rear during the day...once the coach is cool, running one at the opposite end seems to maintain the temp just fine, no issues.

When traveling I only use my dash air, very seldom run the genset with the AC unit on. Did this a few times only because my dash air need some repair. My dash air is so cold now, I have to turn it down or add a little heat to it or it freezes me out, except driving into the west sun in the heat of the day!

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #8 – February 20, 2013, 11:33:48 pm

Lots of great info on this subject, from both sides of the question. This discussion has greatly eased my mind, since I will now have little concern about the "type" of A/C. As long as it functions properly, it will be considered just another factor in the overall condition of the coach. Thanks to all of you for your thoughtful input.

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #9 – February 21, 2013, 09:27:16 am

Mentioned is driving into the sun. We solved that problem last summer with windshield tint, legal and almost clear, and blocks an incredible amount of heat. You might have to look for the correct installer, the one in town here has now done a U225, and U300, and we both love the cooler into the sun travel.

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #10 – February 21, 2013, 10:17:38 am

For us an advantage in ducted a/c is the ability to, for example, run the center/galley area unit and have cool air in the bedroom with appreciably less night-time noise.

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #11 – February 21, 2013, 10:24:44 am

For us, we love to run the forward unit to cool us at night - we also leave the fan on Low vs. auto - less temperature variance in the bedroom (hot spots) AND not as noticiable when compressor cycles since fan is already on

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #12 – February 21, 2013, 10:32:25 am

Do you ever experience the unit freezing up when running on low fan speed? The a/c in our mpg was pretty noisy no matter what (small spaces are that way), so we were going to run on low, but at the factory rally we heard from the manufacturer that we should always use the high speed because that would move more air through the unit. Of course, ours was probably the cheapest a/c available, so maybe the units on Foretravels are higher quality to start with and are intended to be used on all the fan speeds.

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #13 – February 21, 2013, 11:01:39 am

We use our A/C just like Steve Mudd said. We run front air at night and back air during the day and have stayed very comfortable up to 100 degrees. Above 100 we run both airs during the day but front air at night. The other advantage of the 93 and older Grand Villas is their dash air seems to be more effective or maybe its the smaller windshield. We have never needed to run our generator and roof air even in hot summer unless its over 105 and we don't drive then if we can help it. Summer Oklahoma and Texas temps frequently run over 100 degrees but now that we are full time we can run away from the heat.

Admittedly, the ducted air would be my preference since it is a little quieter but the old roof vents really work just fine. I would not think that the type of A/C would be a deciding factor one way or the other.

Regarding David's question about freezing up, both the old and the new units come with a freeze sensor and if it is functioning as it should, freezing has never been a problem. If the A/C freezes, their is an easily fixable problem.

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #14 – February 21, 2013, 01:20:44 pm

Two years ago I had to replace my front AC. It works OK but it is noisy as h.... I have tried to quiet it to no avail. I understand that there are some lawsuits out over the noise of these things but I have put up with it too long now to get into it with Dometic.
Gary B

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #15 – February 21, 2013, 03:03:03 pm

We have non ducted air and are happy with it. I would not make it a priority if I purchased another coach personally.

Keith

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #16 – February 22, 2013, 11:40:14 am

I find my non ducted air with the older domestic units to be quieter than a ducted unit with the new noisemakers in general with one excerption...running the front ac to cool the bedroom is quieter. To me the lowered ceiling height is not worth the ducting advantages. Now, the larger front door of the newer coach with ducted ac is a big plus as are the double paned windows.

Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 21, 2025 ...

Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

February 20, 2013, 11:45:37 am

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #1 – February 20, 2013, 12:35:35 pm

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #2 – February 20, 2013, 01:06:04 pm

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #3 – February 20, 2013, 05:57:07 pm

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #4 – February 20, 2013, 06:17:19 pm

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #5 – February 20, 2013, 06:31:44 pm

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #6 – February 20, 2013, 10:26:53 pm

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #7 – February 20, 2013, 11:15:31 pm

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #8 – February 20, 2013, 11:33:48 pm

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #9 – February 21, 2013, 09:27:16 am

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #10 – February 21, 2013, 10:17:38 am

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #11 – February 21, 2013, 10:24:44 am

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #12 – February 21, 2013, 10:32:25 am

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #13 – February 21, 2013, 11:01:39 am

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #14 – February 21, 2013, 01:20:44 pm

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #15 – February 21, 2013, 03:03:03 pm

Re: Ducted vs. non-ducted A/C (split from Re: Another Clueless Wannabe)

Reply #16 – February 22, 2013, 11:40:14 am

Affiliate Notice