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Topic: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl. (Read 1698 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #25 –
Quote from: jcus –
Where are you going to put the compressor/condenser unit?

Good point.  Probably more opportunities in this regard in a GV though removing the useless dash air condenser, (in a flat nose coach) you could probably shoehorn one in the port side engine compartment.  These condensers are large and demanding regarding airflow, that's part of the high SEER rating.  They crank out some low db and massive cold air seemingly batting way above their ratings. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
Good point.  Probably more opportunities in this regard in a GV though removing the useless dash air condenser, (in a flat nose coach) you could probably shoehorn one in the port side engine compartment.  These condensers are large and demanding regarding airflow, that's part of the high SEER rating.  They crank out some low db and massive cold air seemingly batting way above their ratings. 

Thought about putting one in another coach, [non-gv] would have needed to put louvers on bay door and cut hole in bottom of bay to allow air flow, and would have wasted at least half a bay. Plus the biggest 110 models are 12000 btu's, meaning two units. Just have to put up with noisy overhead units till they make remote condensers you can put in port side engine compartment,  and compressors in one of the bays.
Believe one member put in modified window units, but can not remember how he vented the condensers.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #27 –
Venting of the condenser is paramount towards performance and efficiency, got a church with ultra high efficiency rooftop units hidden down below the parapets at the main front entry. Energy efficient upblast condenser fans don't have enough velocity to expel the air upwards so they keep tripping out on high head pressure, due to recirculation of hot air, and efficiency is much worse than a standard unit.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #28 –
Quote from: jcus –
Believe one member put in modified window units, but can not remember how he vented the condensers.
That was Jerry Whiteaker - proud owner of the world famous (almost) "slick roof" U270:

1996 U270 Dual Central Air Conditioning
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: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #30 –
The GV has a lot of room in the nose.  I removed the old condenser,leaving a large area for the compressor .  For the mini split, The short run to the pass foot well is also optimal IMHO. The last 2 feet my DW cant reach anyway.  Both units can drain as is .  For about 600$.
 The smallest may even run from an inverter ??  My fridge runs on a Chinese  PSW 1500 watt unit. trouble free so far.  8months,   

  I could also fit a window unit for a couple hundred, but still the noise... the noise...  I cant hear the voices in my head.

  The OE roof units sit in a puddle of (fishtank) water.  My thoughts are to move my newer front unit to the rear , while building a 1/2 in fiberglass riser and trough so better control the drainage.  Both of my units are sitting a little low  and water does not leave.  Poor design and adding a liitle hill for them to sit on makes sense to me .  I reparked the bus today leaving the nose 2 in low , hoping to drain the roof better. 

Thinking more.. fitting a window unit  at the bumper and extending the ducts  to the foot well makes the most sense per dollar.  For sound VS cooling.

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #31 –
We should wonder why have Rv owners accepted the units that are on the market.  You can scan the fourms of all makes. Conversation about noise, quality are abundant. Our money is our power to cause change. To run off other forms of power. Be at least 40db in use. Should be starting specifications of new rv ac systems. I am learning, I hope my current systems operate for a few years. Replacement will be with some form of mini split arrangement.  Keep thinking, exchanging ideas. 
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #32 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
The OE roof units sit in a puddle of (fishtank) water.
This is due to one of the few disadvantages of owning older GV models:  the flat roof.  Foretravel resolved that problem when it went to a crowned roof design on the Unicoach.

I like your idea of putting the A/C units on a "riser".  I'm surprised some enterprising entrepreneur does not market a kit for this purpose.
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: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #33 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
This is due to one of the few disadvantages of owning older GV models:  the flat roof.  Foretravel resolved that problem when it went to a crowned roof design on the Unicoach.
Chuck,
Not sure when the GV changed to a curved roof but our 95 has a curved roof and interior ceiling.............
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #34 –
Justin & Cathy,

Yes - this is why your '95 GV is so admired as the ultimate evolution of the model.  It incorporated the crowned roof and flat vertical rear cap of the upcoming Unicoach models, while retaining the classic nose of the GV (with a greatly improved access hatch).  PLUS - a RETARDER!

You definitely have a Keeper!
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: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #35 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Justin,

Yes - this is why your '95 GV is so admired as the ultimate evolution of the model.  It included the crowned roof and flat rear cap of the upcoming Unicoach models, while retaining the classic nose of the GV (with greatly improved access hatch).

You have a Keeper!

I do like the feature of the front AC being centered in the coach verses offset to the passenger side. It's unfortunate for us GV enthusiast that FT stopped the GV production after a handful of 96 models................... :(

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #36 –
The fix for flat roof is simple, build a 14"x14" frame of 3/4x2in Oak, install between the Alum roof structure and the Fiberglass skin, did ours about 5 years ago gets rid of the duck pond, no more leaks,
1988  40' Grand Villa Cat 3208t

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #37 –
Quote from: NancyS –
The fix for flat roof is simple, build a 14"x14" frame of 3/4x2in Oak, install between the Alum roof structure and the Fiberglass skin.
Interesting remedy!  I don't suppose you took photos of the mod, or better yet, posted a report on the Forum.

Could you give more details?  How exactly did you fit the wood frame in place?  Tell us more!
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: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #38 –
Dometic has an inverter ac unit, Harrier.  Available in Australia in 3.1Kw or 10,500 btu.  But it is 230Vac and probably different Hz.  So hopefully if it stands up to conditions there they might sell it here.  No start-up high amps, and quieter according to their webpages.
Dometic Harrier Inverter - Roof air conditioner
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #39 –
My point exactly,why try and reinvent the wheel,by the time you do that inverter unit will be here,the inverter part is what makes the mini-split extra efficiant.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #40 –
New AC went in yesterday. $230 for the labor onsite at the park. I ended up finding a 13.5 btu unit without control board for $960 in Panama. The local installer had the correct control board $150 in stock.

Other than a black cover (what they had in stock) we are happy to be back in business. If and when the back AC goes out I will buy a 15K btu unit with heat pump and move this new unit to the back.  This should improve the situation when staying at sites with only 30 amp connections.
2002 U270 34' Build 5953
Cummings ISL400HP
3410 Floor Plan
Longview, TX

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #42 –
This is very interesting.  Perhaps a separate thread...moderator?
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #43 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KwyN5r8GYA

Dual fans , Screw compressor , 3 fan speeds, 14K cooling. Good price .
Lots of smoke and mirrors on this unit, with no supporting data on their claimed efficiency. Screw compressor has been around a long time but is no means a revolution in efficiency. Separate fans are a good idea.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #44 –
Dont think it has any heat either... I went with atwood units.. I have 2 sitting in the garage to try and put on.. maybe this weekend.. Been 115 + lately ... Hot.. might just wait till it cools down top put them on and run new control wire

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #45 –
What claim is out of range?

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #46 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
What claim is out of range?
Last time I checked the website, there was no data available so IDK. Just hype.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake
 

Re: Help - Down AC in Desin Fl.

Reply #49 –
After watching the video the "claimed" 25% more efficient furrion units would put the 13.5k competition at over 1800 watts vs the 13.5k btuh furrion unit running at 1450 watts at some not "stated" conditions vs the 13.5 k Coleman at 1075 watts standard conditions and 1320 watts at desert conditions. Typically in the USA standard conditions are 95 degree ambient, and high temp conditions are 105. So sounds like BS hype to me.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake