Basement Air HELP!

jdefant · 06-06-2011, 11:34 AM

I want to buy a 2002 Adventurer. The particular RV that I just had surveyed came back with some basement air issues. The RV mechanic (North Point RV in Ft. Meyers, Fl) said they cannot fix this type of issue with these AC units (it has a freon leak somewhere around one of the compressors). Does anyone have a suggestion? What's worse case on something like this? I am trying to decide to buy the RV or not and this looks like the only issue. Any sugesstions would be appreciated!

**RJay** · 06-06-2011, 11:51 AM

I would recommend the dealer make the repairs as a condition of purchase and that you don't put any money down until the repair is satisfactory. This is a expensive repair which is why I suspect he hasn't done it.

azloafer · 06-06-2011, 01:21 PM

You have received good advice. Don't let any money change hands until the repair is done. Even then it might be a good idea to have a clause in the contract re the basement air if you should have any problem after the purchase. I see so many posts where the suggestion is to add refrigerant and NOT to find the leak first. What good is it to add refrigerant and then have it slowly leak out again?

WD40 · 06-06-2011, 01:21 PM

It mite be best to look at another unit.
Doug

Bug512 · 06-06-2011, 01:32 PM

If they can't fix that or get someone to fix it I would run away. What good are they going to be in the future for warrantee repairs.

Have you personally tested the air conditioning?

pameridan04 · 06-06-2011, 02:38 PM

BE Carefull:

If you have to pay out of pocket it could easily go for between $500 and or $5K to replace both units. If you have to.. walk away, unless you can get a guarntee on the fix. Or monies reduced from the buyer.

It is expensive to drop those units, ask me how I know..!!!

Regards Jim P.

jdefant · 06-06-2011, 02:39 PM

Thanks for the comments. Something I failed to say was that it is a private seller in Ft Meyers. North Point was just a shop I chose to inspect the RV for me. I live in the Tampa Bay area and spoke to a service rep at Harberson RV. He said they work on basement airs all the time. The concern he has is sometimes getting parts but was fairly confident that it could be fixed. But I look at all the posts here from owners with basement air problems and...well it makes me wonder.

Bug512 · 06-06-2011, 02:44 PM

If it is a refrigerant leak then a residential HVAC/refrigeration technician could handle this. Ask the buyer to have this repaired under your supervision first.

Lots of information on the manufactures website.

John Hilley · 06-06-2011, 06:03 PM

I had a problem with the basement air in a 2003 Adventurer I bought this spring. I took it to the factory in Forest City. They changed the thermostat and cleaned the evaporator and fixed the duct in the end cap. It cost $570 to fix.

pameridan04 · 06-06-2011, 08:19 PM

Hi jdefant:

I just had my A/C units dropped. I am replacing the fan motor, capacitor, and arm for about $750 rvbucks.

From what I read, the bottom Winnie A/C units have been pretty reliable. By the way they are making the basement units again, so parts should not be a problem.

Private sale, then take it to that RV shop you have mentioned and have the seller spring to get it fixed.

If you love the coach, don't let this stop you. I thought you were haggling about this over a dealer purchase.

You are always going to have things that need fixing on any RV. Winnies track record, available parts for older coaches, and dealerships are about the best in my book.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Regards... Jim P.

RCtime · 06-07-2011, 07:32 AM

Jdefent
Maybe THEY cant fix it but it indeed can be repaired.
I just went through the same scenario less than ayear ago. Freon leak on the #1 compressor side of the system. They key to getting one of these repairs done is going to a certified repair facility authorized by Colman. They have the knowledge, equipment to do the job and do it right.
They removed my AC unit, mabey 15 minutes and had it on the bench.
I came back 3 days later and they reinstalled it.
They found the leak, patched it. evacuated the unit several times and recharched it. Instralled a hard start kit, I think the price was around $800.00, maybe a little less.
It has never worked so good now.