Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

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Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

February 09, 2020, 10:12:28 am

Hi all, my front ac is having issues. From what I can tell it is the original. The fan will come on and the compressor will try but but shuts down tripping the breaker, it has done this several times. Changed the capacitor thinking/hoping that it could be the problem and it's still doing the same thing. So does anyone have any suggestions or is it just time for a new AC. If a new ac is in my future I'll need to start researching cause from the little that I've read there is not a simple drop in unit..

While I'm on the subject is the difference between ducted and non ducted units is that one only blows out at the unit and not the built in ceiling ducts and all the controls are on the unit and not on a thermostat on the wall.. Is it possible to change just the front unit since the 2 units talk to each other.

Keith

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #1 – February 09, 2020, 10:17:43 am

AFAIK, the rooftop assembly for ducted and non-ducted installations would be basically the same.

One difference between ducted and non-ducted. Non-ducted units usually require a new inside cover panel that contains the air vents and the control panel. With ducted units you only change out the roof unit. In some cases, this could make replacing a ducted unit cheaper, although if a new wall thermostat/control panel is required, this might eat up the difference in cost.

Upgrading to the newer type heat pump units with dual motor technology can make a big difference in cooling performance and noise reduction.

I feel the upgrade was well worth the money, at least in our coach (non-ducted).

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #2 – February 09, 2020, 10:52:38 am

I think time for new AC unit.

There is a control board in each ac unit that does the talking between AC unit & thermostat. This board then talks to the other board. The control board is what can make any AC unit work with the thermostat.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #3 – February 09, 2020, 10:53:40 am

You can buy the same brand and compatible model and just deal with 4 bolts and the wires at the unit. Then it will work with your existing thermostat. What you have been reading is issues with using different brands and features.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #4 – February 09, 2020, 11:32:59 am

If both units are 20 years old, replace both. While I saved a lot of money with the atwoods, I would not do that again. Go with a direct replacement. Also I thought the heat pump feature would be good. It's not IMO. Doesn't work below 45 degrees much and not at all around 40F.
Ducted blows air into the ducts. Non Ducted blows air out the bottom.
Get what your coach has now.
My front unit failed first, and right after, the rear. Replacing them is not hard, but getting them up there can be.
Get the soft start if you can. Helps with the power surge. I only put it on my front unit as it runs off the inverter side. May install one in the rear unit as well when I am done with my refit. The new Dometic has it, but not sure if they sell it in the US yet, and its expensive.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #5 – February 09, 2020, 11:41:37 am

Strange that both your units failed near the same time Bob. They don't age out they wear out. The a/c's are still original on my '81 and they still work. We always dry camped and they didn't get used much. My son is in the '81 now and has to use the air in the summer here. I am sure I will be changing one out soon.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #6 – February 09, 2020, 12:07:34 pm

Quote from: Bob and Julie – February 09, 2020, 11:32:59 am

If both units are 20 years old, replace both. While I saved a lot of money with the atwoods, I would not do that again. Go with a direct replacement. Also I thought the heat pump feature would be good. It's not IMO. Doesn't work below 45 degrees much and not at all around 40F.
Ducted blows air into the ducts. Non Ducted blows air out the bottom.
Get what your coach has now.
My front unit failed first, and right after, the rear. Replacing them is not hard, but getting them up there can be.
Get the soft start if you can. Helps with the power surge. I only put it on my front unit as it runs off the inverter side. May install one in the rear unit as well when I am done with my refit. The new Dometic has it, but not sure if they sell it in the US yet, and its expensive.

Is the new Dometic the brisk ll air or is there something newer coming out soon??

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #7 – February 09, 2020, 04:16:55 pm

Hey Bob,
What does " go with a direct replacement" mean??
What is an " indirect" replacement?

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #8 – February 09, 2020, 05:23:18 pm

Quote from: GleamB – February 09, 2020, 04:16:55 pm

Hey Bob,
What does " go with a direct replacement" mean??
What is an " indirect" replacement?

While I'm not sure it's an indirect replacement a Dometic like the one that was on the coach originally would be the direct and anything else is the "indirect".

Keith there is a new unit they have in Europe called the freshjet. It has a soft start built in. Not sure if it's heading to the US.
Hopefully the Atwood's will be the last AC I have to buy.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #9 – February 09, 2020, 06:14:50 pm

Dometic FreshJet 2200 - Roof air conditioner with air distribution

This is the ac system mentioned in prior listing. Not In usa.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #10 – February 09, 2020, 06:19:23 pm

Appears to be link to a European spec A.C.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #11 – February 09, 2020, 08:22:07 pm

If I'm not mistaken, Dometic bought, then killed Atwood acs. We were seriously considering upgrading our units when we heard this news. I have seen a unit on YouTube that is said to be be very quiet, being installed at some RV dealer in Ohio. When I called for prices, I was shocked. Way too much money. I forgot the brand but think they are from Australia.? Is there a new best, quiet, 1500 btu unit out there worth considering, should, should it be necessary? And could I still use the t-stat that works with our Aqua Hot?

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #12 – February 09, 2020, 09:18:53 pm

We are replacing our 2 Dometic Duo Therms 13.5K BTU and installing 2 new Dometic Penguin II 15K BTU with Heat Pumps. Initially I was hoping to keep my existing thermostat but Dometic said it would not work with the new units. The new units come with the latest control boards and run on their new CCC II Thermostat. It is cheaper to upgrade my thermostat than to down grade the control boards in two units so I can use my old thermostat. The 2 Penguins will still use the existing wiring and the new thermostat will still use the existing communication cables and bedroom sensor. After extensive shopping everything will be purchased through PPL.

