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Topic: Time to update the HVAC (Read 1313 times) previous topic - next topic

Time to update the HVAC

Hi All,

My  Dometics were making some noises when coming on. Although they were heating and cooling, they sounded like they were really working hard. Decided it was time and replaced the system. The new Brisk Air II units are so quiet and they seem to put out much more air volume.

The Thermostat is much easier to use.

I have a friend that has Compass Conversions( they convert high end horse trailers with living quarters) and his company did the upgrade in Temple, TX. Took about 3 Hours to complete, and the owner has had several Foretravels so he is very familiar with the coaches.  Compass Conversions | Highest Quality Horse Trailer Living Quarter Conversion...



Chuck & Brenda
2000 U295

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #1 –
Interesting.  Did you still have the original Penguins or something else when you replaced them?  It seems like everyone says that the newer air conditioners are much noisier than the older ones which makes me wonder if they have just tightened the mounting bolts down too much which causes extra vibration through the gasket being compressed too much.
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #2 –
R410 compressors are louder because of the higher pressures. Allow the unit a few weeks to "break in" before comparing noise levels. I dont know if its my ears adjusting, but an ac unit seems louder after its been run in.
95 U300SE

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #3 –
Have 2 R410 mini split units at the house,you cannot hear any compressor at all,think what the noise is is fan noise.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #4 –
Quote from: John44 –
Have 2 R410 mini split units at the house,you cannot hear any compressor at all,think what the noise is is fan noise.

The compressor is separate from the evap coil and fan, on the mini-splits. The only thing mounted to the wall is a fan and coils. I have the same style maybe not the same brand, but the condenser and compressor make enough noise that I am glad I mounted them on the roof.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #5 –
Mini splits are also likely to be inverter driven variable speed compressors, so often run much quieter, since they rarely run 100%
95 U300SE

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #6 –
Mini splits with invertor drives are very efficient, and most very quit.  The electronic expansion valve is located at the condensing unit. The indoor unit fan speeds are adjusted with the cooling load so when compressor ramps down as the load decreases, the indoor fan slows and continues to remove moisture, therefore providing excellent humidity control. Most start unloaded and ramp up compressor so that the inrush current is lower (and demand on the generator or invertor is reduced many X).  Some manf. offer multizone units so that one condensing unit feeds 2 or more evaporators (indoor units), but I have only seen these in 208 volt.  Many units can temporarily run their compressors at 133% to provide extra capacity.

Emailed Airxcel (the makers of Coleman) a couple of years ago about how great this would be and I never heard back.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #7 –
Sorry for the late reply,
 I replaced the original brisk aires that came with the coach in 2000. They were definitly much loader than these new 15K units:

Dometic Brisk II 15K BTU Roof AC with Heat Pump - RVSupplies.com

I went with the bigger units because it seems that most times we are only using one unit (Zone). At night we use Zone 1 and during the day Zone 2 and this adds to the noise reduction . The units don't seem to work as hard to cool the coach in the hot Texas heat.

Once I have some experience with them I will provide an update. We are headed out to Fredricksburg on Thursday for a 3 night stay and where we are parked, we won't get much shade.

As far as the tightness against the coach, I do not feel any excess vibration when they are running, so not really sure about that. The Owner (Clark McDaniel)  at Compass Conversions has had several Foretravel Coach's and is very well educated in them. I trust that his guys would not change the install from what is recommended by the manufacturer.

Cheers,
Chuck
Chuck & Brenda
2000 U295

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #8 –
A variation on AC noise was revealed to me when I checked out the rear unit by lifting the outside cover.  I was exploring the system (new owner of an older GV) as the rear AC made way too much noise.  I discovered that Mud-dauber Wasps had created a nest larger than a golf ball and it was attached firmly to the squirrel-cage fan on the inside.  This weight led to an unbalanced fan and considerable rumble likely transmitted by loose bearings of an old fan/motor shaft.  Removing the nest fixed my rumble noise.  No doubt all my repairs/renovations on the RV will be this easy :-)
Woody & Sandy Lloyd
1993 Grand Villa
Unihome U280
Cummins / Allison
Build # 4379

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #9 –
Made 2 trips now with the new A/C units and they are definitely quieter. Just returned from Lagrange and it got pretty cool by morning, so I tried out the Heat Pump mode and tha also worked well. I am very happy with the results so far.

As a side note, I have had several folks inquire about the old units, those have been sold.

cheers
Chuck & Brenda
2000 U295

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #10 –
Can the non-heat pump units be replaced with a heat pump type? Does the same t'stat work ?
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #11 –
Toyman,

I would research the T'stat to find your answer. See what T'stat you have in your rig and see if it works with the AC units you have/want to purchase.

HTH
Ed
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)
 

Re: Time to update the HVAC

Reply #12 –
Quote from: toyman –
Can the non-heat pump units be replaced with a heat pump type? Does the same t'stat work ?

To use a wall control rather than an on-unit one, the newer Dometics (Penguin II) require the CCCII controller, OR you might be able to replace the control boards in the new units to work with the old wall controller/thermostat (I believe Kent Speers went that route).  The new Penguin IIs do no work "out of the box" with the older wall control.

We went with the new CCCII when we had our rooftop units replaced.  It adds some additional function, for those with AquaHot you can set one zone to heatpump and the other to AquaHot and they will work in the modes selected (older controller would force identical mode for heating).  Mike Weaver at MOT did our install (and a great job).
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320