Drmjwnj
Cherry Hill, NJ
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Joined: 05/26/2007
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2001 Roadtrek 200 Popular. The air conditioner unit that was installed last year (June, 2006) by the former owners was a standard Fedders (5000 BTU, I think) window air conditioner. While on our trip down to Florida (we're there now), the unit stopped putting out cold air (very, very boo!).
The first service guy I spoke with (and this was confirmed by my heating/air conditioner future son-in-law) stated that if the unit isn't designed for the RV world (something about the venting and drawing in the warm air, etc.) it probably won't last long (and it obviously didn't) as the compressor will seize up. It also seems that they agree that it is a better idea to replace the unit instead of just the compressor.
The questions: 1. Does all of that make sense?
2. What is the experience on replacement of the air conditioning unit (i.e., time to remove and replace with new one because we are down here for only 8 more days)?
3. What should I be looking for in a replacement unit?
4. Could I get one of the newer heat pump/air conditioner combination units as a replacement in the 200 Popular?
5. Any experience with a dealer/service company in the Naples, FL area?
6. How much will this hurt ($$$)?
Thanks.
Morrie Wiener
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wayne_tw
South Dakota/Georgia
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Joined: 07/21/2007
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If it is just the generic small 5000 BTU window unit, I have seen them at Lowes Home Depot and Walmart for less the $80. Throw the old one away- you can't get it repaired for the cost of a replacement. I am not sure the technician was correct. As long as there is adequate exchange of air over the coils, I don't think the A/C cares if it is in a RV, house, or chicken coop.
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Rodger
Tucson, AZ.
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Joined: 03/20/2002
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Read the tutorial on searching the archives, http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/15372572.cfm then spend some time there, you will find a lot of information.
This will get you started. http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/index.........B21%7D%7Cpd%7B366%7D%7Cma%7B%7D/sr/1.cfm
I don't know about all, but most of the AC units in Class B's are only going to give you 10 to 15 degrees of cooling, so don't expect mircicles from any of them.
Oh, and on a Rt. there is more to replacing the AC than just tossing out the old one, and slapping in a new one. There are step by step instructions either on here, Yahoo, or the Roadtrek International site, but you will have to join RI to have access to their archives.
Visit My Roadtrek
Hey, check out the new RV.Net Blogs!
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himarks
Austin, TX
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Joined: 06/29/2003
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Rodgers is right, and how it comes out depends on the year and model. Some years it dropped out the bottom, mine it came out the front..not hard but took awhile.
1998 Roadtrek Versatile 190
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rushin roulette
Beautiful *cough* Bakersfield
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Joined: 02/16/2007
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If it's a standard window unit, it should be fairly easy to
find a replacement. Most standard house units really aren't
designed for OTR travel though: kinda like having an earthquake
several times a day as far as the A/C unit is concerned.
5000 BTU is undersized as well.
Busted a U-joint at the crossroads of life.
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clayway
Florida
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Joined: 04/17/2006
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I would replace with the same Fedders unit, you can order direct from them. The movement of the van probably was not the issue, my guess is just a bad unit.
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larryb346
Missouri
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Joined: 06/02/2007
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Drmjwj
The fedders is a issue. I have a 2003 200p. Replaced the AC unit last year and the new one lasted about 3 months. It is not simply remove and go anywhere and get something and put in the hole. RT in its all knowing wisdom made the roof and cabinet and the complete rear of the 200 to fit the dimensions of the fedders unit. The fedders/maytag is the only AC unit I have been able to find with the dimensions needed to work. The one in mine is a factory 8000 btu. If you have a 5000 are several different brands that will fit. In the 8000 all but the fedders/maytag are too tall or too wide to fit the hole, The body is made and a hole cut in the fiberglass body and the interior cabinets made to fit the molded body so not a simple matter to make the hole larger and not possible to make the hole taller due to the top fitting and bottom being the molded roof. I have step by step instructions with pictures I can email you if your interested. The 8000 fedd and the maytag are the same unit and are as far as i have been bale to tell no longer being produced. They are hard to find, however not expensive if you locate one.
Larry
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clayway
Florida
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Joined: 04/17/2006
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Here is the site and pricing
http://www.fedders.com/catalog/appliances/roomac/index.htm
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Lynne Jayzee
Asheville NC
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Joined: 04/01/2003
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This might help you: Roadtrek 200 Air Conditioner Replacement
- LJZ
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larryb346
Missouri
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Clayway
The ones on the fedders site are mostly rebuilt units. Fedders Q code and Maytag Q code are identical and made by fedders, however most of the time the Maytags are cheaper if can be found retail. There is one other brand that is made by fedders but it excapes me right now as so many things do lately.
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