2- Penguin Heat Pump - High Capacity - Polar White - 651816HXX1C0 $1209.
99 each
2- Quick Cool Air Package - Ducted Return - Shell White $49.99 each
1- Dometic CCC II Thermostat - Polar White $105.99
Hope this helps,
John M.

Penguin Heat Pump High Capacity | Polar White -651816HXX1C0

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #13 – February 09, 2020, 09:50:06 pm

Quote from: John Morales – February 09, 2020, 09:18:53 pm

We are replacing our 2 Dometic Duo Therms 13.5K BTU and installing 2 new Dometic Penguin II 15K BTU with Heat Pumps. Initially I was hoping to keep my existing thermostat but Dometic said it would not work with the new units. The new units come with the latest control boards and run on their new CCC II Thermostat. It is cheaper to upgrade my thermostat than to down grade the control boards in two units so I can use my old thermostat. The 2 Penguins will still use the existing wiring and the new thermostat will still use the existing communication cables and bedroom sensor. After extensive shopping everything will be purchased through PPL.

2- Penguin Heat Pump - High Capacity - Polar White - 651816HXX1C0 $1209.
99 each
2- Quick Cool Air Package - Ducted Return - Shell White $49.99 each
1- Dometic CCC II Thermostat - Polar White $105.99
Hope this helps,
John M.

Penguin Heat Pump High Capacity | Polar White -651816HXX1C0

Hey john im just starting to research and am curious why you picked the Penguins over the Brisk ll air? Also did you do any research a furrion?
I'm guessing that's there's no way to just replace 1 with a plug and play unit?
Are you going to do the install?

Keith

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #14 – February 09, 2020, 10:29:43 pm

Quote from: hdff – February 09, 2020, 09:50:06 pm

Hey john im just starting to research and am curious why you picked the Penguins over the Brisk ll air? Also did you do any research a furrion?
I'm guessing that's there's no way to just replace 1 with a plug and play unit?
Are you going to do the install?

Keith

Keith,
I picked the Penguins because of their lower profile. I did research the Furrion and they do not have heat pumps and I didn't want the hassle of modifying my wiring and thermostat setup. Want to keep it simple. I'm going to do the install myself. I have a coachport with high roof and beam and will be installing a Unistrut rail and Trolley to raise the units, roll out to the side, and lower the units with a Gambrell Pulley system. I bought the Unistrut Trolley on Amazon, the Unistrut 10 foot rail through my local Ace Hardware and the Gambrell Pulley System from Harbor Freight. I have about $55 dollar tied into the three items.
John M.

https://youtu.be/7V5toTT3gbo

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #15 – February 09, 2020, 11:10:44 pm

John,
With the new setup, how do you turn on the Aqua Hot for heat?

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #16 – February 09, 2020, 11:33:12 pm

It will still functions like the old thermostat. Managing 2 zones, running cooling, heat pumps and furnace like before. Nothing changes, just the hardware. New features on the thermostat for programming usage like a residential thermostat and much more.
John M.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #17 – February 10, 2020, 12:19:22 am

That CCC II is what came on my coach when I bought it. Can set the time for the AH or air to come on just like the one at home except for just 2 timers for each zone. Wonder why the black is $85. and the white is $106.?

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #18 – February 10, 2020, 07:30:45 am

Quote from: craneman – February 10, 2020, 12:19:22 am

That CCC II is what came on my coach when I bought it. Can set the time for the AH or air to come on just like the one at home except for just 2 timers for each zone. Wonder why the black is $85. and the white is $106.?

Because they can. They know most want the white.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #19 – February 10, 2020, 08:56:24 am

Quote from: Bob and Julie – February 10, 2020, 07:30:45 am

Because they can. They know most want the white.

Also, most orig equip mfgs use the black, so volume also. I love that with this thermostat I can see the numbers and words so much easier.

I also found ordering from PPL was the best for me. I like that Dometic on their phone support line will verify compatibility of part numbers, and whether an additional item is needed to make it function.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #20 – February 10, 2020, 12:36:59 pm

Quote from: craneman – February 10, 2020, 12:19:22 am

Wonder why the black is $85. and the white is $106.?

Besides they can, volume, the black will stay black, the white will turn color soon and you may want them to GIVE you a new one that is still white for a while.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #21 – February 10, 2020, 01:08:34 pm

Take the $21 savings and buy the black cover then spray it white, gotta think that white would help the AC perform better than with a black shroud.

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #22 – February 10, 2020, 01:12:40 pm

Quote from: Olde English – February 10, 2020, 01:08:34 pm

Take the $21 savings and buy the black cover then spray it white, gotta think that white would help the AC perform better than with a black shroud.

Thermostat not cover

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #23 – July 06, 2020, 05:04:10 pm

I have used PPL in the past and have been very satisfied with them, price wise and shipping deals! However, they are out of stock right now and I need to save, as I have 3 airs on top of our rig! Yes, it gets cold quickly and freezes the DW out! lol

Re: Roof AC Question, probably not going to like the answer

Reply #24 – July 06, 2020, 05:56:28 pm

I thought the Forum liked the Atwood units as a replacement. There seem to be pre-Dometic Atwood's in stock at a few places.

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