keywestrv
key west fl
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Joined: 08/31/2006
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I have a Coleman or Duo-therm on my enclosed trailer, can't remember which, but I can't believe what my mechanic told me. They are made with no nipples or fittings to add/measure freon, so they would have to be welded in, and the gas itself would be more money than just putting in another AC unit. Is this common? They are not repairable? It blows warm, that's all. Compressor kicks in and out and all fan speeds work.
She goes really REALLY FAST
2002 Rexair 40' DP Cummins 400HP with Banks
Suzuki GS 290HP Top Gas Dragbike, 0-180mph in 7.5 seconds
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Enclosed race trailer, A/C, gen, compressor, mini-shop
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Sully2
Cincinnati
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Joined: 01/20/2003
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keywestrv wrote:I have a Coleman or Duo-therm on my enclosed trailer, can't remember which, but I can't believe what my mechanic told me. They are made with no nipples or fittings to add/measure freon, so they would have to be welded in, and the gas itself would be more money than just putting in another AC unit. Is this common? They are not repairable? It blows warm, that's all. Compressor kicks in and out and all fan speeds work.
Not sure how a brand new one is setup...but Ive watched my coach tech friend ADD freon to rooftop AC units. In fact he has a BIG cylinder of the "old" sutff..whatever it was called.
Id say your mech is flat either lieing or doesnt know!
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
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mexfishguide
arkansas
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Yes, it is common, many units were made that way, not just for RVs but home models as well.
Use to, we could buy the small saddle type charging valves to install in the line add dye, check for leaks and add freon.
Don/t think you can buy them anymore? Plus the older grades of freon are being phased out, in the name of EPA progress.
Take care
Mexfishguide
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MI Director
Michigan
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They can be repaired but the mechanic has to be real lucky. They are a totally sealed unit and repair is at best only a 50-50 deal. Since the early 90's when they started to use more and more of the new generation Ferons the repair able has continued to drop. They also have stopped tagging the Feron charge and just write it down on the compressor or where ever they find a place.
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ArcticDodge
Sammamish, WA
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Pretty much what I found out. The units are sealed systems and no one is interested in dealing with them. The freon can only be obtained by a licensed tech. A friend of mine owns a refer repair business that services the semi trailer cooling units. He install a clamp on nipple and check the freon. All was good there, but the compressor was bad. Cost me a case of Corona.
Bought a new unit from RV exit, had a couple of friends stop by to help move the old on off and the new one in.
2009 Komfort 256TS Yamaha EF2400iS
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fordsooperdootydieselsmoker
OrangeCountyCalifornia
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They are actually permanently "hermetically" sealed systems needing no maintenance. So much for built in obsolescence!
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keywestrv
key west fl
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Dam! That's an expensive disposable item.
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Kenneth
Washington, the state
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I've had hermetic compressors that ran in continuous service for 23 years. They were Yorks, which are usually junk, but these surprised all of us.
A refrigerant leak is the least common cause of trouble for these RV units. Most likely is either a control device or a motor. Piercing charging nipples work but may leak after a time. Soldered charging nipples take a couple of minutes each, so aren't a big deal for a real reefer tech--but that still isn't likely the problem. If there is a refrigerant leakage, the leak first must be found and fixed, then the unit evacuated under a deep vacuum, then recharged with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Older units may very well cost a lot to fix what ever's broken, and everything else on it is still old and near break down, so replacing the whole unit isn't a bad idea.
I'm free of prostate cancer for 5 years now.
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Big Katuna
Deland, FL
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Joined: 12/27/2003
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You sure the compressor is really kicking in? The starting circuit on these is well known for regular failure. I have replaced the starting cap and variable thermisitor dealy TWICE on a three year old motorhome. Take the cover off, and there is a small piece of sheet metal that comes off with a few screws and look to see if one of the capacitors isn't bleeding or if there is a bunch of black stuff from the thermistor dealy. You can buy a hard start kit for $25.00
And yes, the price of these glorified window units is crazy. Almost as silly as DW's shoes or a Coach purse.
Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something, wearing plaids with stripes comes easy.
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keywestrv
key west fl
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I'll look thanks for the tip Katuna
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